There’s something undeniably magical about hopping into the car and heading off on a road trip. When you add kids into the mix, it becomes an adventure of epic proportions! Our recent road trip from Bavaria to Paris in October 2024 was an exhilarating, well-planned escape packed with memories and laughter. This trip was particularly special for us as we embarked on the journey with our two boys, both under the age of six, who are always full of energy and excitement. As we made our way from the serene landscapes of Bavaria to the bustling charm of Paris, we navigated scenic routes, exciting pit stops, and unforgettable family moments.
Here’s a recap of our road trip, packed with tips, insights, and highlights from our three-day adventure in the City of Lights. Let’s hit the road!
Day 1: The Road to Paris — Smooth, Scenic, and Surprisingly Relaxing
A Car Packed with Excitement!
Anyone who has taken a road trip with kids knows one undeniable truth: planning is everything. Trust me, I’ve learned this over the years. That’s why I always make sure to map out our route, check for interesting stops, and stock the car with snacks, entertainment, and—most importantly—a playlist that satisfies both adults and kids alike. I’ve shared my top tips for planning a trip with young children in this blog post,but here’s a quick reminder: plan around their energy levels, pick destinations that are fun for them, and don’t forget frequent stops!
Our departure from Bavaria was perfectly timed—we left in the late afternoon after the kids had spent the day playing and burning off energy. The tablets were loaded with cartoons from Netflix, and we had a pee bottle handy for emergencies (a lifesaver during traffic jams on the autobahn!). By the time we were cruising along the highway, the boys were content, quietly nibbling on snacks and watching cartoons, while we soaked in the scenic mountain views. There was a lot of excitement in the car as we pointed out animals in the fields, admired the wind turbines, and chatted about the fun awaiting us in Paris. There’s something so soothing about a late afternoon drive when the kids are mellow, the sun is setting, and you’ve got miles of open road ahead.
We opted for a straightforward route through the rolling hills of southern Germany, catching glimpses of quaint villages and distant mountains, all while eagerly anticipating the magic of Paris. With a few pit stops for bathroom breaks and leg stretches, the journey remained smooth and uneventful—just the way we wanted it.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, we approached the outskirts of Paris, the twinkling city lights beckoning us. Our first stop: Novotel Suites Paris Villepinte, conveniently located near Charles de Gaulle Airport. And let me tell you, we were all excited!
Our Stay at Novotel Suites Villepinte — A Family Favorite
After a long drive, nothing feels better than checking into a hotel that’s both family-friendly and convenient. The Novotel Suites Villepinte checked all the boxes for us. Not only were the rooms spacious and comfortable, but the hotel also had an exciting bonus: a prime view of planes descending for landing at the nearby Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, also known as Roissy Airport.
Watching the Skies Light Up!
The boys were glued to the window, their eyes wide with excitement as each plane made its final approach just outside the hotel. Our faces lit up with every passing aircraft, making this one of their favorite parts of the entire trip (who would’ve thought, right?). I have to admit, it wasn’t just the kids—we were all captivated by the sight! The boys shouted, “Look, another one!” each time a plane passed by. They even started cheering for each landing, turning it into a fun family ritual during our stay.
The hotel’s calm and peaceful environment gave us a much-needed break after hours on the road. Breakfast at the hotel was delicious, with a variety of options to please everyone. After filling up for the day, we were ready for our next adventure: Disneyland Paris!
Day 2: A Day at Disneyland — Halloween Magic in the Air
Visiting Disneyland Paris in early October was the perfect choice—not only were the crowds manageable, but the entire park was decked out for Halloween! From the moment we arrived, we were greeted by spooky decorations everywhere. Pumpkins, ghostly characters, and cobwebs covered the park, making it feel like we had stepped into a Halloween wonderland.
The sight of Mickey Mouse-shaped pumpkins and Disney characters in Halloween costumes set the tone for a day full of fun.
We had booked our tickets online, which made the check-in process quick and easy. As we entered the park, we took our time strolling down Main Street, soaking in the festive atmosphere and admiring all the details. The Sleeping Beauty Castle was illuminated with eerie purple and orange lights, adding a magical touch to the spooky ambiance.
