Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Made for Children

Just a small neighborhood park in the 4th, with two ping-pong tables
I think Paris is a city tailor-made for a family trip (although this visit was so cold that we didn't get to take in as much as there is to offer). Where else can you go where every neighborhood has a carousel, some with two on opposing corners? Where else do you have parks that have weekly puppet shows, pony rides, way better playgrounds than most in the States, in-ground trampolines, and wooden sailboats to push around in a fountain? The above shots are from a Christmas Market on the Champs Elysees, and the Jardin des Tuileries. I also think it's perfect for families because there is something to suit everyone's interests--from the museums to shopping to eating to playing--there is great range in each category. And did I tell you how much warmer the Parisians are when you're with a child? They're kind of like travelling with a VIP. All of a sudden, the typically chilly waiter is bringing you treats and pen and paper. Later this week I will do a couple of neighborhood guides, in case I've convinced you to go.
We loved this store called Si Tu Veux, in an arcade of shops called Galerie Vivienne. We've been lucky enough to be in lots of kids shops all over, and this one is one of the most special we've seen. I loved their reading nooks, and the games they had out for kids to play with while their parents shop. And I especially loved the way each object had a hand-written comment or description next to the price.  It's also just up the road from one of our favorite restaurants, Le Grand Colbert.

2 comments:

  1. Was Paris made for children? Wonderful pictures. Regards from Hotel Charles de Gaulle

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  2. So enchanting! Love Paris as an adult; now can't wait to take my little ones!

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