TRIED & TESTED GLUTEN FREE GUIDE TO PARIS

It's feels like an age since we were last in Paris, exploring the city and getting our fill of our favourite hang outs. Ah the beautiful City of Lights, this time I was on a mission to not only to live like a local but to find the best gluten free eats in Paris. Like most things, when the French decide to do something, they do it right! There are soooooo many great places to eat and oh the Gluten free bread was just dreamy, as it can be hard to find gluten free places abroad I thought I would share our gluten free guide to Paris and a few snaps from our last visit.

A FUN FAMILY STAY IN OUR AIRBNB PARIS APARTMENT

Those of you who follow me on Instagram probably know we decided to spend Easter half term with a family stay in our Airbnb Paris *sigh take me back* and I've been dying to show you around the cutest Parisian apartment that we got to call home.
In a spur of the moment, escape the routine and stresses of daily life sort of way, we decided to hot foot it over to Paris on the Eurostar and live like a native for a week. I LOVE Paris, everything about it oozes a special je ne sais quoi, from its architecture to the perfect for people watching outdoor cafes, this city holds a dear place in my heart.

MY TOP FIVE SPRING TRAVEL BUCKET LIST

Whoops after an unintentional break for half term, I'm back. Yep I'm back to the normal routine of being woken by a small excited face at silly o'clock and have to somehow organise ourselves to get out the door on time for the school run *this never happens* before trying to cram in as much of my to do list in before heading back out to pick up my boy and repeat, so it's no surprise I'm already lusting for a mini break to a destination off my top five travel bucket list.

I'm not really one for routine and although I can admit it certainly has its benefits, it really seems to be my Achilles heel, I even have 'be more organised' on my list of things to do *Ha* well I can dream ay!

As we've had a hint of spring, I am suddenly craving ALL the sunshine and vitamin D so I thought I'd share with you the places that I'm longing to visit/revisit for a mini break.

PARIS

Springtime in Paris *sigh* after all the song says it all. What's not to love about the city of lights, wandering along the Seine ready for an impromptu picnic, catching some culture at the Palais de Tokyo or checking out the hidden side streets of Marais for a crepe or two washed down by a coffee. You could always head to the Molitor for some champagne luxury and a swim, or if you fancy something more low key you can channel your inner Amelie and skim stones along the Canal St Martin *swoon* You can check out some of my favourite Parisian spots right here.

NYC

Oh the Big Apple! So many of my friends have been across the pond to the crazy delights this city has to offer, with its iconic yellow taxis, Brooklyn Bridge and oh so many things, this is definitely on my list of places to visit. I would love to stroll through Central Park, pick up a rainbow bagel or two, grab a slice of pizza in Greenwich Village. Just imagine sipping cocktails on a roof top pool with the city bustling below or heading out to the Lido on Staten Island, it would feel like you've stepped into a Sex in the City episode! 

PALM SPRINGS

Home of the iconic Modernist Architecture and THAT famous pink door, this corner of the desert has been on my wish list FOREVER! With the likes of the Ace Hotel or the colourful Saguaro Hotel to rest your head you know you'd be in for a good stay. I often wonder whether I would be suited to desert living, although I would have to decide between split and ducted air conditioning as I do not handle the heat well! I'm probably more suited to a relaxing vacay with a drive out into the Joshua Tree National Park or Salvation Mountain.

BERLIN

This city totally stole my heart with its cool coffee culture, laid back attitude and creative vibes. I spent a few days here in the spring and spent the entire time exploring the city on foot, tasting the culinary delights it had to offer, especially the best steamed dumplings I've ever had. I would head back in a heartbeat and could even imagine owning a flat here one day *a girl can dream ay* You can check out a few more pics from my Berlin trip here!

AMSTERDAM

Now here's a city who knows its way to a girls heart. Sunshine, endless canals, cute bicycles and cool architecture, Amsterdam in Spring is the perfect weekend getaway. We loved wandering off the beaten track, finding great places to eat and enjoyed the stylish design hotels the city had to offer. I would recommend a stay at the Loft in the Hotel V Fredericksplein.

