The Best Way to Prepare Kids for your France Trip
Published May 23, 2025
As parents planning that dream family trip to France, you're juggling logistics, researching museums, and maybe even attempting to teach your kids "s'il vous plaît." But here's something we've learned from years of guiding families through French adventures: the best preparation tool isn't a phrase book or travel app, it's a good old-fashioned children's book about France.
Jessica: Children who've read about French culture, landmarks, and daily life before arriving are simply more confident explorers. They have context for what they're seeing, and that transforms tourist moments into genuine discovery.
Why Books Work Better Than Apps
In our digital age, it might seem counterintuitive to reach for physical books. But there's something special about the slower pace of reading that prepares young minds for France's own appreciation of taking time to savor experiences. Books also allow families to discuss and ask questions together. Something that doesn't happen when kids are individually absorbed in screens.
Plus, let's be honest: French culture values literature and storytelling. Your kids will fit right in with their book knowledge!
Our Recommended Reading List by Age Group
We've curated this list based on our experience with hundreds of traveling families, organizing by age groups to help you find the perfect pre-trip reading adventure.
Ages 0-3: Board Books for Little Voyagers
Good Night Paris (Good Night Our World) Board book This gentle bedtime book introduces iconic Parisian landmarks in a soothing way. Perfect for establishing positive associations with French sights before the big trip. The repetitive "good night" format helps even toddlers learn French monument names.
Paris: A Book of Shapes (Hello, World) Board book Brilliant for combining early learning with French culture. Your toddler will spot triangles in the Eiffel Tower and circles in café tables, making them keen observers once they arrive in Paris.
Ages 3-6: Picture Books That Spark Wonder
Babar's Guide to Paris: A Picture Book The beloved elephant's tour of Paris is both educational and entertaining. Babar visits real locations, making this an excellent "preview" of what kids might see. The familiar character makes the foreign feel friendly.
Come With Me To Paris This charming rhyming book takes children on a musical journey through Parisian neighborhoods. The rhythmic verses make it particularly engaging for read-alouds, and it's excellent for showing daily French life, not just tourist attractions.
Lily & Baa in Paris A charming story that follows Lily and her adorable stuffed sheep Baa exploring Paris together. Kids love Baa's cute expressions and adventures, making this perfect for showing that Paris is a place where magical adventures happen with your favorite companion by your side.
A Walk in Paris Follow a delightful adventure as a girl and her grandad explore Paris together. They visit traditional street markets, climb Notre-Dame, wander through the Tuileries Gardens, and marvel at the Eiffel Tower. It perfectly captures the wonder of experiencing Paris through young eyes, showing kids they can have their own special discoveries in the City of Lights.
My First Book of Paris Perfect introduction to Parisian landmarks with simple text and engaging illustrations. Covers the basics without overwhelming young readers.
Vivienne in Paris Follows a young girl's adventures in Paris, helping children imagine themselves in the city. Vivienne's enthusiasm is contagious and builds excitement for the trip.
Ages 6-9: Adventure and Activity Books
Paris Adventure for Kids: Interactive Travel Journal This isn't just reading, it's preparation in action. Kids can work through activities before the trip and continue using it as a travel companion. We love how it combines learning with hands-on engagement.
Mission Paris: A Scavenger Hunt Adventure (Travel Guide For Kids) Turns sightseeing into a game! This book prepares kids to be active participants in their Paris experience rather than passive observers. The mission format appeals to kids who love challenges.
Kids Travel Guide to Paris Comprehensive guide that works both as pre-trip preparation and during-trip reference. The journal prompts encourage kids to document their own experiences, creating lasting memories.
French Picture Dictionary Coloring Book: Over 1500 French Words and Phrases Combines language learning with art activity. Even if kids don't become fluent, they'll recognize key words and feel more confident navigating French menus and signs.
Around Paris (Young Explorers) Geography-focused book that helps kids understand Paris's layout and neighborhoods. Particularly useful for families planning to use public transportation.
Penny's Paris Tour: A Travel Troupe Adventure Adventure story that shows kids exploring Paris independently (with supervision, of course!). Builds confidence about navigating a new city.
Ages 8-12: Deeper Cultural Understanding
Learn About France For Kids Goes beyond Paris to explore French culture, history, and geography. Excellent for kids who want to understand the "why" behind what they're seeing.
Where Is the Eiffel Tower? Part of the popular "Where Is?" series, this book provides historical context for Paris's most famous landmark. Kids will appreciate the Eiffel Tower more after learning about its controversial construction.
The Girl and the Cathedral: The Story of Notre Dame de Paris Particularly poignant given Notre Dame's recent restoration. This book helps kids understand the cathedral's significance beyond its architectural beauty.
Andrew & Ashley's European Tours PARIS!: Kids' Cultural Travel Guide Written specifically for young travelers, this guide balances practical information with cultural insights. Great for kids who want to feel "grown up" about their travel planning.
Poppy Takes Paris: A Little Girl's Adventures in the City of Light Adventure story that shows an American girl navigating Parisian culture. Helps kids understand they can have their own adventures while respecting local customs.
Making the Most of Pre-Trip Reading
Jean-Paul: Read these books together as a family. When my American friends visit with their children, the families who've discussed the books together have the richest conversations during their actual Paris exploration.
Jessica: Don't try to read everything at once. Choose 2-3 books that match your child's interests and reading level. Quality engagement beats quantity every time.
Create anticipation by marking places in the books that you'll actually visit. Kids love the "treasure hunt" feeling of finding real-life locations from their stories.
The Real Magic
Kids who arrive in France with a book-based foundation don’t just look at monuments, they see them. They recognize things from storybooks, spot landmarks from picture books, and even pick up a few French words they’ve seen before.
That familiarity gives them confidence. And it makes the whole trip feel less like sightseeing and more like stepping into a story they already love.
That connection transforms a family vacation into a cultural adventure that kids will remember long after the jet lag fades.
Bon voyage and happy reading!
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