It’s time to celebrate Mother’s Day! During the month of May, INSPIRELLE pays tribute to mamans around the world. In France, the celebration falls on the last Sunday of the month, so we’ve prepared a list of special activities in and near Paris especially for mothers and daughters. From princess-themed workshops to places to get pampered and exquisite surroundings to discover, here are some delightful ideas to help you spend quality time with the woman or girl who inspires you – at any age.
Come to think of it, shouldn’t every day be Mother’s Day?
1. Glam it Up at the Gloss’ Up Beauty Bar
Gloss-up Beauty Bar, a trendy concept beauty and nail bar favoured amongst the Marais’ trendiest fashionistas, promises an extra special experience you’ll want to share with all the girls in your life! In addition to the traditional manicures and pedicures, Gloss-Up organises a range of special events for groups.
During “Beauty Tea Time” you can choose between a flash manicure and an eye make-up tutorial while indulging in a selection of teas and mignardises (tiny finger sandwiches, pastries and scones). The “Beauty Tea Time” costs 39€ per person with a minimum of 5 people. Book in advance online.
For the ultimate girly brunch, check out the once-a-month “Open Beauty Brunch”, when Gloss’Up opens up their Beauty Bar for full nail or make-up treatments inspired by the season’s hottest trends and serves up fresh breads, croissants, salads and pretty cupcakes. Keep an eye on the calendar for dates; and be sure to book early as this event fills up fast!
Gloss-Up Beauty Bar
Location: 58 rue Charlot, 75003 Paris
Email: [email protected]. To inquire about events: [email protected]
2. Bring a fairy tale world to life
Oh My Princess is every little girl’s fantasy brought to life. Picture dazzling silk gowns in every color, Alice in Wonderland-inspired porcelain tea sets, and a pink dressing table fit for a princess – all set within the magical Le Petit Boudoir in Paris’ 6ème arrondissement. The “Maman et Moi” package is the perfect way for you to share this unique experience with your little ones, including dress-up time for mothers and daughters, games and bracelet-making, plus a gourmet tea party – a magical way to spend Mother’s Day!
Oh My Princess also proposes a variety of creative workshops and group activities such as “Tea Time”, “Storytelling” and “Pyjama Parties” designed to build confidence for little girls in the most creative and compelling of settings. Check their website for a calendar of the latest events and book in advance using the online reservation form.
Oh my Princess
Location: 99 rue Notre Dame des Champs, 75006 Paris
Tel: +33 (0)6 63 06 53 18
Email: [email protected]
3. Escape to the Orient Without Leaving Paris
Longing to abandon the hectic city life and escape to an exotic location, but can’t leave Paris? A trip to the Grande Mosquée de Paris is all you need to feel pampered and rejuvenated. A beautiful historical landmark located in the 5th arrondissement not far from the Jardin des Plantes, the Grande Mosquée de Paris is home to one of the most popular hammams (traditional steam baths) in all of Paris.
Upon entering the boudoir to the hammams, with its colorful mosaics, majestic marble columns, and the stunning porphyr fountain, you’ll be immediately transported to the Orient. The hammam – an ancestral Oriental beauty ritual thought to cleanse and purify the body – is also a perfect time for bonding as you progress together through the different steam rooms. Pass from the lower to the higher temperature rooms before jumping into the cold baths – if you dare!
For complete relaxation, we highly recommend the 53€ package, which includes entry into the hammam, a 20-minute massage and a black-soap scrub. Complete your trip with a refreshing mint tea and delicious pastries in the beautiful adjoining tea salon (which also serves traditional dishes such as couscous and tagines).
Much more reasonably-priced than your typical spa, the hammam at the Grande Mosquée de Paris offers an exotic and original experience that you’ll be glad to share with your daughter or girlfriend!
Women’s hours: Monday, Wednesday and Saturday from 10am to 9pm and Friday from 2pm to 8pm.
Men’s hours: Tuesday from 2pm to 9pm, and Sunday from 10am to 9pm.
Call ahead or book online to make a reservation.
Grand Mosquée de Paris
Location: 39 rue Geoffroy-Saint-Hilaire, 75005 Paris
Tel: +33 (0)1 43 31 14 32
Email: [email protected]
4. Cook up a Storm Together in a Gourmet Kitchen
Learn French cuisine together in a cooking workshop with Les Secrets Gourmands de Noémie. Noémie’s friendly kitchen is located in the lively neighbourhood of Batignolles, which has many bountiful markets to supply her classes.
Noémie Fournier has been passionate about food ever since her grandparents invited her to her first gourmet restaurant at the impressionable age of 12. After working in the seafood industry as a marketing manager, she followed her dream to become a chef. After graduating from the reputable Lenôtre Cooking School in Paris, Noémie opened up her kitchen, where she offers French pastry classes and cooking workshops in English, and visits to a quintessential French market to learn how to select the best seasonal produce. Classes and workshops are available to both novices and connoisseurs, and perfect to do in groups of two or more!