Have you got a favourite place for Spring? What's on your bucket list?

* Image source 1 2 3/ 4

COOL KIDS GUIDE TO PARIS // TRAVEL

Apart from welcoming March, today is also National Plan a Solo Vacation Day... I know right! As much as I'd love to jet off into the sunset for some quality me time by a pool, it's not quite the same with a kid in tow. Saying that travelling with little ones needn't be a chore if you know where to hang out.  

I love taking European city breaks with my boy, so instead of making solo travel plans I've pulled together a cool kids guide to Paris, where you can channel your inner glam while being surrounded by the smalls.

EAT 

When it comes to eating with kids we know that it’s never the easiest of undertakings, what with picky eaters and too many choices. So I’ve made it simple with these three perfect places to eat.

• Do you love pastries and cool ceramic tiled floors with children’s parks within arms reach? Then you'll love this little cafe attached to the Broken Arm store, with super friendly staff and a decent latte *yay* you’ll be happy to have found this pit stop.

• Did someone mention crepes? If you fancy dining in a chic modern wood panelled room in the middle of Marais then this is for you. Breizh Cafe is known as being one of the best Creperies in Paris. Located on 111 Rue Vieille du Temple, this is the perfect place to enjoy a vast range of crepes, savoury and sweet, and they're so delicious they've even popped up in Tokyo. 

• It's busy, it's loud and the kids will feel right at home! You'll see hoards of people queue outside this small and unassuming falafel house, but don't be fooled by its appearance, crowds flock to Rue des Rosiers in the heart of Le Marais to snap up lunch at the popular L'As du Fallafel. Seating is a bit of a squeeze but worth every bite, and if in doubt get take out and eat al fresco.

PLAY

When you think of Paris you don’t necessarily think playgrounds and parks, but this city has some secret gems hidden up its sleeve that are well worth finding.

• Does your child love adventure? Then they will LOVE this! Heading to the highest point in Paris, the superb parc de Belleville will blow your little ones minds. With awesome views of the city, a multi-faceted climbing wall and pirate ship, this is definitely top of my cool kids list. Just be sure you plan your route and head to one of these Métro stations for easy access: Pyrénées, Belleville and Couronnes. 

• If you fancy a gentler approach to the play, then why not take a relaxing stroll along the Jardin du Luxembourg and watch them push vintage sail boats across Grand Bassin duck pond, while you sit back and soak up the sun. Be sure to take €3.50 along for 30 minutes of sailing fun.

• Want to combine coffee and cake with a little play on the side? Then this cute little playground, Square de Temple, situated along Rue Perrée is the perfect picnic spot. 

SEE

Oh the culture! Do as the Parisians do and show your kids the creative side of Paris with these cool cultural spots that will keep your kiddo entertained for hours. 

• Want to impress your little one then head to the Palais de Tokyo where you can sip coffee to your hearts delight, let them run up and down concrete ramps – we know how much they love that sort of thing – and get stuck into some modern art at Little Palais. Just a hopskip and a jump from the Eiffel tower, the best approach to the building is from the bank of the Seine along Avenue du New York or jump off at Alma-Marceau Metro. When you've filled up on art you can ooh and ahh at cool timber structure in the kid’s area then take some snaps in the Foto Automat... say cheese!

• Want to see where the French hang on a Sunday afternoon? Well take a short stroll down Saint Martin Canal and make the most of the pedestrianised Sunday. Families spill onto the street and the tiny playgrounds dotted along the banks will entertain the littlest of people, while you eat ice cream and skim stones like Amelie. Also there’s a cute Park at the end of the canal where ladies meet to do Thai chi and kids can go wild. The nearest metro is Republique and will take you to the start of the canal walk.

• OK this one is a bit of a given but where else can you ride an escalator in what feels like a giant marble run, up the outside of a building? Not to mention the huge selection of art over several floors, a dedicated Children's art learning space, cool design shop and roof top restaurant. Yep the Centre Pompidou has it all, but the cafe is a little on the pricey side.

SHOP

We all know Paris is home to some of the best fashion houses and is steeped in design history, but these are the best stores for all your mini fashionista needs.

