City Stories: Paris

Today, we are getting a great visitors’ guide to Paris from Susan of Fleurishing. I’m so excited about this guide because having spent a lot of time in Paris myself, I am looking forward to taking my son there one day. I will certainly be using this guide when I do…

“Paris is quite family-friendly, and it was a dream come true to discover that side of the city with my own children. Having family in France is a gift, and we were fortunate to be able to take the kids to meet them so early in life. I’ve been traveling there since my early twenties, and consider it my second city – I know it better than Philadelphia, where we’ve lived the past six years. It was an incredibly special + memorable trip…the kids talk about it constantly. We’re all hoping to return soon!” – Susan Hutchinson

 

 

Here’s Susan’s guide to Paris with kids. Enjoy!

PLAY

Palais Royal | Palais Royal is  both visually stunning and a beautiful oasis from the city chaos. It’s many black-and-white columns beckon toddlers, providing the perfect backdrop for games of hide-and-go-seek, and photo opps galore!

Jardin des Plantes | A magical place for both adults and children, especially if you catch the blossoms in the spring. The gardens are expansive, with wide (sandy) paths and many hidden spots for children to discover. In addition, there are four museums on the grounds, as well as the second oldest zoological garden in the world, initially founded to house animals from the royal menagerie at Versailles. You could easily make an entire day of your visit.

Square Jean XXIII | You’ll find this dreamy garden just behind Notre Dame, with an adjacent playground. It’s such an incredible setting along the Seine, and away from the hoards in front of the cathedral.

Luxembourg Gardens | A mecca for families, for good reason. Playgrounds, ponies, and sailboats, oh my! There is endless fun to be had here, and it’s a perfect place for a picnic.

VISIT

Centre Pompidou | The Pompidou is wonderful for kids of all ages, with wide open spaces both inside and out, focused exhibits, a cinema, and boutique. If nothing else, kids enjoy the architecture of the building, and riding to the top!

Canal St. Martin | Grab coffee at Ten Belles and then head down to the Canal to let the kids roam, skip stones à la Amélie, and talk to pigeons. If you’re lucky, a picture perfect barge will dock right in front of you.

Disneyland Paris | If you find yourself in France with children, you simply can’t miss it! Located only 20 miles from the center of Paris, it makes for a fabulous day trip with the kids. Out of all the Disney parks, it has the most beautiful castle, complete with an upper-level walkthrough and lower-level dungeon with a dragon!

DINE

Merci | Merci happens to have not one, but three cafés – each featuring different decor and menus. The Used Book Café is my favorite, and they are welcoming to children and families. To my delight, the kids really loved their first experience with soft-boiled eggs, and after a brief tutorial, handled (and ate) them like pros – a toddler miracle!

La Droguerie | The most amazing crêpes (and falafels) I’ve ever had in Paris (or anywhere) can be found on the lovely Rue des Rosiers. Situated in the 4th arrondissement, La Droguerie du Marais is a gem, with delicious sweet + savory options and service with a smile. It’s an easy and delicious grab + go option with kids.

St. Regis | With an amazing location, delicious brunch and family-friendly atmosphere, the only issue you might have is getting a table. Highly worth it – they even provide coloring books and pencils (a rarity in Paris).

SWEETS

Berthillon | Simply a must, for anyone of any age. It’s the best!

Ladurée |  My children are obsessed with macarons, and I’ve never seen a kid that isn’t – so many colors and flavors! Be sure to experience this in Paris.

Pozetto | If gelato is more your style, it doesn’t get better than this (outside of Italy).

SHOP

Centre Commercial Kids | My personal favorite, filled with independent artists and exclusives.

Bonton | An amazing gallery-like space, complete with hair salon! Brought to you by the retail genius behind Bonpoint + Merci, inspiration can be found in every vignette. Don’t miss the vintage photo booth-the perfect souvenir! !

Merci | In addition to having such great dining options (above), it’s a perfectly curated shop filled with goodies for both adults + children.

STAY

We had an amazing experience in an Airbnb apartment, but I’ve also been wanting to try Kid + Coe…they have incredible kid-friendly properties!

Thank you so much to Susan for the wonderful guide to Paris. All images were taken by Susan and Ashley Ludaescher Photography and are the property of Fleurishing. Please visit her blog to learn more about her and her family.