Paris with Autistic Children

Paris with autistic children can be so beautiful and joyful. Paris, the City of Light, is a magical destination for families, including those with children on the autism spectrum. With careful planning, your trip can be both enjoyable and memorable.

Getting To Paris

Paris is accessible via several airports, including Charles de Gaulle and Orly. Direct flights are available from many international destinations. Consider the most comfortable mode of transport for your child, and plan for breaks during the journey. We flew into Orly and out of Charles de Gualle one our last time.

• Taxi: is it easy enough to find a taxi at the airport, at most airports!
• Transfer: You can also plan ahead and book a transfer from the airport to the city if you like to be prepared. You can book transfers from the airports in Paris to Paris city using this link for GetYourGuide.
• Uber: The app that is best to use for booking car rides in Paris is Uber. I used the app to help a Ukrainian girl get from Ukraine to the UK via Paris. We even managed to book her a car that accepted dogs!
• Public transport: There are plenty of public transport options for getting to Paris with autistic children, but you must weight up the pros and cons of each route. You can research routes for public transport using Rome2Rio.

Where to Stay

Choose accommodations that offers quiet environments and easy access to outdoor spaces. Many hotels in Paris are family-friendly and can accommodate specific needs. Consider self-catering options for more flexibility.

We stayed at a hotel near the Eiffel Tower. We were honestly too tired and Paris was way too cold after flying in from Guadeloupe to explore much on our short layover. I liked that we were so close to the Eiffel tower because we managed to nip out to explore and eat, and get back to bed to combat our jetlag.

I have actually been to Paris a few times, but mostly as a child and I cannot remember much of the trip.

Family-Friendly Activities In Paris

Disneyland Paris

A magical experience for children, Disneyland Paris offers numerous attractions and sensory-friendly services, including quiet spaces and tailored support. I haven’t been here for a very long time, it certainly needs to be a trip I take as the adult rather than the child. Pre-book your tickets ahead of time with GetYourGuide here.

Jardin des Plantes

Explore this beautiful botanical garden with its zoo, natural history museum, and plenty of open space for children to run around.

Eiffel Tower

While the top may be crowded, the surrounding Champ de Mars gardens provide a more relaxed environment for picnics and play. This is where we hung around, in a big open space that had a fantastic view of the Eiffel Tower. It was winter so the grass was all dying off and everything looked brown and dull, not like the pictures you usually see of this area of Paris. You can book a guided tour up the Eiffel Tower here.

Parc de la Villette

This large park features playgrounds, open spaces, and the Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie, a hands-on science museum.

Musée d’Orsay

The museum offers quieter times for families and fascinating art that can captivate children’s imaginations. You can purchase your ticket here.

Parc Asterix

Parc Asterix is an alternative to the busy Disneyland. This theme park is 40 minutes from Paris and has many attractions based on the Asterix comic book series. Book your tickets here.

Luxembourg Gardens

The gardens have a dedicated children’s area with playgrounds, puppet shows, and a large pond for sailing toy boats.

Aquarium de Paris

A smaller, more manageable aquarium with interactive exhibits, perfect for a short, engaging visit. Book your tickets online here.

Paris Plages

In the summer, the Seine riverbanks are transformed into beaches, offering sand, games, and family activities. Alternatively, enjoy a cruise on the Seine and book your ticket here.

Centre Pompidou

Known for its modern art, the museum also offers workshops and activities specifically designed for children. GetYourGuide offers tickets and you can book them in advance here.

Parc des Buttes-Chaumont

This park provides scenic walks, playgrounds, and a peaceful lake, ideal for a relaxing family outing.

Our Favourite Sensory-Friendly Experience in Paris

The Eiffel Tower At Night

We didn’t manage to do a lot on our trip to Paris with Travis, but our favourite sensory activity was watching all of the lights on the Eiffel Tower at night. They were flashing and putting on a show and we just loved it!

Getting Around Paris with Autistic Children

We only walked around Paris on this trip, beside getting a taxi from Orly to Paris, and then Paris to Charles de Gualle. Taxis are very expensive in Paris so it might be better to consider public transport.

Is Paris Autism-Friendly?

Paris, as a major global city, offers a range of services and activities that can accommodate the needs of autistic travellers and their families. However, the overall experience can vary depending on where you go and how well you plan your visit.

Things That Make Paris Stand Out

• Paris has made significant strides in accessibility, but it can still be challenging in some areas. Public transportation, such as the metro and buses, is increasingly accessible, with more stations offering elevators and step-free access. However, many metro stations, particularly in older parts of the city, are not yet fully accessible, which can be an issue for families with mobility needs.
• Paris is one of the most visited cities in the world, and popular attractions like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, and Notre-Dame can be very crowded, especially during peak tourist seasons. These environments can be overwhelming for autistic individuals who are sensitive to noise, crowds, or other stimuli.
• Paris has excellent healthcare facilities, which can be reassuring for families traveling with autistic children.

Tips for a Smooth Experience

1. Plan Ahead: Research each location and contact them to discuss any special accommodations your child might need. If you can plan to arrive after check-in time you should, or try to arrange an early check-in.
2. Sensory Tools: Bring along sensory tools and comfort items that help manage sensory needs, such as noise-cancelling headphones, sensory toys, and a sensory toolkit.
3. Clear Communication: Ensure that everyone involved in the trip understands the needs and preferences of the neurodiverse individual. Clear communication can prevent misunderstandings and enhance the travel experience. Consider using PECS or an AAC. We have a free pack of travel PECS available for download. Consider using our France and Paris PECS to add to your experience.
4. Safety: Consider getting an autism card for your child, or even better – use our emergency passport for medical information and important contacts. Our absolute must have safety item for travelling with an autistic child is a TinyTags wristband or tag that can be tapped or scanned by a mobile phone – giving the person who tapped it all of the information they need to get your child back to you. TinyTags also feature a location alert to help you find your child.

Paris offers a wealth of family-friendly activities that cater to the needs of children with autism. From historical sites to outdoor adventures, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Plan your visit and create lasting memories in this iconic city.

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