A weekend in Paris with the family: what to do?

Deciding to leave for two days in Paris with all the family is not always easy. How to choose activities that will reconcile Mum’s special affection for art, Dad’s taste for gastronomy and outings that are 100% reserved for children? Where to put your luggage for a stay that will be both serene and of the highest quality? Let’s go for a chic family weekend in Paris!

Planning a family weekend in a big city is often a real headache in terms of accommodation. Which hotel will be able to offer the quality of service to which we are accustomed while welcoming our little ones? Which neighbourhood should we choose? Follow the guide!

WHERE TO PUT YOUR BAGS?

Paris has twenty districts, each with its own characteristics. It’s difficult to decide between the sparkling Latin Quarter, the peaceful and verdant 16th arrondissement or the lively Bastille district –  why not be tempted by the chicest neighbourhood in Paris? Known for its avenues with wide sidewalks in Paris since the Arc de Triomphe and the parks that decorate it, acclaimed for its proximity to the Champs Elysees, the Mecca of Parisian shopping that is often chosen for its location just a few strides away from the main monuments and museums of the capital, the district of Etoile remains one of the most appreciated. In these surroundings, there are many activities will delight young and old throughout the day.

A family stay of excellence at the Hotel Baume ****

A little slice of heaven in the heart of the 6^th arrondissement near the Odéon, the Hôtel Baume brings together the elegance and the warm harmony of the 30s. Its Art deco style is perfect for a calming pause in the heart of Paris. Let yourself be enveloped in the cosy and relaxing atmosphere of the hotel with its beautiful materials, warm wood, gentle tones. It’s perfect to visit as a family, like being at home, but better.

This smaller-scale hotel promises personalized service perfectly adapted for families. The suites’ generous size makes them the perfect place for a comfortable stay as a family. And the cherry on top is that certain rooms have a terrace with a view of the Odéon, a true luxury for a Parisian hotel! The perfect spot to contemplate the sunrise in total peace. The youngest guests are offered a lovely quality plush toy: « Le Petit Baume ». They also receive a fun booklet, a colouring book on the theme of Paris and games of riddles and general knowledge. In addition, a baby-sitting service is also offered. Children as well as parents can benefit from personalised care.

Of course, the fun doesn’t stop at what you can do in the hotel: just step outside the door to explore the City of Light. Stay in an Asian ambience with a visit to the Guimet Asian Art Museum or visit one of the French capital’s landmarks: the Trocadero Gardens before taking a family trip to the Paris Aquarium.

CULTURE SIDE, 100% FAMILY ACTIVITIES

Investigations around the Mona Lisa

There is no question of staying in Paris without paying a visit to the Mona Lisa, the very serious perpetual tenant of one of the most prestigious museums in the world, The Louvre. Her deep and indefinable gaze will not fail to challenge your children. The museum regularly organizes games to uncover the secrets of this famous painting. The investigators (accompanied by their parents), divided into teams, will explore the museum in a fun way for two hours.

Recreational visit to the Orangery Museum

As for those who already know the Mona Lisa, they can opt for the Musée de l’Orangerie and the magnificent collections of water lilies by the painter Claude Monet. Colourful paintings of an impressive size, which are quite within the reach of children, including the youngest. Well-crafted workshops have been organized throughout the year for more than five years (the creation of water lilies from beautiful paper), and why not enjoy a playful visit in period costumes around the Douanier Rousseau? Registration by telephone on +33 (0) 1 44 50 43 01.

The Tuileries Garden, a safe bet

After an original and tasty lunch, a stroll will certainly be welcome. The Tuileries Park will allow youngsters to let off steam in the green and flowery setting of the oldest and largest garden in Paris. On the menu is the famous carousel, which has always been so popular from generation to generation, and you can also hire small sailboats with an old-fashioned charm that the little ones can guide enthusiastically on the lake. By the way, do you know where this garden takes its name? Quite simply, it was from tile factories that stood at the very spot where Queen Catherine de Medici built the Palais des Tuileries, surrounded by a beautiful Florentine garden, in 1564.

