Jardin d'Acclimitation, Paris

We took the kids to the Jardin d'acclimitation last weekend to celebrate the beginning of Spring in Paris.  The Jardin d'acclimitation is located just off the Bois de Boulogne in Paris 16th arrondissement and is basically an amusement park for small children that dates back to 1860.  Kids from age 2 and up can ride carrousels and mechanical horses and the older kids can even go on their first roller coasters. Various children's classes from cooking to gardening are also offered on Wednesdays, weekends and school holidays.  There's also a theatre and a water park in the warmer months.  You will even find a section of Gymboree with parent toddler classes for children 10 months and up.

While it doesn't cost much to get in, a mere 2.90 euros for everyone age 3 and up, you will most likely spend a small fortune on tickets for all the attractions at 2.70 euros a pop.  Some rides even ask for multiple tickets.

The kids certainly had a wonderful time and we even got out without a meltdown.  We ended our day with a calming walk in the woods of Boulogne before heading home.

For practical information in English. 

Entrance for Age 3 and up 2.90 euros

Attraction 1 ticket 2.70 euros (Book of 15 32,00 euros)

Open from 10am to 6pm everyday (Open until 7pm beginning April)

Château de Pierrefonds

We took the kids to visit the Château de Pierrefonds near Compiegne this past week-end.  It's a short trip from Paris of about 60km.  The château fort was built in 1393 for Louis d'Orléans the second son of Kind Charles V.  In 1857, under Napoléon III, it was restored by Viollet-le-Duc and was eventually opened to the public as a museum.  

We arrived in Pierrefonds around noon and decided to have lunch before making our way up the castle perched on the hill.  (Note to any future visitors, you do not go to Pierrefonds for the food.  What we ate was seriously overpriced and horrible.  We weren't alone in our disappointment as we heard complaints from customers leaving the neighboring brasseries as well.)  The château does not disappoint, however.

The winding road up to the castle is lined by a few medieval shops (re-constructed) and a park and finally a real drawbridge to the great delight of my son and as you should expect from any descent medieval castle.

Once inside, I enjoyed the wall frescoes most of all. The ceilings and walls are beautifully painted in bright colors and the whole château is incredibly well maintained.  

You only need about an hour or two to visit the castle.  The day we happened to visit was the first Sunday of the month and so we didn't even have to pay for an entrance ticket.  And unlike visiting Paris monuments on free days, there was absolutely no line here.  It was a beautiful sunny day, but you'll need to dress warmly to visit the castle as the thick walls will keep you very chilly, especially the little ones.