Tag: paris with kids

Top 5 Spots in Paris for a Picnic

A top Parisian activity in the summertime is picnicking – and we at Paris Uncovered have become picnic experts over the years. Be sure your picnic bag or basket is filled with bread, at least on good knife (for cutting your saucisson, bien sûr), paper plates, napkins, cheese, and fresh, seasonal fruit. Grab a bottle of wine (and don’t forget your corkscrew!) and you’re ready to go!

As for where to go, nearly every park in Paris is prime picnicking ground, but we do have a handful of favorites to suggest.

Champ de Mars (Image care of Flickr/JPC24M)

1. Champ de Mars

Could anything be more classically Paris than a picnic in front of the Eiffel Tower? Choose this picnic ground in the evenings, when you can see the Eiffel Tower shimmer every hour on the hour with a beautiful light show.

 

Sitting along the Seine (Image care of Pixabay)

2. Berges de Seine

All along the riverbanks, people assemble for regular picnicking. Popular spots include the banks near Pont-Neuf and Pont-Marie and those near Notre Dame, although as long as the river is low enough, you can picnic nearly anywhere along the river and watch the Bateaux Mouches float by.

But one of our favorites is definitely the Berges de Seine, running along the Left Bank quai d’Orsay. Here, not only is there seating available for picnicking, but the city has prepared a host of fun activities like hopscotch and even some climbing apparatuses for kids.

 

Canal St Martin (image care of Wikimedia/Geoffrey)

3. Canal Saint-Martin

This trendier neighborhood to the north of Paris welcomes tons of picnickers every evening once the weather turns warmer. The quartier boasts quite a few great food and wine shops to source your picnic from, and many of the bars overlooking the canal even sell beer in to go cups, for something cool to sip on.

 

Basilica Sacre Coeur (Image care of Wikimedia/Sebastian Bergmann)

4. The Steps of Sacré Coeur

If ambiance is what you seek, look no further than the steps leading towards Sacré Coeur basilica, at the top of Montmartre. While space is in low supply here, the views over Paris and frequent musical stylings make this spot worth it.

 

Luxembourg Gardens (Image care of Pixabay/Mariamichelle)

5. Luxembourg Gardens

Daytime picnics can be enjoyed in any one of several parks, from Montsouris and Buttes Chaumont with their grassy knolls to the Tuileries with its lovely views of the Louvre. We especially love the Luxembourg, not only for its gorgeous flower patches, but as the perfect option for folks who aren’t too keen on sitting on the ground, as the city puts two types of chairs – upright and reclining – perfect for an afternoon of munching and enjoying the sunshine.

Main image care of Dirk Haun

claude monet

Top 3 Things to Do in Paris in June

The Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, a food tour – there are certain Paris must-sees that never change. But the French capital is also home to a thriving, ever-changing scene of exhibits, concerts, and more! Here are the three things we’re most excited about for this month.

1. See the Last Monet

The Orangerie museum has long played host to eight large-format water lily paintings created by Impressionist master Claude Monet. But for a limited time, the museum has welcomed a temporary exhibit of American abstract expressionists like Jackson Pollock, Helen Frankenthaler, and Ellsworth Kelly. Alongside these works are displayed a handful of rarely seen Monet works that will captivate lovers of the Impressionists.

2. Enjoy the New Jardin d’Acclimatation

As of the 1st of June, the Jardin d’acclimatation has reopened its doors, with 17 new attractions joining the original 23. The theme? Steampunk Paris. Go back in time and enjoy rides, animals, and a wander through nature on the outskirts of the city center.

3. Climb the Saint-Jacques Tower

The time has once again come for the Gothic Saint-Jacques Tower to open to the public. In the last few years, after extensive renovations, visitors have been welcomed to climb to the very top of this imposing structure in the Marais. Its central location is the ideal place to enjoy birds’-eye views of the entire city. Be sure to reserve your ticket in advance – this popular Paris attraction sells out!

Top 5 Parks and Gardens to Visit in Paris in Spring

Spring has finally sprung in Paris, which means one thing: it’s time to take up residence in one of its many parks and gardens! Paris is home to more than 400 parks, each of which has its own unique characteristics. But as far as we’re concerned, these are the five you absolutely cannot miss.

The Luxembourg  Gardens

The quintessential Parisian park is, without a doubt, the Luxembourg Gardens: artfully landscaped formal flower beds, a Renaissance chateau as a backdrop, and a plethora of chairs and benches to sit and admire the scenery make this one of our favorites. Much more than a simple garden, the massive park has something for everyone. Runners love the trails, kids love the playground and puppet shows, and couples love the romantic walks.

