Shona | Sydney

Shona | Sydney

SHONA, BOWEN, KOTA & HARLOW 

Shona and Bowen are real sources of inspiration for families who want to create their own adventures. Scrolling through their Instagram feeds just makes you want to pack a bag and dive headfirst into the travel life. Bowen grew up in what is affectionately known as ‘The Shire’. His childhood was spent on the water, taking part in watersports and boating adventures. His wife, Shona, was originally from Melbourne before moving to Sydney when she was eighteen years old. Her early years were spent riding horses and exploring the land. While they both had vastly different upbringings, they shared a common interest, their sense of adventure. Ever since having kids, they have been making new memories through travel and adventures. About a year ago, Bowen decided it would be cool to start videoing their own little family on YouTube as a way to provide a digital time capsule for the kids when they got older. Also, having family and friends living far away, he thought it would be an amazing way to keep them all in the loop, and so they could see Kota and Harlow growing up. Today, they have a thriving VLog where they give tips on some of the more interesting things to do in Sydney and the Surrounding.

Bonte Beach

How do you organize your daily family life?

A standard day for us looks much like any other family in Sydney. While each day is different, most days Bowen will get up super early and head to work before it’s light. I get up with the kids, get them ready and take them to daycare then work, whether that be doing photo shoots or retouching. On non-daycare days, I will usually take the kids out early, we will pack up our bento lunch boxes and venture out to one of our many favorite local places.

What do you do in your free time as a family? 

Every weekend we try to get out of the house, on a new adventure. We always try to find somewhere we have not been before, to explore as a family. During our adventures, I take the photos and some video content, Bowen takes the majority of video content and the kids also carry cameras (Kota especially love photography), while Harlow loves nothing more than running around interviewing people with the GoPro. During the week, we do a lot of research about where to go, places that are recommended for kids, and young families… and/or places to eat. We love food, being a celiac myself, I’m in a strict gluten-free diet and the rest of the family generally eat gluten-free too so we also try to find new places, that have lots of gluten-free food, to feature in our vlogs

Which family-friendly Restaurant can you recommend in the city?

Oh, there are so many choices in Sydney! Dough Box Diner (located in Enmore and Brighton Le-sands) this little retro diner has cute booths and 1950s memorabilia adorning the walls with pinup girl waitresses. They make the most amazing gluten-free crepes, my favorite is their savory options, but they also do delicious looking deserts and you can wash it down with a root beer or shake for a special occasion. It’s a relatively cheap eat, and great value for money. The relaxed environment and colorful decor make it a fabulous place for kids but it can get busy so occasionally you’ll have to wait for a table… However, it’s WELL worth the wait! While not in Sydney city itself, located on the south coast around an hour from Sydney, we also love GF Eats… a cafe dedicated to offering all 100% gluten-free food, it’s the one place I have eaten, where I haven’t had to worry about cross-contamination or having to specify ‘gluten-free’ when ordering. Offering a varied menu, they have lots of options to make healthy settled GF tummy’s, whether you choose the schnitzel with Gravy and chips, sliders, calamari or fish & chips… you had better leave room for dessert! Their dessert case has a wide variety of donuts, pies, slices, biscuits, and cakes… and while we have tried to get through ourselves during our many visits, we have yet to succeed! One thing is for sure though, they are ALL delicious. You can see a feature of our last trip there, in our Kiama blowhole vlog.

Tell us about local specialties/dishes from Sydney?

We take great pride in the multiculturalism of Australia. While we do have a few ‘Aussie specific treats/products’ (hello Vegemite & laminations) primarily, we make a lot of dishes based on those of other cultures, like Italian, Mexican & Asian. In Australia, we do a lot of BBQ’ing, especially in the warmer months. Sausages, prawn skewers & salads. Our laminations make an annual appearance around Australia Day, which is basically jam-filled sponge cake, covered in chocolate, rolled in coconut. If chocolate is your thing, we also have some great Aussie products like Tim-tams & Caramello Koalas. Vegemite gets polarising reviews, but if prepared the right way, it is a great breakfast option and very popular in Australia!

What do you like about the city as a family? And can you give our readers some tips about what to visit in Sydney or surroundings?

The thing we love about Sydney the most is that it really has something for everyone. Sydney (& surrounds) provides stunning beaches, luscious mountain ranges, epic shopping precincts as well as about a million cafes, parks & entertainment options. If you’re coming to Sydney for the first time, and you have already spent a couple of days checking out the usual hotspots, such as the opera house & the harbor bridge, take a day trip (or weekend trip away) to the beautiful Blue Mountains. The most popular means of transport to the blue mountains is by car however you can also catch a train from the central station to Katoomba where you can eat, shop, hike & soak up the stunning scenery as well as the iconic ‘3 sisters’.

Can you give us some tips on activities in the sunshine and rainy weather with kids.

