… a lovingly curated selection of the essentials you need for living in the City of Lights – prepared by people in the know.
Guédelon has been described as the “world’s largest archaeological experiment”. It all began in 1995, when an archaeological study at Saint-Fargeau Castle revealed a medieval stone fortress hidden within the red brick walls.
A team of construction builders works from medieval financial records, manuscripts, stained-glass cathedral windows and research. Their mission is to build a 13th century castle over 25 years using the construction techniques and logistical organization of the Middle Ages. The site, located in the heart of Burgundy’s wine vineyards in eastern France, possesses all the resources necessary for the building of a castle: a stone quarry, an oak forest and a water supply.
Read abotu it here: “Archaeological Challenge: Building a Real Medieval Chateau Today”
Metro: Trocadero (lines 6 and 9)
Escape the rain and plunge into the water world at the Aquarium de Paris, located in the Palais de Chaillot at Place de Trocadero. Its darkly-lit rooms create the perfect ambiance for a mysterious tour of the large, underwater tanks with more than 100,000 species including clown fish, puffers, sharks and stingrays. With two cinemas screening documentaries and cartoons, as well as live entertainment on weekends and holidays, there’s plenty to keep you entertained for a couple hours.
Metro: Porte Dorée (line 8)
It may not be very big but, housed in the beautifully maintained Art Deco building, Le Palais de la Porte Dorée, this small aquarium won’t disappoint. Learn about the richness and diversity of the aquatic world and the importance it represents. Its 84 aquariums contain about 5,000 animals, including 300 species of tropical fish and fauna.
Metro: Filles du Calvaire (line 8), Oberkampf (lines 5 and 9)
For a traditional circus, the Cirque d’Hiver is an institution in Paris. Watch lions and tigers, elephants and clowns in an authentic, round, high-top arena. The Bouglione Circus has been dazzling audiences with its shows for over 170 years and brings you new thematic shows each season.
You can also rent out their space for medium to large-scale private events such as corporate parties, meetings and concerts.
Check out more family activity ideas in our guide to 15 Indoor Activities for Children in Paris on Rainy Days!
A charming village located just 80 km West of Paris, Giverny’s picturesque gardens were the source of inspiration for Impressionist painter Claude Monet’s most esteemed works from 1883 until his death in 1926. The gardens and restored house have since become a pilgrimage for artists, tourists and nature lovers alike.
After a peaceful stroll through the cascades of flowers and weeping willows, take a short walk over to Le Jardin des Plumes, a Michelin-starred restaurant serving dishes as beautiful as the surrounding scenery. Or, lunch in one of the many quaint local restaurants near Monet’s house. Complete the day with a visit to the fabulous Museum of Impressionisms in the village.
Hidden away in a real greenhouse, you can admire the beauty of 40 different species of butterflies. It’s a wonderful new experience for your nature-loving children where you can witness the egg-laying, hatching and the metamorphosis of these beautiful insects.
Metro: Porte de la Villette (line 7)
Inside this modern Museum of Science and Industry you’ll find permanent exhibitions on the universe, mathematics, transportation and more, plus regularly rotating temporary exhibitions. Inside this big sister to the Palais de la Découverte, families will also love the fabulous Cité des Enfants, a totally hands-on science adventure playground with hands-on exhibits including a water zone, mock recording studio, construction zone and much more. There are two distinct areas, for 2-7 year olds and 5-12 year olds, so parents with kids in two different age groups better bring another adult! Reservations highly recommended.
Love science? Get an annual Universcience pass to visit both the Palais de la Découverte and Cité throughout the year.
Metro: Blanche (line 2)
Hop onto Le Petit Train to weave through the picturesque streets of the charming Montmartre neighborhood, once home to the likes of Picasso and Modigliani. It’s a 40-minute guided tour from the Moulin Rouge to the Sacré-Coeur, with fabulous views of Paris.
To make the most of your tour of Montmartre, visit the Espace Dali museum and travel into a world of fantasy. One of the biggest artists of the 20th century, Dali’s more than 300 works are displayed here.
