Located in the center of Paris and surrounded by museums, the Tuileries Garden is the ideal spot for a break between two cultural visits. This picturesque green oasis, initially designed as a private garden for the royal French family, has kept all of its former splendor. After the Louvre or on your way to the Place de la Concorde, we highly recommend stopping by. It is one of Paris’ most famous and beloved parks.
Just like the Luxembourg gardens, it offers a wide array of activities for children.
Wooden sailboats : Children can pick the colorful miniature boat of their choice to sail on the Grand Bassin. Using a stick, they will help the vessel navigate. This tradition has been ongoing ever since 1850! A timeless classic activity beloved by little Parisians.
Playground : Towards the North of the Garden, in between the flower beds and shrubs, a play area has been specially added for children. Slides, swings, trampolines…
Carrousel : What greater fun than to go round and round on a horse! Little ones will squeal with delight while taking a ride on the old fashioned carrousel. Its decor is inspired by the magical world of the French author Charles Perrault.
Meanwhile adults will enjoy sitting in the typical Parisian green chairs, admiring the view, reading or sipping coffee and fresh macarons picked up from the nearby Sébastien Gaudard, pâtissier, chocolatier, confiseur and glacier.
The garden is also home to two museums.
Le musée de l’Orangerie which holds the breathtaking Nymphéas from Claude Monet is actually worth a family visit. The huge water lilies paintings covering the entire walls will leave your little ones speechless. A fantastic introduction to the world of impressionism…
The second museum of the Tuileries Garden is the Jeu de Paume. It is dedicated to modern and postmodern photography and media.
The Tuileries Garden also hosts fun seasonal events : A summer fun fair which generally takes place from mid June up until the end of August and a Christmas market from mid November to early January!
To educate your kids on French culture and history, here are a few fun and interesting facts about the Tuileries gardens.
To allow your little girl to look her very best in Paris’ most beautiful garden and to twirl among the flower beds, 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.
For an exotic family experience in Paris, we recommend Les Jardins d’Auteuil. Imagine a botanical garden or rather several gardens with over 10 000 plants from all over the world.
Inside beautiful Belle Époque style greenhouses, lies a real jungle! One can only imagine how astonishing it must have felt for Parisian visitors of the early 20th century…
Each of the five greenhouses is a universe to itself with a unique theme and atmosphere. The tiny ponds with fishes and birds add magic to the extraordinary plants coming in all sizes, colors and shapes. Thanks to little pathways, children will feel like real adventurers.
Since the greenhouses are covered and the tropical ones heated, it is perfect for a Fall/winter visit! It is actually quite fun to experience under the rain as the drops of water echo upon the glass.
The gardens surrounding the greenhouses are definitely worth a stroll too. The square des Poète features verses and busts of some of France’s most beloved poets (Verlaine, Mallarmé, Hugo, Gautier…) and the highest pine tree of the capital. The Japanese garden with its scree and stone lamp has a very zen feel. The English garden is equally enchanting. Walking across the 7 hectares of the gardens will make you travel the globe!
Last but not least the entrance to both the gardens & greenhouse is entirely free.
Address : 3 Av. de la Porte d'Auteuil, 75016 Paris, France. It is located in the heart of the Bois de Boulogne and right by Roland Garros
Opening hours : Everyday 8am or 9am to 5pm / 6pm / 7.30pm or 8.30pm according to time of year.
Photos by @fleurdejuan
Hidden gem of the French capital, la Coulée Verte (literally the Green Flow) also known as La Promenade Plantée is a 4,5km trail elevated 10m above the 12th arrondissement. A bucolic walk away from the fast paced city life right in the middle of Paris. How is this possible may you wonder?
Opened in 1993, it is the world’s first elevated park walkway which then inspired the New York Highline. In 1969, the trains on the avenue Daumesnil’s viaduct whistled for the very last time before the rail tracks closed forever. Saved from demolition by the residents and city of Paris, a garden and walking path were built upon the obsolete railway infrastructure of eastern Paris. Under the Viaduc, arches were built glass fronted workshops for local artisans. It is now known as the Viaduc des Arts.
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Start at Bastille, climb up stairs and enjoy the journey which will lead you all the way to the Porte de Vincennes!
Its lush greenery with climbing plants, roses and all sorts of bushes, gives an almost countryside feel while offering a beautiful view over Paris’ boulevards. Children will love the impressive 1930’s muses ornating the Police station and will have fun taking a sneak peak into people’s homes through the window! Crossing tunnels and trenches will also give a feeling of adventure to your young explorers.
