If you are homeschooling or worldschooling, I highly recommend a trip to Paris to experience a little piece of Monet’s world first-hand. I took this trip, with my mother and aunt at age 5 (although it would also work for older kiddos), is one of my earliest memories and truly cemented an appreciation and love for art. Definitely at the top of my list of ‘best things to do with kids in Paris’.
Highlights
- View Monet’s paintings in Paris before taking the kids to Monet’s Garden in Giverny.
- Paint the Eiffel Tower like an Impressionist.
- Snack on crepes and macarons.
- Give your children an insight into the artist and ignite a passion for art history.
Day 1
The Musée Marmottan Monet is a renowned art museum located in Paris, France. It’s known for its extensive collection of works by the Impressionist painter Claude Monet. The museum’s rich assortment includes Monet’s iconic water lilies series, along with other masterpieces spanning his career.
The museum usually houses Impression – Sunrise, although it’s on loan to other venues until January 2025. However, this was one of the first artworks that bucked the trend of realism. Art critics at the time labelled Monet an Impressionist (based on the artwork’s title). They didn’t mean it in a nice way. They thought that painting should be precise and that painting an impression of something was a waste of time. But Monet didn’t care what the critics said and kept on painting his own way.
The museum is also home to letters, written by Monet, begging to borrow money for food, rent and paints. It’s strange to think, considering that Monet’s paintings typically now sell for around $100 million.
For many, one of the must-see “high attraction” things to do in Paris with your kids is visit the Eiffel Tower. The Eiffel Tower was built in Monet’s lifetime – he was 49 when it was completed – but he never painted it (as far as we know!).
Perhaps your little ones might like to channel their inner Impressionist and give it a go?
If you’re walking between the two, and bellies are rumbling, you might want to check out Crêperie Chez Yannick en route.
Day 2
First stop today is the Musée de l’Orangerie – home to Monet’s waterlillies. Monet worked with the architect here to provide the ideal conditions for viewing these pieces. I have clear memories of first visiting here, age 5. My Mum got me to stand close up to the paintings and describe what I could see. Not much more than beautifully coloured brush strokes. She then suggested I go view it from a distance and look again from a different perspective. A fairly effective way to describe Monet’s style to a 5 year old!
It’s worth checking out their website ahead of time. You need to make reservations. They also run regular events for children of all ages that are often Monet themed. Under 18s enter free, and it’s free for everyone on the 1st Sunday of each month. Closed on Tuesdays.
The Musee de I’Orangerie is situated within Jardin des Tuileries – a great place for kids to let off steam. Along with a playground, you’ll find a merry-go-round, trampoline, swings, and miniature toy sailboats for hire. You may also want to pick up some fresh macarons from the nearby Sébastien Gaudard pastry shop and tea room.
If little legs still have it in them, follow the river up a little further to the Louvre to see the glass pyramid from the outside. Monet painted several works from the Louvre – can your little ones find the landmarks from Monet’s paintings?
Day 3
Head to Paris St Lazare station and take the train to Vernon-Giverny station – you’re going to see where the magic happened: Monet’s house and gardens in Giverny. Trains run regularly – every couple of hours – and it takes around 60 minutes to get there. From the station you can rent a bike and cycle the 20-30 minutes to Giverny, or take a 10-15 minute shuttle bus. Sign posting is good both at the station and once you reach Giverny. If this sounds too stressful, you can opt to book a small group or private tour with pick up from your hotel in Paris instead.
The gardens have been meticulously maintained to offer the same colour palette seen by the artist, and it does feel like you’re walking into his paintings. Picnics and sitting to draw or paint is prohibited here – so this is a great place to test out your photography skills instead.
Reading List
Here are some suggested books for taking to Paris with your kids. Reading books together, both before the trip and during, is a great way to get your children excited and help them engage with the experience.
For Littlies
Katie and the Waterlily Pond by James Mayhew
Katie is desperate to win an art competition at the gallery, but the judging is at three o’clock—surely she can paint a terrific picture before the deadline, can’t she? She’s got to try.
Katie explores her favourite art gallery by climbing into five great works of Monet.
Monet’s Cat by Lily Murray and Becky Cameron
Monet’s Cat tells the story of a magical pottery cat, Chika, who comes alive to explore Monet’s paintings from within. Join her as she visits four famous works of art – causing chaos at a picturesque picnic lunch, getting lost in the smog at a train station, running riot at the beach and making a splash at the water lily pond. But can her famous owner keep up with her exploits?
For Middlies
Claude Monet: He Saw the World in Brilliant Light (What The Artist Saw) by Amy Guglielmo
Meet the famous French painter, Claude Monet. Step into his life and learn how he pioneered the Impressionist movement. Learn all about his love of nature and how he was inspired to paint light, water, and waterlilies. Have a go at producing your own art inspired by what you find most beautiful about nature!
The Magical Garden of Claude Monet by Laurence Anholt
Julie lives in Paris, but she longs to walk in a beautiful country garden. When her mother takes her on a visit to rural Giverny, Julie discovers a beautiful garden and befriends the man she believes is the gardener. In fact, he is the garden’s owner, the immortal artist Claude Monet.
For Teens and Grown Ups
Monet: Itinerant of Light by Salva Rubio
The life of Monet is narrated in lush comic art reminiscent of his style. From the Salon des Refuses (“Salon of the Rejected”) and many struggling years without recognition, money, and yet a family to raise, all the way to great success, critically and financially, Monet pursued insistently one vision: catching the light in painting, refusing to compromise on this ethereal pursuit. It cost him dearly but he was a beacon for his contemporaries. We discover in this comic biography how he came to this vision as well as his turbulent life pursuing it.
Claude Monet: Waterlilies and the Garden of Giverny by Dr. Julian Beecroft
Dr Julian Beecroft is a writer specialising in art and cultural history. This book provides insight into Monet’s career and how his style evolved with changes in his life. Full of high-quality images of his painting of Giverny.
Top Tips
One of the keys to a successful trip to Paris with kids is to not pack too much in to each day. There is so much to see in Paris and it’s tempting to want to show your kids everything, but curating your trip will help your family get the most out of it.
In the galleries, just visit the Monet pieces – give your kids something to look for when they’ve viewing the artwork that is age and knowledge appropriate. There are certain expectations for kids behaviour in the galleries – this can be especially difficult for little ones (but a good life skill) so follow quiet activities with ones where they can make some noise and move around.