When the sun is shining, you can’t go past a trip to the beach, zoo or nature play garden. While Bondi Beach is very popular with tourists, there are some much less talked about beaches, that we rate over Bondi. If you wish to get away from the crowds & wish to stay close to the city check out beaches such as Manly, Bronte & Clovelly or if you fancy a bit of adventure try some of our favorite Illawarra & south coast beaches such as Cronulla, Thirroul & Shellharbour. During sunny days, we also love to go to the Zoo, Taronga Zoo is close to the city and offers a good day out, but if you want a real treat head to Symbio wildlife park (located south of Sydney) or the newly opened Sydney Zoo (located in Western Sydney). You can get to Sydney Zoo by public transport, but it easiest to drive to Symbio wildlife park, which is around 1 hour away from the city…. Make sure you pack the kids swim gear for a mid-day cool off! One of our favorite parks to visit in Sydney on a warm sunny day is the Ian Potter Wild Play Garden. Located in Centennial Park, it offers city kids, the opportunity to immerse themselves in an oasis of nature-play & adventure. It’s completely free and open from 10 am – 5 pm daily. Again, bring the kids to swim gear as there is a water play section!

There is an abundance of things to do, even on rainy days in Sydney. If you’ve got little ones and you’re keen on staying closer to the city, you can check our Nubo Play Centre (AUD$20 per child for all-day play) located in Alexandria for a great day filled with unique and fun play experienced for ages 6 months to 5 years.

If you have kids ages 3 and up, Skyzone is located in the same business park and provides hours of fun in this amazing trampolining center. Next door, is Archie Brothers Cirque Electric, an arcade that will rival all others, offering bumper cars, laser tag, bowling, thrill rider & virtual reality. Strictly Adults-only after 8 pm, All under 18’s must be supervised at all times. Entry is free, but grab yourself a game card and load it with credit to use at any of the games or activities within.

If you’re keen to venture out of the city and have kids ages 0 – 10, take a trip UOW Early Start Discovery Centre in Wollongong (around AUD$15 per person). Its open from 9 am-4 pm Tuesday – Sunday and provides an abundance of daily experiences, sure to entertain any young mind. Here just some examples:

 

  • The Camp Site – Come on a camping trip in the Australian bush, complete with a model campfire.
  • Bricks & Clicks – Build your own mini world and stop-motion movie with thousands of LEGO® brick
  • Discovery Garden – Step outside and explore our natural wonderland – an oasis that will excite all your senses
  • Light Sound Action – The stage is yours! Express yourself with costumes, backdrops, and lighting.
  • Marketplace – Take a trolley for a spin and collect your shopping before you start cooking in our Critter Café.
  • Construction – Gear up with a hi-vis vest and tool belt, we’re looking for builders who are ready to help construct our tiny home.

How you get around in Sydney? What is the best transport for families who are on vacation in the city?

Getting around Sydney is pretty easy. If traveling to Sydney, we have an airport train line that takes you right into the city (Between $AUD15 – $AUD20 per person) and also out to the outer-suburbs. Uber is very popular and available everywhere in Sydney (costing approx $AUD45 to the city) …although if catching an uber from the airport, you just need to make sure you’re waiting in the designated ‘Priority Pick-up Zone’. Once in the city, we have great train infrastructure which will get you to almost anywhere you need to be, as well as a great bus system, trams & ferry services. Sydney’s Central Station provides a bag/luggage holding service located on the grand concourse, which can be handy if you are only around for the day. If you’re planning on staying for a while and aren’t staying in the city (where parking can be difficult), you might also look into hire cars (which are also available from the airport) but we suggest you book prior & ensure your license (if international) is recognized.

 

Can you reveal some insider tips for our reader that you can’t find in any travel guide?

There are so many stunning places to visit if you want to venture out of the city, such as Cape Solander, Figure Eight Pools, Boat Harbour, Bare Island. Many of which have been featured on our YouTube channel ’The Mercy’s’.

OUR SYDNEY BEACH SHOPPING

HANAN | BARCELONA

HANAN | BARCELONA

#WESTAYATHOME

Nearly one billion people are confined to homes at this moment. A situation, nobody could ever imagine a few weeks ago. During this particular period without precedent, we want to continue to tell stories about families around the globe. But this time, they don’t give tips about their home town but tells us how they handle the current situation, the homeschooling, home office with kids, about fear and hope for a changing future.

We start with Hanan who moved with her husband Reto and their twins Julian & Lynn from Zurich to Barcelona only 8 months ago. She tells us about the period of confinement with her family, how they organize their new daily life and gives us her best ideas to keep her twins busy and entertained during this particular situation.

What was your reaction when you heard the news about the confinement and how did you explain it to your kids?

To be honest, I wasn’t too surprised when the lockdown was announced. It was to be expected. We already follow the situation in Italy for days or weeks.

For my kids, the whole situation is difficult to understand although they are happy to stay at home. We had talked a lot about the Corona Virus before the lockdown and they are informed that it is transferred to people via hands or while sneezing. The most exhausting thing for us parents was to remind them of the hygiene in the metro, again and again, i.e. don’t touch this & that and don’t put your fingers in your mouth.

How is the situation today in your country?

We are a Swiss family living in Barcelona. The situation in Spain will soon be as tragic as in Italy. We have been in absolute quarantine for 10 days now. The highlight of the week is the way to the grocery store and the waste container. It is forbidden to walk, cycle, drive to the beach or in the near nature reserves (no more than one person in the car is allowed in the car).

