Don’t be put off by the term chasse (meaning hunting), le musée de la Chasse et de la Nature is mainly focused on the relationship between animals and man throughout history. Located in the heart of the Marais district, in two majestic historical private homes, this museum is a hidden gem. Rather secretive, many Parisians have never even heard of it!
Brilliantly curated, each room is dedicated to a different species or theme. Combining genres, stuffed animals dialogue with contemporary art and intriguing curiosities : ceilings made with owl feathers, antlers, porcelain dogs, paintings, sculptures, tapestries, falcons, wolves, polar bears… You will even spot unicorns. Wandering around the museum will stimulate children’s imagination. The intriguing journey filled with a wide array of colors, textures, revealing oddities and surprises at every turn is both an invitation to dream and question our bond with animals.
An hour and half is sufficient to fully enjoy the museum. It’s a perfect family activity for a wet rainy day in Paris. An off-beaten track Parisian experience.
Some rooms may not be suited to very young children but you can easily skip those.
Address : 62 Rue des Archives, 75003 Paris
Opening hours : From Tuesday to Sunday from 11am to 6pm
Instagram : @museechassenature
After your visit to the museum, you may enjoy a little shopping.
Visit our childrenswear Parisian boutique L’Île aux Fées 66 rue Notre Dame des Champs 75006 or shop online at Charlotte sy Dimby.com to find the perfect outfit for your child. Authentic, one-of-a-kind handmade smocked and embroidered dresses to celebrate the magic of childhood!
What better way to explore Paris as a family than in a 2CV ? A classic minimalist car and a true icon! No longer produced but highly sought after by collectors, this mythical vintage car has become a symbol of freedom and effortless living. It perfectly embodies the French 'Art de Vivre' and Parisian romance.
Hop into La Petite Frenchie's beloved forty years old family 2CV and get ready for an unforgettable ride around Paris.
Lay back on the leather seats and admire the view as you drive by the most famous Parisian landmarks and into narrow hidden lanes holding the most incredible gems. Not only is Fred an excellent chauffeur but a highly knowledgeable guide too! Loving the city, he delights in nothing more than sharing his passion for Paris and revealing its secrets.
Children will delight in buzzing around the city in this one-of-a-kind car! Exploring the capital in this manner will give young ones a sense of adventure and nourish their thirst of curiosity. It is a great way to introduce little ones to the city of Lights and give them a first glimpse of Paris' magic.
To make the experience all the more thrilling, La Petite Frenchie also offers typical Parisian picnics. Enjoy a glass of champagne with a delicious macaron, let your children taste fresh crusty baguette with traditional French cheese and pâtisserie! So delicious and Insta friendly too...
1h, 2h, 3h, with a pick up and drop off at the place of your choice, La Petite Frenchie is easy as the word oui!
For those wanting to pursue the experience, La Petite Frenchie also offers tours in Versailles, Normandy as far as the South of France!
Talah and her daughters in one of Paris’ most romantic spot of the Left Bank : La place Fürstenberg
Thank you to Anastasia and her daughter Elle for the beautiful photos.
If you wish to get a glimpse of New England momma style, and adventures around Cape Cod and beyond, we highly recommend Anastasia's blog
Thank you very much to Talah and her daughters Charlotte and Addison for having introduced us to La Petite Frenchie. For sweet American made children’s clothes visit Talah’s brand Mint Magnolia.
To allow your little girl to look her very best during the tour, we recommend a timeless classic chic smocked dress.
Please come and visit our boutique L’Île aux Fées - 66 rue Notre Dame des Champs 75006. All our collections are also available online on our e-shop Charlotte sy Dimby. We ship worldwide.
Paris is the city of love, the city of light but also that of ballet!
A visit to the Opéra Garnier is a must-see for every aspiring ballerina. Treating your little dancer to a ballet at one of the most prestigious operas in the world will create lifetime memories. Yet a day time tour is also a wonderful experience to share with your child.
