Exploring Paris with Kids: An Interview with Zoë Petit of The Petit Guide!

Paris is a dream destination for travelers of all ages, but experiencing the City of Light with little ones in tow requires a special kind of planning. That’s where Zoë Petit, the creator of The Petit Guide, comes in. Zoë has made it her mission to help families navigate Paris with kids, offering curated recommendations that blend culture, fun, and kid-friendly charm.

In this interview, Zoë tells us all about how she started the Petit Guide and her best tips for making the most of Paris with kids. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, her insights will inspire a stress-free and magical adventure in the French capital.

Let’s dive in!

1. Where are you originally from and where do you live now? 

I am a born and raised Texan, living in Paris for the past 15 years.

2. What brought you to Paris? 

Welllll, I came for the classic reason – a French husband!  Pascal studied abroad in Texas – NOT his top pick! – and found the one Americaine that did not like Paris.  I had visited a good friend back in college while she was studying abroad, and didn’t feel comfortable in Paris at all. I guess Pascal made it his mission to make me love the city, because now it definitely feels like home. Now, I am so enamoured with the city, and actually love it even more since having kids!

3. What is The Petit Guide? 

The Petit Guide is all about making Paris fun and kid-friendly! I run an Instagram account @the.petit.guide that shares all of our Paris discoveries, from the latest kid-friendly museum expos and everyday life in France, to which restaurants have the best kids’ meals. 

I also offer fun and interactive educational neighborhood tours (if you’re looking for in-depth history and dates – I’m not your gal:)) – we talk about history in a meaningful way that will click with kids, but also cover street art, practice basic French in real life settings, go on the carrousels, stop for the crepes and ice cream. Oh, and the baguettes. We draw, we take notes, we discuss French culture and everyday life. The goal is to have a good time, learn in a fun way, and especially to awaken a lifelong love of travel and discovery for young ones. Because that’s the ultimate goal, right?

4. Why did you decide to start The Petit Guide? 

Back in 2019, I did some serious introspection to try and find a new profession that would combine everything I loved – art history (I have a degree in this area), kids, exploring and being outside, teaching… I realized that while I love exploring in Paris with my kids, the city does not exactly have the reputation of being kid-friendly. So I decided to make it my mission to show families just how amazing a family vacation in Paris is! I feel so lucky to have created this job for myself that combines so many things I love!

5. What has been the most challenging thing about starting your own business in Paris?

Definitely the admin side!  France does not make it easy on entrepreneurs unfortunately.  Other than that, the business grew organically, which has been very satisfying!

6. What has been the most fun thing you’ve ever done with your kids in Paris?

One of my favorite memories with my kids was heading over to the Pompidou modern art museum for the annual Nuit Européenne des Musées, when many museums stay open late and are free!  It felt like such an adventure to ditch bedtime and stay out late.  We wandered through the art collection, watched the sunset from the rooftop, and then walked over to the Rue des Rosiers to eat falafel sandwiches in the street, just like I did 20 years ago when I was a poor student.  It was so fun to realize that the things I loved doing before becoming a mom were also fun with two kids along for the ride!

7. What are the top 3 things that you MUST do with children in Paris? 

This is so hard – so many fun options.  If I have to narrow it down, my top three picks are visiting the Orangerie Museum, hitting the Luxembourg Gardens for the little sail boats, the carousel, and the playground, and then ending with a river cruise on the Seine once everyone is tired of walking. 

8. What is the itinerary of your perfect day in Paris with kids?  

Traveling with kids is all about BALANCE!  The perfect day is going to have a little of each category – something cultural, something outdoors, something yummy. And a carousel – everyday in Paris should include a carousel ride!

I would start at the Orangerie Museum, sketching supplies in hand, to go see Monet’s Waterlily paintings.  Afterwards I would pop into the Tuileries Gardens to let the kids get some energy out on the trampolines, playground, and carousel, before walking over to sail the little boats on the fountain closest to the Louvre.  Lunch would be at an elegant yet kid-friendly brasserie, before walking along the Seine to the climbing wall by Pont Neuf.  Then we would take a nice afternoon cruise on the Seine River, before walking over to Berthillon ice cream for a snack! 

9. What is next for you and The Petit Guide?

I am so excited for the future of The Petit Guide – we have some new guides who are just wonderful with kids, and trained in my kid-friendly tour techniques,  which will allow us to serve more families.  I also have some fun partnerships in the works to connect Petit Guide families with other wonderful services and perks!