  

• Want a store with a difference then head over to Centre Commercial Kid’s over on 22 Rue Yves Toudic, a place that combines cool kids fashion with art and second hand bicycles. Offering the best of French, Danish and English design for all the family.

• If you love to shop and have kids then this is the place to be. Filled to the brim with the latest styles, cool accessories and colourful products you can spend hours browsing the shelves of Bonton located at 5 Boulevard des Filles du Calvaire. It even has its own Photo Booth and props for fun snaps with the kiddo. 

• Combining history and beloved books the  Shakespeare and Comapany Bookshop is situated at 37 Rue de la Bûcherieon on the left bank and is the most famous bookshop in Paris, plus it has the cutest kids section up the rickety stairscase. The whole of the interior screams Narnia meets Harry Potter and will delight curious small minds. Leave the pushchair outside if you want to take a good look round though. 

Image via The Hoxton

STAY

Whether you want to rent a flat and live like a local or relax in the comfort of a hotel, the city is full of hidden gems! We often use Airbnb when we travel as it's so much fun exploring different neighbourhoods and discovering local delights on our morning stroll, if your are using Airbnb you can use this link to get £25 off your first stay. Otherwise check out these super stylish hotel stays! 

• This minimalist apartment in the heart of Marais is slick as they come, compact and ultra modern with two beds suitable for three people. 

• This quirky and colourful apartment in Marais/Beaubourg is full of Parisian charm. Perfectly located next to the Centre Pompidou!

• The Hoxton is known for being one of the hippest hotel stays, whether it's London, Paris or Amsterdam, you know you're going to be sleeping in style! We love the gorgeous interior and outdoor space in the heart of the city. 

• Hotel Mareuil is a perfect family friendly hotel, clean, comfortable and in a fab location situated between Le Marais and Republique. The staff go out of their way to make your stay special and the adjoining rooms are perfect when travelling with more than one child. You can read about our stay here.  

So there we have it, our Wild & Grizzly cool kids guide to Paris. I can't wait to add to the collection as we take our next adventure in Berlin. I hope you've found this useful and don't forget you can pin the top image to your Pinterest to keep this handy guide.

Lori x

Want more? Check out this Gluten Free Guide to Paris or our latest family stay at an Airbnb

*This post contains affiliate links.

FIVE BOAT INSPIRED TRAVEL DESTINATIONS

 

If you said to me a few years ago that I would be kayaking 16km down the Dordogne River I would have laughed into my coffee cup – this is the girl who on taking a taxi boat on Lake Como screamed out loud as a wave nudged us to the shore – yep I've never been confident on water. So I've managed to avoid boats, dingies, ferries, canoes, kayaks and pretty much most water transportation, and on the odd occasion where you've found me on a boat I'm usually the one gripping on for dear life.

Then something happened, I became a mama. Yep it's crazy how much being in charge of a small person changes your outlook on life and where I would normally run for the hills, instead I'm channelling my inner daredevil and throwing caution to the wind. Slowly I've embraced the art of travel, and with an overnight ferry journey under my belt I was feeling quite confident to say yes to fun on the water.

So I thought I'd put together my top five boat inspired travel destinations that made me get on board ;)

Wild Kayak Adventures
This has to my all time favourite thing to do in the Dordogne. The light in this part of France is magical and there's no better way to soak up the honey coloured villas and crumbling chateaux than winding along the gentle current of the Dordogne river. In total we kayaked 16km and F loved it, we even stopped by the shore to enjoy a small picnic and go for a wild swim. There are plenty of places to hire canoes and kayaks along the length of the river but I would recommend leaving yourself 2-3 hours for this particular activity and be sure to grab a bite to eat at the beautiful Beynac.

Croatian Island Hopping
Still one of my favourite travel destinations, the Dalmatian coast is one of the most beautiful stretches of unspoilt Islands drenched in sun and crystal clear waters. With over 79 Islands and 500 islets the Adriatic sea welcomes you with open arms to explore all it has to offer. I backpacked down the Croatian coast and can honestly say it has some of the most welcoming people I've come across in my travels. We took a ferry from Split and stayed on Hvar – one of the largest Islands – and hired a small boat to explore the coves and beaches dotted around, making it a perfect romantic getaway like some of these other sailing destinations.

