Tucked away in a narrow street at the foot of the Montparnasse Tower, the Musée Bourdelle is a marvel ! Whether you like Antoine Bourdelle's work or not, his sculptures are magnified here. Three peaceful gardens punctuate the visit through his painting studio, sculpture studio, apartment and the large plaster hall.
From 20 November, you can also discover the remarkable work of Polish artist Magdalena Abakanowicz, a pioneer in contemporary sculpture and textile art.
The museum is particularly welcoming to children : the explanatory panels, films throughout the museum, and the workshops offered are all very well designed. The range of activities is impressive — from family dance tours and guided discovery visits to sensory “baby tours” and clay modeling workshops (some open to children as young as one year old).
Another highlight of the museum is its café-restaurant, Rhodia — named after the artist’s daughter, who once lived in the space that is now the dining room. Outside, furniture designed by the Bouroullec brothers adorns a beautifully sunny terrace surrounded by Bourdelle’s bas-reliefs. As for the menu, it features healthy, simple dishes with touches of Latin American inspiration — including delicious empanadas that children are sure to love !
Ideally located on the edge of Ranelagh, theMusée Marmottan is also very welcoming to visitors with children. The workshops linked to the temporary exhibition and permanent collections are always highly original and of excellent quality. This is once again the case for the current activities surrounding the exhibition “L'empire du Sommeil” (The Empire of Sleep).
Les p’tits marmottan : creative workshops and tours lasting 1½ hours every Wednesday and during the school holidays. Reservations can be made by email at billetterie@marmottan.fr
Babies at the museum - the art of sleeping from birth : before the museum opens to the public, visit the exhibition with a cultural mediator, followed by a discussion with the Maison-né team (Maison de la parentalité in Paris). This is an opportunity to discuss the themes of sleep and well-being for young children. Four visits are scheduled, so book quickly !
Storytelling tours : a storyteller invites children (aged 10 and over) and adults to discover the exhibition in a different way, combining stories and sensations.
Early childhood dance : a real dance experience for parents and children (aged 2 to 4), set to music, in the heart of Monet's Nymphéas, accompanied by a dancer and choreographer. Family tours : guided by a museum mediator, discover the permanent collections as a family and immerse yourself in the world of the Impressionists. Every last Saturday of the month at 10h30.
Also not to be missed is the room dedicated to contemporary artist Jean-Baptiste Sécheret. The painter is the tenth artist invited by the museum to design an exhibition in dialogue with the works in the Monet collection. Some magnificent landscapes from Trouville bathed in extraordinary light !
Are you familiar with tufting ? It's a weaving technique that allows you to create works of art using coloured wool and a 'tufting gun'. It's the DIY trend of the moment. This new concept is very appealing because it's fun, creative and visually satisfying.
Two pieces of good news :
The first Tufting Studio in Paris has just opened in the 16th arrondissement !
Founder Ninon has designed workshops for children ! In groups of up to six, they choose a design or shape they want to reproduce, select their colours, and then learn how to use the 'tufting gun'. They leave with their creation, which they can hang on their bedroom wall or place on the floor.
Isao Takahata is, along with Hayao Miyazaki, the co-founder of the famous Studio Ghibli. He also directed the 52 episodes of the charming series from our childhood, Heidi.
An exhibition dedicated to him is being held at the Maison de la Culture Japonaise. It traces the master's vast career through his notebooks, notes, storyboards and original drawings, as well as through excerpts from his films and videos.
101 bis Quai Jacques Chirac - 75015
Two cartoon gems
For the whole family : Arco Arco, aged 10, who lives in the year 2932, uses a rainbow-coloured cape to accidentally travel back in time to the year 2075, where he meets Iris, who will do everything she can to help him get home. A little bit like ET, but in animated form. This cartoon, clearly inspired by Japanese animation, is beautiful, poetic, funny, subtle, thrilling and full of hope... Here, our near future is a region of the past, a stage in history rather than the end of the world. The whole thing is carried by sublime music.
For younger viewers : Le secret des Mésanges Lucie, aged 9 (whose name was chosen as a nod to a figure of the Resistance, Lucie Aubrac), has just arrived on holiday in her mother's childhood village when she finds a baby badger in poor condition. She has only one thing in mind : to get it treated. Surrounded by a couple of very special chickadees, Lucie embarks on crazy adventures and solves some very special mysteries... Full of tenderness and mystery, Le secret des Mésanges charms little ones and touches older children.