A wonderful family activity just outside of Paris! You can pick your own fresh fruits and vegetables, visit the farm animals, and shop in the country store for homemade products. Think apples and pumpkins in the fall and strawberries and raspberries in the summer! They offer regular workshops and presentations for the whole family.
Metro: Porte Dorée (line 8)
Here’s a real cultural jewel. Learn about the immigrants who helped build France over the past two centuries at this fascinating multicultural museum. Discover a large collection of photographs, documents and video that trace the history, culture and contributions of the many ethnic groups that make up France today.
The museum is located in an exquisite Art Deco building, the Palais de la Porte d’Orée, built in 1931 for the International Colonial Exhibition in Paris. INSPIRELLE recommends this museum for adults and older children, but younger kids can fully enjoy the tropical aquarium on the lower level.
As mentioned in our article 15 Indoor Activities for Children in Paris on Rainy Days!
Metro: Pont Marie (line 7)
Stop by the Musée de la Magie for a tour from a wizard or one of the museum’s favorite magic shows. Located in the Marais, this quirky museum is full of amazing artifacts illustrating the history and magic of the art of illusion. Examine antique magicians’ props and gadgets, learn about stunning optical illusions and how to stump your friends with a slight of hand.
As mentioned in our Guide to After School and Weekend Activities or in 15 Indoor Activities for Children in Paris on Rainy Days!
Metro: Rambuteau (line 11)
Make a dream come true for doll lovers by taking them to the Musée de la Poupée in the Marais. Imagine finding over 500 of the finest French dolls, from 1800 to today, on display in their best finery and accessories! Admire the furnished miniature dollhouses. From baby dolls to Barbie, learn about the evolution of the doll and understand why she is your little girl’s eternal best friend.
As mentioned in our Guide to After School and Weekend Activities and 15 Indoor Activities for Children in Paris on Rainy Days!
Metro: Arts et Métiers (line 3)
A wonderful little museum exhibiting over 2,400 inventions, from scientific instruments to energy to communication and transportation. Guided tours and numerous demonstrations and workshops are organized regularly throughout the year.
Metro: Cour St-Emilion (line 14)
One of the best kept secrets in town is the enchanting Musée des Arts Forains, or Museum of Carnival Arts. Discover a stunning collection of beautiful, old amusement park rides and other carnival-related attractions in a magical space hidden in Bercy Village, southeast Paris. The gorgeous craft and workmanship of these carousels will astound you.
As mentioned in our Guide to After School and Weekend Activities and 15 Indoor Activities for Children in Paris on Rainy Days!
As its name would suggest, the Museum of Impressionisms Giverny focuses on all the different forms of Impressionism, one of the most popular painting movements in history. Explore the origins, geographical diversity, history and development of this genre of art. Giverny is not only an essential stop on an Impressionist route in the Seine Valley, it is also a crucial landmark in the turn from Impressionism to the art of the 20th century.
Metro: Champs Elysées Clemenceau (line 1 and 13)
A hands-on science museum housed in the magnificent Grand Palais in the heart of Paris. Includes a planetarium, permanent and temporary exhibits and regular demonstrations and workshops. It’s also a sister museum to the Cité des Sciences, so you can get an annual Universcience pass to visit both museums through the year.
Metro: Porte Dorée (line 8)
At this zoo, also known as the Vincennes Zoo, imagine you’re in the savanna, Patagonia, or in the tropical climates of Guyana and Madagascar. All year round, you can come here to encounter more than 180 animal species kept in conditions as close to their original habitat as possible.
Only two hours from Paris, this 19th century farmhouse with stunning views of the Burgundy countryside and 40-foot lap pool is just the place to rejuvenate yourself. Owners Lee Yanowitch and Philippe Chamaillard have lovingly renovated the farmhouse to preserve its authentic charm, (stone fireplaces, oak beams) while providing modern amenities and comfort.
With five double-occupancy rooms, Auberge de la Tuilerie guarantees you an intimate and informal holiday experience in the French countryside, far from the touristy paths.
Read their story here: “Life Change: from Big City TV to Countryside B&B”