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Travel + Leisure
20-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Travel + Leisure
I'm a Mom in Paris—and These Are My 11 Must-visit Spots With Kids in the City of Light
Paris is a city that travelers often approach with high expectations. From world-class dining and renowned museums to picturesque parks and charming cafes, it's easy to feel overwhelmed when planning a trip—especially with kids in tow. As an American mom of a toddler and a 5-year-old, married to a native Parisian, I've learned how to explore the City of Light at a leisurely pace the entire family can enjoy. While Paris offers countless experiences that delight visitors of all ages, these 11 spots are our family's trusted favorites, places where both little ones and grown-ups can savor the true spirit of the city. An exhibit inside Musee Rodin. Leopoldine Bauer/Travel + Leisure Located on Paris's Left Bank, this intimate museum showcases the works of sculptor Auguste Rodin—most notably The Thinker. In addition to its acclaimed collection, the property features beautifully manicured sculpture gardens and an on-site cafe, perfect for a casual coffee or an ice cream break. The museum offers a year-round calendar of family-friendly events, such as the chasse aux œufs (Easter egg hunt), where our daughter delighted in collecting eggs throughout the gardens in exchange for chocolates. A current highlight for families is L'Atelier Rodin, a dedicated space where children of all ages can explore the art of sculpture through hands-on activities. Nosso Barco Tambor Terra exhibition at the Grand Palais. RICCARDO MILANI/Hans Lucas/AFP via Getty Images There's always a captivating exhibition or event to discover at the architecturally stunning Grand Palais. Our family has enjoyed attending a variety of seasonal happenings, from ice skating at Le Grand Palais des Glaces to the Festival du Livre de Paris, which brings together hundreds of authors and publishers. The Children's Palace recently debuted its very first exhibition, "Transparence," a sensory journey exploring the concept of transparency through science and art, on view until Aug. 2027. In addition to this must-see exhibition, the Grand Palais is home to two expansive spaces dedicated to play and curiosity, including Le Salon Seine—a family-friendly area with interactive art, creative games, a collaborative mural, and a cafe. A quick note for families with event tickets: Be prepared for long lines at the entrance, even if you've purchased tickets in advance. The exterior of Foundation Louis Vuitton. Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure A standout destination beloved by visitors of all ages, the Fondation Louis Vuitton is a contemporary art museum and cultural center celebrated as an architectural icon. The "David Hockney 25" exhibition is currently stealing the spotlight until Aug. 2025, accompanied by an art workshop designed for children ages 6-10 and their families. After your visit, let your little ones burn off some energy in the vast Bois de Boulogne park that surrounds the Fondation Louis Vuitton. Be sure to check the museum's annual programming, which includes popular events like Nuit des Musées and the Family Festival, among others. Greenscape of Jardin d'Acclimatation. Maddy Odom/Travel + Leisure For families seeking the thrill of an amusement park without committing to a full day at Disneyland, the Jardin d'Acclimatation is an ideal alternative, located within minutes of the Fondation Louis Vuitton. This destination is a true Parisian institution, adored by locals and visitors alike for its wide range of attractions, from roller coasters and carnival-style games to an educational farm with hands-on animal encounters. My husband loves bringing our kids here with his family, sharing the magic of his own childhood visits across generations. Leave it to Paris to offer an amusement park experience that's genuinely enjoyable. Exterior of a greenhosue in Jardin des Plantes. Leopoldine Bauer/Travel + Leisure Paris is home to an impressive collection of parks and gardens, like the Jardin du Luxembourg and Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, but we always find ourselves returning to the Jardin des Plantes, nestled in the city's 5th arrondissement. Take your time exploring the gardens, including the greenhouses, which are noteworthy even when the blooms aren't at their peak. Inside the gates, you'll also find La Ménagerie (the zoo) and several museums, including the well-known Grande Galerie de l'Évolution. You could easily spend an entire day discovering the Jardin des Plantes—a place sure to spark the curiosity of every family member. Scenes from the playground at Jardin Catherine‑Labouré. Maddy Odom/Travel + Leisure One of the reasons I love raising kids in Paris is the fact that you can find a park or playground on nearly every block. We're lucky to have several options scattered throughout our arrondissement, but this quaint jardin (garden), just minutes from Le Bon Marché, has become a regular escape for our family. Tucked off Rue de Babylone, it's easy to miss if you don't know it's there—but step inside and you'll find a well-maintained playground, a green space for lounging, and benches situated beneath leafy vines, ideal for reading. This hidden gem provides a welcome pause from the bustle just beyond the park's edge. Interior shots of Chantelivre. Maddy Odom/Travel + Leisure Browsing for books is a simple yet extremely satisfying way to spend an