A delightfully horrific musical
The prolific and talented duo Christian Hecq and Valérie Lesort have adapted La petite boutique des horreurs (The little shop of horrors) with a generous dose of imagination. This Broadway musical, whose heroine is a carnivorous plant, is a tale that is both comical and horrific, set to a rhythm of jazz, soul and Yiddish music. The remarkable troupe of singer-actors, the flashy pop sets and the explosive staging produce a joyful and biting show. The only slight downside for the most sensitive children is that some of the scenes are a little trashy and might shock them...
18 Bd Saint-Martin - 75010
How about letting the kids do the cooking for Thanksgiving ?
Here’s a super simple menu that kids can make all by themselves (with just a little supervision).
Starter : Little Indians’ Soup - Pumpkin or sweet potato soup Kids can : peel and chop the veggies (with kid-safe tools), add the spices, and stir. Grown-ups do : the cooking and blending. Tip : Serve in small bowls with a swirl of cream and a sprinkle of roasted pumpkin seeds.
Side Dish : Golden Corn Muffins A classic and easy American Thanksgiving recipe. Kids can : mix the dry and wet ingredients, pour into muffin tins, and decorate with corn kernels or a bit of grated cheese.
Dessert : Traditional Apple Pies Kids can : cut out the dough with cookie cutters, arrange the apple slices, and sprinkle cinnamon and sugar on top.
For those who haven’t discovered it yet — run to BELÈN Bakery & Café ! Léon’s mum, who made her dream come true just a few months ago, is already enjoying growing success. And BELÈN has just been listed among the 10 must-visit spots in Paris by Le Figaro ! The specialty ? Alfajores, straight from Argentina. It’s just a stone’s throw from the school — and everything is absolutely delicious.
4 rue Gustave Courbet - 75016
Some truly inspiring children
Les enfants de la Résistance(Children of the Resistance) is a comic book to share : it is meant to be read by or with your children. This nine-volume series recounts daily life in a French village under occupation and the birth of a resistance network led by three 13-year-old teenagers. The educational section at the end of each volume complements the story. More than just a comic book, it is a historical tribute and a must-have for any library !
Inspired by the comic book, the podcast Résisterfeatures the testimonies of real child resistance fighters. The series of six 15-minute episodes describes the journeys of young heroes such as Josette Torrent, now 95 years old, the youngest resistance fighter in France, who at the age of twelve became a liaison officer for her father. We learn how children and teenagers joined the Resistance : sometimes by chance, sometimes following the example of their parents, who involved them in their activities, either out of recklessness or courage.
For mothers and all women who want to take a break from the daily hustle and bustle and reconnect with their inner strength, we highly recommend the wonderful yoga retreat centred around the goddess Kali, symbol of transformation and power, that will take place in Paris at Dune and online from 21 to 23 November.
On the programme : Vinyasa yoga with Tatiana Avila Bouru, Katonah Yoga with Ty Watson from New York, and an introspection workshop with psychiatrist Fany Jacq.
"Sometimes, you'll find yourself in an in-between place". In this precise moment, when you have to make a choice, a promising range of possibilities blooms before you. These superb illustrations gorgeously depict the world's wonders yet to be explored.
Neighbours Kitty and Pup are having a fight, and driven by anger, they decide to build a wall between their houses. When Little Bunny arrives in the neighbourhood, both Kitty and Pup want to be his friend. This starts an endless battle between the two of them. A funny and interactive story about acknowledging mistakes and making peace.
Luna Grace's parents are scientists who just moved to Earth to study its stunning wildlife. Whilst discovering every wonder this new planet has to offer, Luna Grace is determined to make new friends. But on the first day of school, things don't go as planned. Indeed, it is rather hard to fit in when you are the only one whose hair changes colour depending on how you feel, amongst other things.
This is the simple and heartwarming story of a grandmother passing her knowledge about plants to her grandchildren and teaching them to respect nature. Yayah also shares words from the endangered Interior Salish language, her native tongue. An important story about preserving a beautiful and rich culture by passing it on to future generations.
6-7 years old
Nous restons à votre disposition pour tout complément d’information : UNION SCHOOL - Anne-Sophie de Monès
