Bonjour! I’m taking my petite mademoiselle to Paris for her fifth birthday the first week of April. I’m not a novice to Paris but I’ve never been with a child, but she’s got stamps in her passport so I’m fine tuning stuff she would like. We’ve been scrolling through pictures and the Marionnettes look like a hit. Is there a season? I can’t seem to find any info on schedules at the moment. I’m renting an apartment a stones throw from the Marionnette theater next to the Eiffel Tower. Thanks!
Posted by
OP
Atlanta, Georgia
565 posts
Thanks Barbra. Very helpful. Looks like these are things you need to reserve in advance. I’ve got the question into the rental agency too.
Posted by
Eugene, Oregon...Formerly Ventura, CA
2262 posts
This may be of interest, and it's indoors, too:
Posted by
San Francisco/Marin County
9436 posts
Highly recommend Jardin d’Acclimatation in the Bois de Boulogne on the western side of Paris. A wonderful, small amusement park geared to young children. They have a little train, animals, gentle rides, a playground and much more. Perfect for a 5 yr old.
Posted by
martinez, ca, usa
2409 posts
hi leslie
check withlocals.com kid friendly. a few things there that may interest your "princess". have fun
aloha
Posted by
L'Occitanie, France
10633 posts
You don’t need to reserve the marionettes in advance. Just walk up.
Posted by
Long Beach, California, USA
3398 posts
There is also a great playground right next to the marionette show in Luxembourg Gardens. Might be nice for when she needs to run around a little!
She also might like to have tea with macarons at Laduree. There are several locations around Paris. It's very fancy but in a way that a little girl might love!
Another interesting place MIGHT be Deyrolle. It's an old taxidermy shop...some kids might be freaked out by it but not all of them. It's very unique but only if you think she has a fairly adventuresome spirit! Don't want to give her bad dreams. :)
Maybe the merry-go-round by the Eiffel Tower?
I would also recommend the Jardin d'Acclimatation. It's in the Bois de Boulogne and is an amusement park geared for smaller kids. It was built 150 years ago by Napoleon the 3rd and has recently undergone extensive renovations...it's really nicely done and she would probably love it! When I walked through this past summer I was wishing I had a grandkid to take there! There are rides, gardens, animals, and everything a kid could want.
Posted by
San Francisco/Marin County
9436 posts
Next to the marionette theater in the Luxembourg Gardens is a wonderful playground, a carousel and donkey rides are close by.
As Bets said, you don’t reserve for the marionette shows.
Posted by
OP
Atlanta, Georgia
565 posts
Fantastic! Thank you to everyone for the great advice! Carrousels and animals are definitely a favorite as well as fancy tea rooms. I’ve been wanting to visit the outer parks for some time so I’ll probably use this as an excuse. Looks like there’s no escaping Disney Paris either but I’m sure I’ll enjoy it more this time with a little one. Glad to know about the marionette shows. I really didn’t want to plan a whole day around it just in case she doesn’t like it.
Posted by
martinez, ca, usa
2409 posts
hi leslie
last year us 4 "senior mademoiselles" went to angelina's on rue de rivoli. waited a little while in line but once we walked in it was a WOW moment. absolutely loved the fancy tearoom and pastries, plus hot chocolate was fabulous. i'm sure your "princess" will love it. we stayed about 2 hours taking in the ambience, it was busy but a great day.]
aloha
Posted by
OP
Atlanta, Georgia
565 posts
Angelina’s looks gorgeous! I know my sister and I would enjoy it too. Great location for a museum break.
Posted by
San Francisco/Marin County
9436 posts
You could be right Barbra. When I was a kid they were donkeys so that’s what’s stuck in my head.