paw prints in paris

Paris Family Walking Tour – Paw Prints in Paris

Let’s find dogs in Paris! 

What would Paris be without dogs? The French royals loved dogs so much that they had porcelain feeding bowls especially for their pets. In four hundred years things haven’t changed that much, if you happen to walk by a pet shop (there is one at BHV!) you will find a fancy champagne toy bottle and fluffy croissant toys for doggies. There are over 300,000 dogs that live in this city today.

I have two dogs whom I love very much, and many tourists leave their favorite pet at home when they travel.  So of course, I had to create a dog themed tour for young (or not so young) visitors to this great city.

This is a very special Highlights of Central Paris family walking tour.  On this tour I tell the true story of one French king embellished with an imaginary tale of how he lost his dogs one day. To pursue the story, I invite children to come and explore central Paris while we look for the king’s favorite pets. 

This tour is accompanied by a fun brochure filled with engaging activities that we fill out as we go on our way, encouraging children to walk, talk and use their imagination.

We will learn about the history of the Tuileries and the Louvre, stroll through the most beautiful covered passages in Paris, stumble upon charming squares, but most importantly have fun and learn!

Kids will go home with a tiny surprise and entertaining booklet; parents will experience Paris like they have never seen it before.

À bientôt!


Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Paris Left Bank / Rive Gauche?

In French, rive gauche means left bank, and in Paris you can tell which bank is which by following the direction of the river. As you flow with the current of the Seine, you will be travelling through Paris roughly from Southeast to Northwest, along your right-hand side is the right bank, rive droite, which includes the Marais, the Louvre and the Champs Elysée, on the left-hand side is the left bank, rive gauche, which has the Latin Quarter, Invalides, the Champ de Mars and of course, the Eiffel Tower.

Are there any great playgrounds on the Paris Left Bank / Rive Gauche?

There are a few small neighborhood playgrounds in the Latin Quarter and Saint Germain des Pres. However, the best is definitely in the Luxembourg Gardens, there is a small fee to enter but your kids can spend hours climbing, swinging and running around.

What are 5 amazing things to do with kids on the Paris Left Bank / Rive Gauche?

1. Sail a vintage toy boat in the Luxembourg Garden

2. Visit the Shakespeare and Company bookshop

3. Scan Invaders!

4. Take a family selfie in front of the Pantheon and pick up one of Paris’ best croissants at the Boulangerie Moderne Rabineau

5. Stroll the famous Cour du Commerce Saint-André and get some ice cream at the Glacier des Pres!