Paris in November : How to Plan the Perfect Family Trip

Thinking of visiting Paris in November but not sure if it’s the right time—especially with kids in tow? I totally get it. When you imagine Paris, you might picture spring picnics under the Eiffel Tower or summer strolls along the Seine. But let me tell you—Paris in November with kids? It’s underrated magic.

We spent a full week in Paris with our two kids — ages 6 and 3 — in November 2024, and it turned out to be one of our coziest, most memorable family trips. The streets were calm, the lines were short, and the city had this quiet sparkle just before the holiday buzz kicked in. We got to enjoy world-famous sights without the crowds, warm up with the best hot chocolate we’ve ever had, and make memories that were just as special — if not more — than any summer trip.

If you’re a busy parent like me — juggling schedules, school breaks, and vacation days — you’ll love how relaxed and efficient a Paris getaway can be in November.

In this guide, I’m breaking down everything you need to plan your family trip with total confidence: what to pack, where to stay, must-see attractions (even with little ones), and how to build an itinerary that balances sightseeing with kid-friendly downtime.

Because let’s face it — your time is limited. You don’t need to sift through dozens of tabs and outdated tips. I’ve done the legwork for you, so you can focus on making memories instead of making lists.

Is November a Good Time to Visit Paris?

Short answer? Absolutely—especially for families.

November might not be the first month that comes to mind when planning a family trip to Paris, but it has some major advantages that are easy to overlook if you’ve only heard about the city in peak season.

After visiting Paris with my kids in November 2024, I can honestly say: it was one of the most relaxed and stress-free trips we’ve had in Europe. Here’s why:

✅ Fewer Crowds = Less Stress

You know those famous Parisian landmarks you’ve always dreamed of seeing—like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, or Montmartre? In November, they’re so much quieter. No jostling in long lines or feeling rushed in busy museums. It gave our kids more space to move around and gave us the mental breathing room we all needed.

✅ Lower Prices

Flights and hotel rates tend to drop in November, especially after the first week. That means you can often score great deals on accommodations and flights, which is a huge bonus when you’re traveling as a family of four.

✅ Cozy Parisian Vibes

Cafés feel extra inviting in the cooler weather, and fall leaves still linger in the parks. Toward the end of the month, Christmas lights and window displays start popping up, adding a magical touch without the December crowds. Trust me—watching your kids stare wide-eyed at the sparkling storefronts on the Champs-Élysées is worth the trip alone.

✅ A Slower Pace

One of the best parts? The whole city slows down a bit in November. You’re not battling summer heat or crowds, and that naturally allows you to create a more balanced itinerary—something that’s key when you’re traveling with kids. You’ll be able to blend sightseeing with cozy breaks and playground stops without feeling like you’re missing out.

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Bottom line: If you’re looking for a charming, crowd-free, and surprisingly family-friendly time to visit Paris, November is it.

Weather in Paris in November – What to Expect (and Pack!)

Let’s talk about the weather—because if you’re visiting Paris in the fall with kids, knowing what to expect will help you pack smart and avoid last-minute stress.

Temperatures in Paris in November

November in Paris is crisp, cool, and sometimes a little damp—but totally manageable with the right layers.

• Average high: 10°C (50°F)
  
• Average low: 6°C (43°F)
  
• Daylight: About 9 hours of light per day
  

You’ll likely have a mix of overcast skies, light rain, and bursts of sunshine. We had a few chilly mornings during our trip, but nothing a warm coat and cozy scarf couldn’t fix.

Is it Rainy in November?

It can be. Expect light rain or drizzle a few days during your stay, but it’s usually not an all-day downpour. We packed compact umbrellas and raincoats, and they came in handy for quick weather changes. Paris is still very walkable—even in light rain.

What to Wear for a November Getaway to Paris (for Parents & Kids)

Packing the right layers is key for comfort and flexibility:

For adults:

• Warm, waterproof coat
  
• Knit sweaters or fleece layers
  
• Comfortable walking shoes or boots (preferably waterproof)
  
• Scarf, hat, and gloves (especially for early mornings/evenings)
  

For kids:

• Waterproof jacket with a hood
  
• Fleece or thermal layers
  
• Leggings or thermal pants under jeans on cooler days
  
• Sneakers or waterproof boots
  

Warm hat and mittens (they’ll thank you on chilly playground mornings!)

💡 Mom Tip: Dress in layers you can peel off inside museums or restaurants. Paris is chilly outside but well-heated indoors — especially in cafés and public transport.

Pro Tip: Bring a small foldable stroller rain cover or poncho for younger kids. It helped us avoid soggy stroller seats when dashing through a quick drizzle between stops.

