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A kids’ guide to Paris
Paris isn't just a destination for adults and lovers, it's also a great place for kids, with lots to do and see to keep your little ones busy, both indoors and out.
Whether you're visiting over half-term, during the holidays or just for a weekend, we've rounded up the most enticing kid-friendly activities and venues in the French capital.
Kotozâne
24, rue des Petites Écuries, 75010 ParisThis is the first port of call for savvy Parisian parents in search of super-stylish toys, interior bits and accessories for kids that won’t burn a hole in their wallets. So why not follow their lead?
La Tour Jean-sans-Peur
20, rue Étienne Marcel, 75002 ParisSpeed back in time by running – or hopping – up the steps of the capital’s highest medieval tower. Incongruously located in a modern-day schoolyard in the Marais, it also hosts fun exhibitions to bring history to life.
Le Grand Rex
1, boulevard Poissonnière, 75002 ParisThis stunning Art Deco cinema holds a behind-the-scenes ‘Studio Tour’. Over-5s can explore the projection room, play with special effects and become the stars of their own take-home film.
Le Cirque d’Hiver Bouglione
110, rue Amelot, 75011 ParisFor more than 92 years the Bouglione family has kept Paris in its thrall with its spectacular circus acts, which have included performers such as Robin Valençia, a female human cannon ball.
Nelson Mandela play area
1, rue Pierre Lescot, 75001 ParisThis splashy new playground within the Nelson Mandela Garden is part of the revamp of the once-seedy les Halles area into an attractive leisure destination. Measuring a whopping 1,400m2, it has swings, caves and jungle gyms a-go-go for kids aged 2-6.
Le Super Café
16, rue de Fontarabie, 75020 ParisFamilies rule at this laid-back venue, where adults can eat and drink their coffee in peace. Kids can roam free around the coin môme (tots corner), which includes toys and a clever mini-bar serving fruit juice shooters.
Chez Bogato
7, rue Liancourt, 75014 ParisThis cute pâtisserie does the classics, as well as more fun fare (including cakes in the shape of Lego, cartoon wolves and other crazy bespoke creations). It also holds regular baking ateliers for both kids and parents.
Les 400 coups
51 rue de Bercy, 75012 ParisThe jaunty canteen for the capital’s cinema museum – named after François Truffaut’s famous film – features a small-fry-friendly menu (think spag bol and chocolate cake). When your little ones tire of sitting still, they’ll also find a play area with a shadow puppet screen.
Image credits: © Super Café; © Super Café; © Kotozâne; © Cirque Bouglione; © Alamy; © Super Cafe; © Chez Bogato; © Les 400 coups