Mother’s Day in Paris: Unforgettable Experiences She’ll Adore

Spoil Mom with these handpicked Paris activities—she’ll remember them forever!

Published: March 20, 2026
Mother and Daughter in Front of Eiffel Tower

Skip the traditional bouquet this year—Mother’s Day in Paris is all about one-of-a-kind moments. This city sparkles with cozy cafés, world-class art, dazzling views, and sweet treats that make any family trip feel extra special. Whether she wants quiet corners or grand palaces, chocolate or Champagne, Paris has experiences that will make her feel treasured all day long. Let us show you how to fill Mom’s Paris adventure with unforgettable sights, flavors, and little surprises she’ll adore. 

Our favorite Mother’s Day activities in Paris include: 

  • Galeries Lafayette 
  • Musée de l’Orangerie 
  • Sainte-Chapelle 
  • Les Caves du Louvre 
  • Gourmet Chocolate Museum 
  • Bateaux Parisiens River Cruise 
  • Montmartre & Sacré Coeur Walking Tour by Experience First 
  • Jardin du Luxembourg 
  • Odette Bakery 
  • Angelina Tea Room 

Galeries Lafayette: Shopping, Style, and Rooftop Sips 

Treat Mom to a truly Parisian shopping day at Galeries Lafayette. More than just a department store, it’s an architectural stunner—think stained glass domes, Belle Époque balconies, and sweeping displays of French and international style. Even if you’re just window shopping, the experience is enchanting: from luxury brands to quirky souvenirs and the glittering Jewelry Gallery. 

But there’s more. On the top floor, a rooftop terrace offers panoramic city views—Eiffel Tower included. Sip Champagne at the rooftop bar or linger over coffee while Mom captures gorgeous family photos. Downstairs, patisserie counters tempt you with creamy éclairs and jewel-toned macarons. Pro shopping tip: Galeries Lafayette holds fashion runway shows on select afternoons (check ahead for times!), so surprise her with front-row seats for a Paris fashion moment. 

Musée de l’Orangerie: Monet’s Dreamy Masterpieces 

For art-loving moms, whisk her away to the Musée de l’Orangerie in the Tuileries Garden. It’s the home of Monet’s immense Water Lilies canvases, displayed in curved rooms flooded with gentle light. The ambience is soothing, with benches perfect for soaking in every brushstroke and color swirl. Even non-art buffs find themselves enchanted by the meditative vibe here. 

Don’t dash out after the Water Lilies; the museum’s downstairs galleries hold works by Renoir, Cézanne, Picasso and Matisse. The compact size keeps the visit friendly and relaxed—no marathon museum fatigue. When you leave, stroll the Tuileries with a picnic lunch or grab ice cream by the fountains. Few Paris moments top that post-art garden glow. 

Sainte-Chapelle: Pure Magic in Stained Glass

Sainte-Chapelle Stained Glass Windows

Right in the heart of Île de la Cité, this 13th-century chapel is a visual feast. Step inside Sainte-Chapelle, and suddenly the walls dissolve into nearly floor-to-ceiling stained glass in jewel tones. On a sunny morning, colored light pools all around you—if there’s one Paris church tailor-made for Mother’s Day, this is it. 

The intimate size, twinkling atmosphere, and delicate Gothic details set it apart from the city’s other grand churches. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a classical music concert here. It’s the perfect stop for a mother-daughter selfie or a quiet wow moment before exploring more of the island. 

Les Caves du Louvre: Wine Tastings Below the City 

If Mom loves her reds and whites, Les Caves du Louvre offers an unforgettable sip beneath the city streets. These wine cellars once served French royalty—but now? They serve a flavorful, hands-on tasting experience to visitors. Guided tours are playful, filled with history, and use interactive exhibits for discovering your perfect wine styles. 

You’ll move from room to room tasting and swirling, maybe even bottling your own vintage to bring home. The guides keep the mood light and friendly, so no need to be a wine expert. If you visit in the morning, the neighborhood is lined with cozy cafés for lingering afterwards—a dream pairing. 

