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Travelling with young children usually means carrying a lot of things, and a stroller is often a must-have. It makes life much easier because it gives your little one a place to rest, nap, or simply sit comfortably while making it easier for you to move around and explore.
However, as helpful as it is, a stroller might feel bulky sometimes, especially in places like cafés. Most cafés are often charming and cosy, but they are also often quite small inside.
Tables are often close together, the walkways are narrow, and the indoor space is not necessarily designed with strollers in mind. That is why many parents wonder if they will be welcomed or if they might feel uncomfortable bringing one inside.
There is no one single answer for this question. One of the first things to understand is that most French cafés, especially in older cities like Paris, are quite small. The tables are packed closely together, and the aisles can be narrow.
This makes it harder to fit a stroller inside. It is not that the staff don’t want parents with children to come in. It is just more about the space. A stroller can block the walkway or get in the way of servers carrying trays of hot drinks.
However, this does not mean that you can’t bring a stroller at all. Many cafés will happily let you in, but you may be asked to fold the stroller and place it beside your table or near the entrance. A small, lightweight stroller is usually easier to manage than a large one.
Smaller cafés may not be able to accommodate strollers inside. This is because there is usually hardly any space, and the strollers might feel like they are taking up half of the room. On the other hand, bigger or more modern cafés usually have more space, and bringing in a stroller is not a problem. Before you enter, take a quick look at how much room there is. If it seems very tight, outdoor seating might be a better option.
A big travel system with a wide base is much harder to fit inside a small café than a lightweight or foldable stroller. If you are travelling with your toddler, always choose a compact stroller that can fold easily and be tucked beside the table or by the door. Bringing a smaller stroller can save you a lot of stress.
During busy hours, like lunchtime or evenings, cafés can be packed. In a full café, there might not be space for a stroller without blocking someone’s way. But if you go in the late morning or mid-afternoon, when cafés are calmer, staff and guests are usually more relaxed, and it may be easier to settle in with a stroller.
French café staff are generally polite, and most will try to help. They might suggest where you can sit or offer to move a chair to make space. In some cases, they may ask you to fold the stroller to avoid blocking the aisle. Be polite in return. When you walk in, ask kindly if the stroller is okay. This usually leads to a positive response.
For the most part, France is a family-oriented country. You will see parents with babies in many public places, from parks to restaurants. Cafés are no different. In fact, many French parents themselves bring strollers into cafés. It is part of daily life. The only real issue is the size of the space.
If you are travelling with a baby in France, just plan a little. Use a lightweight stroller, try to visit during quieter hours, and always be polite to the staff.
We are a family of 4 - mother, father and two children. Our aim is to travel the world and review all travel opportunities to help other families.
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