The Tuileries Garden
Two and a half years in Paris as a mother as well as a tireless traveler, authorize me (I think) to state quite forcefully that it is possibly one of the best cities in the world to travel with children. Carefully maintained gardens, museums especially designed for children, wide sidewalks to walk along (with or without a stroller) and an extensive transport network are just some of the reasons why the city of fashion and glamor is also the perfect place to start in the difficult art of traveling with children.
Where to stay: I need a hotel where children like!
** Hotel Bel-Ami :** If there is a hotel in Paris where you will feel at home with your children, it is undoubtedly the Hotel Bel Ami, located in the heart of Saint Germain des Prés. A teddy bear is the welcome gift for the little ones who will find a multitude of details specially designed for them: bathroom accessories, games and even a Play Station in each room. The hotel also has an always useful baby-sitting service (in case we are tempted by a romantic dinner without our little wild ones).
** Le Meurice Hotel :** This hotel (a classic among classics), located just opposite the magnificent Jardin des Tuilleries, has spacious rooms with extra beds and offers the possibility of connecting two rooms. There are sweets for the kids on arrival and a variety of little touches like mini bathrobes and slippers. Its restaurant has menus for the little ones and an afternoon snack based on hot chocolate and pastries, a must to recharge your batteries before launching yourself to try (courtesy of the hotel) the Carousel of the Garden.
Hotel Bel-Ami: kids friendly
Where to eat
Typical Parisian restaurants (bistros) are tiny and often a bit uncomfortable especially if you go with a cart. The good thing is that you will find them on every corner and they are a practical alternative where you will find good options for the hungry creatures (like the classic “croque monsieur” a ham and cheese sandwich). But if you want to enjoy a relaxed meal without worrying about the hateful looks that the couple next door throws at you before the noisy games of your beloved offspring, we offer you two options that will also be a fun experience for children:
brunch on the water : what better than a delicious brunch on a boat. Your children will be delighted and even more so when a magician comes to your table to entertain them with his games and tricks (weekends). Ô Restaurant (47, Quai Michelet 92300 Levallois Peret Menu adults 36 euros; children 15 euros)
Exotic Brunch: In Le Comptoir General there is only one risk: that you lose sight of your offspring in its 600 square meters full of books and toys in this place that defines itself as "eco-responsible". But don't be scared, you will surely find them in the space where musical stories are performed. And once the situation is under control, it quietly returns to the very vegetal buffet with exotic fruits.
**What to visit (special for them) **
The City of Children: "Some parents have to drag their children to leave," says one of the managers. And it is that for many this museum is one of the best in the world for children. Renovated in 2007 and then in 2009, La Cité des Enfants offers two different spaces (one for children from 2 to 7 years old and the other for children from 5 to 12 years old) whose common objective is to contribute to the development of the little ones, introducing them to the world of science through interactive spaces adapted to their age . One tip: better buy tickets in advance.
The Parc de la Villette : With 55 hectares, the Parc de la Villette is one of the largest in the French capital. This authentic futuristic park was designed for the most part by Bernard Tschumi and l or did “thinking like a child” . The truth is that I have spent entire days here with my nephews discovering its many spaces (the City of Science and Industry, the City of Music, the Paul Delouvrier Pavilion to name just a few of the most outstanding). The park also has 12 themed gardens and a nautical base with multiple activities led by specialized monitors. As exciting as endless.
Eat surrounded by knick-knacks at Le Comptoir General
For children but also for adults.
Paris across the Seine: Paris has a lot to visit but without a doubt the most fun way to do it is by navigating its famous river artery. The bato bus It is a kind of water taxi with stops at the emblematic sites of Paris such as the Louvre, Notre Dame, and of course the Eiffel Tower. If you buy a day pass you can get on and off as many times as you want. The Batobus runs daily from April to November from 10am to 9pm in the summer months. Kids love it. Attention, not to be confused with the very expensive Bateaux-Mouches.
Tuileries Garden: One of the most beautiful parks in Paris right next to the Louvre. During the summer months, a small fair is installed for children with an unmissable attraction, a giant Ferris wheel with, surely, the best view of Paris (excuse the Montparnasse Tower). Perfect at the end of the afternoon when the poor little angels are knackered from such a hectic day. And it is that what a cane we have given them!
The endless Villette
something really different
Is your son starting to mess around in the kitchen? Does he insist on helping you prepare the tiramisu? Well, if he already points out ways to Ferrán Adriá, here he can start at the school of one of the greats of French cuisine, Alain Ducasse. And it is that recently the chef's École de Cuisine offers courses (for 110 euros) for children from 7 to 12 years old . They will learn to prepare a simple and healthy menu. Classes are in French, but (don't panic) you can request the help of a translator.
a bit of shopping
Bonpoint – Founded in 1975 by Marie France Cohen, Bonpoint was the first Parisian children's fashion boutique . Here you will discover simple pieces but with all the Parisian chic and glamour. One of Inès de la Fressange's favorites for her daughters.
Pan d'epices: a true paradise for young and old. You won't find Barbies or video games here, but you will find a wonderful world of dollhouses, wooden dolls and teddy bears. Original creations made by hand in a shop located in one of the most beautiful covered galleries in Paris, the Passage Jouffroy.
Paris: to pass it like a dwarf