Gourmet Chocolate Museum: Paris for Chocoholics 

Hear us out: Mother’s Day is better with chocolate. The Gourmet Chocolate Museum is part history, part tasting lab, and all fun. Learn about chocolate’s ancient origins then indulge in demonstrations—and samples—of silky truffles and Parisian pralines. If you sign up for a workshop, you’ll get to dip, mold, and swirl your way to Mom-and-me masterpieces to take home. 

The space is interactive, making it a hit with all ages, and the museum’s boutique features artisan chocolates perfect for those back-home souvenirs. Your sweet tooth is in excellent hands here. 

Bateaux Parisiens River Cruise: Paris, from the Water 

Glide down the Seine while sharing laughs and city stories with Mom. Bateaux Parisiens Cruises let you see the major landmarks—Notre Dame, Eiffel Tower, the Louvre—from an open-air boat or a glass-roofed lounge. Commentary points out Paris secrets, and the mood is always festive. 

If you’re celebrating on a sunny day, try the upper deck for the best city views or opt for a sunset cruise and watch the bridges glow. Many cruises even serve bubbly or snacks for that extra special toast. The river perspective is Paris at its sparkling best. 

Montmartre & Sacré Coeur Walking Tour: Art, Cafés, and Village Vibes

Montmartre

Montmartre is the essence of Parisian romance, best discovered on foot with a Montmartre & Sacré-Cœur Walking Tour. Knowledgeable local guides from Experience First lead lively journeys through the winding streets once immortalized by Renoir and Van Gogh. Along the way, you’ll wander through flower-filled squares, pass historic windmills, and be tempted by the irresistible aroma of freshly made crêpes at charming street stands. 

The walk ends at the grandeur of Sacré Coeur, where you can catch your breath with all of Paris spread out below. Guides share stories about cabaret bohemia and secret gardens, giving you and Mom inside tips for where to find the perfect afternoon coffee or glass of rosé. Don’t miss the photo ops as the sun slants over the rooftops. 

Jardin du Luxembourg: Picnic Like a Parisian 

No Mother’s Day in Paris is complete without a stroll (or a lazy afternoon) at the Jardin du Luxembourg. Manicured lawns, singing fountains, and tree-lined promenades fill the gardens with charm. Pack a basket with baguette, cheese, and strawberries from a nearby market and claim a bench while watching the world glide by. 

Kids love the iconic sailboats in the central pond and playground, while adults can soak in the statues and flower beds. It’s the perfect spot for reading, sketching, or simply basking in the kind of peace you only find in Paris parks. 

Odette Bakery: Choux Heaven, Sweet Views 

Take a quick detour near Notre Dame to Odette bakery, where cream-puff dreams come true. Specializing in delicate choux pastries filled with flavored creams—think pistachio, chocolate, caramel—this tiny shop is a delight. Head upstairs: mismatched chairs and big windows provide a prime view of Notre Dame’s spires, making tea and dessert feel next-level special. 

Odette’s pastries are as photogenic as they are delicious. Pick up a box as a surprise for later or settle in for an afternoon treat with Mom. Quick, cute, and delicious—the Paris pastry experience at its best. 

Angelina Tea Room: Parisian Elegance In a Cup 

If Mom loves classic elegance, she’ll adore Angelina near the Louvre. This famous tea room has been a Paris institution since 1903, known for its plush Belle Époque décor and legendary hot chocolate—almost like sipping melted ganache. The Mont Blanc dessert (a swirl of chestnut vermicelli on meringue) is beloved by locals and visitors alike. 

The atmosphere oozes old-world charm. Sink into velvet chairs, clink porcelain cups, and indulge in buttery pastries while people-watching in style. It’s a taste of the luxury Paris does best—the grand finale to any perfect Mother’s Day outing. 

 

However you choose to celebrate, Paris offers unforgettable ways to spoil Mom and make your family trip extra memorable. Happy Mother’s Day! 