More than ever, we appreciate having a garden. This makes the quarantine time bearable and the kids can play outside.

Working from home with kids, is it possible? How do you handle it?

Oh yes, that’s a challenge. My husband is an entrepreneur and is currently extremely busy at work. I started my own blog a few weeks ago. But since the lockdown, I hardly have the time to work on my things. It is now the 10th day at home and we still have to get used to it and find a good way to deal with the situation. I am currently spending my time almost entirely to the children and the household. It is important to us that our children can remember this strange time with some good memories.

Do you have an activity to keep your kids occupied for 1 -2 hours? Any DIY tips or movies to recommend?

We designed a weekly schedule right from the start. I try to plan activities such as arithmetic, writing letters or paint for the grand-parents. We all sit at the same table and so I can be with them and at the same time work for an hour. My children love DIY and I often give them tasks like cutting letters or numbers or making a collage.

Of course, we are not anti-media, especially if they have so much « free time ». I have discovered great apps where their imaginations are stimulated and they are busy for an hour. Our favorites are Book Creator, where you can use your iPad to create your digital book. Lingokids and LÜK are great apps for learning English in a fun way.

But I also enjoy the moments when we can simply bake or cook together without time pressure. The quarantine time allows us to spend more time together which is finally a beautiful thing in this horrible moment.

Any Instagram Accounts to follow right now?

Ohh, there are many. But to be honest, I try to spend as little time as possible on social media in this quarantine time.

Do you think this situation will change the world permanently and how?

Good question. I am sure that the world will never be the same as it was before the Corona crisis. I believe that these restrictions will accompany us for a while in our daily life, in our freedom.

I can’t currently imagine that in Summer, we can just fly around the world, enjoy the sea or the lake again as nothing happened. This crisis will last longer and it is difficult to say in what form our world will change. But I could imagine that people will work more from home, fly less and spend more time with the family and loved ones.

PLAY & PAINT & DIY IDEAS

Le Circuit doré du Mont Pilate

Le Circuit doré du Mont Pilate

At 2,128 meters above sea level, and overlooking the spectacular Lake Lucerne, the legendary Mount Pilatus (or « Pilatus Kulm ») is part of the Swiss Alps. Many legends are behind the name of « Mount Pilatus » – formerly called « the broken mountain » – and many of them imply the existence of dragons who would have populated these mountains. Among them, a legend tells that in 1421, a dragon flew to Pilatus. He was seen by a farmer who, not believing his eyes, lost consciousness. When he awoke, he found as the one and only proof of the passage of the dragon, a piece of coagulated blood and a stone with extraordinary healing properties, later called « dragon stone ». Another legend says that its name is due to a Roman emperor, Pontius Pilatus, who would have ordered the death of Jesus Christ and that the devil would have punished him by throwing his body in one of the lakes bordering the mountain.

Today, Mont Pilatus is a renowned excursion site that welcomes visitors from all over the world each year, for an experience closer to nature, totally suitable for a trip with children. The « Golden Circuit » formula around Mont Pilatus can be done from Lucerne, and it will take you about a day to fully enjoy this extremely diverse trip. Boat, rack railway, gondola and cable car « Dragon-Ride »: embark on a memorable family adventure, through breathtaking landscapes.

THE MAP

ON TOP OF THE MOUNTAIN

Golden Tour packages include a boat trip from Lucerne to Alpnachstad through the impressive Lake Lucerne, which offers a breathtaking panorama of the alpine landscape. From Alpnachstad to Pilatus Klum, take the famous cogwheel train invented by engineer Eduard Locher and put it into service in 1889. Regarded as the world’s fastest cogwheel train, this daring electric train (since 1937) moves on an area with a gradient of 48%. It takes 30 minutes to get from  Alpnachstad to Pilatus Kulm.

A trip during which you can admire impressive landscapes composed of rock formations, forests and wild meadows. Arrived at the summit thanks to the « Dragon Ride », the famous and vertiginous cable car of Mount Pilatus, a panoramic view of exception will allow you to admire no less than 73 alpine peaks, as well as lakes and surrounding villages. You can descend from Pilatus Kulm in Lucerne in the famous « Dragon-Ride » (cable car) and thanks to the panoramic gondola that will allow you here again to appreciate the wild beauty of this exceptional natural site.

                  View on the Lake Lucerne from Fräkmüntegg

FRÄKMÜNDEGG – ADVENTURE & SPORT & FUN

The Golden Tour of Mount Pilatus promises great family moments thanks to the activities specially set up for the delight of the children. In addition to the Pilatus Dragon Trail, with legends and other fantastic myths about the history of this mountain, you can enjoy the PILU LAND adventure park on the Krienseregg. The nice Red Dragon welcomes young and old in his castle and his forest for a moment with a happy and playful family. 

On Pilatus Kulm, discover the fascinating “Dragon World” exhibition, a veritable interactive saga. Finally, on the flank of Mount Pilatus, the famous summer toboggan run in Switzerland, located in Fräkmüntegg promises thrills and unforgettable moments for the whole family.