It makes for a perfect mum and daughter outing. Discover the inside of this dazzling monument, all the behind-the-scenes and learn about its fascinating history! Go up the marble staircase, twirl and dance under the dazzling chandeliers of the foyer and be sure to admire the spectacular ceiling of the show room : a 200m2 painting from Marc Chagall!
The Opéra is very kid friendly and has created a special multimedia guide for children. Coming with quizzes and games, the tour is an hour long. Audio guides for adults are available too.
To allow your little girl to look her very best during her visit, we recommend our timeless chic ballet inspired handmade smocked and embroidered dresses.
Please come and visit our boutique L’Île aux Fées - 66 rue Notre Dame des Champs 75006. All our collections are also available online on our e-shop Charlotte sy Dimby. We ship worldwide.
If your child is passionate about France and ballet, she may enjoy our doll and bear’s adventure at the Garnier. A sweet free downloadable story and audio in French and English.
If your child is fond of animals, if your little ones dream of a safari and speak of the jungle all day, the Grande Galerie de l’Évolution is a must see during your stay in Paris.
It is a fantastic family activity which both boys and girls, toddlers, teenagers and parents will enjoy.
Part of the National Museum of Natural History, the gallery is dedicated to the evolutions of species.
Under an enormous glass roof, the three floor historic building displays an outstanding collection of life like animals! Taking us back millions of years, the museum features the most intriguing creatures from all around the globe.
Very kid-friendly, the museum is well suited to family visits. Light and sound effects will make the discovery all the more enjoyable for children. Screens with games and activities will add fun to the visit.
If the animals cannot be touched, they can be admired from very close up! Kids can freely run along the alleys and floors!
If you wish to extend your visit and plan a whole day’s outing, you can then take a break in the Jardin des Plantes. The carrousel is always a big success. Let your little ones run between the flower beds before exploring the green houses and discovering the real life animals in the Grande Ménagerie.
For those passionate about dinosaurs, you may also want to visit the Galerie de Paléontologie et d'Anatomie Comparée.
To allow your little girl to look her very best during her visit, we recommend a timeless classic chic hand embroidered dress.
Please come and visit our boutique L’Île aux Fées - 66 rue Notre Dame des Champs 75006. All our collections are also available online on our e-shop Charlotte sy Dimby. We ship worldwide.
Step into a couture wonderland, immerse yourself in a world of colors and precious fabrics and travel through time with Dior’s latest gallery. Set right by the maison’s flagship 30 avenue Montaigne, this permanent exhibit is a must-see for all fashion lovers : a perfect mum and daughter Parisian outing.
Through a unique scenographic narrative appealing to all the senses, discover the true essence of French elegance and style. Learn about Christian Dior’s life, about his sources of inspirations and about the brand’s history from the childhood of its founder to today’s designers. Go up the rainbow spiral staircase, walk into the couturier’s office, take a stroll into an enchanted garden featuring sumptuous dresses, marvel at the most exquisite couture gowns presented in a spellbinding ball ambiance… Through light and sound effects, the tour will make you live a magical experience.
Divided into 13 themes, the museum offers both rich knowledge and insights on the world of Dior as well a dreamy spectacle. It is thereby suited to children.
If you are visiting with babies, remember to take a baby carrier. The stairs are not convenient with prams.
We recommend ending your tour with a gourmet pause in the Dior’s café. Enjoy a tasty patisserie while flicking through the brand’s selection of iconic books.
Official website : We highly recommend booking tickets in advance and planning at least one hour to visit.
To allow your little girl to look her very best during this fashion tour, we recommend a timeless classic chic smocked dress.
Please come and visit our boutique L’Île aux Fées - 66 rue Notre Dame des Champs 75006. All our collections are also available online on our e-shop Charlotte sy Dimby. We ship worldwide.