Enjoyed this? Check out the Best Ways to Celebrate Father’s Day or Best Places to Watch Sunset  

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Moulin Rouge
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The Greatest Indoor Activities in Paris

Even the sexiest of cities can occasionally have their allure dampened by a downpour, and Paris is no exception. Fortunately, France’s capital is awash with amazing things to see and do indoors – and beneath the streets – when the weather messes with your plans. From cabaret to the catacombs, church tours to cheese and wine tastings, there are more interesting indoor activities in Paris than you might expect. You’ll find a selection of our favorites below. Galleries and Museums Centre Pompidou This cultural mecca’s ‘inside-out’ architecture – all exposed air ducts and pipework in bold primary colors – make it something of a work of art in itself. Visitors can admire the view from a glass-covered external escalator that ascends all six stories. Inside is no less awe-inspiring: the Centre Pompidou houses a cavernous public library, a center for music and acoustic research and, most notably, the National Museum of Modern Art, a collection rivaled in scope, variety and quality only by MoMA in New York. Step inside to admire world-famous works from – deep breath – Picasso, Pollock, Matisse, Magritte, Bacon, de Kooning, Warhol, Sherman and many, many more. Musée du Quai Branly Paris does an impressive line in quirky building exteriors, and the Musée du Quai Branly, set on the Seine’s banks in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower, is no exception. Its green wall of vegetation, designed by celebrated botanist Patrick Blanc, covers much of the building’s facade as well as some of the interior. There’s enough foliage to fill a dozen Instagram feeds and that’s before you even get to the astonishing collection of indigenous art and cultural artifacts from around the world, including a monumental medieval Moai head from Easter Island and a brightly decorated Volkswagen from Mexico. Rodin Museum Gallic legend Auguste Rodin is that rarest of creatures: a sculptor who became a household name. Visit the former hotel where he lived out his last years and which now homes many of his finest pieces as well as showcasing some of his own personal collection of artworks by Van Gogh, Renoir, Monet and more. A number of busts as well as career highlights including The Kiss are exhibited inside the Rodin Museum while out in the delightful jardin is where you’ll find his Monument to Balzac and The Thinker brooding among the perfectly sculpted trees and hedges. Going Underground The Paris Catacombs Did you know there’s a secret city deep beneath the streets of Paris that runs to over 130 kilometers of tunnels, passageways, sewers and secret chambers? Not for the faint of heart, the labyrinthine ossuary that comprises the Paris Catacombs lies 20 meters underground and contains the mortal remains of over six million Parisians, relocated here from overflowing Paris cemeteries in the 18th and 19th centuries. Brave the 1.5km circuit through this maze of tunnels for a truly bone-chilling experience. Musée du Vin Grape aficionados will find much to enjoy in the vaulted cellars of the Musée du Vin, not least the part at the end where you’ll get a chance to sample a glass of the good stuff from the museum’s own vineyard. Before that, you’ll learn the history of wine- and Champagne-making in the atmospheric surroundings of these underground limestone caverns, originally used by Order of Minim friars in the 15th Century. Retail Therapy Covered Passages There are 20 or so covered passages to explore in