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.
Without a doubt, Bogato is the most creative and fun candy, biscuits and pâtisseries store in Paris for children. A must stop-by during your trip to Paris with children. With its colorful candies, playful cakes, party accessories, it is a dream come true and will bring back many happy childhood souvenirs.
Who has not dreamed in front of large candy glass pots, desperately wishing for sugarplums or jellybeans when small?Tiny pâtisserie nestled in a small street nearby the busy market street Daguerre, Bogato seems to pop up straight from a fairy tale. With its colorful candies, playful cakes, fun party accessories, it is a dream come true and will bring back many happy childhood souvenirs.
Who has not dreamed in front of large candy glass pots, desperately wishing for sugarplums or jellybeans when small?
Highly artistic, its delicious cakes, biscuits and chocolates are extremely creative. We fell in love with the chocolate grocery store. Who else would have thought of designing patatoe, carrot and mushroom chocolates?
And what to say of the turkey iced biscuits? Our hearts melt!
Alongside its delicious treats, Bogato offers made to measure cakes for birthdays. Within their creative atelier anything can come true, just let your imagination flow. Dreaming of a mermaid cake? They can make it? A robot cake? They can make it! Just give a theme, a color, a picture and Bogato will work wonders.
Small playful party accessories as well as fun cooking tools are also on sale. One does not know where to look. Each and every single item in the shop attracts the eye!
If you have more time, you can even book an atelier for you and your children or organise a birthday, babyshower or small party within the pätisserie.
Dress tip :
For a fun outing to Bogato, your little girl will need a pretty dress! Pink, blue, yellow, which color will catch her heart?
Find the dress of your dream before heading off to Bogato!
Useful information:
Address : 7 rue Liancourt – 75014 Paris
Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 7pm
Phone number: +33140470351
Website: Chez Bogato
The museum of the Quai Branly in Paris dedicates a whole exhibit to the island of Madagascar. More than 360 objects and works are featured to present the Madagascan way of life, history, culture, and most of all its art. It is a major event as the last exhibit on the subject dates back to 1946. We could not be any prouder of our country! We strongly recommend a visit with your children.
The first part of the visit gives a geographical view on the country.
Located on the southeast of the African continent, the size of the island is slightly larger than that of France. Madagascar benefits from a very rich diversity of climates, landscapes and has an exceptional flora and fauna. This unique environment is marvelously illustrated by the black and white photographs of Pierrot Men.
Ranavalona III - picture taken at the Madagascan exhibit of the Museum of the Quai Branly - unknown photographer
The visit then takes us on a trip through time. We learn about the very first Indonesian, African and Austronesian settlers who brought rice, yam, coconut trees, steers, goats and sheep to the island from the 5th to the 8th century, the arrival of Europeans in 1500, the creation and development of the various Madagascan kingdoms, the colonization of the country from 1885 to 1960 and its independance.
We discover the country’s famous figures who shaped the country’s history such as the queen Ranavalona III, last Madagascan sovereign who tried to prevent colonization and was exiled to Algiers by the French military leader Gallieni.
We then move on to the Madagascan art of living. Astrology plays a vital part in spatial organisation. The whole house layout as well as numerous rituals are determined by vintana, the Madagascan astrology divided into four “fates” linked to the four cardinal points.
The east is associated to honors, growth and authority. Zebus also known as humped cattle and symbol of wealth are therefore kept in the east of villages.
The north is related to everything sacred.
On the contrary western and southern directions are associated to domestic, less noble and even impure objects and uses.
Houses are mostly made of natural materials such as wood, palm fronds covered in mud, bamboo or raffia. Traditional home interiors are most often quite bare with little furniture and devoid of superficial details.
Honey Pot - Picture taken at the Musée du Quai Branly - Madagascan exhibit to visit as a family with children in Paris
Design is king: daily objects are very carefully crafted, highly functional, each holding a social symbol. The Madagascan craftsmanship of wood engraving and sculpture is listed on the UNESCO world heritage. WIth fairly limited means, Madagascan are very skilled at making the most of the resources available in their environment.
Hats are another part of the Madagascan know-how. Weaved from rice straw or other vegetal fibers, a great diversity of hats are presented in the exhibition, each unique in its style depending on the region and social function of its wearer.
Another highlight of the exhibit is the importance and power of the invisible world. On the Big Island, there is an ancient link between the sacred world and the design, shapes and materials of daily objects and works of art. The sacred world has a strong influence on art in all its domains.
The unique God, Zanahary is believed to be the creator of all things and still plays a vital role today whatever the region and social class. Ancestors are also deeply respected and worshipped as they are considered to be intermediaries between the profane and sacred world, omnipresent in daily lives and often asked to help solve problems.
Lamba - Picture taken at the Musée du Quai Branly - Madagascan exhibit to visit as a family with children in Paris
Lambas, traditional rectangular shapes hand woven cloths, symbolize this link between the living and the dead.
They are worn by the living over the shoulders as a shawl or tied at the waist but are also used to wrap the bodies of the deceased.
These fine cloths with complex weaves can be made of cotton, bullrush, hemp, silk or other plant fibers. They are dyed in beautiful colors and decorated with specific patterns which all hold a meaning.
The most famous pattern is the lambamena which used to be worn by head of villages. The background was red, color associated to power with black and multi colored stripes.
Some are decorated with beads named vakana, which are believed to be magical elements linked to ancestors.
Picture taken at the Musée du Quai Branly - Madagascan exhibit to visit as a family with children in Paris
Several objects such as amulets and talismans are used to protect their owners. These can be made of very different elements such as roots, seeds, bark, quartz, stones, claws, hair, teeth, shells, beads, silver… They too are part of the Madagascan art.