In Paris, art also comes as chocolate

If you are more tempted by a more gourmet art form, the very original Edwart chocolatier (244, Rue de Rivoli) offers chocolate making workshops for all. Slip into the shoes of a chocolatier and leave with your creations and even a diploma! On reservation at +33 (0) 9 81 93 48 92

BaladEnigm

If you are looking for a fun activity that boosts the curiosity of the whole family by combining culture and active leisure, go for a happy treasure hunt, which will allow y discover the history of the streets of Paris without being bored. This activity, which will delight young and old, is particularly recommended for a family getaway. Just download the application in advance on your Smartphone. Balad Enigm offers 15 fun rides with puzzles, games and challenges to share with the family. And if the weather is less favourable than expected, you can conceal yourself in the shelter. From the Hotel Baume, hop on the Metro 4, the Odéon stop is located a few steps away and will take you to Strasbourg Saint-Denis, then take the Line 9 to Richelieu-Drouot, where you can reach the starting point of this beautiful adventure, at 1 bis Boulevard des Italiens.

If you are more « sporty » or the sun shining on the capital arouses in you the irresistible desire to stay outside, opt for a refreshing hoverboard ride on the banks of the Seine, offered by Insolites Board. Whether you are a beginner or experienced, you will be safely supervised, to discover the new sensations of the Hoverboard, at 10 Rue des Archives. From the hotel, line 1 of the metro (Station Charles De Gaulle Etoile) towards Château de Vincennes will take you there in fifteen minutes (Hôtel de ville). Reservation required on the website.

Guignol, a rendezvous for the little ones

Puppet theatres are part of the cultural heritage of Paris. Attending a performance of Guignol is always the occasion for a pleasant family break. The Luxembourg Garden Puppet Theatre is open on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays and offers 3 performances at 11 am, 3:15 pm and 4:30 pm. It is advisable to go there 30 minutes before the show.

GOURMANDS IN THE FAMILY

The ideal thing for a family trip is, of course, to organize the day around stops that are both entertaining and gourmet – let’s not forget the foods!

Go for the cakes of Sébastien Gaudard!

For an unequalled snack, go to the Tuileries Gardens, at Sébastien Gaudard’s, the trendy pastry chef which never ceases to amaze. Originally from Lorraine, the son of a pastry chef, he reinterprets the pastries of our childhood with a deliciously contemporary touch. Its Paris-Brest is close to perfection and we can not leave without tasting the famous Mussipontain (named after the inhabitants of Pont Mousson in Lorraine in tribute to his parents). In this pretty patisserie, at number 1 of the Rue de la Pyramide, old counters, cement tile floors, ceiling mouldings, glass bells and dumb waiters serve as a backdrop for the abundance of sweets. To be discovered, even if you’re not hungry!

Senoble, real butter

Before the sun goes down, discover at number 11 of the Rue des petits champs, the beautiful shop of the brand Senoble, a French label that was created almost 100 years ago in Burgundy, and leave with a few bags of « Véritable Petit Beurre« . A true delight!

Cool dinner at Grillé

To end the day on an original note that’s 100% French and yet somewhat exotic, go to dinner early at Grillé, an address that mixes generosity by divinely reinterpreting the Parisian kebab. In a Turkish-inspired, minute-cooked, organic flour cake, Aveyron’s milk-fed veal is served with a subtly spiced sauce, cooked on a spit and cut into thin kebab slices. An explosion of flavours, a fun meal and delicious homemade fries, the recipe for a successful family dinner!

Marcello, the family Sunday friendly restaurant

Because a family Sunday would not be worthy of the name without a real brunch, we have found the perfect address. For that, cross the Seine and dare to have lunch on the Left Bank of Paris where Marcello will welcome you. While this chic canteen is one of the best-kept secrets of Paris, you will still have to book. More than a restaurant, Marcello is an atypical locale that’s full of life, a delicious mixture of an Italian coffee bar and a Brooklyn bar with a beautiful terrace n the heart of Paris. You can enjoy a Neapolitan egg, a nocciola croissant or even carrot cake. The welcome and service are extremely friendly and the Sardinian bread with scents of rosemary served with the aperitif lends a cheerful tone. A bit of New York, a bit of Italy and a lot of passion! Neither too noisy nor too quiet, a nicely brewed clientele. Sit back and savour this sun-drenched menu! The dishes are even better when you share them, one of the currencies of the house!

Whether it’s your first visit to Paris or you know your pocket this bubbling capital, there is always something to marvel in family. Enjoy your stay to enjoy moments of life to share between young and old and let yourself be seduced by the good addresses and tips selected for you.

Catherine, married, mother of Justine, from Paris