hour (or two) in Paris. We're spoiled by the abundance of charming bookshops in Paris—like Chantelivre on Rue de Sèvres, a delightful spot known for its curated selection of children's literature. With cozy reading nooks in a newly renovated space, this bookshop is also home to La Maison des Histoires, an interactive musée jouer (play museum) inspired by classic children's books designed with young kids in mind. Grab a coffee and pastry at the cafe before settling into story time. Making pizza at Oobatz. What kid (and adult) doesn't love a good slice of pizza and a pizzookie (cookie topped with ice cream) for a decadent dessert? Located in Paris's 11th arrondissement, Oobatz is serving up slices the whole city seems to be talking about. While the restaurant itself is quite intimate, it accepts reservations and opens for dinner service at 6 p.m.—much earlier than many other Parisian establishments. In other words, it's deal for a laid-back family meal—just don't forget to book your table ahead of time. A table full of food in HolyBelly. When it comes to brunch in Paris, HolyBelly is a family-run favorite, best known for its seriously good pancakes in the 10th arrondissement. While we don't make it here as often as our little ones (or we) would like, we recently hopped on the metro for a weekend visit—and it's always well worth the trip. HolyBelly doesn't take reservations, so it's best to plan ahead. On weekends, we aim to get there right at opening (9 a.m.) to beat the crowd, while weekdays are typically more relaxed. If there happens to be a line, it tends to move quickly. One unexpected perk: The lively environment easily absorbs toddler chaos, so there's no need to stress about noise here. Delicious treats from Plaq. Maddy Odom/Travel + Leisure Hot chocolate is another beloved Parisian specialty, with iconic spots like Angelina, Carette, and Les Deux Magots earning reputations for some of the best cups in town. But Plaq offers a distinctly different experience. With their bean-to-bar philosophy, they oversee every step of the process, from sourcing the cocoa beans to crafting each final creation. They now have two locations in Paris, including their newest outpost on Rue du Cherche-Midi. There, you'll find an exciting selection of treats, including their signature chocolate bars, seasonal specialties like ice cream in the warmer months, or a personal favorite: hot chocolate topped with chantilly when the weather turns cold. A close up of an ice cream cone from Cafe Isaka. Maddy Odom/Travel + Leisure Inspired by the flavors of Asia, Café Isaka brings a playful twist to typical artisanal ice cream you might find elsewhere. Tucked in the heart of Paris's 1st arrondissement, it's a charming stop for a refreshing pause amid a day of wandering the city. Whether you're craving a classic scoop or curious to try their signature fried ice cream, there's something on the menu to satisfy every sweet tooth. Grab your treat and stroll over to the nearby Palais-Royal to enjoy it among the gardens.
South China Morning Post
19-07-2025
- South China Morning Post
Paris' Hôtel Balzac offers old-world French glamour, newly renovated suites, a Japanese-inspired spa – and a Champs-Élysées location with access to the city's best neighbourhoods
As a long-time and frequent visitor to Paris, I've become a creature of habit. The first arrondissement, near the Palais Royal and Louvre Museum, is where I always stay. The area is ideal for exploring nearby neighbourhoods, such as the Marais and the Left Bank across the river. It also makes for a perfect base during busy fashion week So the idea of staying near the Champs-Élysées – the touristy and often maligned shopping boulevard that runs from Place de la Concorde all the way to the Arc de Triomphe – had never crossed my mind. The façade of Hôtel Balzac, which is located on a side street off the Champs-Élysées. Photo: Matthieu Salvaing Advertisement On my recent visit to the City of Lights for the autumn/winter 2025 haute couture shows, however, I decided to base myself there for a couple of days before the rest of the fashion crowd touched down. My choice of accommodation was Hôtel Balzac, located just off the busy Champs-Élysées. The hotel, which reopened last year after a lengthy renovation and redesign by French design firm Festen Architecture, is housed in a historic building where 19th-century writer Honoré de Balzac lived, and is located on Rue Balzac, also named after the scribe. At Hôtel Balzac, Spa Ikoi will transport you to Japan. Photo: Handout The refurbishment added a Japanese-inspired subterranean sanctuary, Spa Ikoi, which offers treatments ranging from shiatsu massage to signature facials such as Kobido and Hoshin. Tatami mats and shoji-style sliding doors make you feel like you're escaping Paris for the far eastern nation. A member of Relais & Châteaux, the property is discreet and quiet. Tucked away from the happening Champs-Élysées, it makes for a great spot to unwind after a long day checking out the area's boutiques and attractions. A bedroom at Hôtel Balzac that marries comfort and elegance. Photo: Handout Hôtel Balzac's 58 rooms and suites – some of them offering views of the Eiffel Tower – are elegant and well-appointed, their decor inspired by 1930s French design. Unlike hotels that often lose their souls after renovations by relying on unnecessary technology and bells and whistles that often add nothing, Hôtel Balzac has retained its old-world charm while still catering to the needs of modern-day luxury travellers.