Along the Boulevard Raspail, not very far from the famous Parisian Lutetia hotel and Bon Marché department store, lies a confidential luxury day spa : Free Persephone.
A rocking chair standing before the door and fresh bouquets visible from the bright white glass windows attract the eye! Step into a cosy and whimsical world of beauty! Escape from the fast paced city life and take a mommy and me Parisian moment with your princess!
Designed like a romantic Spring cottage with plush floral print armchairs, plants (there is even a tree inside!) enjoy a nail pose, face treatments and massages with your little one in a relaxed ambiance.
Loyal to its five values “smile, respect, linger, enjoy and connect”, Free Persephone offers a wide range of service to make each one feel welcomed and at home.
Of course our favorite is the Mum & Princess with an Essential Spa manicure classic polish for adults, a little Miss one for your child and a tea time!
Indeed there is even a gourmet tea room in which to indulge in a home baked cake and cup of warm tea. It’s possible to stop by without reservation if you which to soak in the ambiance before booking a full spa care.
Ultimate sanctuary of well-being, Free Persephone is true to its motto “Spring every day!”. Kind and caring, the staff who speaks English will pamper you and your princess.
Ps : The spa can even host baby showers and birthday spa tea parties. Perfect to celebrate big occasions in a chic and girly manner.
For gift shopping to bring back to friends or as a souvenir from your experience at the spa, shop Free Persephone’s carefully curated product selection : high quality nail polish, face cream, delicate fragrances and candles.
Dress tip :
What better than an elegant floral print smocked dress for a day out with Mommy at the spa?
Visit our Parisian boutique L’Île aux Fées 66 rue Notre Dame des Champs 75006 ( open from Tuesday to Saturday from 2pm to 7pm) or shop online at Charlotte sy Dimby.com
Did you know that Paris has 7 replicas of the famous Statue of Liberty? Follow us on a tour around the capital to know more about each one. A fun way of discovering Paris with children, a great family outing requiring no booking or schedule! Will you be able to spot the miniature hidden one?
A TINY BIT OF HISTORY :
The Statue of Liberty whose full name is Liberty Enlightening the World was designed by the French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi and constructed in France by Gustave Eiffel, the very man who built the Eiffel Tower. It was gifted by the French to America to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the country’s independence. It was dedicated on October 28, 1886.
WHERE TO SEE THE PARISIAN STATUES OF LIBERTY?
IN THE LUXEMBOURG GARDEN : Maybe not the most famous but definitely our favorite, the Luxembourg garden known for its numerous sculptures of the Queens of France also features a 2,85m high (over 112 inches) statue of Liberty.
It is nestled among the trees in the western edge of the park, its back faces the rue de Guynemer. It was presented during the Universal exhibit of 1900 and then gifted by Auguste Bartholdi to the museum of the Luxembourg. In 2012, someone played a nasty joke and stole her torch! The statue had to be dismantled and repaired. It was then placed in the Musée d’Orsay and a new copy was put back in the gardens.
AT THE MUSÉE D’ORSAY :
A second one is therefore still visible today in the Musée d’Orsay, former train station transformed into an art museum. If you are curious to know more about the full story of the Statue of Liberty, head over to the Lady Liberty of Orsay page.
Address : Rue de la Légion d'Honneur, 75007 Paris, France
Opening hours : 9.30am to 6pm - closed on Mondays
Musée d’Orsay website
Picture credit : https://flickr.com/photos/79586279@N00/14685276302
ON L’ÎLE DES CYGNES :
Probably the most famous one and certainly the biggest (measuring over 37 feet), a replica gifted to Paris by America can be admired on the man made island L’Île aux Cygnes at the Pont de Grenelle level. It was initially turned towards the Palais de l’Elysées but since 1937 it faces the one in New York. You can see it beautifully from the top of the Eiffel Tower.