Right in the middle of the journey, the trail meets the Jardin de Reuilly. A lovely garden with a vast lawn in which to enjoy a picnic and play ball games.
A perfect way to experience nature, art, and design all in one! Take your bike, rollerblade and skateboard to make the day even more fun!
USEFUL INFORMATION
Address : From De la rue Édouard-Lartet à la Bastille 75012 Paris
Map & Opening hours : https://www.paris.fr/equipements/coulee-verte-rene-dumont-ex-promenade-plantee-1772
*All pictures are from L’Île aux Fées except from the one of the Viaduc des Arts which comes from Wikipédia
Dress tip :
To be in line with the surrounding nature and remain chic, what better than an elegant French style smocked dress?
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
Picture taken by @Fleur de Juan
When visiting Paris with kids, our very first piece of advice would be to spend an afternoon at the Jardin du Luxembourg .
Located in the heart of Paris, in the 6th arrondissement, in between the quartier Latin area and Saint Germain des Prés, this 25 hectare garden is a haven of peace. Created by the French queen Marie de Médicis in 1612, it made of two gardens : a French one and an English one separated by a wide pond.
Two minutes away from our boutique, we never cease to marvel at its beauty. Whether in winter or in summer, strolling in the park and enjoying its numerous activities is always a pleasant experience for parents and children alike.
Considered as little Parisians’ favorite playground, the park has numerous fun activities to offer :
All around the garden can be found 106 statues! Along the main terrace can be recognized twenty former queens of France. Among them can be found Sainte Geneviève, patron of the city of Paris. Will you be able to spot her?
Picture taken by @Fleur de Juan
Hard to believe but true, right in the centre of Paris, the Luxembourg garden has an orchard and a beehive. Some of the eldest varieties of apples and pears are grown there and each year more than 450 pounds of delicious honey is produced. Be sure to go and take a look!
The central pond is also greatly appreciated by children. It is possible to rent small traditional sailing boats to play with. Children will love imagining themselves as great explorers. This activity is opened from 1am to 6pm during the summer and costs 5€.
Pony and donkey rides are also a fun way of visiting the garden. Going around the park, the animals are easy to spot and very kid friendly.
Picture taken by @Fleur de Juan
Another highlight of the garden is the over hundred years old traditional merry-go-round. It was designed by Charles Garnier, the architect of the Opéra de Paris and opened in 1904. Sitting upon wooden horses, children must catch as many keys ( metallic hoops) as possible with the help of a stick. A round costs 2€.
Picture taken by @Fleur de Juan
The puppet show is another must-see of the garden. Dating back to the 19th century, to be precise 1933, these fun shows have made children laugh and shout with joy for generations and generations. Even without understanding French, your little darlings are sure to have a good time. The ticket price is 6,8€.
It is also possible to play chess, lawn bowling and tennis.
To enjoy a drink and snack or buy fun toys such as baloons and bubbles, the Luxembourg has seven small wooden chalets.
Last but not least, the Ludo Playground is children’s favorite. We have dedicate a whole article on the topic!
DRESS TIP
To look like a real Parisian take a picture in one the famous Fermob green chairs scattered around the garden
Useful information :
Address : Jardin du Luxembourg
Rue de Médicis / Rue de Vaugirard -75006 Paris
Opening hours : The opening hours depend on the season as the garden closes at dusk. Be sure to check out the garden’s website
Nearest transport : Jardin du Luxembourg RER B - Sénat bus 58 -Musée du Luxembourg bus 84
All pictures are taken by Fleur de Juan. To discover more of her beautiful photos we invite you to visit her Instagram account.
The Ludo jardin is the name of the newly renovated children’s playground in the heart of the Luxembourg garden in the centre of the 6th arrondissement. Gated and offering numerous games, it is the perfect play area to have fun, discover and learn. A great opportunity for your little ones to enjoy themselves like real little Parisians.
Eco-friendly, the park is made of long lasting and sustainable materials. The respect of the environment is an essential aspect of the playground. It blends in perfectly with the surrounding trees and plants making children feel like explorers in nature. Learning through playing is one of the main goals of the Ludo.
Organized in several play areas to adapt to different age groups, both young toddlers and older children will be sure to find a game to entertain them. There are of course the traditional swings, slides and bouncy rocks… For big adventures, there is a zipline and climbing ropes as well as a giant domino. For young ones, a mini tree climbing course has been established.
