You can visit Paris 1, 2 or 10 times, but the City of Light only keeps surprising us. With its small alleys, covered walkways and narrow streets, the fashion capital is full of unexpected and often unknown places. To discover them, embark with us for a slightly different tour in Paris. Join the tour guide!

It’s decided, we’re going on a weekend trip to Paris with our children. But how to occupy our little darlings? When we want to try something new, the search becomes difficult. For your convenience, Little Guest has written a list of activities to do with your entire tribe. If you have already seen the Eiffel Tower, visited the Louvre Museum, climbed the hill of Montmartre and are looking for unusual places in Paris, then this article is for you.

 

A walk in paris

Paris is not called the city of a hundred villages for nothing. With its avenues and secret passages, the capital offers another face on every turn. During a beautiful spring day, we recommend you going for a stroll and passing through Crémieux Street. Known for its colorful and primed facades, the small pedestrian street located in the 12^th district lures passers-by, young and old alike. Note: despite some affluence due to a large media exposure, the district has not lost its charm.

Not far from there, the « Coulée Verte » (also called The Planted Promenade) connects the surroundings of Bastille to the Golden Gate of Vincennes. With 4.5 kilometers of greenery, the promenade is a good alternative for families wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Suspended walkways succeed tunnels, trees and plants replace Haussmann buildings and bike paths follow narrow paths. As you have understood, the Greenbelt (Coulée Verte) is to be (re) explored by bike or on foot, all without moderation.

Another green lung of the city is the Buttes-Chaumont park in the 19^th district. With its belvedere, waterfalls and numerous activities for kids, this one of the largest green spaces in Paris (25 hectares) is the ideal place to organize a picnic. And do not forget to visit the artificial cave and its waterfall, a particularly unusual and incongruous place.

The Garden of the Buddhist Pantheon is one of the many secret corners of Paris. Bamboos, paths on the water, Japanese maples and bonzaïs form a magnificent haven of peace for a pleasant walk. The garden can be visited by reservation and can be reached through the Heidelach Hotel.

A ten-minute walk from the garden is a high-class establishment: the Hôtel Baume ****. This well-decorated hotel immerses the visitor into the heart of the 1930s: bright yellow, crystal chandeliers, aniseed velvet sofas, fuchsia lamps and cushions dress the lobby and its lounges like a sour candy. With its fresh and frivolous decoration, the hotel pays tribute to the Roaring Twenties, its parties, its jazz, its fashion, its cinema and its art of living. Welcome gifts, children’s menus, baby equipment, babysitting service… the Baume can welcome little ones as they should be. It is the ideal base for visiting the Eiffel Tower district.

 

 

THE STRANGE PARIS

Since 1831, the number 46 of Bac street houses a museum to say, the least, unexpected. Come and marvel with your children in front of the incredible collection of naturalized animals and the many attractive, surprising objects in the cabinet of Deyrolles curiosities, one of the last cabinets of its kind open to the public. The kids will love posing in front of the unicorn or the life-size tiger. Know that no beast was killed, they all died of old age in zoos or farms. Little extra: the entrance is free.

If you want to discover the Montmartre district from a different angle and off the beaten track, Little Guest suggests the outdoor escape game « The mysteries of Montmartre ». Walk the streets of this beautiful neighborhood, collect clues, solve puzzles and find your guide within the allocated time. This team game develops your sense of observation and orientation and ensures you spend a good time with your family.

For those who like to have goosebumps, we propose a most disturbing activity. The Manor of Paris, with its beautiful facade and its ceramic frescoes, hides a much darker interior. The haunted house is animated by 35 actors who try to revive the most famous Parisian legends. Warning, we do not advise children under 10 years to visit this place.

 

THe SPORTING PARIS

To discover the City of Light with hair blowing in the wind, embark on board the timeless 2CV. During this trip, the mythical Citroën car takes you around all corners of the capital: the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, the Champs-Elysées… Find out more about the many itineraries available.

In case of rain, you can visit the Stade de France and its museum. The future little Zidane will be delighted to step on their heroes’ lawns. From cloakrooms to private VIP boxes through the tunnel leading to the lawn, visitors follow for 1h30 the route taken by the greatest athletes. And if you like treasure hunts, the visit is extended with « Avant-Match », the immersive experience of the Stade de France. Using augmented reality, this game combines search for clues and challenges. The stadium will no longer hide any secrets from you. Try it out!

To take you from one corner to another of the city, no need to rush into the meanders of the Paris metro. Another more exotic solution is proposed to you. The tuk-tuk, this well-known means of transport in Asia has made its appearance in Paris to the great delight of children. Many companies are flourishing in the capital. We advise you to be well informed before boarding a vehicle because some of them are not in order and practice prohibitive prices.

If you packed a swimwear in your luggage, then Little Guest found the best place to take a dip: the Josephine Baker pool. This complex is exceptional because of its location. Located on the Seine, this floating swimming pool of 25 meters allows you to cool off while enjoying the sun. Seine, swim and fun!

 

 

THE INSTRUCTIVE PARIS

Discover the back of Grand Rex, the mythical temple of cinema. Rex Studios is an interactive audio-guided tour of the backstage of Europe’s largest cinema. This fun and educational outing follows the steps of creating a film and takes visitors through a series of sets: projection booth, director’s office, film set … Strike a pose and ACTION!

The Musée en Herbe is the ideal museum for families. The principle of this place is to put art and culture within the reach of children through play and humor. This is how the little curious ones become a hunter of monsters and embark on an adventure where contemporary art skillfully mixes with Japanese culture. Many programs are available for kids of all ages. Know that the visit can be done freely or in animated visit with a mediator.

Very close to collective imagination, the city is the backdrop for many films and cartoons. While populating the dreams of young spectators, the heroes of the City of Light can now be visited, which is entirely dedicated to them. Ratatouille, the Aristocats, the hunchback of Notre-Dame, Anastasia, the Monster of Paris… this unique journey retraces the places of the most famous animated films. A guide leads this one hour and a half visit.

 

THE GOURMET PARIS

Spending the day walking the avenues and passages of Paris can make you hungry. So, a little break is needed. If you are near the Luxembourg gardens, Little Guest offers a gourmet and kids friendly address. 13 au jardin (formerly 13-a Baker’s Dozen), it is a little corner of paradise where the sweet aromas of the famous buttermilk biscuits (types of flaky scones) mingle with the scent of carrot cakes. And if you are a rather salty-eater, try the pulled pork and its hominy grits, a typical South Carolina dish. Little extra, the slightly unusual decor is really nice and in case of good weather, you can sit on the terrace.

Your kids have energy to spare but you just want to have a drink? We have found the perfect compromise. The SUPER Café, located in the 20^th district, is an ethical, ecological and intergenerational café restaurant where toddlers benefit from an adapted and secure infrastructure. There is a kid’s corner with a hideaway hut with books and board games, the XS toilet and the Café des Mômes, a place where little ones can sip a juice like the older ones. Finally, tricycles are available in the yard.

Taste a delicious burger as if you were in Manhattan just as guaranteed by Schwartz’s Deli (Burger). With its checkered tablecloths, movie posters and New York deli atmosphere, this restaurant offers a menu that will appeal to the whole family. Schwartz’s Deli does not have a kid’s menu, but the portions are generous and easy to share. It is ideal for a family wishing to eat quality ingredients in a friendly atmosphere. To note, 3 addresses are available in the capital, one of which is near the Eiffel Tower.

 

Happy adventuring !

 

Emilie, 21 years old, lover of literature and travel, originally from Liège, Belgium