Spectator
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Spectator
Eat your way round Paris
'Paris, like many old cities, is saturated with blood.' The food writer Chris Newens certainly knows how to draw the reader in. A Londoner who has lived in Paris for the past ten years, he sets out to eat his way through all the arrondissements, starting with the 20th and spiralling backwards through the coil of the capital. Each chapter evokes the history and atmosphere of a different neighbourhood and focuses on one dish, which the author then attempts to cook in his authentically cramped Parisian kitchen. Newens, who read anthropology at the LSE, comes from a family that ran a bakery and tearoom for six generations and had their own recipe for the custard tart known as Maid of Honour. This expertise equips him with the right sort of outsider-insider perspective on the experience of eating in Paris – or rather, as he puts it, for this is a book that looks beyond the 'thousand clichés' of the Parisian bistro, in 'all the Parises'. Blood and meat loom especially large in his exploration, reflecting the fact that Paris is in no danger of becoming vegetarian any time soon. On an early morning visit to the wholesale food market of Rungis, Newens's guide hands him a box of 'an uncanny organic weight', which turns out to be full of brains. 'It was time for a drink,' Newens comments. In the 19th arrondissement, he searches for the perfect kebab shop, known in French as a kebaberie, and his quest takes him from the former La Villette slaughter yards to the somewhat sinister suburban factory that supplies most (though not all) Parisian kebaberies. Then, having secured instructions from a serious Turkish cook, he purchases a quantity of meat that 'initially looks like a prolapse'. Once conveyed to a friend's house outside Paris, however, where a garden makes it possible to light a fire, the homemade doner kebab is slowly roasted to miraculous savoury deliciousness. The appeal of this funny, well-informed book, which covers much historical, cultural and sociological ground, lies in its sense of adventure and lack of cosy sentimentality. Food for Newens is thrilling and joyous and engages him bodily – he mentions in passing that he is diabetic. It is not a nostalgic book, but it is one in which a sense of history matters. There are fascinating evocations of 19th-century French provincial migrants: for example, the Aveyronnais, known as bougnats, who came to Paris to sell their coal, offered a drink of their regional wine on the side and then stayed on to open many cafés, including such classic Left Bank institutions as the Café de Flore and Les Deux Magots. They also brought with them aligot, the rib-sticking, velvet-smooth dish of potato mashed with Tomme cheese that in the Aveyron used to be served to pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela, and which in Paris bistros has now sadly been displaced by frites. Newens also traces the story of the Breton migrants who brought buckwheat pancakes to Paris and whose legacy remains in the crêperies of Montparnasse. After traipsing across muddy fields from a bus stop in deepest Brittany, the author turns up, an unexpected visitor, at a buckwheat mill to secure a bag of flour. Elsewhere, there are conversations about the myriad family recipes for couscous, which yield insights into North African Sephardi experiences and those of the pieds-noirs who moved to France at the time of Algerian independence. Newens also debunks the French myth that Vietnamese pho, the complex soup dish, got its name from the French pot-au-feu. He takes some risks, including venturing into the Bois de Vincennes's encampments of homeless people to ask them about what they like to eat and visiting a restaurant solidaire (soup kitchen). These passages might easily have jarred in a book that also describes high-end gastronomy. But Newens is a self-aware narrator who recognises in himself expressions of bourgeois complacency or nervousness. Another tightrope exercise is the Houellebecqian chapter in which he visits a swingers' club with a hammam (apparently one of the world's capitals of swinging is Paris, where it is called libertinage) and, clad in a towel, examines the food on offer – a depressing meat-platter brunch, complete with halal turkey. More uplifting is his account of eating in a vast bouillon – the name comes from the mid-19th-century restaurants where butchers would serve cheap, hot meat broths. Nowadays a bouillon provides a full menu of traditional French dishes – from oeuf mayonnaise to blanquette de veau – for large numbers, often not taking advance bookings. When Newens speaks to an hôtesse d'accueil, who greets diners and allocates tables, she describes her job as 'almost like playing Candy Crush'. And there, once given a seat, Newens 'luxuriates in the small privacy of eating' while the room bustles around him like a medieval feasting hall. Moveable Feasts is an inspiring feat of curiosity and appetite.
