Eiffel Tower - Photo Taken by Betsi Ewing
Just found out we are headed back to Paris on Monday.
Posts Tagged ‘Paris’
Bonjour Paris
Posted in Specific Destinations, tagged Eiffel Tower, France, Paris on October 16, 2010 | Leave a Comment »
Once Upon a Time There was Playmobil
Posted in Specific Destinations, tagged Animal Exhibition, Child-friendly Museums, Les Lalanne, Paris, Playmobil on April 10, 2010 | 2 Comments »
A Seven Foot Playmobil Indian
Instead of joining the droves of Parisians in the park on this much anticipated sunny Saturday, Charles and I headed to the Musée des Arts Décoratifs because of one solitary word, Playmobil. Like any six-year-old boy, Charles is obsessed with anything Playmobil or Lego, so when we found out that there was a Playmobil exhibition, there was no choice but to check it out.
Noah's Ark with Animals Two by Two
Circus!
The small hallway-like rooms were bustling with wide-eyed children admiring this Playmobil wonderland. For protection from curious fingers, most of the colorful displays were in cases. With hands and noses firmly pressed to the glass, little ones stared with fixated focus at the circus, pirate, knights in armor, and everyday life scenes. The gallery retraces this German toy brand’s history and evolution, including original packaging and miniature characters. The Once upon a time there was Playmobil exhibition will be in Paris until the 16th of May.
Original Farm Collection
After about 20 minutes in this child haven, Charles turned to me and said, “I wish this was my home and I had a key to all the glass boxes at night.” Homerun.
The exhibition is small, so be sure to visit the Les Lalanne and Animal exhibitions as well, which are both child-friendly.
Les Lalanne's Bronze Bird
The Lalanne was spectacular. The two artists, Claude and François-Xavier Lalanne, focus their Surrealist creations on nature and animals, while giving sculpture a specific use, ie. a bird bed, camel chairs, a hippopotamus bathroom, etc. Simply fantastic and whimsical. I LOVED the enchanting world they created. This major exhibition will be up until July 4th.
Camel Seats
If your child is craving toys again, visit the Animal exhibition, which runs February 18, 2010–November 30, 2011. This gallery explores the styles, forms and periods in which animals have been used in toys, furniture, textiles, and fashion. My nostalgic moment was seeing a Care Bear collection, while Charles went crazy when he spotted Uglydolls. Although, hands down, the most spectacular sight was the pheasant hat. Amazing!
Pheasant Hat
New Cookie Magazine Blog
Posted in General Blogs, tagged Cookie Magazine Article, France, France Miniature, Paris, Paris with Kids on May 28, 2009 | Leave a Comment »
My Love/Hate Relationship with Paris, France
Posted in Specific Destinations, tagged carousels, family vacation, France, marionette theatre, Nanny, Paris, pony rides, work in Paris on February 4, 2009 | Leave a Comment »
Me and Paris
We spend A LOT of time working in Paris. I love Paris because the moment we step off the airplane, all of us breathe a bit deeper. I guess it is our second home. From culinary delights to cultural sights, the city of light, love and romance always seems to welcome us back to its streets. In the car ride to our apartments in the 16e, we are already fantasizing about breakfasts full of fresh croissants, shopping, strolling through charming parks and gardens, and soaking up Parisian city life.
I hate Paris because when we are there, I work…A LOT. My hours are long and we stay for long periods of time. I get no sympathy from my husband or friends. They make fun of me…”Where are you going?…Oh yeah, Paris, France. That must be really hard.” Their sarcasm-laced remarks always sober me up. It is true…I get to hang out with a wonderful 5-year-old boy in one of the most spectacular cities in the world. We have a driver that takes us anywhere we want to go, we choose our daily adventures, we indulge our taste buds in Parisian delicacies, and I spend a total of $0. Sounds horrible, right? Okay…so I have it pretty good.
The truth is despite my long work hours…Paris is a wonderful place to visit with a tot in tow. Charles and I are proof that you can never run out of things to do or places to go in this child-friendly city. If you are planning a trip to Paris for the first time, my best advice is to leave your frenzied tourist checklist at home, as Paris is truly meant to be savored. It seems that Paris has more spectacular monuments and museums per square mile than anywhere else, but don’t drive yourself crazy trying to tackle them all with your inevitably exhausted and cranky kids in tow. Pick a select few of Paris’ tourist attractions and indulge yourself, but be sure to set time aside to leisurely play in the city’s lovely parks with your kids. Do not leave the city without taking advantage of French children pastimes, such as pony rides, carousels and marionette theatre.
The Louvre at Sunset
If you have been to Paris before or often travel to Paris for business, exploring Paris with your kids can be exciting and new, as you uncover unexpected delights. Wherever you choose to go, allow Paris to stimulate your senses, as it beckons to be seen, heard, touched, smelt and tasted. Be sure to soak up city life from a sidewalk café, stroll along the breezy boulevards, picnic in the serene parks, view the impressive monuments, admire the fashionable Parisians going about their daily life and, my favorite, sample the sweetness of Paris. You and your little ones will soon fall in love with Paris as well.
