France Miniature

Our friend Patrick Mikla always surprises us with ‘inside’ discoveries of Paris and France. From the time we met him some 15 year ago, I can remember each and every one of our adventures. The latest is France Miniature. He took the day off and took us Élancourt, a town about an hour drive outside […]

Marie Antoinette et Hameau de Reine

Finally visited the Hameau de Reine. Expected a small garden and of course, it’s fit for a Queen. It even has a little farm and a zoo. Lovely for kids to visit and the houses on the property are actually for normal people.

Une femme/une fille d’un certain age

This dressing your age thing is tricky, for myself and for my daughter. My daughter, who is nine, has grown too old for the ‘kids’ clothes at Du Pareil au Meme, Jacadi, or BonPoint, but still too young to wear truly teen age fashion. One thing is for sure, her feet has grown so much […]

Even those who are on a budget, Paris is an unexpected pleasure

Of course, as I read this article in NY Times , I was reminded once again, the democratic pleasures of Paris… that the Proustian aspects of Paris need not be costly…. IF YOU GO HOW TO GET AROUND The Vélib’ bicycle-rental system has become exceedingly popular. … Le Bar à Soupes, 33, rue de Charonne; (33-1) 4357-5379; www.lebarasoupes.com, offers an excellent lunch deal: a fresh market soup, two types of cheese, bread and a glass of wine for 9.90 euros.

ParisGreeter takes you on free tours of Paris with local guides

A Paris Greeter will make sure you discover the true Paris, the way Parisians live it and love it! … All our volunteers are Paris lovers who like to share the art, tradition and culture of this fascinating city. At the end of the walk, we really want you to have the feeling that you have not only discovered the city but also had an insight into what we call the “Parisian way of life.”

Paris with kids from Terra.com

This is a good set of ideas for travel to Paris with kids, most of which I think is spot-on, especially advice to eat at big brasseries where noisy kids won’t even be noticed. … Another option is to take the métro from the Châtelet-Les-Halles station to the Porte de La Villette stop; in the whimsical park of the same name are an interactive science museum, a museum of musical instruments, an IMAX theater, and various innovative structures to play on and in. … The chain Novotel (PHONE: 800/221-4542 for reservations; 08-25-88-44-44 in France) is a good bet as it allows two children under 16 to stay free in their parents” room; kids are offered free breakfast and gifts.

A Local Find

Our friend Laila is so rafinée, with such discriminating taste. We’ve become closer friends since she and her family moved to Paris from San Francisco. As she is a French local, she has found for us several places in the neighborhood which are definitely great finds. One is a terrific gathering place for families on […]

Paris is a Feast for Families

Paris is lovely for children…. We had three families (twelve people) at Sunday brunch at Le Pain Quotidien where we sat at a grand communal table and enjoyed the all natural menu in a lovely, even joyful ambiance, if you can believe it. It’s decorated like a grand épicerie à l’ancienne with an incredibly organic […]

Handmade Puppets Weaving Stories

What a delight to come upon a whimsical wall of handmade finger puppets? Little Red Riding Hood, Three Little Bears, Pinocchio… one wall of the shop was covered with these little handmade toys which absolutely delighted my two kids. They had dreams of a MAJOR puppet theatre. As we entered the shop, we saw the […]

Bon Ton, Kids Clothes and Art Gallery

Located in a two-storey loft, Bon Ton on Rue de Grenelle is a real charm. … The place also houses an art gallery with rotating exhibitions, not forgetting the top floor with its display of funky furniture, bed + bath, and objets.