Trip to Paris and Versailles – Ideas for exciting adventures

From Atlantic Shores to Parisian Thrills: Montmartre, Versailles & Disney Magic

Our French adventure continued as we bid a fond farewell to our cosy campsite on the Atlantic coast. We spent the better part of the day on a scenic journey, our excitement building as we headed for the dazzling capital: Paris! Our plans for the City of Light were ambitious and magical. We had a base in the charismatic Montmartre district, with a day each reserved for the regal opulence of Versailles and the pure joy of Disneyland Paris.

The Bohemian Charm of Montmartre

We rolled into Paris just before midnight, and after a little stumble through the winding streets, we successfully found our hideaway: the Hotel Montmartrois (6 Bis, Rue Du Chevalier-De-La-Barre). We’d chosen it for its excellent value double rooms – nothing lavish, but perfect for a well-located base.

A word to the wise: while Montmartre is a magnet for visitors due to its incredible hilltop views and bohemian history, the area immediately surrounding our hotel felt a little less welcoming after dark, so it’s best to stay aware.

The next morning, we embarked on the most obvious and spectacular pilgrimage – a short walk to the breathtaking Sacred Heart Basilica, the Basilique du Sacre-Coeur. Perched majestically at the city’s highest point, this basilica is an architectural marvel. Its brilliant white domes are a Parisian icon. The interior of the basilica was cool and silent, a stark contrast to the bustling square outside. And we later discovered just how magical the basilica looks from afar when we spotted it shimmering from the roof of the Galeries Lafayette.

A Royal Day Out at the Palace of Versailles

No trip to Paris is complete without stepping into the world of French royalty. We dedicated a full day to the Château de Versailles, located about 20 kilometres from the city centre. This palace was the de facto capital of France for over a century, and the moment you pass through its gilded gates, you understand why.

An absolute stroke of genius was renting a little golf buggy to explore the vast gardens. They are simply monumental! Sprawling to the west of the palace, the landscaped grounds have remained largely unchanged since the time of the Sun King, Louis XIV. We whizzed past incredible features like the Grotte de Thetys, the magnificent Bassin de Latone, and the dramatic Bassin d’Apollon.

The crunch of gravel under our buggy’s wheels, the distant splash of a fountain, and the sheer scale of it all made us feel like we’d travelled back in time.

The crowning glory is the Grand Canal. Stretching an impressive 1,500 metres long and 62 metres wide, it creates a stunning visual extension of the landscape from the palace. It’s not just for show, either; this grand waterway has a clever practical role, collecting water from the fountains before it’s pumped back to replenish them – a masterpiece of 17th-century engineering!

The Magic of Disneyland Paris

But our Parisian exploits didn’t stop with history and culture! For our final day, we surrendered to the unbridled magic of Disneyland Paris. While I could write a whole separate post about our children’s faces lighting up as they met Mickey Mouse, the enchanting sight of the ‘Sleeping Beauty’ castle, and the thrilling rides, suffice to say it was the perfect, dream-like finale to our trip.

The soundtrack of classic Disney tunes, the smell of candy floss, and the collective gasp of the crowd on a rollercoaster created a symphony of pure joy.

Before leaving after all our amazing adventures, we also managed a quick look at the city’s modern side – an area often called ‘New Paris.

A Final Note on Frugal Family Stays

After three incredible weeks exploring France, I can honestly say that every single stop we made deserved a return trip all on its own. Before we go, a quick tip for families travelling on a budget: we spent our last few nights at the HotelF1 near Disneyland Paris. This no-frills French chain (part of Accor) was a real money-saver. For around €35 a night, we secured a triple room complete with a sink and TV. While the toilets and showers were shared on each floor, they were impeccably clean and the building was well-maintained. When you’re travelling with three children, that kind of value is an absolute godsend!

What an unforgettable journey through the very best of France – from its serene coasts to its royal heart and its most magical kingdom. And the final leg of our trip was no less exciting—read about our journey to the Loire Valley and the capital of champagne, Épernay!