Summer strolls on quiet side streets abounded for our family this past summer, when we spent the month of August exploring one of our most loved cities – Paris. Grateful for a time to recharge and be inspired, we spent 30 glorious days drinking in the language, sites, and wine that the city had to offer.
Standing in front of the Moulin Rouge, you’d never guess how close you are to the most serene spot in Paris, the Musee de la Vie Romantique. Better yet, this museum is free! For those who tire easily of endless museum halls, this stop is a perfect delight. One small house, which was the Paris base of the Dutch-born painter Ary Scheffer, houses the permanent collection, which includes various works by French artists from the romantic period. After perusing the house and its contents, stop into the little greenhouse for a cup of tea and enjoy the beautiful paved courtyard. Bring your journal and soak in the moment.
For the Kids
Two of the activities that my little one, Lucien, enjoyed most could be found right along the Seine. The first was ice cream. We loved the mild summer weather of Paris, but when things got a little hot in the evening (and since we didn’t have air conditioning) we would walk up the street to the little ice cream shop for a cool treat. Our favorite spot for ice cream was when we stumbled upon a darling little ice cream truck parked in the 1st. Another huge hit with our son was the Paris tradition of importing a beach along the banks of the Seine for the month of August, the Paris Plages! We were delighted to find warm sand for our toes and palm trees and umbrellas to sit under while Lucien played.
Escape the hustle and bustle of central Paris for a day trip focused on the kids, to the Jardin d’Acclimatation. Nestled in between the bois de Boulogne and the beautiful 16th arrondissement, this small amusement park designed for children is a quintessential Parisian childhood experience. Water parks in the summer time, horseback riding, and an animal farm are highlights of the park. Of course, there is a little stop for the adults at Angelina – a café famous for their hot chocolate. The train (which circles and returns to the park) is a must!