and around Paris’s Grands Boulevards. Designed to attract the city’s more discerning shoppers, these elegant Parisian arcades are masterclasses in 19th-century architecture and engineering. Their many decorative features include glass-and-iron canopies and soaring domes, intricate tiled floors and old-fashioned wooden storefronts. Inside, you’ll discover chic boutiques aplenty, alongside antique emporia, cute cafés and bustling brasseries. Passage du Jouffroy is one of the city’s most popular arcades, with its gleaming geometric tiling, ornate stucco clock and delightful 19th-century Librairie du Passage bookstore, where new and antiquarian books pile up precipitously in corners and defy gravity on the overstacked shelves. There’s even a tiny wax museum, which has been operating here for nearly 150 years. At 190 meters, Passage Choiseul is the longest of Paris’s covered passages. Grab a pain au chocolat and stroll past watchmakers’ windows, jewelry stores and much more along its narrow length. Galeries Lafayette Galeries Lafayette Haussmann elevates your shopping trip from mere retail to a near-religious experience. Marvel at the ornate galleries and cathedral-like five-story atrium that’s topped with a remarkable steel-and-class cupola. Designed by glass artist Jacques Grüber in the early 20th Century, this soaring 43-meter-high masterpiece is the building’s pièce de résistance, flowering out magnificently from the rooftop. There’s a terrace up here, too, from where widescreen views of the city skyline – including the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral and Sacré Cœur – reward those with a head for heights. Tours are available. Inside this chic Paris mega-mall, there are 65,000 square meters of big-name boutiques to explore, with luxury brands from Armani to Zadig & Voltaire, plus a Decléor spa, hair salons, Chanel treatment booths and 20+ cafés and restaurants. If that’s not enough to keep you entertained all day long, Galeries Lafayette also offers a range of none-more-Parisian bolt-on experiences including a catwalk fashion show and a macaron-making class, where you’ll learn to make the delicate French fancies, before tucking into your creations. Booking is essential. That’s Entertainment Life is a cabaret, old chum, and nowhere more so than in Paris. No visit here would be complete without experiencing at least one of the dazzling array of cabaret and risqué burlesque shows on offer. Naturellement, the Moulin Rouge with its iconic red windmill is the best-known (and arguably the best), but there are dozens more to choose from, running the gamut from old-fashioned crooners, can-cans and audience sing-alongs to high-octane acrobatics and modern dance. Whichever show you opt for, expect lavish costumes, bags of energy and a healthy dollop of high camp. Cinephiles are also spoilt for choice in Paris, where the majority of cinemas screen movies in their original language with French subtitles, meaning language needn’t be a barrier to catching a classic or enjoying the latest blockbuster. Settle in at atmospheric old picture houses including the Louxor, a stunning century-old mash-up of Egyptian and Art Deco design, and the Grand Rex, home to one of the biggest screens in Europe. Pro-tip: the French word for ‘popcorn’ is ‘popcorn’ so you can even leave the phrasebook at home! Save on indoor activities in Paris Save on admission to Paris attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram and Facebook for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
A couple share a kiss beneath the falling leaves of the Jardin de Luxembourg
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Visiting Paris in September