Walking Through Disneyland with Excitement
We wandered through Disneyland, marveling at all the famous cartoon characters—from Mickey and Minnie to Goofy and Donald. The boys were thrilled; it felt like stepping into our favorite childhood movies!
The Rides and Attractions
Disneyland Paris truly is a place where dreams come true, no matter your age. We started our day in Fantasyland, home to rides perfect for little ones. The boys absolutely loved Dumbo the Flying Elephant—their excitement was palpable as they soared through the air, controlling how high their elephant flew. The ride was a hit and set the tone for the rest of the day.
Another favorite was It’s a Small World, a gentle boat tour through scenes from different countries, featuring beautifully animated dolls and cheerful music. The vibrant colors and catchy tune stayed with us all day long.
We couldn’t miss the iconic Pirates of the Caribbean ride. We were fascinated by the pirate ships, treasure chests, and dramatic cannon blasts. Though slightly more intense, the swashbuckling adventure had us grinning from ear to ear.
The Grand Finale: Fireworks and the Castle
As night fell, we knew the perfect way to end our magical day—watching Disneyland’s famous fireworks show. We grabbed a spot near Sleeping Beauty Castle, and as the sky darkened, the lights dimmed, and music filled the air, the night was set alight with an incredible display of colors. The fireworks, paired with the spooky Halloween theme, were nothing short of enchanting. We stood in awe, our eyes wide, as we watched the display dance across the night sky. It was the perfect ending to an unforgettable day at Disneyland.
Day 3: Exploring Paris — A Day in the City of Lights
After our adventure at Disneyland, we were eager to explore the heart of Paris. We drove to Bercy Village, a quaint spot with cobbled streets and cozy cafes, where we parked the car and took the train into the city center. This made navigating Paris much easier and saved us the hassle of finding parking in the bustling streets.
The Eiffel Tower and Olympic Rings
Our first stop? The Eiffel Tower, of course! No visit to Paris is complete without seeing this iconic landmark. We were mesmerized by its sheer size, craning our necks to take in its full height. Instead of going up the tower, we opted for a stroll to the nearby bridge, where the Olympic rings from the 2024 games were still standing. This gave us the perfect spot to snap photos with the Eiffel Tower in the background. The autumn sun shone brightly, and it was a moment we’ll always cherish.
Historical Significance:
Beyond being a global symbol of Paris, the Eiffel Tower holds a special place in history as a marvel of engineering. Built for the 1889 World’s Fair, it was initially met with mixed reactions. Today, it stands as one of the most beloved structures in the world. Standing beneath it made me reflect on how something once criticized has become an enduring icon.
From the Eiffel Tower, we strolled along the Champs-Élysées to the Arc de Triomphe. The wide boulevard lined with luxury stores was perfect for a leisurely walk, and we treated ourselves to some decadent French pastries along the way.
Historical Significance:
Commissioned by Napoleon after his victory at Austerlitz, the Arc de Triomphe is a tribute to those who fought and died in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. It represents resilience and strength, and standing there gave us a sense of Paris’s storied past.
Our next stop was the Louvre Museum. While we knew the kids wouldn’t have the patience for a full tour, we managed to catch a glimpse of the famous glass pyramid and let the boys run around in the courtyard before moving on.
We ended the day with a visit to Notre-Dame Cathedral, one of Paris’s most famous landmarks. Despite ongoing restoration from the 2019 fire, its towering Gothic architecture and intricate details left us in awe.
Day 4: Shopping and Plane-Watching — A Perfect Ending
Before heading home, we spent our final morning at O’Parinor Mall for a bit of shopping. The mall offered everything from fashion boutiques to toy stores, and we picked out a few items to remember our Parisian adventure.
We weren’t done with plane-watching yet! Before hitting the road back to Germany, we made one last stop at the Memorial of Concorde, a peaceful spot with a fantastic view of planes landing at Charles de Gaulle Airport. Cheering for each descending plane as a family was a beautiful way to wrap up our weekend.
Traveling with young kids isn’t always easy, but with a bit of planning and flexibility, it can be one of the most rewarding experiences. From Disneyland’s Halloween magic to the historic charm of Paris, this road trip was the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. Whether you’re planning your own family getaway or dreaming of a weekend escape, I hope our story inspires you to hit the road and create your own unforgettable memories. Till next time take care. Xoxo
