Must Try Foods in Paris Every Family Will Love on Vacation

When families think of Paris, the first images that come to mind are often iconic landmarks, romantic streets, and vibrant art. But for many travelers, the real magic of the city is found at the table. Paris is a culinary playground where every bakery, café, and market has something delicious waiting to be discovered.

Whether it’s a buttery croissant enjoyed at breakfast, a hearty dish shared in a lively brasserie, or a colorful fruit tart that looks almost too pretty to eat, food is at the heart of the Parisian experience.

This Post highlights must-try foods in Paris that families will love, offering flavors both kids and adults can enjoy together.

Croissants: The Golden Morning Ritual

These golden, crescent-shaped pastries represent the pinnacle of French baking artistry, featuring dozens of buttery layers created through meticulous lamination techniques.

Each croissant delivers an extraordinary contrast between its crispy, flaky exterior and tender, airy interior that practically melts on your tongue. Families visiting Paris will find these breakfast treasures at every corner boulangerie, where the aroma alone creates unforgettable memories.

Children delight in tearing apart the delicate layers, while adults savor the rich, buttery flavor that embodies authentic Parisian café culture.

Enjoying warm croissants with café au lait transforms any morning into a quintessential French experience your family will treasure long after returning home.

Crêpes: Street Food Magic on Every Corner

These whisper-thin French pancakes showcase the elegant simplicity of Parisian cuisine, crafted from a silky batter that creates delicate, lace-like edges when spread across hot griddles.

Street vendors and crêperies throughout Paris transform these versatile canvases into countless creations, from sweet versions filled with Nutella and fresh berries to savory galettes stuffed with ham and cheese. Families adore watching skilled crêpe makers swirl the batter with wooden spreaders, creating an entertaining culinary performance.

Children can customize their own with favorite toppings, while parents appreciate the quick, satisfying meal that captures authentic French street food culture. This beloved treat offers an affordable, delicious way to experience Paris like a local.

Macarons: Colorful Clouds of Sweetness

These jewel-toned confections represent French pastry artistry at its finest, featuring delicate almond flour shells with signature smooth tops and ruffled “feet” that sandwich luscious ganache, buttercream, or jam fillings.

Each macaron delivers a satisfying textural symphony, beginning with a gentle crack that yields to chewy meringue and creamy centers bursting with flavors like salted caramel, rose, or exotic passionfruit.

Parisian patisseries display these colorful treasures like edible gems, creating an irresistible visual feast that captivates children and adults alike. Families can explore legendary shops like Ladurée or Pierre Hermé, turning macaron hunting into an exciting adventure while discovering unique seasonal flavors exclusive to Paris.

Pain au Chocolat: Chocolate-Stuffed Perfection

This beloved French pastry transforms simple croissant dough into a chocolate lover’s dream, featuring rich dark chocolate batons nestled within buttery, laminated layers. Each bite reveals the masterful contrast between crispy, golden exterior and tender interior that releases melted chocolate in warm, decadent ribbons.

Parisian bakeries display these rectangular treasures alongside their morning croissants, filling entire neighborhoods with irresistible aromas that draw families from blocks away.

Children squeal with delight discovering the hidden chocolate surprise, while parents appreciate this sophisticated twist on familiar flavors. Enjoying pain au chocolat warm from the oven creates an authentic French breakfast experience that transforms any Parisian morning into pure magic for the whole family.

French Onion Soup: Comfort in a Bowl

This soul-warming classic transforms humble caramelized onions into liquid gold through hours of patient cooking, creating a deeply savory broth that captures the essence of traditional French bistro cuisine.

Topped with crusty baguette slices and bubbling Gruyère cheese that forms an irresistible golden crust, each spoonful delivers rich, complex flavors that have comforted Parisians for generations.

Families discover this hearty soup offers the ultimate cold-weather remedy while exploring Paris during cooler months, providing both nourishment and authentic cultural immersion.

Children love breaking through the cheese layer with their spoons, while parents appreciate how this affordable bistro staple creates lasting memories of cozy Parisian evenings spent together around steaming bowls.

Escargot: Adventure Food for Brave Little Eaters

These tender Burgundy snails, nestled in their distinctive spiral shells and bathed in aromatic garlic-parsley butter, represent one of France’s most iconic culinary adventures. Each morsel offers a surprisingly delicate, earthy flavor that absorbs the rich herb butter, creating an experience far more refined than adventurous eaters might expect.

Parisian brasseries present escargot with special tongs and tiny forks, turning the meal into an engaging interactive experience that fascinates curious children and creates memorable family moments.

While the concept might initially seem daunting, many families discover that escargot tastes remarkably similar to tender mushrooms or clams, making it an accessible gateway to experiencing authentic French gastronomy and expanding culinary horizons together.

Coq au Vin: Sunday Dinner, Parisian Style

This rustic Burgundian masterpiece slowly braises tender chicken pieces in rich red wine alongside pearl onions, smoky bacon lardons, and earthy mushrooms, creating a deeply flavorful sauce that embodies centuries of French culinary tradition.