Anna Quinquaud - Maternity of ANTAÏSAKA
This beautiful exhibit will give you a glimpse of the treasures of Madagascar.
If you want to learn more about handmade smocking which is also part of the Madagascan culture please read the following article
Dress tip :
To visit this beautiful exhibit and honor Madagascar, we suggest wearing a red or green dress, color of the country’s flag.
We suggest the Fir green velvet Cerise dress
Useful information
Address: 37 Quai Branly, 75007 Paris
Phone number: +33 (0)1 56 61 70 00
Opening hours:
Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday
11:00 am - 07:00 pm
Thursday, Friday and Saturday
11:00 am - 09:00 pm
Website: http://www.quaibranly.fr/en
If your little girl dreams of becoming a ballerina and loves to twirl, we recommend a visit to Repetto during your mother and daughter shopping session in Paris.
Repetto boutique 51 rue Four
Considered as the ultimate French reference for high quality ballet shoes and equipment, Repetto boutiques are a hymn to dancers’ beauty and grace.
They are most famous for their traditional handmade ballet slippers but also for their ballet flats. The Cinderella shoes were worn by Brigitte Bardot and have become an icon. Each and every pair is handmade in France with the finest leathers.
Founded in 1947 by Rose Repetto who first made ballet shoe for her son Roland, the famous choreographer who could not find appropriate ballet shoes, the brand now makes all the ballet slippers of the National Opera of Paris.
The stunning window displays and boutique interior design are a show to themselves!
Displaying mesmerizing tutus and ballet costumes, your little one will be able to imagine herself twirling upon stage.
The chandelier gives a very grand feel too!
Of all colours, types of leather, flat or with heels, Repetto collections are a pleasure to the toe and eye!
For your little ones, you will find a full array of ballet gear : children’s tutus, leotards, pointe shoes, ballet shoes, dance bags….
We love their Left Bank boutique in the 6th yet it is far from the only one.
Repetto Paris 75006 : 51 du Four
Pursue the ballet experience
To pursue your ballerina inspired visit of Paris, we invite you to visit our Parisian boutique L’Île aux Fées to find a beautiful dress to dance in!
Thanks to handmade linings adding extra volume to the skirts, our dress twirl to perfection!
We also recommend a visit to the Opéra Garnier. Whether to attend a ballet or merely to discover the place, it is worth stopping by.
Useful information
Repetto boutique
Address: 51 Rue du Four, 75006 Paris
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 10am to 7pm
Website: boutique repetto paris 6
Palais Garnier
Address : Place de l’Opéra - 75009 Paris
Opening hours: Every day from 10am to 5pm* (last admission at 4:30 pm)
Booking link: https://www.operadeparis.fr/en/visits/visit-and-explore
"All that shines is not gold"
To discover the magic of coins with fresh new eyes, we recommend a family visit to the museum of la Monnaie de Paris, the eldest entreprise in the world!
Created in 864 and still standing, the Parisian establishment has held the precious knowledge and craftsmanship of manufacturing coins for hundreds of years and still strikes euros to this day.
Step inside this beautiful Neoclassic building to learn more!
Through an interactive and recreational visit with playful sensory experiences and behind the scenes views, you and your little ones will learn all about the fascinating secrets of metalworking arts and crafts. The highly modern setting will guide you through the manufacturing process of coins, the impressive heritage collection of metal objects and treasures and allow you to view engraving demonstrations.
Extremely kid friendly, the museum offers numerous family workshops such as the medal activity during which you be able to design, stamp and engrave your own coins.
Located on the Right bank, along the Seine, we suggest a stroll along the river quays after your visit.
Paris with Kids - discover the Musée de La Monnaie - picture by Jean-Pierre Dalbéra
Dress tip
To blend in with the mettalic coins we suggest a Bronze Jardin dress
Made of raw silk, this limited edition handmade smocked dress is highly precious and will make your little one shine brighter than all the museum’s coins!
Useful information
Address: 11, quai de Conti, 75006 PARIS or 2, rue Guénégaud 75006 PARIS (Access available on both streets)
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 11 am - 7 pm. Late Wednesday opening until 9 pm.
Website: Monnaie de Paris Museum
DEYROLLE - AUTHENTIC CABINET OF CURIOSITY IN PARIS
Between boutique, museum and wonder room, the Maison Deyrolle is hard to define. Absolutely unique, it will amaze and surprise your little ones.
Specialized in taxidermy and entomology, it holds the most exquisite collection of stuffed animals. Wandering around the beautiful wooden boutique, your children will discover animals of all sorts : giraffes, bears, rabbits flamingoes, zebra, foxes, toucan and even lions. For little explorers, there are also numerous shells, fossils and ancient tools to look at. Better than a zoo!
FASCINATING WINDOW DISPLAYS OF DEYROLLE
DEYROLLES ANIMALS - PHOTO BY SARAGOLDSMITH FROM FLICKR
DEYROLLES ANIMALS - PHOTO BY ANDERS SANDBERG FROM FLICKR
SWALLOW PRINT SMOCKED DRESS - PERFECT OUTFIT TO VISIT DEYROLLE
After Deyrolle, we invite you to continue your exploration of Paris by visiting our boutique L’Île aux Fées to discover our timeless chic smocked dresses.
Useful information :
Adresss: 46 rue du Bac 75007
Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 7pm
Monday from 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 7pm
Metro: Rue du Bac line 12
Website: Maison Deyrolle
Good to know: Pictures are not allowed inside the store