Best Things to Do in Paris in November with Kids

Paris is full of magic in November — even with the cooler weather. With fewer tourists, it’s easier to explore at a pace that works for kids, without feeling like you’re constantly on the go. 

It’s the perfect time to tick off all the bucket list worthy stuff you want to see and do in Paris!

Here’s a mix of classic sights and cozy, crowd-free experiences that made our own November trip with kids truly memorable.

1. See the Eiffel Tower – With Shorter Lines!

You simply can’t go to Paris without seeing the Eiffel Tower. Paris’s most iconic landmark is much more enjoyable in the off-season. In November, lines are shorter — especially on weekday mornings — and it’s easier to take your time exploring.

We went on a Monday at around 4:30 PM and practically walked right in with our timed-entry tickets — no stress, no tantrums from tired kids in long lines. And with the sunset being early in November, we were able to enjoy the sparkle show when we made our way back to the ground!

Family Tip:

• Pre-book skip-the-line tickets in advance (available for elevator or stairs) to save time and go straight to the fun part when you get there!
  
• The 2nd floor has the best views — high enough for wow factor, but not too high for nervous kids.
  
• Don’t forget to catch the sparkle show after dark (every hour on the hour) – it’s the best way to make the most of your evening in Paris. Wrap your kids in cozy layers and bring a small snack to enjoy while you wait.
  

Closest metro: Bir-Hakeim (Line 6) or Trocadéro (Line 9 for the best photo spot!)

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2. Visit the Louvre with Kids

Yes, the Louvre is 100% doable with kids — especially in November when it’s less crowded! Keep your visit short and focused (60–90 minutes tops).

Also, it’s always good to plan a few indoor activities in your November Paris itinerary. Keep them for rainy and cold days!

Louvre Survival Tips:

• Free for kids under 18
  
• Pre-book tickets for the morning, right when it opens. And as mentioned, keep your visit short and sweet (we did 90 minutes max). Check the Louvre’s website in advance to identify what you really want to see!
  
• Best entrance for families: Carrousel du Louvre (indoor, less crowded, stroller-accessible). There’s also a priority line for families visiting with small kids – make sure to go see a security agent near the Pyramid entrance – they’ll let you in!
  
• If your kids are old enough, turn your visit into a treasure hunt: Spot the Mona Lisa, find the Egyptian cats, count how many statues are missing noses. We did it with our toddlers and it works! It keeps it fun and entertaining for them!
  
• Strollers and baby carriers are welcome; there are elevators throughout the museum.
  

MOM TIPS:
🍌 Bring a small bag with snacks and a water bottle (just avoid eating inside the exhibit halls).

🚽 Bonus: The Carrousel du Louvre also has a food court and bathrooms—vital when traveling with little ones.

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3. Run and Recharge at Jardin du Luxembourg

After a museum or a long walk, this park is always our go-to reset button, especially when we’re doing Paris with toddlers. It’s so Parisian — chestnut trees, statues, sailboats — and yet totally kid-approved. We ALWAYS add a stop at the Luxembourg Garden to our Paris itinerary because it’s one of our favorite parks in Paris. 

Our kids love the fenced-in playground (paid entry), the carousel, and the pond.

There’s plenty of space to let kids stretch their legs and the view is stunning!

What you need to know:

• Open daily, rain or shine
  
• Access to the garden is free – in fact it’s one of our favorite free activities in the whole of Paris!
• The playground is huge, clean, and has options for toddlers and big kids. You’ll need a few euros in coins to get in. (Bring coins for the playground gate because they don’t take cards)
  
• There’s a classic carousel right outside the playground. Kids grab a stick and try to catch rings as they ride—it’s the cutest old-school tradition.
  
• The sailboats in the fountain (available if it’s not too rainy) are always a hit. Just rent one and let the kids chase it across the pond.
  
• Parents can sit and sip a takeaway coffee from a nearby café while kids play
• Closest metro: Odéon or Notre-Dame-des-Champs

There’s a nearby café in the park for a quick warm-up with espresso or hot chocolate.

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4. Take a Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour – Sightseeing Without the Whining

Paris is gorgeous — but let’s be real, it’s a lot of walking for little legs. A hop-on hop-off bus tour was our secret weapon for sightseeing without exhaustion or meltdowns. We used it on a cooler November morning, and it ended up being one of the most relaxing ways to explore the city.

Why it works for families:

• The Big Bus Paris route hits all the major landmarks — Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Notre-Dame, Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Élysées — without needing to navigate metro stations with strollers or overtired kids.
  
