Not sure how many posts this summer travel highlights “series” will be…difficult to believe it’s over. It’s been a whirlwind of a summer and my kids are already back in school!
We’re back home in Arizona, mostly settled in, so I’ll get back to posting here and there. Our summer travels, which were quite extensive compared to what we usually do, are still top of mind. I always overestimate what I can do on the road with three kids in tow–obvious from the fact that my last post was May 29th.
Here’s one of my favorite memories of the summer–the day we spent in Parc des Buttes Chaumont, in Paris’s 19th arrondissement.
From my book: The Little Bookroom Guide to Paris with Children
Parc des Buttes-Chaumont is a magical garden, one often missed by
visitors on short stays in the city. It’s worth the trip out to Belleville
in northeastern Paris however, for a less manicured, less bourgeois
experience than what you’ll find in the central parks. Rocky buttes,
sweeping trees, a mysterious grotto, an artificial waterfall, and the
curious Temple de la Sibylle located high atop a peak on a small
island in the middle of the lake add to an aura of both fantasy and
romance. The temple is accessed by two bridges—older children
will certainly appreciate the adventure of crossing the stone bridge
70 feet above the water; a lower-lying suspension bridge provides
the second option.
Two well-equipped playgrounds, swings, and a carousel make
wonderful playtime choices. Pony rides are available Wednesdays,
weekends, and holidays from 3–6pm (2,7€, www.animaponey.com).
Le Guignol de Paris, a covered puppet theatre with an entrance at
the intersection of avenue Simon Bolivar and rue Botzaris, produces
familiar shows like Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Aladdin
and the Magic Lamp, and Little Red Riding Hood on Wednesdays,
weekends, and holidays at 4pm and 5pm (06.98.99.66.24, www.
guignolrank.com). Apart from three restaurants inside the park,
there is space for picnics on the sprawling lawns and food vendors
sell crêpes, cotton candy, and other goodies around the lake.
Parc des Buttes-Chaumont
Entrances on rue Manin, rue Botzaris, rue de Crimée, 19th arr.
M Buttes Chaumont, Laumière, Botzaris
www.paris.fr
Daily 7am–sunset