Totally gated, parents will be able to relax in peace on the surrounding green chairs and benches or enjoy an ice-cream and drink in the nearby café. The staff speaks several languages and is very welcoming. Well cared for, clean and spacious, children will immediately feel at ease.
USEFUL INFORMATION
Address : Jardin du Luxembourg
Rue de Médicis / Rue de Vaugirard -75006 Paris
Opening hours : From 10 am to 9h30 pm every day. Those are the summer hours, in winter the garden closes earlier. Be sure to check out the garden’s website
Nearest transport : Jardin du Luxembourg RER B - Sénat bus 58 -Musée du Luxembourg bus 84
Price : 3€ for children ( from 3y to 12y) and 1€ per adult
Other activities in the park : If the playground is the highlight of the garden, the Jardin du Luxembourg holds many other surprises. Discover them all in the following article.
Visit nearby : Two minutes away from our childrenswear boutique, please come and visit us at L’Île aux Fées. Your princess will fall in love with our smocked dresses.
All pictures of the playground are taken by Fleur de Juan. To discover more of her beautiful photos we invite you to visit her Instagram account.
Every year at the beginning of Spring, the Maison d’Education de la Légion d’honneur, prestigious French school, opens its garden for the fête des Tulipes (Tulip day). A unique opportunity to cross the threshold of this impressive building, discover its stunning flowers beds and have fun.
Founded by the Emperor Napoléon I, L’École de La Légion d’Honneur, classic art gem located on the grounds of the former abbey of Saint-Denis welcomes more than 500 pupils each year. Carefully selected, only the descendants of honorees have the privilege of receiving an education in this school.
The 16 hectare park hides has the most splendid flowers. Of all colours and sizes the tulips are a pleasure to the eye. These bright shades are hymn to the beauty of Spring!
During the entire weekend, the whole garden becomes a real fun fair. a hundred games, plays and activities are organised for all the family, children like adults.
To name just a few, kids were able to go for pony rides, take part in fun workshops around environment friendly practices and archeology, discover the circus arts and most of all learn all the farms’ secrets. The farm of Serge with its animal taught children how to milk a cow and make butter. A unique experience rarely offered in our urban cities!
If you have time we strongly recommend a visit to the nearby basilica of Saint Denis. Large medieval abbey church it is the final resting place of the Kings and Queens of France.
Dress tip : In honour of the colourful flower beds we a bright shade Spring smocked dress for your little girl!
If your little ones are in need of fresh and space to run and play around, we recommend a family picnic at the Domaine de Saint Cloud. A lovely way to combine French culture and nature.
Located uphill at the West of Paris, in Saint Cloud, this beautiful park of 460 hectares offers a breathtaking view over the entire capital.
Overlooking the river Seine and ranked among the most beautiful gardens of France, the “Domaine de Saint Cloud” was the residence of the French royal and imperial families. Originally belonging to a rich family of Italian bankers, it was bought by Philippe of France Duke of Orléans in the 17th century and then greatly expanded by the Queen Marie Antoinette. It was later on occupied by Napoléon I and Napoléon III but sadly destroyed during the Franco- Prussian war.
If the castle has entirely disappeared, the gardens remain and are definitely worth a visit. The small park was designed by the famous French landscape architect and gardener of Louis XIV while the delightful rose garden is a creation of Marie Antoinette. And behind these polished gardens, there is plenty of space for your children to run about freely, play kings and queens in the grass while you admire the outstanding view on Paris.
To enjoy a café after your picnic or to take a full French meal, the domaine hosts several restaurants:
La Faisanderie - 01 46 89 60 20 - www.restaurant-lafaisanderie.com
L'Oasis - 01 49 66 12 83 www.chaletdeloasis.com
Brumaire – 01 46 02 44 39 - www.restaurantbrumaire.com
Le Fer à cheval - 06 63 14 07 32
L’Orangerie 09 86 43 95 75
La Lanterne 06 03 21 52 34
Dress tip:
We recommend wearing a Garance outfit. This matching blouse and bloomer is a great alternative to dresses and the perfect way to style your little for a picnic.
Useful information:
Address : Domaine national de Saint-Cloud
92210 Saint-Cloud
Opening hours: Every day from 7.30am to 8pm ( 10pm from May to August)
Website : http://www.domaine-saint-cloud.fr
Phone number: +33 (0)1 44 31 64 00
If you wish to learn more on the history of the site, we invite you to visit the museum located in the former stables.
For more information please phone 01 41 12 02 95