The long, gentle cooking process transforms simple ingredients into an aromatic stew where the wine mellows into a velvety reduction that coats each morsel. Families visiting Paris will find this hearty dish in traditional bistros and brasseries, where it represents the essence of French comfort food that appeals to both adventurous and cautious eaters.

Children often enjoy the familiar chicken while discovering new flavors, making coq au vin an excellent introduction to sophisticated French cuisine that brings families together around shared plates.

Quiche Lorraine: Picnic Perfect

Quiche Lorraine is a French classic that brings together buttery pastry, smoky bacon, rich cream, and tender eggs in every slice. Its golden top and savory filling create a balance of comfort and refinement, making it a favorite in Parisian cafés.

Families traveling in Paris will enjoy sharing this dish, as it’s hearty yet approachable for all ages. Paired with a light salad, Quiche Lorraine offers a delicious taste of French culinary tradition that feels both homely and memorable.

Baguette Sandwiches: Simple Perfection

Baguette Sandwiches are a staple of Parisian life, combining the city’s most beloved bread with fresh, flavorful fillings. The crisp golden crust of the baguette contrasts beautifully with its airy interior, creating the ideal base for layers of ham, cheese, vegetables, or even pâté.

Easy to enjoy on the go, these sandwiches are a family-friendly choice during a Paris vacation, whether picked up from a local bakery or savored at a park picnic. They embody the essence of simple, authentic French eating.

Steak Frites: Kid-Approved French Classic

Steak Frites is a timeless French bistro favorite that pairs juicy, pan-seared steak with a generous serving of crispy golden fries. The dish is celebrated for its straightforward yet deeply satisfying flavors, often accompanied by a rich sauce like peppercorn or béarnaise.

Families visiting Paris will appreciate how approachable it is, offering something both kids and adults can enjoy together.

Sharing a plate of Steak Frites in a lively Parisian brasserie captures the spirit of local dining in the most delicious way.

Croque Monsieur: Grilled Cheese, Elevated

Croque Monsieur is France’s signature take on a grilled ham and cheese sandwich, elevated with layers of creamy béchamel and a bubbling crown of melted Gruyère.

Served hot and golden, it delivers a rich, comforting flavor that feels indulgent yet familiar. Families traveling in Paris will love this dish because it’s both satisfying for adults and fun for children to enjoy.

Found in cafés across the city, a Croque Monsieur is a warm invitation to experience everyday French comfort food at its best.

Gelato and Sorbet: Cool Relief on Hot Days

Gelato and Sorbet bring a refreshing sweetness to a Paris vacation, offering families a delightful way to pause between sightseeing adventures. Gelato, with its velvety texture and dense flavor, ranges from chocolate and pistachio to seasonal fruit varieties, while sorbet delivers a lighter, fruity burst of taste that feels crisp and cooling.

Both are served in vibrant colors that catch the eye and excite children just as much as adults. Enjoyed on a sunny Parisian street, they turn a simple treat into a shared family memory.

Profiteroles: Cream Puffs with Chocolate Dreams

Profiteroles are a beloved French dessert made from delicate choux pastry puffs filled with smooth cream or ice cream and draped in warm chocolate sauce.

The contrast of crisp pastry, cool filling, and velvety topping creates a playful mix of textures that delights every bite.

Families in Paris will find this treat especially fun to share, as its presentation feels both festive and indulgent. Ordering profiteroles at a local café or pâtisserie adds a sweet touch of French charm to any family outing.

Tarte Tatin: Upside-Down Apple Magic

Tarte Tatin is a celebrated French dessert that turns the simple apple into something extraordinary. Caramelized fruit is baked beneath a flaky, buttery crust, then flipped to reveal a glossy, golden topping that’s both rustic and elegant.

Its balance of sweetness and slight tartness makes it appealing to both adults and children. Families visiting Paris will enjoy tasting this dish in cozy cafés or bakeries, where each slice offers a comforting reminder of traditional French home-style baking with a touch of sophistication.

Bouillabaisse: Coastal France in the City

Bouillabaisse is a traditional French seafood stew that brings together an aromatic broth infused with saffron, garlic, and herbs, paired with a variety of fresh fish and shellfish.

Originating from the southern coast but loved in Paris, it offers a flavorful introduction to France’s rich culinary heritage. The hearty soup is usually served with crusty bread and rouille, a garlicky sauce that adds depth. Families exploring Paris can share Bouillabaisse as a warming, communal dish that introduces children and adults to the joy of authentic French flavors.

Tarte aux Fruits: Artistry You Can Eat

Tarte aux Fruits is a colorful French pastry that showcases a crisp, buttery crust filled with smooth custard and topped with an array of fresh seasonal fruits. Strawberries, kiwis, peaches, or berries are often arranged in beautiful patterns, making it as eye-catching as it is delicious.

The natural sweetness of the fruit pairs perfectly with the delicate creaminess beneath. Families visiting Paris will enjoy this treat together, as it feels light yet satisfying and introduces children to the artistry and flavor of classic French pâtisserie.