Paris in September is synonymous with la rentrée – the return of Parisians who have spent the summer on the shores of the French Riviera. For visitors, their return brings an added sense of authenticity to streets still warm enough to want to be out in. Also heralding the beginning of fall, the city’s parks and gardens become a blaze of oranges and reds with the turning of the leaves. But if that wasn’t enough, Paris in September hosts a myriad of events casting a new light over the City of Light. Ready to discover Paris as summer turns to fall? Don’t miss your chance to visit in September! September in Paris Daytime temperatures of over 20°C make getting out and about in Paris a joy in September, with light, quickly moving showers the only fly in the ointment. In short, September is perfect weather for being on the water. Few are able to resist the allure of a River Seine cruise at any time of day, although sunset remains a firm favorite with us. Evening temperatures linger around 13°C, meaning you’ll probably want a sweater to keep the chill at bay. You can also take advantage of the great weather to delve into the side streets of the Montparnasse neighborhood on foot. Lying just a short distance from many of Paris’s world-famous landmarks, the area has long been the bastion of the city’s café culture and intellectual conversation. Notable fans of the area have included Hemingway, Dali and Jean-Paul Sartre, who’s buried in the cemetery which dominates as much as the Tour Montparnasse – the only skyscraper in the Paris city limits. Outdoor adventures Equally impressive are the large-scale sculptures that appear in the La Défense district and the gardens of La Seine Musicale performing arts center at this time of year, creating an outdoor exhibition space with few challengers. When it comes to outdoor public spaces, the Bois de Boulogne is rarely absent from the conversation for long. It’s 2000-plus acres incorporate several individual parks and gardens, as well as September’s Fête à Neuneu. Instigated by no less a figure than Napoleon Bonaparte as Emperor of France in 1815, it’s a funfair filled to bursting with traditional rides and candy floss stalls. The festivals in fact come thick and fast, with the Fête des Jardins (Garden Festival) weekend hot on its heels. Though lasting just two days, it sees parks across the city holding special events. They include live bands, food stalls and guided tours. All are put together to help visitors get the most out of the city’s 150 public green spaces. Indoor marvels With such an array of history on display, you wouldn’t think Paris would be in need of its European Heritage Days. However, this September weekend grants visitors free access to many of Paris’s museums, alongside attractions usually off-limits to the general public. The Élysée Palace, official residence of the French President, behind the scenes areas of the Paris Metro and Hôtel Drouot – an auction house equivalent to Sotheby’s – have all opened their usually closed doors for previous editions. Attractions reopening their doors – this time after the summer hiatus – are the shows that provide entertainment late into the night, including those of the cabaret clubs of Montmartre and Paris’s two main opera houses, the Palais Garnier and Opera Bastille. Get your lips tingling and toes tapping You certainly don’t have to be an opera buff to enjoy a night out in the French capital. To start with, there is no shortage of rooftop bars, still very much usable spaces thanks to the sunny weather of Paris in September. Combine a little panoramic sightseeing with a classic cocktail at the likes of Bar le Perchoir for views of the Sacré-Coeur and Le Georges atop the Pompidou Center for vistas taking in much of the city from seven stories up. Always a focal point for those of a musical bent, with structures including the Paris Philharmonic Hall and the Zenith and Trabendo live music venues, Parc la Villette takes on extra significance in September when it hosts Jazz à la Villette and the Jazz for Kids mini-festival. EDM lovers are also catered for, with the one-day Techno Parade taking over streets in the heart of Paris. Attracting audiences numbering north of a quarter of a million people, the good-time atmosphere sees DJs play a long list of crowd favorites from decks situated on slowly moving floats. Admire the latest trends One of the most stylish cities around, design can be seen everywhere from the Pompidou Center to the fashion shows of the Galeries Lafayette department store. If a single event brings together that je ne sais quoi of apparently-effortless Paris style it’s the city’s Design Week in the first half of September. Schools, workshops and studios all show off their latest collections in an event that could well see you rubbing shoulders with a buyer from any of Europe’s high-end stores. The end of the month also sees the year’s second installment of Fashion Week, with venues across the city turned over to brands big and small. Landmarks are always keen to get involved with the Paris Autumn Festival too. It begins in September and runs through the rest of the year with dance, variety performances and film screenings all part of the program. Save on September Paris attraction admission Is September a good time to visit Paris? We have little difficulty in saying it is. There’s a huge range of events to look forward to and weather conditions which most parts of the world would die for at the beginning of fall. Whether you plan to spend your days scouring the backstreets of Montmartre or delving headlong into the collections of the Paris museums, exploring with Go City will help you keep costs under control. Our pre-paid passes give those visiting Paris in September substantial savings on admission to a long list of major attractions.
Ian Packham
A woman admires the rooftop view of the Eiffel Tower
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Things to do in Paris in June