Address : Pont de Grenelle – Paris 15
Métro : Javel (ligne 10) ou Bir Hakeim (ligne 6)
Picture credit : https://www.flickr.com/photos/dugspr/
TWO AT THE MUSÉE DES ARTS ET MÉTIERS :
Founded as a “store of new and useful inventions”, the Musée des Arts et Métiers dedicated to scientific and technological progress (great for curious little explorers) holds two statues.
One stands outside the building and is made of bronze. The second is in the main hall. It is the original plaster used during the design process.
Address : 60 Rue Réaumur, 75003 Paris, France
Opening hours : Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 6pm. Late night opening until 9pm on Fridays.
Musée des Arts et Métiers website
Picture credit : https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Musée_des_Arts_et_Métiers_-_Montage_de_la_tête_en_cuivre_martele_du_Statue_de_la_Liberté._vers_1880.jpg
THE FLAME OF LIBERTY :
A huge 1:1 golden scale replica of the Flame of the original statue’s torch offered by the Americans to the French stands proudly above the entrance to the Pont de l’Alma on the Right Bank of the River Seine.
Following the death of Lady Diana in a car crash in the tunnel below, it has become an unofficial memorial to the princess.
Address : 7 Place de l'Alma, 75008 Paris, France
Picture credit https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:P1030749_Paris_XV_Avenue_de_New-York_et_Flamme_de_la_Liberté_rwk.JPG
A STATUE IN A STATUE :
Well hidden, a tiny reproduction of the Statue of Liberty lies within the beard of the artist César’s bronze Centaur.
Located in the 6th arrondissement place Michel Debré not far from the famous Bon Marché department, will you be able to spot it?
Address : Place Michel Debré 75006
DRESS TIP :
To explore Paris, what better than a timeless classic French smocked dress?
Visit our baby and children’s Parisian clothing boutique L’Île aux Fées 66 rue Notre Dame des Champs 75006 ( open from Tuesday to Saturday from 2pm to 7pm) or shop online at Charlotte sy Dimby.com
Les colonnes de Buren, also known as Les Deux Plateaux, is one of Paris’ most intriguing public art installation. If you are wandering around the Palais Royal, it is definitely worth passing by. Your children will joyfully play hide and seek between the pillars while you try and pierce the mystery of stripes!
Palais Royal - colonnes de Buren - photo @ahedgehogtravels
Located within the inner courtyard of the Palais Royal, you simply cannot miss Daniel Buren’s contemporary piece of art! If the palace was initially built in the 17th century for Richelieu, chief minister of King Louis XIII (whom your children may have heard of thanks to the Three Musketeers), the Colonnes de Buren were built in 1985 only.
Erected upon what was once a parking area, his work is a made of a myriad, to be precise 260, black and white striped columns. With different heights yet identical diameter and width, they stand out sharply against the classic architecture of the palace. Every since its construction, this installation has been highly controversial and was almost destroyed several times...
Les colonnes de Buren Paris - @ourdarlingdays photo
Les colonnes de Buren - @petitefilledete photo
If stripes are one of Daniel Buren’s signature, the meaning behind this installation is slightly mysterious. Here are several plausible explanations but we will let you invent your very own with your children!
* The flat topped columns without anything on top could be a reference to Ancient times and archaeological findings.
* The columns could be part of a play on constrast : black verses white, old architecture of the Palais Royal verses modern art, short pillars verses tall ones. Some say it could a representation of the world in its diversity.
*Some say it is an exploration of perception and space. Depending on your standpoint, the heights will look different.
@lafrancaise.paris striped dress
USEFUL INFORMATION AND TIPS
The Colonnes de Buren are the perfect spot for fun family pictures!
While in the neighborhood enjoy the nearby open parks of the Palais Royal!
Dress advice : Dress like a princess for your day out around the Palais Royal with one of our striped smocked dresses.