PILATUS TRAIN – WORLD’S STEEPEST RAILWAY

   View from Pilatus Kulm

On the way, many restaurants welcome you, offering breathtaking views and offering à la carte typical Swiss dishes. If you want to extend your stay, you will also be able to sleep at the top of Mount Pilatus or in an unusual accommodation located in the trees in Fräkmüntegg, and go down the next day. Excursions on the “Golden Circuit” formula are generally possible from the beginning of May to mid-October or the end of November depending on the agency, and you will need to pay around 100 euros for an adult and 50 euros for a child. Mount Pilatus is a very popular tourist place, think, as far as possible, to book your tickets in advance to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

BACK TO LUCERNE WITH THE STEAMSHP

                                                                                                                                                                                          Back to Lucerne with the boat (80 minutes)

Discovering Mount Pilatus with kids is one of the top listed things to do in Switzerland. The many activities for young and old, the possibility of having a picnic with a great view or sleep under the trees in the forest makes this place an exceptional stay for the whole family.

We hope you will enjoy your trip to Mount Pilatus. 

See you soon for new adventures!

OUR SWISS SHOPPING

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CITY-GUIDE | PARIS EN FAMILLE

CITY-GUIDE | PARIS EN FAMILLE

Paris is a city known for being the center of fashion, art, culture and world-class restaurants. There is something so special about Paris that you can’t wait to show it to your kids. But for most children, a trip to Paris means only one thing: Disneyland. Don’t let you persuade! We have some great ideas, activities, and addresses which will keep your children entertained and will please the parents. You won’t find another guide to get faster on the Eiffel Tour but some cool insider tips from Parisian mother and blog reader. So read on and dive into the charm of Paris.

THE ESSENTIALS

When to go: The best time to visit Paris is from April to June and September to early November when the weather is mild. From July 15 until the end of August almost all Parisians leave for holidays and Paris is an empty place and only filled with tourists. This can have its charm but personally, we prefer Paris with its inhabitants.

Where to stay: Paris has a multitude of hotels, from the nice design hotels to huge luxury palaces like the Ritz. Check out in which Arrondisment you want to stay before booking a hotel. You can also check Airbnb but the prices have increased in the last years.

What to do: Visit museums and galleries, spend your days in the parks, enjoy some shopping… Moreover, we will present to you the good addresses in the following paragraphs.

Transportation: The public transport system is excellent. The buses and the subways are operational until around 0.30 at night. If you are really in a hurry, you can always take a taxi or an Uber. You also have the usual e-bike rentals like Bird or Lime.

Currency: Euro

Language: French is obviously the official language. However, the local population mostly speaks English.

Budget: Is Paris an expensive city? Basically yes, but there are also good plans. For accommodation, count at least 150 Euros. For meals, prices range from 20 Euros upwards. The tip is appreciated in all restaurants!

Transport: The Paris Visite travel pass allows you to use all of the public transport networks: the metro, tramway, bus, RER, and SNCF Transilien networks.

Prices for 1 day: 12 € for adults, 6 € for children (10-15 years) | 2 days: 19.50 € for adults, 9.75 € for children | 3 days: 26.65 € for adults, 13.30 € for children | 5 days: 38.35 € for adults, 19.15 € for children.

THE MAP

STROLLING THROUGH THE ILE SAINT LOUIS: A UNIQUE ATMOSPHERE IN PARIS

A walk on the beautiful île Saint-Louis is undoubtedly one of the visits not to be missed during a stay in Paris. It offers a peaceful timeless atmosphere and magnificent views on both right and left banks and on the Seine. All the buildings on the Ile Saint Louis date from the 17th century and most of them are beautiful ‘Hotels particuliers’. They have the typical iron balconies and carved stone doorways. The roads around Ile Saint Louis are narrow and cobbled and very few cars drive through. It is a pleasant place to walk around with your kids.
And why not finish your walk by a visit to the most prominent ice-cream maker of Paris, Berthillon.

GLACIER BERTHILLON

29-31 rue Saint-Louis en l’île | 75004 Paris

The small shop and tearoom are located on the east side of the Rue Saint Louis en l’Ile, just before the crossing with the rue Des Deux Ponts. It is open from Wednesday to Sunday, from 10 am till 8 pm. At peak hours, the line gets really long. But apart from the main shop, most of the Cafés, brasseries or tea-rooms of the Island offer Berthillon ice-creams

VISIT A CHILDREN’S THEATER IN PARIS

Even if your kids don’t speak french, visiting a typical children’s theatre in Paris is a real pleasure and your kids will quickly get into the story and will follow the spectacle like the little Frenchies. There are many different theatres and shows around Paris and we suggest that you have a look at the website Fnac Spectacles , where you can buy the tickets online.

 If you prefer to see a typical french Guignol Theatre, you can go to the Jardin Luxembourg. Ther e is no need to take the tickets in advance, just be there 10 minutes before the show begins. For more info go to their website.

A LA FOLIE THEATRE

6, rue de la Folie Méricourt – 75011 Paris

Housed in a paved courtyard, La Folie Theater is a small charming theatre in the 11th arrondissement and one of your favorite ones. In the afternoon they propose different shows for kids. You can find their program online on this website.