Our Tip: The Luxembourg Gardens are perfect for a picnic! Bring your favorite sweet treat (get some ideas on our sweets tour) and enjoy it overlooking the newly planted flowerbeds.

Image care of Luke van Grieken/Wikipedia commons

The Tuileries Gardens

With the Louvre as a backdrop, the Tuileries gardens are a must-see – especially if you’ve just finished a whirlwind visit of Paris’ largest museum! Designed by landscape architect André Le Notre (of Versailles gardens fame), the Tuileries are actually the remnants of the 16th century royal palace of the same name, destroyed in the 19th century.

Our Tip: The Tuileries also make up the perfect spot for a popular Parisian past-time: people-watching! Just grab a chair, kick back, and watch the world go by.

Image care of Céline Harrand/Flickr

Jardin des Plantes

Once called the “jardin du roi” (garden of the king), the Jardins des Plantes have a rich horticultural history. This park started as a medicinal herb garden in the 17th century and has since become the Botanic Garden of Paris, even housing the Botany school. Follow the beautiful paths lined by cherry trees, rose bushes, and 19th century greenhouses, and discover a small zoo (home to an adorable red panda, amongst others!)

Our Tip: While exploring the Jardins, make sure to check out the Museum of Natural History, complete with dinosaur skeletons!

Image care of Alexandre Vialle/Flickr

Parc Floral

A little off-the-beaten path, this park is a part of a larger forest, the Bois de Vincennes. While it’s only twenty minutes on the metro from the center, it will feel like you’ve escaped to the countryside. Winding paths and large ponds help create a serene experience, perfect for the many flower shows, exhibitions, and concerts held regularly.

Our Tip: Check the calendar for the Paris Jazz or Classical Festivals held in Parc Floral. Bring a picnic and enjoy a free concert in this beautiful venue!

Image care of Justacote.com

Jardin Tino-Rossi

While Paris is known for its formal gardens, the Jardin Tino-Rossi combines nature with art. The contemporary open-air museum lines the Seine and contains twenty sculptures, dotted among the Weeping Willows, Poplars and Black Pines.

Our Tip: After a stroll through the sculptures, stay for an evening of dance! The arenas lining the Seine become impromptu dance halls during the summer, with Tango, Salsa, and Samba!

Paris with les Petits: Intro to Paris Highlights

 History |  Culture |  Discovery

  

As countless travelers have said, Paris is best discovered on foot – and with Paris Uncovered Scavenger Hunts, your eyes will be drawn to the details, big and small, that make it so special! This Introduction to Paris walk is specially designed to visit Paris with kids. On this tour, your private tour guide will take you past famous landmarks and hidden courtyards known only to locals. We’ll discuss the dramatic history behind monuments and savor the subtle beauty of the scenery. Along the route, you’ll see the glorious Notre Dame de Paris cathedral, the historic streets of the Latin Quarter, beautiful bridges with stunning views, the grandeur of the Louvre architecture, and the tranquility of Parisian gardens. Find all of the clues on your Bingo card to win a special prize!

Details at a Glance
– Private tour guide
– Paris Uncovered Paris Highlights Bingo cards (and pencils!) for the little ones
– Prizes for completing your task (Everybody wins!)
– 245 € total (based on two people)
– Approximately 2.5-hour visit

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Paris with les Petits: Louvre Family Tour

Art | History | Secrets

  louvre ceiling

The Louvre is the perfect place for exploration and discovery – and Paris Uncovered knows how to bring out the best in it, especially for families visiting Paris with kids. With our Paris Uncovered Bingo, exploring the Louvre becomes a game, guiding you through the nation’s largest museum and its tens of thousands of works of art. This tour will introduce you to some of the Louvre’s most famous pieces as well as the secrets hidden here by the world’s artistic masters.

Details at a Glance
– Private tour guide
– Skip-the-line entry
– Paris Uncovered Louvre Bingo cards (and pencils!) for the whole family
– Prizes for completing your task (Everybody wins!)
– 320 € total (based on two people)
– Approximately 2.5-hour visit

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kids in montmartre

Top 3 Places to Visit Paris with Kids

Visiting Paris with kids can be heaps of fun – if you know where to go! Choose monuments and landmarks that are interesting for the whole family, like the Eiffel Tower or some of Paris’ most famous pastry shops, and be sure to plan a few outings with the little ones in mind – here are just a handful of our faves.

1. Parks and Gardens

Paris is home to more than 400 parks and gardens – the perfect place to let your kids run around and play. While parks can be found in nearly every neighborhood, we do have our favorites. The Tuileries, for example, are amazing for both kids and adults: centrally located (just next to the Louvre!) and filled with a merry-go-round, temporary Ferris Wheel, and playground, it’s fun for kids of all ages.