After observing and participating in the fine art of French home cuisine, sit down and enjoy the fruits of your labor over a cup of tea or a glass of sparkling wine. For course schedule visit her website. Courses range from 82€ to 105€.
Secrets Gourmands de Noémie
Location: 92 Rue Nollet, 75017 Paris
Tel: +33 (0)6 64 17 93 32
5. Discount Shop in Style ‘Till You Drop
What better way to spend some quality girly time than to spend a day shopping in style! With its selection of over 120 French and international luxury brands, from Armani and Burberry to Zadig & Voltaire, La Vallée Village is a favourite spot for tourists and Parisians alike. You’ll enjoy walking through the charming shopping village with its cobblestone lanes, cafés and ice cream stands. Best of all, Vallée Village offers a range of exclusive discounts, so it’s is the best way to spoil yourselves with beautiful clothes, jewellery and bags, with less guilt!
To make your shopping trip extra special, you can reserve the exclusive Chic Outlet Shopping package, which includes a return luxury coach transfer from central Paris, exclusive VIP discounts, lunch at Prêt à Manger, and a €50 gift card. The package costs €85 for adults and €23 for children.
La Vallée Village is located just 45 km East of central Paris, and the shopping centre can be reached by car in less than 40 minutes. It is also possible to take RER A from central Paris to the station Val d’Europe in under 45 minutes.
Location: 3 cours de la Garonne, 77700 Serris, France
Tel: +33 (0)1 60 42 35 00
Email: [email protected]
6. Explore the Glittering World of Baccarat Crystal
Photo: Cristal Room Baccarat
For a truly unforgettable mother-daughter experience, plan a tour and lunch at the elegant Maison Baccarat and step into the world of crystal. Take in all of the stunning beauty of the Gallery Museum, a converted 18th Century mansion formerly owned by the Vicomtesse Marie-Laure de Noailles. Located in the 16th arrondissement, the Gallery Museum is truly a testament to the French crystalware brand’s prestigious heritage: stunning crystal chandeliers illuminate the dining halls, whilst centuries of Baccarat’s finest crystalware collections dress the tables and shelves.
Afterwards, enjoy an elegant lunch at Baccarat’s enchanting Cristal Room. Delicately flavoured and beautifully prepared dishes created by Michelin-starred chef Guy Martin are set against the backdrop of the equally impressive décor, truly capturing the spirit of Baccarat and the space’s aristocratic origins. Refined, feminine and elegant – a day spent marvelling at the magical sparkling crystals and exquisite dishes is an aesthetic and gastronomic experience you and your daughter will never forget!
Prices: Lunch Menu: Starter+Main Course+Dessert for €65
Location: Cristal Room Baccarat, 11 place des États-Unis 75116 Paris
Tel: +33 (0)1 40 22 11 10
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.cristalroom.com
7. Immerse Yourselves in Coco Chanel’s Paris
Fashion lovers can immerse yourselves in the world of Gabrielle Bonheur Chanel, the iconic fashion designer “Coco” Chanel, by signing up for a walking tour with Set in Paris. The tour begins over a café or hot chocolate at the designer’s favorite café, Angelina. In this Parisian atmosphere, a Coco-inspired tour guide will explain how a young seamstress from western France made her way to Paris and climbed up the social ladder to create the House of Chanel. Then, you’ll head out for a 90-minute stroll through Paris‘ renowned fashion avenue, Rue Saint Honoré, as you re-trace Coco’s steps and important milestones in her life – from her first millinery shop, to her home and her preferred place to dine. Learn how Coco Chanel removed the corset and changed the course of fashion with her timeless designs, and why Paris is the couture capital of the world.
Coco and You Tours in Paris: Every Tuesday, 2pm to 4pm, for €65.
Reservations: setinparis.com/book
Location: 3 Rue Maître Albert, 75005 Paris
Tel: + 33 (0)9 84 42 35 79; Email: [email protected]
Website: http://setinparis.com/coco-chanels-paris/
8. Take an Idyllic Day Trip to Monet’s Giverny Gardens
With springtime in our midst, a trip to Giverny is the perfect mother-daughter excursion. A charming village located just 80 km West of Paris, its 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. For a truly artistically-themed day, opt for the 85€ Menu Impressionistes, a tasting menu created in collaboration with painter Olivier Masmonteil. 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.
Getting There: one hour by car from central Paris, or a 45-minute journey by train from Gare Saint Lazare to Gare Vernon. Once you arrive in Vernon, take a shuttle bus (every 15 minutes) directly to Giverny.
Claude Monet Foundation: Gardens and Museum
Location: 84 Rue Claude Monet, 27620 Giverny
Tel: +33(0)2 32 51 28 21
Open every day from March 25th to November 1st from 9:30am to 6pm. Entry fees for the house and gardens: Adults: 9,50€; Children and students: 5,50€
Le Jardin des Plumes Restaurant:
Location: 1 Rue du Milieu, 27620 Giverny
Tel: +33 (0)2 32 54 26 35
Museum of Impressionisms
Location: 99 Rue Claude Monet, 27620 Giverny
Tel:+33 (0)2 32 51 94 65