SHOPPING IN PARIS: IT’S A MUST, EVEN WITH CHILDREN

Paris is THE place for hunters and collectors. There are always new boutiques with the latest trends and concepts to discover. Stroll through the beautifully decorated Le Bon Marché, discover the latest trends in kid’s clothing and toys at Smalllable or get some new books at one of the established book shops in the 6th arrondissement. Paris is heaven for hunters and collectors, but not only to find the latest products but also for antiques and vintage treasure. Take a tour at the St. Ouen Market or on one of Paris Flea Market.

LE BON MARCHÉ

24 Rue de Sèvres, 75007 Paris

Le Bon Marché is the temple of shopping for most Parisians. The selection is sophisticated and you will quickly get lost in the huge offer of products and nice decoration. The kid’s section has a nice offer of kid’s clothes and toys as well as a corner for children’s books.

BONTON 

Bonton is a lovely French Brand with a few shops around Paris. It’ main concept shop is in the 3rd arrondissement of Paris where you can find the brands clothing line, toys, decoration and furniture and even a hair dresser for kids.

SPEND SOME TIME AT A CHILDREN’S BOOKSHOP

We hope you enjoy reading as much as we do. Even if you don’t speak very well french, it is worth taking a closer look at some french children books, especially the beautifully illustrated versions for the smaller ones. Most of the book shops have an english corner. One of our favorite one is Chantelivre. They have large children’s books corner with a great selection.

 

LIBRAIRIE CHANTELIVRE

13 Rue de Sèvres, 75006 Paris

STROLL THROUGH THE TUILERIES GARDEN

With its many playgrounds and its idyllic setting, the Jardin des Tuileries is one of the most beautiful places in Paris. You can stroll along the Louvre and the Pyramide and enter the park from the East entrance. Under the huge chestnuts trees, in the center of the park are hidden two outdoor restaurants. This park is a favorite place for many Parisians who spend their free time relaxing on the legendary green Fermob chairs places all around the park.

When you walk across the park in direction of the Place de la Concorde, you come along a large playground, a carousel, and some trampoline park. Your kids will love it!

WATCH PARIS FROM THE RIVER

There is a way to see the most emblematic places in Paris easily and in your own time. The cruise down the River Seine allows you to take in many of the highlights of the city—the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, the Musée d’Orsay, Notre Dame, etc.—as you float along the famous Seine River. There are many operators, but the offer and prices are almost the same everywhere. You can choose between 30 minutes or a 1-hour cruise. Go to their website if you want to book a special cruise like a lunch or dinner cruise.

 

VEDETTES DU PONT NEUF

1 Square du Vert Galant, 75001 Paris

Boats leave from the Square du Vert Galant near the Pont Neuf on the tip of the Île de la Cité (within walking distance of Notre Dame). 

Prices: 14 euros for adults and 7 euros for children 4-12. You can find special offers when you book through their website.

AN AFTERNOON AT THE BOIS DE BOULOGNE

The Louis Vuitton Foundation and the Jardin d’acclimatation are two attractions situated in the Bois de Boulogne in Paris. When you buy your entrance to the Fondation Louis Vuitton you can enter for free to the Jardin d’acclimatation. It is a nice way to combine an exposition with an afternoon at the Jardin d’acclimatation where you find many attractions, some free play areas, many activities for nature lovers and lots of other interesting things for all the family. 

FONDATION LOUIS VUITTON

8 Avenue du Mahatma Gandhi, 75116 Paris

Frank Gehry imagined an architecture inspired by the glass Grand Palais, and also by the structures of glass, such as the Palmarium, which was built for the Jardin d’Acclimatation in 1893. The resulting glass building takes the form of a sailboat’s sails inflated by the wind. (wiki)

JARDIN D’ACCLIMATATION

Bois de Boulogne, Route de la Porte Dauphine

Mini–roller coasters, mirrored funhouse, pony rides, and more. The entry fee is €5 (for adults or kids over 3), as are the actual rides, which you can buy in bulk at varying rates. 

MUSEUMS & GALLERIES IN PARIS

Apart from the Musée d’Orsay and the Louvre, known for having the most impressive art collections in the world, Paris has many other incredible museums and galleries worth a visit with your kids. Many of them offer workshops or special kids tours. Here is a selection of our favorite ones:

Line in front of the Mona Lisa | Louvre

Centre Pompidou

A new-age architectural masterpiece that houses over 100,000 pieces of art. The Centre Pompidou is often considered to be a shrine dedicated to modern art. It offers exhibitions, debates, and movies. The Kids Gallery is a special exhibition area designed for children under the ages of 16.

 

♥ Musée Rodin

The Musée Rodin is situated in the beautiful Hôtel de Biron, a superbly maintained early 18th-century mansion with a huge garden with a pond, rose garden, ancient trees (some over a hundred years old), a café and numerous Rodin sculptures for you to admire.

Musée du Quai Branly

The Musée du Quai Branly-Jacques Chirac is a space dedicated to the arts of non-Western civilizations. It is known for its unusual design by Jean Nouvel. The exterior of the building almost seems alive with plant walls and wild gardens, while the interiors are dark, winding, and dramatically lit. You can take one of the family guided tours the museum offers. During the hour-long tour, you’ll discover objects from different continents, from rare pieces to temporary exhibits.