Cruising Lake Como
Right up there on my places to revisit is the breathtaking Lake Como. After staying here as part of my Honeymoon this stunning Italian lake captures the spectacular scenery with deep blue waters and rugged shores, dotted with luxury Mediterranean villas and formal gardens. We stayed in the charming village of Bellagio with its narrow winding streets brought to life with wine bars and restaurants that lead down to the waters edge, and it's a quick hop over to Villa del Balbianello, which featured in the blockbuster Star Wars film. Whether you use the local water buses and taxis to hop around the lake or treat yourself to a bit of luxury with your own water limousines, this is certainly the place to visit for any romantics at heart.

Parisian River Cruises at Night
Sometimes the best way to see a city is at night and by boat. Away from the traffic and bustling streets, I always try to make times to cruise along the river when visiting one of my favourite cities such as Paris. Although this oozes romance and is perfect for couples, a trip on an open top boat as night falls is one of the most fun ways to introduce your little ones to the Eiffel Tower. Imagine passing under floodlit bridges and illuminated riverbanks only to be greeted by a most spectacular sparkling light show from this iconic landmark. F loved this and I can't wait to go back and do this one again.

Exploring the Canals of Venice
From speedboats and water taxis, enter a world where roads are exchanged for narrow canals and boats for cars. Venice is a city like no other, the beautiful architecture, narrow puzzling streets and stunning piazzas makes it one of the worlds most popular travel destinations. Hire your own private gondola to see the floating city in all its glory, and don't forget to check out some of these Venetian hot spots.

Now that I'm embracing the water and even trying my hand at wild swimming, I can't wait to see what other adventures await. Do you like adventure or romance? Where are your favourite places to splash around?

** Images 3/4/5

FIVE KIDS PICTURE BOOKS ABOUT PARIS

As you may know we love Paris, especially my kiddo, and some of his favourite picture books are those set in the city of lights. So you can imagine his excitement when I mentioned we might be going for a whistle stop tour in the not so distant future. I was only reminiscing with friends at Blogtacular how wonderful it was to see his whole face light up when he first saw the Eiffel Tower at night.

So I thought I would share F's top five Paris picture books with you:

1. Mr Chicken Goes to Paris 

Mr Chicken Goes to Paris is both charming and quirky while unbeknown to tiny minds, educational. Discovering iconic landmarks such as the Sacre Coeur, Eiffel Tower, Musee du Louvre, Notre Dame and Palace de Versailles, Mr Chicken – or Monsieur Poulet – tests out some of his useful french phrases, while the citizens of Paris photograph the yellow monster that has taken the city by storm.

2. A Lion in Paris

A Lion in Paris is one of those books that the moment you see it, you know you must have it. Its beautiful large format holds the stunning illustrations of multi-award winning author/illustrator Beatrice Alemagna. The story unfolds as a lonely lion, bored of his existence in the Savannah, travels to Paris for a different pace of life. The lion is disappointed as he blends into the blur of the Parisian backdrop and puzzled at the lack of stares or screams he roars out for attention only to be ignored. Feeling sad and alone he wanders the streets, visiting some of the iconic landmarks the city has to offer.

3. Henri's Walk to Paris

Henri’s Walk to Paris is the story of a young boy who lives in Reboul, France, who dreams of going to Paris. One day, after reading a book about Paris, he decides to pack a lunch and head for the city. Published in 1962 and is the only children's book illustrated by the talented Saul Bass.

4. Madeleine

The book that started my love affair with Paris in the first place, is one of my favourite childhood stories about a little girl called Madeline – 'In an old house in Paris that was covered with vines,
lived twelve little girls in two straight lines, they left the house, at half past nine, the smallest one was Madeline.' – who although small, is feisty and full of character. First published in 1939 this book captures the charm of Paris and children all in one.