The Luxembourg Gardens are great as well, particularly in summer. There are tons of green spaces for picnicking, and vintage toy boats can be rented and navigated across the park’s ponds.

2. The Cité des Sciences

The Cité des Sciences et de L’Industrie is always a hit with children. This interactive science museum at La Villette is home to a planetarium, a submarine, an IMAX theater, and an ever-changing lineup of exhibits that will interest and challenge kids – whether they speak French or not.

The surrounding park is also a good place to burn off steam, so plan for a picnic and some playtime after the museum!

3. Louvre Bingo

While the Louvre might not seem like the ideal place to bring your kids, if you plan ahead (and let Paris Uncovered help you out a bit), it’s perfect. With a Paris Uncovered Family Louvre tour, you’ll skip the line into the country’s largest museum and set out on a scavenger hunt to fill your BINGO card. Educational and fun for both kids and adults, this tour will demystify the historical Louvre palace and its collection of more than 38,000 objects.

Trip Planning & Concierge Services

         

With so many sights and experiences in Paris, planning can be a challenge. There are museum tickets to buy, skip-the-line entrances to consider, opening hours to check, reservations to make… it’s enough to make your trip seem like anything but a vacation!

Let us help take all the stress and guesswork with our trip-planning and concierge services.

No-Stress Turn-Key Trips

With our no-stress Turn-Key Trips, your trip to Paris will be entirely mapped out by your expert Paris Uncovered concierge! With this service, you’ll have no planning to do ahead of your trip. Your Paris Uncovered concierge will help you uncover the must-visit sites that best coincide with your interests, be they historical, artistic, gastronomic, or a mix of everything. Not only will your trip be specifically designed just for you, but you’ll reap the benefits of years of experience, with the most efficient exploration of the city to take the best advantage of your time.

Just sit back, relax, and let Paris Uncovered plan the perfect trip for you!

This service includes:

  • An in-depth phone call with your Paris Uncovered concierge to uncover all of your interests
  • A bespoke trip specially designed according to your interests
  • A comprehensive plan featuring your unique timetable: scheduled tours, directions, custom activities, and more for each day of your trip
  • Bespoke shopping guides, depending on your interests and favorite neighborhoods
  • Vouchers for skip-the-line museum entrances, performances, special exhibits and more
  • Restaurant suggestions and/or reservations for any or all of your meals

Flex-Itinerary

If you want just a touch of help during your stay, our Paris Uncovered Flex-Itineraries might be just the thing. This service includes:

  • An in-depth phone call with your Paris Uncovered concierge to uncover all of your interests
  • Printable full-day suggested itineraries for the entirety of your trip
  • Restaurant suggestions
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Left Bank: 2,000 Years as the Heart of Paris

History |  Legends |  Culture

  

Paris’ scholars and intelligentsia have long comingled in the Latin Quarter. But this charming neighborhood’s history starts long before Hemingway scribbled in local bars and BB King took a bow in the local jazz clubs. The Latin Quarter is one of the last bastions of medieval Paris, home to gorgeous cobbled streets, beautiful Gothic churches, one of Europe’s first universities, and the oldest living tree in Paris. Discover Paris’ history through the ages with this beautiful, charming walk through the Left Bank neighborhood.

Details at a Glance
– Private tour guide
– 225 € total (based on two people)
– Approximately 2.5-hour visit

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Paris Highlights: Intro to the City of Light

 History |  Culture |  Discovery

   

As countless travelers have said, Paris is best discovered on foot. Walking through the city allows one to soak up it’s beauty, rich history and endless charm; it’s no wonder that walking tours are one of our favorite things to do in Paris. On our Introduction to Paris walk, your private tour guide will lead you past famous landmarks and hidden courtyards known only to locals. We’ll discuss the dramatic history behind monuments and savor the subtle beauty of the scenery. Along the route, you’ll see the glorious Notre Dame de Paris Cathedral, the historic streets of the Latin Quarter, beautiful bridges with stunning views, the grandeur of the Louvre architecture and the tranquility of Parisian gardens.

Details at a Glance
– Private tour guide
– 225 € total (based on two people)
– Approximately 2.5-hour visit

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About Us

A long-term francophile, Randa traded in her “corporate life” in Chicago to experience “la vie Parisienne” with it’s almond croissants and sunset picnics.  Studying French culture, history and cuisine has only further ignited Randa’s passion for sharing her adopted city’s rich hidden history, secret streets, and tastiest treats with visitors.

 

Emily accidentally moved to Paris in 2007, and she’s never looked back! A lover of food, drink, history, and culture, Emily first became a private tour guide while pursuing her Master’s degree at the Sorbonne. She loves sharing hidden details with visitors to the city, from the secret affairs of French kings and queens of yore to where to find Paris’ very best cream puff.