 

Musée des Arts Décoratifs

The MAD is situated in the west wing of the Louvre. It has a large collection of Applied Arts & Design, Advertising & Graphic Design, and Fashion & Textiles.  It is home to some 16,000 costumes from the 16th century to the present day but only displays during regularly scheduled themed exhibitions.

 

Palais de Tokyo

 Palais de Tokyo   

 

Palais Galliera | Musée de la Mode

If you enjoy fashion, this is definitely the place to visit. A stone’s throw from the city’s most prestigious haute couture boutiques in the 16th district, the Musee Galliera is housed in a Renaissance-inspired palace. The museum has no permanent collections, so check out the current exhibition on the official website.

Musée Rodin

LUNCH AT THE MARCHÉ DES ENFANTS ROUGE

If you really want to take a dip in the Parisian local culture, visit Le Marché des Enfants Rouges. It is the perfect place to taste a wide variety of food and choose from one of the many stalls that serve dishes from all over the world. It’s a charming spot in the Marais and we recommend it highly for a nice family lunch served on the small typically French tables.

Don’t miss the little shops around the Market like the small charming Photography Shop near the main entrance. They have a wide choice of beautiful ancient photographies, views of Paris and portraits of Parisians in black & white.

When you walk on the Rue de Bretagne you quickly spot the incredible Cheese Shop, who has a waste choice of French cheese. Further down the street, you come across some of the trendy cafés like the famous café Charlot or Le Progrès. Yes, it’s time for coffee on a terrace!

LE MARCHÉ DES ENFANTS ROUGES

rue de Bretagne, 75003 Paris

CAFÉ CHARLOT

38, rue de Bretagne, 75003 Paris

LA CITÉ DES SCIENCES ET DE L’INDUSTRIE

The Cite des Sciences is the largest science museum in Europe, which is located within the Parc de la Villette and is suitable for all ages with so much to discover, with a focus on science and technical knowledge, that has numerous interactive activities and sections for children upwards. It’s probably one of the best museums to visit in Paris with kids as it is highly interactive and fun.

In a cavernous concrete block of a building, you’ll find the Cité des Enfants where kids can spend a 90-minute session exploring all sorts of things scientific. There are two entry options for the Cité des Enfants – one for kids aged 2-7 and on for kids aged 5-12.  We recommend buying your tickets online to pass the queue.  

Tickets cost €12 per adult and €9 for children.

LE JARDIN DES PLANTES & LA MÉNAGERIE

The Jardin des Plantes is a lovely 17th-century garden to enjoy a stroll with your kids. Moreover, inside this garden, you will find a playground, some greenhouses and even a zoo (la Ménagerie) with more than 200 species of animals like panthers, crocodiles or orang-utans. Just next to the garden is situated at the Natural History Museum. The Evolution Gallery (Grande Galerie de l’Evolution) is very impressive and shows many realistic models of extinct species. 

 

LA MÉNAGERIE

57 Rue Cuvier, 75005 Paris

Located at the northwest side of the Jardin des Plantes, the Ménagerie is France’s oldest public zoo. It was created in 1794 during the French Revolution to house the four survivors from the Royal Ménagerie of Versailles. Nowadays, its inhabitants include vultures, monkeys, orang-utans, ostriches, flamingos, a century-old turtle, plus another one rescued from the sewers, a gorgeous red panda and lots of satisfyingly scary spiders and snakes.

LE SALON DE THÉ DE LA GRANDE MOSQUÉE

2bis Place du Puits de l’Ermite, 75005 Paris

Just next to the Jardin de Plante is located the Great Mosque of Paris with its traditional restaurant “Aux Portes de l’Orient” and its teashop. Have a break with your family and enjoy Turkish delights and other sweet oriental treats while sipping a mint tea.

 

 

SUNSET AT MONTMARTRE

When you visit Montmartre, begin your visit at the Abbesses metro station instead of Anvers, where most tourists start. You can then walk up to the Sacre Coeur through the charming narrow streets of the Montmartre district. For lunch, there are many small cafés and cute restaurants around rue des Abbesses.  Avoid the very touristic restaurants on the Place de Tertre.

Once you arrived at the Sacré Cours you can enjoy the incredible view over Paris. The best moment is at sunset. Explore the tiny, winding little streets behind the famed old basilica, for a nice sunset-hour walk you won’t forget. 

 

RESTAURANT SIGNATURE MONTMARTRE

12 rue des Trois Frères, 75018 Paris

A very nice small restaurant with a mix of French and Asian cuisine. Reservation is a must! 

OUR FAVORITE PLACES TO STAY IN PARIS

It goes without saying that you’ll have to spend the night somewhere. The big question is which hotel to choose, as the choices are vast. We’ve prepared a selection of great places:

Mama Shelter is located in the 20th district and was designed by Philippe Starck. It feels rather out of the way, but this is an interesting area both now and historically when it was home to industrial workers. The metro is around a 10-minute walk from the hotel and takes you to the center in 20 minutes. It’s a trendy establishment with a colorful restaurant, a lively bar, and a seasonal rooftop terrace. It features as well an amusement area with table football and a gift shop. A top hotel to stay if you want to avoid the crowds in the center.