As summer reaches the French capital, Paris seems to emit a sigh of satisfaction. World famous landmarks like Montmartre’s Sacré-Coeur Basilica gleam in the early summer sun. Restaurant terraces are fiercely fought over, and the city’s parks and gardens take on a light carpeting of picnicking friends and couples. But if that isn’t enough incentive to head to Paris in June, there’s also plenty to keep you entertained. As well as the museums and galleries you can visit at any time of year, there are a wealth of one-of-a-kind events. The French Open tennis tournament and pride celebrations are just two. All of which begs the question, where do you even begin in Paris in June? What to do on your first day in Paris in June Why not start as you mean to go on? You’re on vacation after all! Get your first view of Paris’s glorious array of landmark attractions by gliding past them from the water. In just 60 minutes, River Seine cruises cover hundreds of years of history. Sailing through an area so important it’s one of only 1000 UNESCO World Heritage Sites globally, you’ll travel from the gothic gargoyles of Notre Dame Cathedral to the reasons behind the construction of the Eiffel Tower in 1889. For a bird’s eye view that includes Gustave Eiffel’s ‘Iron Lady’, there’s only one place to head, and that’s the Tour Montparnasse (Montparnasse Tower). The city’s only skyscraper, its 56th story is given over to a panoramic deck with 360° views, reached in less than 40 seconds with Europe’s fastest elevator. Outdoor terraces aren’t difficult to find at lower levels, although the very best see their tables fill up quickly each lunchtime and at the end of the working day. Frankly, it’s no wonder given the warm early evening air and cityscapes people literally travel thousands of miles to witness for themselves. Go al fresco Whilst craft beers are making increasing inroads with trend-conscious Parisians, for the most part it’s wine that remains the tipple of choice. It’s not uncommon to see residents enjoying a glass of red or white wine over a lazy lunch. But for that extra special element of holiday cheer it’s tough to beat the offerings of restaurant Au Cadet de Gascogne. Take their menu’s Champagne Gaumond option and you can enjoy a glass of bubbly and a smattering of French pastries in Place du Tertre in the heart of Montmartre. It's the streets of Paris’s ‘golden triangle’ – an unofficial district formed by the Champs-Elysées, Avenue George V and Avenue Montaigne – that takes the crown for many seeking out Paris’s legendary style. The end of June sees even its luxury brands slashing prices in the summer sales. Bask in Paris’s open spaces Lining the Seine’s rive droite (right bank) on the city’s western extremity is the immense Bois de Boulogne. Gifted to the people of the city by Napoleon III, it’s one of the city’s biggest parks. Amongst its over 2000 acres are gardens, greenhouses and even a zoo. However, in Paris in June attention turns to the southern side of the park, and Roland Garros, home to the French Open tennis championship. The year’s premier clay court competition, it’s possible to encourage on the year’s favorites and underdogs with a ground pass, giving access to practice courts and big screen displays. It’s the silver screen which features most prominently during June’s Champs-Élysées Film Festival. Movie theatres along arguably France’s most famous thoroughfare début a mix of American independent and French cinema. The most colorful event of the year – Paris Pride – is also a stalwart of Paris in June. Also known as the Marche des Fiertés LGBT, this parade sets off from the Tour Montparnasse and ends on the opposite bank of the Seine at the Place de la Bastille. Here the good-natured crowds disperse amidst the streets of La Marais – the city’s de facto LGBTQ+ district. Absorb a little culture Should you miss Pride, you can instead wander the sun-filled streets of the fifth arrondissement with a guide-led Latin Quarter selfie tour. One of the most picturesque areas of the city – and that’s saying something – you’ll be able to grab Instagrammable images at the Panthéon and Shakespeare and Company – perhaps the world’s most famous bookshop. Home to a number of family-friendly museums, there are some collections that just shouldn’t be missed from a June Paris itinerary. It’s the Louvre that grabs most of the headlines, but it’s the Musée d’Orsay that contains some of French art's most celebrated works, from Cézanne to Toulouse-Lautrec. American visitors – and Mr. Bean fans – should keep a look out for Arrangement in Grey and Black, better known as Whistler’s Mother. On the outskirts of Paris, June also sees theme park Parc Asterix open up for its lively summer season. A blend of adrenaline-inducing rollercoasters and child-friendly rides, this rival to Disneyland Paris has been celebrating the comic book antics of Asterix the Gaul since 1989. Celebrate summer in style Keen to not let a single annual event pass without celebration, the summer solstice on June 21 is marked with the Fête de la Musique. Public spaces become stages for incredible amateur and professional musical talent, with few visitors able to resist the allure of the beat. Ideally suited to fitting into a tight schedule of things to do in Paris in June is the La Défense Jazz Festival. Concerts usually take place over lunchtime and then again in the early evening, giving you plenty of time to admire the area’s other delights, including the views from the Grande Arche. Combining rock music with concerns for the environment, the We Love Green festival takes place in the Bois de Vincennes at around the same time. Lasting just three days, this is one of Paris’s top festivals, featuring huge names in rock. As a result, tickets sell out long before summer kicks off. Making the most of your vacation budget With so much to do in Paris in June, how do you keep a tight rein on your vacation budget? One way is to uncover the glories of the French capital with Go City. Our pre-pay passes have been designed with discounts to major Paris attractions in mind, without taking away the flexibility you value as a traveler!
Ian Packham

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