• We used it as both a tour and transportation. You can hop off at a few stops that interest your family (we loved getting off near the Sacré-Coeur for a playground break), then hop back on when you’re ready.
  
• The commentary is available in multiple languages, including a kid-friendly version, and it helped keep our 6-year-old engaged between stops.
  
• If the weather is sunny and crisp, sit on the open-air upper deck for stunning views and great photos. If it’s chilly or drizzly, no stress — you can stay cozy on the enclosed lower level and still enjoy the views.

Good to know:

• Buses run year-round, rain or shine.
  
• You can book 1-day or 2-day passes online (often cheaper in advance).
  
• Strollers are allowed on board, and we had no trouble folding ours quickly when hopping off.
  
• We packed snacks and activity books to keep the kids busy on longer stretches. Another must for kids is a camera (this is the one we have for our daughter and she takes it everywhere!).
  

💡 Pro tip: Start your day early to make the most of the pass and build in a stop near a café for a cozy lunch break. The view of Paris from the bus windows — especially with fall leaves still hanging on — feels like a moving postcard. It’s Paris sightseeing, the kid-friendly way.

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5. Warm Up in a Café with Paris’s Best Hot Chocolate

Let’s be honest — November in Paris can be a little chilly, especially after a few hours of sightseeing. That’s why we made it a habit to stop for a hot chocolate as often as possible.

And not just any hot chocolate — we’re talking rich, velvety, melt-in-your-mouth cups of heaven that feel like a reward after a day of walking with kids. There are so many amazing hot chocolate spots in Paris for families! Just find the one that fits in your daily itinerary, and voilà!

We loved mixing it up with:

• Classic, kid-friendly chocolat chaud that’s sweet and smooth
  
• Thicker, more decadent versions that come close to sipping pure chocolate
  
• Whipped cream, marshmallows, or even dipping pastries for an extra treat

Top picks:

• Angelina (near the Tuileries – very rich, classic experience)
  
• Carette (quieter, beautiful pastries, kid-friendly staff)
  
•  À la Mère de Famille (the oldest chocolate shop in Paris – been around since 1761!)

Whether you need a quick break between attractions or want to end the day on a sweet note, a hot chocolate stop is a simple (and delicious) way to slow down and reconnect.

🥐Tip: Many cafés have high chairs and kid-friendly snacks — like pain au chocolat or madeleines.

6. See the Christmas Windows (from Mid-November On)

If you’re traveling mid to late November, Paris starts to sparkle for the holidays—and it’s genuinely enchanting. The department store windows turn into moving fairytale scenes with music, lights, and puppets.

Must-see spots:

• Galeries Lafayette – The window displays are incredible, but don’t miss the GIANT Christmas tree inside under the glass dome. It’s usually themed (our year was enchanted forest) and makes for amazing photos.
  
• Printemps Haussmann – Right next door and equally festive.
  
• Le Bon Marché – More local and less busy, with a chic Left Bank feel.
  

📷 Pro tip: Head up to Galeries Lafayette’s free rooftop terrace for one of the best Eiffel Tower views in Paris!
Go in the late afternoon before dinner for max sparkle + minimal crowds.

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7. Explore a Kid-Friendly Museum

November will bring some drizzle, but Paris has your back. Paris has several underrated museums that are perfect for families, especially when the weather’s chilly.

Our top 3:

• Cité des Sciences – huge science museum with hands-on exhibits for different age groups (best for ages 3+)
  
• Musée d’Orsay – smaller and more manageable than the Louvre, but still a good way to experience real art. The building itself is also very cool to explore!
  
• Les Invalides (Army Museum + Napoleon’s Tomb) – armor, old cannons, and swords… everything to keep your little knights entertained!

🎒 Tip: These museums often have coat rooms and family restrooms — a welcome break during a long day out.

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8. Ride a Parisian Carousel (Because Why Not?)

Carousels are everywhere in Paris, and in November there’s never a line. It’s such a simple thing, but our kids were obsessed. We’d stumble on one while walking, and it became a fun little reward or transition moment.

Best spots:

• Champ de Mars — With the Eiffel Tower in the background, it doesn’t get more iconic.
  
• Square des Abbesses – Tucked in Montmartre, right near the “I Love You” wall.
  
• Jardin du Luxembourg – the perfect place to let the kids have fun
  

Tickets are typically sold nearby — bring a few euros in coins.

Efficient & Kid-Friendly 3-Day Paris Itinerary for November

This itinerary is crafted for shorter daylight hours, cool weather, and toddler-friendly pacing — with no frantic rushing, just memory-making moments your whole family will love.