It’s one of the city’s more relaxed, easygoing, and affordable (for Paris) options, it’s also in a great location just a few steps from Grands Boulevards Metro Station. Set in a historic 18th-century mansion and now classified as a monument historique, the Hoxton Paris is undoubtedly the most beautiful place to stay for a few nights.

Staying the night at this luxury hotel is a real treat, like a slice of paradise in the middle of Paris’s beating heart. Le Meurice is an inspirational and fascinating place where 18th-century splendor and the most innovative modern comforts sit happily side by side.  Across the street are the Tuileries Gardens, home to a carnival in the summer months and Paris’ famed carousel. This makes it one of the most central locales in the entire city and a perfect place for families. Then there are the connecting rooms, perfectly designed for families of four. There’s no doubt that this Parisian locale has a certain joie de vivre.

A very cozy and nice address in the center of the Marais and perfect when you travel with your family. The famous Place des Vosges is just across the street and many of the top shopping addresses are situated in the Marais like Merci or APC.

It’s an elegant, family-owned boutique property, located in an aristocratic mansion. You can expect a warm, low-key welcome, comfortable rooms and an excellent breakfast. Some of its best dining spots are a short walk away.

The Hotel Crayon takes us back to the time of classrooms, blackboards, pencils, and boxes of colors that have shaped our childhood. This Parisian hotel has colorful decorated walls and furniture to welcome its guests in a happy atmosphere. Located in the 1st district, Hotel Crayon is situated in the center of the city and close to all main major sight-seeing spots.

Parisian real estate being what it is, there’s almost no way to open a hotel that’s both humanely comfortable and genuinely affordable within the actual city limits. Which is why you’re looking at a hotel in Saint-Ouen.

Tablet’s first hotel in the Parisian suburbs is the product of Cyril Aouizerate, a hotelier whose populist bona fides are indisputable — he was one of the co-founders of Mama Shelter. So we’re inclined to trust him when he says his new project, Mob Hotel of the People, is worth a few extra minutes on the Métro.

We hope you will enjoy your trip to Paris. And don’t forget to send us your best tips and addresses in the comments section. 

See you soon for new adventures!

OUR PARIS SHOPPING

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KHANH | HANOI

KHANH | HANOI

KHANH, NAM & HOA

Khanh vit avec son mari et sa fille Hoa dans le sud-ouest d’Hanoi, dans un quartier résidentiel bien loin du centre touristique et bouillonnant de la ville. Khanh travaille en tant que traductrice anglais-vietnamien, une activité qui lui laisse le temps de s’occuper de sa fille après l’école. Sa famille est typiquement hanoïenne, vivant dans la région depuis des générations, alors que celle de son mari est originaire de la région centrale du Vietnam. Nam, son mari, est caméraman pour la chaine de télévision nationale et travaille de longues heures durant, parfois pendant le week-end. Il a rencontré Khanh via un cousin alors qu’elle était encore étudiante à l’Université. Ils sont aujourd’hui mariés depuis 9 ans, et ont une magnifique fille âgée de 7 ans, Hoa. Hoa tient son nom du docteur qui lui a sauvé la vie. Alors que Khanh était enceinte de deux mois, elle a contracté le virus de la rubéole. Les médecins de l’hôpital public l’ont alors poussée à avorter. Par chance, un docteur appelé Hoa lui a conseillée, après examen complet, de ne pas s’y résoudre. Grace à ce médecin compétent, la petite-fille est née en bonne santé, et a hérité du nom du docteur.

A quoi ressemble une journée typique en famille ?

Normalement, mon mari et moi-même prenons notre petit-déjeuner près de nos bureaux respectifs. Hoa, ma fille prend le sien à la maison, donc je me lève tôt afin de préparer son petit-déjeuner. Ensuite, mon mari ou moi-même l’amenons à l’école. Nous déjeunons au bureau et nous relayons pour aller chercher notre fille à l’école, selon notre agenda. Généralement nous dinons tous à la maison, mais parfois mangeons à l’extérieur, histoire de changer un peu, ou pour une occasion spéciale. Après le diner, j’aide ma fille à faire ses devoirs. Durant les week-ends, nous sortons, le plus souvent, dans un joli café pour nous détendre.

Comment passez-vous vos moments libres tous ensemble ?

Mon mari est très occupé avec son travail, mais il passe également du temps avec ma fille et moi-même durant le week-end. Nous avons pour habitude d’emmener notre fille au parc pour jouer avec ses amis. Parfois, nous nous rendons dans la ville natale de mon mari, dans la campagne, afin de rendre visite à sa famille et ses proches. Il y a une très jolie plage là-bas, appelée Cua Lo. 

En tant que parent, comment voyez-vous votre enfant dans 15/20 ans ? Qu’espérer pour eux ?