5. A Walk in Paris

A Walk in Paris is fun and educational all rolled into one. I love Salvatore Rubbino's series of beautifully illustrated books which lead you by the hand through the City of Lights from a child perspective. As they discover iconic landmarks and experience its culture and style, you really get a feel for the city  and learn some facinating facts along the way. This is a great book to take with you and get little feet excited to explore the delights of Paris.


What are your favourite children's picture books that explore cities and are great for travelling? 

NEW PRINTS FOR THE HOME // INTERIOR INSPIRATION

As I'm constantly decluttering, rearranging and adding to the flat to sprunce up the home, I am welcoming spring and the fresh start it brings, especially after what feels like a long winter. Now that it's April and we are on the cusp of discovering which school F will be joining in September, I have been feeling a little unsettled, and when that happens I tend to rearrange our walls and add prints to my collection.

So I thought it would be fun to share my two recent additions, both different in design and style, and both giving off totally different vibes in the flat. The first print I want to share is this beauty,  Bondi Beach by Louisa Seton from Lumitrix, I've wanted a sea/surf style print for a while now as I find the sea so calming, so when I saw these bathers surrounded by thick fog on the infamous Australian coastline, I knew it would find a place in my bedroom. What better place to evoke a feeling of calm in the space you rest your head.

The second print to don my walls is a city I love, a hand drawn map of Paris by the super talented Jenni Sparks from EverMade.com. Not only has this been added to my lounge so the F can study all the amazing graphic detail that has gone into making this map, but it's especially relevant as I plan to see in my 25th 35th birthday in Paris in June *squeal* and stroll along the Seine. Jenni has also designed maps of other cities and I can't wait to add more to my collection.

Have you bought anything new for the home recently?*The prints were c/o of Lumitrix and Evermade.com. All words and opinion are 100% my own.

A GOOD BOOK // A Lion in Paris

You might have noticed my book review over at the lovely Tigerlilly Quinn, well I thought it was such a great find that it would be rude not to share it with you in this little corner of the internet too. If you have visited my blog over the last month, you'll know that I've been a little bit in love with Paris. The architecture, the food, the art, ah the romance of it all. So on our return I couldn't resist buying F this good book to remind him of his adventures. 

Click to read more.

PARIS IN PICTURES // KID IN THE CITY // PART TWO

I've finally got round to posting the second half of our Paris trip, I'm not sure what has taken me so long but it's proof that life has been rushing past in a blur this last month. Sifting through the gazillion images we took, I can't quite believe how long ago this trip was and how much I feel like I'm in need of another holiday already. Here's Paris in Pictures Part One for those of you who missed it.

This post is a long one so click to read more.

PARIS IN PICTURES // KID IN THE CITY // PART ONE

It's officially over a week since I've been back in the comforts of home rather than the luxuries of our Parisian bolt hole and it's taking some getting used too. Forgotten are the lazy mornings, slow wakes and gentle starts to the day, being replaced by the stark reality of beeping alarms, mad dashes and to do lists. After such a long awaited return to the city of light, I must admit it didn't disappoint. We arrived seamlessly at Gare du Nord fresh faced and full of smiles from our train journey, lugging our bags into the back of a taxi we headed for our first stop, our home away from home.

This is a long post so click to read more

A GOOD BOOK // Paris: Portrait of a City

Packing my bags for our return trip – did I mention we've been to Paris? Yes? Ok i'll stop rubbing it in – I reached for the few books I took with me in the hope that I'd manage to find a moment to sit, sip coffee, read and take in the vibe. What better way for me to understand the city of light than with this good book.

Now in the new Piccolo format, this compact gem distills the best of the heavy hardback and allows you to carry the history of this great city in your back pocket. Paris: Portrait of a City captures the century and a half through the powerful portrayal of the lens. Never has a love affair been so great between the camera and the capital, ranging from Daguerre's early incunabula to the recent fashion shoots of Vogue.

This beautiful collection of pressed memories seen from others eyes captures the heart of the city, history oozing from every street corner, giving a flirtatious glimpse of the cool, chic, romantic, sultry and underground. It shows a historical portrait of Paris, with empty frames sitting in the Louvre during WWII and the titillating striptease dancers of the 50's. I particularly love the black & white snapshot of Serge Gainsbourg and Jane Birkin taken by an anonymous photographer.