Day 1 – Iconic Paris Without the Crowds

Focus: Big sights + outdoor play + cozy café breaks
Walking level: Moderate
Transit zones: Eiffel Tower → Louvre/Tuileries → Palais Royal

Morning (9:00 AM – 11:30 AM)

• Eiffel Tower visit (pre-booked timed-entry tickets)
• Ride the elevator to the 2nd floor for jaw-dropping views
• Snap iconic family photos at Trocadéro or Champ de Mars

Late Morning Break (11:30 AM – 12:30 PM)

• Playtime at Champ de Mars playground
• Grab a takeaway croissant or picnic lunch from a nearby boulangerie

Lunch Break (12:30 PM – 1:30 PM)

• Warm up at a kid-friendly café near the Eiffel Tower

Afternoon (2:00 PM – 3:30 PM)

• Short visit to the Louvre (enter via Carrousel du Louvre)
• Focused 60–90 minute “treasure hunt” with kid-friendly highlights
• Stop by the food court and bathroom before leaving

Afternoon Play (3:30 PM – 4:00 PM)

• Let the kids run around at the Tuileries Garden nearby

Early Dinner + Sweet Treat (5:00 PM)

• Angelina for famous hot chocolate and a light dinner near Palais Royal
• Bonus: Great for warming up and people-watching

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Day 2 – Montmartre Charm & Holiday Sparkle

Focus: Cozy neighborhoods + sightseeing from the bus
Walking level: Low–Moderate
Transit zones: Montmartre → Opéra → Haussmann

Morning (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM)

• Start early with the Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tour
• Sit on the upper deck (if dry) or cozy up inside
• Get off at Sacré-Coeur to explore Montmartre + playground break

Lunch (12:00 PM – 1:00 PM)

• Casual lunch near the Opéra Garnier — family-friendly brasseries abound

Afternoon (1:30 PM – 3:00 PM)

• Optional visit to Palais Garnier (quick peek at the ceiling if kids are fading)
• Or, head to a nearby park or café if you need downtime

Late Afternoon (3:30 PM – 5:00 PM)

• Explore Galeries Lafayette’s magical Christmas windows
• Head indoors to see the stunning glass dome + giant Christmas tree
• Walk next door to Printemps for even more festive displays

Early Dinner (5:30 PM)

• Grab dinner nearby — consider somewhere casual with comfort food like Laduree, Bistro des Mathurins, or even the Galeries Lafayette food hall
• View the Eiffel Tower from Galeries’ rooftop terrace if energy allows

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Day 3 – Choose Your Own Adventure

Option 1: Stay Local in Paris
Walking level: Moderate
Transit zones: Champs-Élysées → Arc de Triomphe → Luxembourg

Morning (9:00 AM – 11:30 AM)

• Stroll the Champs-Élysées
• Climb the Arc de Triomphe for sweeping city views
• Snap family photos at the top!

Lunch (12:00 PM – 1:00 PM)

• Eat at a warm, casual restaurant nearby (recommendation: Brasserie des Champs — relaxed with kids)

Afternoon (1:30 PM – 3:00 PM)

• Visit Notre-Dame (exterior only as renovations continue)
• Walk to Île-Saint-Louis for ice cream or hot chocolate
• Playtime in Luxembourg Garden playground to close the day

Dinner (5:00 PM+)

• Wind down with a relaxed dinner in Montorgueil
• Great family-friendly vibe — La Perla has excellent pizza!

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Option 2: Easy Day Trip

If you’re up for an excursion, you can squeeze in an easy day trip by train. There are so many charming cities near Paris worth visiting, including:

• Versailles (indoor palace + gardens, stroller friendly)
• Disneyland Paris (magical holiday vibes by mid-November)
• Giverny (more suited to older kids)

🧳 Need a more detailed plan?
Check out my ultimate 3-day Paris itinerary for families with daily maps, restaurant picks, and realistic pacing for little ones.

Paris in November – FAQ for Families

Final Tips for Planning a Family Trip to Paris in November

Paris in November is such a vibe — quieter streets, cozy cafés, and the kind of family moments you actually remember years later. If you’re up for bundling up a bit, it can be one of the best times to go.

And if there’s one thing that made our own trip smoother (and saved us from so many toddler meltdowns)? It was staying in the right neighborhood. Seriously — being close to playgrounds, bakeries, and metro stops we actually used made all the difference. You’ll find great value-for-money hotels that are perfectly located for families exploring Paris with kids. 

If you’re not sure where to stay, I’ve got you. 

👉 read my guide to the top 6 areas for families in Paris — with real talk on what each one is like, plus hotel recs that won’t leave you stressed out or spending all day in transit.