5 Paris Spots You’ll See Through Koda’s Eyes
When we started Wandering Paris, we wanted our settings to be real places you could actually visit, not just pretty illustrations. Every spot in the book is somewhere you can stand, taste, smell, and explore with your family (and sometimes your pup).
Here are five Paris locations that made it into our pages, each with a little history and a tip for making the most of your visit.
1. Shakespeare & Company
A little history: This famous English-language bookstore sits on the Left Bank, just across from Notre Dame. Over the decades, it’s welcomed literary icons like Ernest Hemingway, James Joyce, and F. Scott Fitzgerald. In earlier years, broke artists and writers could sleep in the shop in exchange for helping out, more than 30,000 have done so!
Pro Tip: Upstairs has a cozy reading nook where kids can flip through books, and the staff are used to young browsers. Dogs are welcome if they’re calm, but be prepared for tight aisles.
2. Pont Alexandre III
A little history: Built for the 1900 World’s Fair, this ornate bridge is considered one of the most beautiful in Paris. It’s adorned with golden statues, elaborate lamps, and offers sweeping views of both the Eiffel Tower and Les Invalides.
Pro Tip: Visit at sunrise or sunset for fewer crowds and gorgeous family photos. The wide sidewalks make it stroller-friendly, and it’s a pleasant, scenic walk for dogs.
3. Luxembourg Gardens
A little history: Created in 1612 for Marie de’ Medici, the gardens surround the French Senate and are a beloved spot for Parisians. They’re famous for their tree-lined promenades, fountains, and the model sailboats children have been pushing across the central pond for generations.
Pro Tip: There’s a fantastic playground (paid entry) for kids and a vintage carousel that still uses a wooden stick game. Dogs are allowed in designated areas, so check the posted signs before you wander in with your pup.
4. Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie
A little history: Europe’s largest science museum, opened in 1986, features interactive exhibits on space, light, sound, and technology. Outside, the giant mirrored sphere, La Géode, has become a modern Paris landmark.
Pro Tip: The Cité des Enfants section is designed specifically for ages 2–7 and offers hands-on learning through play. Dogs aren’t allowed inside, but the surrounding Parc de la Villette is a great green space for them to stretch their legs.
5. Rue Cler
A little history: This pedestrian market street near the Eiffel Tower is packed with cheese shops, bakeries, florists, and cafés. It’s been a local favorite for decades and is one of the few remaining traditional market streets in Paris.
Pro Tip: Go in the morning for the best selection and lively atmosphere. Pick up picnic supplies here and enjoy them at the nearby Champ de Mars. Many shops are dog-friendly, especially bakeries, but be ready for your pup to attract attention from shopkeepers.
Why These Spots Matter
These locations are more than just places on a map, they’re the heartbeats of Paris, each with its own story to tell. They’ve been part of our lives, part of our research, and now, part of Wandering Paris.
Whether you’re chasing kids through a garden, browsing books in a cozy corner, or picking out the perfect picnic cheese, these are the moments that turn a trip into a memory.
We’d love to hear from you — which of these Paris spots would be your first stop? Or, if you’ve been before, what’s your favorite memory there? Drop your answer in the comments or share it on Instagram and tag @wanderkidbooks. We might just feature your story in our next post.