Address : 2 Rue de Montpensier, 75001 Paris - Domaine National du Palais-Royal
Opening hours : Public space - Open 24h a day
If obtaining invitations to Paris’ mesmerizing catwalks during the Paris fashion week may prove rather tricky, visiting the beautifully renovated Yves Saint Laurent museum is an easy way to educate your little princess’ eyes to French style and good taste. A nice mother and daughter activity to enjoy together.
The museum located in a second Empire mansion on the Left Bank was home to the designer and his team for more than thirty years from 1974 to 2002. It is in this splendid house that Yves Saint Laurent gave birth to some of his most legendary designs. Across 450m2, are displayed his iconics pieces, sketches, pictures and prototypes in beautifully decorated rooms. The interior design of the museum is a work of art to itself!
Temporary exhibits are also hosted all year around highlighting specifics sources of inspiration or particularly spectacular collections.
The most impressive part of the visit is Yves Saint Laurent ‘s personal studio. Recreated exactly like the original one, it still features the designer’s real glasses, his pot of pencils, his drawings and photo of Catherine Deneuve... One has the impression that Yves is just around the corner and will reappear within minutes sitting behind his desk!
To brush up on your fashion culture and impress your child before the visit here are a few facts on Yves Saint Laurent :
Yves was born in a French family in Oran ( French Algeria) in 1936
At the age of seventeen, his first fashion drawings were published by Vogue
He worked as art director for Dior and met a huge success with his Trapèze line
In 1960 his “Beatnik” collection with motorcycle jackets made of crocodile leather made a scandal at the classic couture house of Dior and he was fired
In 1962 he launched his own brand with the help of Pierre Bergé
Considered as one of the most influential designers of his time he introduced the smocking suit, the reefer jacket, the sheer blouse and the jumpsuit
In 1965 he surprised the world with his revolutionary Mondrian dress, an A-line dress with geometric pattern by the Dutch painter Piet Mondrian
In 1966 he opened his first ready-to-wear boutique
In 1971 he presented his famous Opium perfume
He retired in 2002
He died after a long illness in 2008
And here are two of his most famous quotes:
“Fashion fades, style is eternal”
“Good clothing is a passport to happiness”
Dress tip: To stay true to Yves’s quote, we suggest a chic classic style smocked dress like our pink Preppy Orme smocked dress.
Useful information:
Address: 5 avenue Marceau 75116 Paris
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 11am to 6pm
Website: https://museeyslparis.com/en/practical-information
Phone number: +33 (0)1 44 31 64 00
Two feet away from the Luxembourg garden, the Zadkine museum, former home and workshop of the Russian artist is a haven of peace.
Almost hidden under its leafy garden, this tiny museum has a very bucolic feel, its seems almost out of time, far from the dense, fast paced and noisy city life of Paris. If several works have been undergone to welcome visitors, the place stays true to the original atmosphere and spirit of its former owner.
Great for a family outing, it is suited to all ages. While small children play hide and seek in the garden, the older ones will be able to stroll through the museum to appreciate the work of Ossip Zadkine.
During almost four decades, the artist created almost 400 sculptures as well as a large quantity of paintings, drawings, engravings and lithographs in his sheltered atelier.
If Greek and African inspirations can be recognized in his work, much of his art can be correlated to Cubism, a movement in which he took an active part.
But above all, Zadkine’s work was led by the material: “The gesture of man is born from dialogue with the material” said the artist in 1960 to Pierre Cabane.
Using bronze, wood, stone, marble, terracotta and plaster equally, the artist continually explored the materiality of sculptures. To this day his long, clean lined craved works are still immensely appreciated.
Dress tip : We recommend wearing a Netti dress to look like a blooming flower in Zadkine’s garden. With its delicate ruffles and tulle lining, this handmade smocked dress is very poetic.
If you cannot visit our Parisian boutique, the dress is available on our e-shop!
Useful information:
Address: 100 rue d’Assas 75006 Paris
Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 7pm
Website: Musée Zadkine
Phone number: 01 55 42 77 20
Free except during temporary exhibits