En tant que mère, je souhaite que ma fille ait une bonne éducation, à la fois à la maison et à l’école. Je lui souhaite, tout particulièrement, de vivre une vie en bonne santé et d’être forte. Par conséquent, je l’amène généralement à la piscine en été et trouve des cours de danse moderne pour elle en hiver. J’espère qu’elle deviendra une personne généreuse, dotée d’un grand cœur. Mais aussi qu’elle ira à l’Université, afin qu’elle puisse exercer un bon emploi dans l’avenir. L’accès à l’éducation n’est pas gratuit au Vietnam, mais est raisonnable, abordable pour la plupart. Les familles pauvres peuvent obtenir des prêts à taux bas de la part du gouvernement pour financer des études à l’Université.

Parlez-moi de la nourriture dans votre région / pays. Qui prépare à manger ? Et quel est le plat typique de votre région / ville ?

Chaque région du Vietnam a ses spécialités culinaires. Mon mari vient de Nghe An, une province située dans le centre du Vietnam, alors que je suis originaire d’Hanoi dans le Nord. La nourriture dans ces deux régions sont assez différentes. Mon mari aime la nourriture salée, la sauce de poisson, la nourriture épicée et frite, alors que j’aime la cuisson vapeur, les légumes et le bœuf. Pour Hoa, je cuisine des plats spéciaux, comme du saumon, du bœuf non épicé, et elle mange généralement avant mon mari et moi-même, car il lui faut des heures pour terminer son repas. Souvent c’est moi qui fait la cuisine car mon mari rentre tard du travail. Quand il a le temps il cuisine aussi et le fait très bien.

Dans les pays occidentaux, nous devons apprendre à nos enfants à réduire le temps passé devant les écrans. Les enfants ont aujourd’hui facilement accès aux smartphones, ordinateurs et télévisions. Comment ça se passe dans votre pays ?

La situation est assez similaire au Vietnam. Aujourd’hui, de nombreux enfants utilisent des smartphones, des ordinateurs et regardent beaucoup la télé. Ma fille passait des heures à regarder Youtube sur l’iPad. Nous avons donc décidé de lui interdire l’utilisation des gadgets et de définir quelques règles quant au temps passé devant les écrans. Ma fille joue maintenant avec ses jouets et nous passons beaucoup de temps dehors et sur des terrains de jeux. Il est vraiment important de réduire le temps passé devant un écran pour les enfants. Je pense que c’est un problème global car tous ces gadgets sont maintenant disponibles partout.

Un des jeux auxquels les enfants jouent ici est O an quan. C’est un super jeu que je peux recommander si vous voulez faire un cadeau ou amener un souvenir du Vietnam. Il s’agit d’un jeu de société traditionnel vietnamien pour les enfants. Ce jeu est utile pour améliorer les compétences de calcul des enfants.

Comment vit un couple normal et comment partage-t-il le temps entre travail et vie personnelle ? Est-ce que les deux travaillent généralement ? Si oui, existe-t-il un congé maternité ? Combien de temps dure-t-il ?

Il existe toujours une nette séparation entre vie professionnelle et vie de famille. De nos jours, il est très courant de voir mari et femme travailler afin de gagner de l’argent pour subvenir aux besoins de la famille. Mais pour ce qui est de la vie de famille, les femmes sont toujours celles qui occupent le rôle prédominant dans l’exécution des tâches ménagères. Les femmes qui ont des enfants bénéficient de six mois de congé maternité. 

Pouvez-vous nous recommander quelques bons endroits pour manger ?

A Rome, fais comme les Romains. Les voyageurs, qui explorent le Vietnam, devraient profiter du mode de vie local, et les stands de rue sont un formidable endroit pour expérimenter cela. Pour ceux qui restent dans le Vieux Quartier d’Hanoi, il existe quelques endroits avec des stands de nourriture : le bun cha (du porc grillé avec des nouilles de riz) à Bun Cha Dac Kim, le café aux œufs au café Giang, la soupe Pho au Pho Ly Quoc Su… A un autre niveau, vous pouvez essayer tout un menu au Quan an ngon, ou encore la spécialité d’Hanoi le Cha ca au Cha ca Than Long.

Nous demandons à chaque famille que nous rencontrons de partager la recette d’un plat typique de leur région. Retrouvez ci-dessous la recette des Nem Dan par Khanh :

Quels sont les endroits les plus agréables d’Hanoi à visiter ?

Pour faire simple, en termes d’architecture, Hanoi peut être divisée en quatre zones : le Vieux Quartier, le quartier de la Citadelle, le quartier français et la zone plus récente. Généralement, les touristes restent dans le Vieux Quartier, le centre de la vieille ville d’Hanoi. Il y a quelques endroits très sympas à visiter près du Vieux Quartier, si vous vous trouvez à Hanoi : le lac Hoan Kiem, la catédrale Saint Joseph, l’Opéra, la prison Hoa Lo, le temple de la littérature, la rue du train, les balades à travers les petites rues escarpées du Vieux Quartier, les marchés de nuit du week-end… Plus loin du Vieux Quartier, le Musée de l’Ethnologie est un musée très intéressant à visiter où sont exhibés des objets appartenant à différents groupes ethniques du Vietnam. Si vous aimez l’art, le Musée des Beaux-Arts est un bel endroit à voir.