"but Paris is as immense as an ocean.

Drop in your sounding line and it will never reach 

the bottom"

Henore de Balzac, Le Pere Goroit, 1835

This book would make the perfect gift for those dreaming of Paris, visiting in Paris or just a lover of all things French. 

I was sent this book  for review purposes but all words and thoughts are my own.

A GOOD BOOK // This is Paris

As you can see I'm sticking with a bit of a theme this week, what with all the romance of valentines and our family trip to Paris. I've pulled out an old favourite of mine to show F all the beautiful sights he will see with this good book. 

Miroslav Sasek is one of my all time favourite children's illustrators, so much so that the front cover of his various children's travel guides acted as our wedding table names, with the head table being This is Rome to celebrate the place of our engagement. Born in Prague in 1916, This is Paris was his first published book of the This is series, documenting cities from around the world with beautiful illustrations and fun facts reflecting city life in these wonderful travel guides for kids. Sasek's books portray each destination in such a delightful and detailed way, picking up on the characteristics of each culture, such as 'a Dame bringing home a long loaf of bread - like a thick stick' or the many faces illustrating the artists painting in Montmartre. 

This book is a delicate feast, each page to be savoured, allowing you to visit the city from the comfort of your home. Sasek's drawings take you on a walk, whether it's admiring the beauty of the Sacré-Coeur, or taking a trip along the river passing the Pont-Neuf, or to the second hand book stalls on the embankment of the Seine. Each page holds its own slice of knowledge about the city, great for young minds to absorb, and is peppered with playful characters such as Fifi the poodle fresh from the coiffeur. 

I've been reading this book to F all last week to get him excited for his trip and now he's telling me all the places we need to visit before we go home. Now I just need to see if I can spot a French poodle for him.

Linking in with the lovely Fritha 

PARIS IS ALWAY A GOOD IDEA

Me on a bench under the Eiffel Tower circa '06. 

Oh Paris, the city of love and lights. It's no secret that I'm a fan of this vibrant place filled with croissants, coffee, romance, art, architecture, fashion, oh how I could go on.  In my teens I was allured by the silky smooth sounds of Francois Hardy floating from my stereo, and I would daydream of romances yet to come while film's such as Le Mepris, Before Sunrise and Amelie would further cement my love for this city and it's culture.

I first visited Paris in 2006 when my husband/then boyfriend surprised me with a week of romance at a luxury boutique hotel nestled in heart of Le Marais. We walked, talked, ate fresh pastries and went out dancing into the early hours and it was everything it was supposed to be. My love for Paris was sealed. So with it being the week of hearts and flowers, and having passed my love of this city onto F, who grins when he see's a picture of the Eiffel Tower, what better way to celebrate a week of love then in the place that invented it. After what feels like a long grey January I've decided to put my New Year's resolution into action by packing up our things and heading on a trip across the channel. We've booked ourselves a cosy bolthole in Le Marais with F in tow, and for one week I will stroll along the cafe lined streets, soak up the atmosphere and pretend I'm French, for Paris is always a good idea.

Look out Parisian inspired posts this week and take a peek at my Paris Pinterest board for inspiration.

A GOOD BOOK // Mr Chicken Goes to Paris

With my wanderlust brewing and not a holiday in sight this seems like the perfect good book. Well it's been a while since I mentioned Paris hasn't it? What kid wouldn't love a four metre tall, yellow plucked chicken causing mayhem on holiday with his french friend in tow. This is a staple book for our outdoor bag and does tend to get battered about quite a bit, whether dragged through the grass or assaulted with sticky fingers.

Mr Chicken Goes to Paris is both charming and quirky while unbeknownst to tiny minds, educational. Discovering iconic landmarks such as the Sacre Coeur, Eiffel Tower, Musee du Louvre, Notre Dame and Palace de Versailles, Mr Chicken – or Monsieur Poulet – tests out some of his useful french phrases, while the citizens of Paris photograph the yellow monster that has taken the city by storm.