The Star
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
From Balenciaga and onward to Gucci: Demna's final show was his legacy letter
It's rare that anyone gets to curate their own legacy. Usually that's the prerogative of the future, something that can only happen in retrospect. But on Wednesday (July 9) in Paris, Demna, the mononymic designer who has defined Balenciaga for the past 10 years, transforming it from a symbol of austere and unattainable perfection into a pop culture phenomenon, was able to use his final couture show to do exactly that. In March it was announced that he was leaving the brand to go to Gucci, but rather than cut ties immediately, he was given the opportunity to design his exit. Now, that is elegant. And so it was. The audience was rife with the celebrities who were the avatars of his disruptive, initially shocking, style: Nicole Kidman and Cardi B; Lorde and Katy Perry. Even Lauren Sanchez Bezos, fresh from her Venice wedding, was there. Read more: Michelle Yeoh and other stars light up Demna's final Balenciaga runway show The show itself was chockablock with characters, including Kim Kardashian channeling Elizabeth Taylor in a champagne duchesse-satin slip dress, a tawny fur coat actually made of feathers trailing from her shoulders and, in her ears, 15 carats of diamond drop earrings that Mike Todd gave Taylor, on loan from jeweller Lorraine Schwartz. Demna used his final couture show to do what he had always done as Balenciaga's creative head: transform the once-strict fashion house into a pop culture force. Photo: Balenciaga Also Isabelle Huppert offering Left Bank haute beatnik in skinny black capris and a black turtleneck, a hidden corset turning her into an hourglass. The soundtrack was composed of the names of those who had helped Demna over the decade, recited in their own voices. Most of all, it was the clothes that spoke for him. Each one was representative of how he had assumed the challenge of silhouette inherent in the name of Balenciaga and turned it inside-out, combining his streetwear roots with the highfalutin' heritage of the house to upend the totems of luxury and genuinely influence how everyone dressed. Whether they bought Balenciaga or not. Shoulders jutted like iron struts in not-quite-polite tailored coat dresses and midi suits. The collars of simple silk and cashmere sweaters curved up and around the face like razor-edged tulips. Slouchy corduroy trousers turned out to be made from what the team said was 300 kilometers (more than 185 miles) of tufted yarn, and a long quilted puffer came with no side seams, so it resembled the articulated shell of an armadillo. Classic men's suiting had been made by traditional Neapolitan ateliers – but prototyped on the frame of a body builder and then modelled not only by him but nine other men of notably different sizes (including Demna's husband, the composer known as BFRND), so the jackets hung on their frames and twisted around their ankles. The better to suggest, Demna said backstage, that one size could fit all. The point being, he continued, that it should not be the garment that defines the body, 'but the body that defines the garment'. That's why he replaced the logos on the oh-so-proper handbags dangling from models' arms with their own names. Why what looked like extreme corsetry beneath the draped siren dresses of Olde Hollywood that ended the show turned out to be made from a sort of shapewear, built of layers and layers of stretch material, so it allowed the person within to actually breathe. And sit. And that's progress. Read more: All eyes on fashion provocateur Demna as he attempts to revive Gucci's fortunes In the end, it was a reminder of how much Demna had let the air into the cloistered environs not just of couture – it was only four years ago that he reintroduced the practice to Balenciaga after a 53-year hiatus – but fashion in general. How, by using the vernacular of the everyday and applying it to the elite and the exclusive, he pulled down the barriers of both. To that end, the house photographed every piece in the collection on the streets of Paris, rather than in the salon. After the show, for the first – and last – time, Demna came out to take a bow. Once upon a time, back in 2015 when he arrived, he might have been seen as an interloper, but he was leaving as an agent of change. On every seat he had put a note that read in part, 'Fashion lives on the edge of tomorrow, driven not by what we know but the thrill of discovering what's next.' On Monday, he starts at Gucci. – ©2025 The New York Times Company This article originally appeared in The New York Times.
What's On
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- What's On
Vive la brunch! Celebrate Bastille Day in style at La Cantine Du Faubourg
This Bastille Day, La Cantine Du Faubourg is throwing an effortlessly elegant celebration with its Rosé, C'est L'Été Sunday Brunch, a midday fête that channels the best of Parisian spirit right in the heart of DIFC. Taking place on Sunday July 13 from 1pm to 6pm, expect classic French flavours, stylish surroundings, and an energy that's as lively as the Left Bank. Set against the venue's signature art murals and moody interiors, guests can savour a menu designed for decadence: think foie gras, oysters, and a French cheese selection to start. For mains, indulge in nostalgic Coquillettes de Mon Enfance, fresh Catch of the Day à la Meunière, and roasted chicken with thyme jus. Naturally, desserts are a full parade of the sweet life – from warm French toast with vanilla ice cream to fluffy profiteroles. There's also live music throughout to keep the vibes going, and a themed white dress code to match the chic occasion. And because no French celebration is complete without a proper pour, the beverage packages are stacked. From soft drinks and mocktails (AED 425) to house wines and cocktails (AED 560), all the way up to Moët & Chandon Champagne and Kir Royale (AED 790), there's a glass with your name on it. The Deets Location: La Cantine Du Faubourg, Emirates Towers, DIFC Date & Time: Sunday July 13, 1pm to 6pm Packages: From AED 425 to AED 790 Contact: +971 4 352 7105 | book@ Bookings: Click here to book Image: Supplied > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
