COOL KIDS GUIDE TO CARDIFF // 24 HOUR CITY GUIDE

Do you love making last minute travel plans plans? I’ve never been one to book in advance, which can be expensive when it comes to travel! Since Romi’s birth, Felix has been craving some one on one time with me *oh so tricky with a newborn in the house,* so being able to book a last minute day trip with National Express really gave us some much needed quality time.

MY FAVOURITE THINGS TO DO IN BRISTOL // CITY GUIDE

It seems like a lifetime ago now that we left the dizzy heights of London for a different pace of life in the South West but oh Bristol you are a city that captured my heart and now the longest place I've lived! *eek* There are so many things to do in Bristol that it never really feels like ten years have passed.

From the twinkling harbourside and maritime history to the rows of candy coloured houses, vibrant creative quarters and wealth of foodie delights to discover, there is so much this city has to offer! I was super excited to be asked to collaborate on a mini film with the lovely Victoria from Bridges and Balloons and Expedia to showcase some of my favourite things to do in Bristol and give you an insight as to why we chose to make this our home.

THINGS TO DO IN BRISTOL

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.

COOL URBAN KAFFEBAR IN KREUZBERG BERLIN // TRAVEL

My wanderlust and caffiene cravings are taking me back to Kreuzberg Berlin and some of my favourite coffee shop corners that I never got around to sharing over here. Ah those sunny days exploring new cities has always been one of favourte pastimes, so to compliment my #stylemycoffee hashtag and my love of social spaces I wanted to introduce you to this cool city spot.

BOOK A STUNNING ADVENTURE THIS SUMMER

Finally, spring is here! This marks the countdown towards the long-awaited summer holiday season and I, for one, cannot wait to book my next adventure! I’ve been on the hunt for somewhere adventurous, picturesque and most importantly, family-friendly.

If, like me, you haven’t yet decided on this year’s holiday destination, I’ll share with you three of the places that are topping my travel bucket list for this summer:

WER-HAUS BARCELONA, THE PERFECT CONCEPT STORE // TRAVEL

Oh take me back to warm sunny days. Now it's not that I don't like winter but I really struggle without actual sunshine and with this blanket of grey Bristol has been living under the last few weeks, I've been daydreaming about the afternoon we spent in Wer-Haus Barcelona, the perfect concept store and coffee pit-stop. I love discovering hidden gems like these when exploring new cities and always look out for stylish design and interiors, plus they do the best hot chocolate too!

A FAMILY ROAD TRIP TO SPAIN WITH THE MERCEDES-BENZ MARCO POLO

As a child I would daydream about life on the road, adventures on Route 66 and other TV induced rose tinted fantasies. In reality I think I can recall a weekend trip to the Lake District and an epic journey to the South of France, three generations squished into a car with luggage bursting at the seams as we tried to navigate the Ordnance Survey map...oh the nostalgia.

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

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