Hospitable Parisian hot spots, where kids are welcome and well catered for Breizh Café With its modern interior of pale wood and its choice of 15 artisanal ciders, this outpost of a restaurant in Cancale, Brittany, is a world away from the average crêperie. For the complete faux-seaside experience, you might start with a plate of creuse oysters from Cancale before indulging in an inventive buckwheat galette such as the Cancalaise, made with potato, smoked herring from Brittany and herring roe. The choice of fillings is fairly limited, but the ingredients are of high quality - including the use of Valrhona chocolate with 70% cocoa solids in the dessert crêpes. This restaurant serves one of Time Out's 50 best dishes in Paris. Click here to see the full list. L'Estaminet Bobo, yes, but still lovely. Insulated from the honking horns of the city, this place is a true oasis in central Paris. This small, organic canteen is warm and welcoming, a tavern for weary urban travellers in the heart of the Enfants Rouges market. Though somewhat difficult to find, it is far from secret – especially in summer when the colourful chairs come out to allow customers to enjoy the aromas of the market. Brunch is served on Saturdays and Sundays, and the ‘traditional’ menu (€20) is hearty and original. In addition to hot drinks and organic apple juice, take your pick from scrambled eggs, salad, assorted cheeses and cold cuts, fruit salad, cottage cheese, scones and jam. A plate full of variety and goo
The six-storey Haussmann buildings and relentless traffic of central Paris can feel claustrophobic at the best of times, so when you have a family in tow escape is often the only thing on your mind. Luckily you don't have to travel far to find sprawling parks, where the kids can let off steam while you catch your breath. Are we there yet?
The Parc de Sceaux is the perfect blend of geometric French garden and natural forest (though the wilder sections are fenced off). The canal that runs through the middle offers some glorious views, while the many benches and water fountains create a nice environment for idle Sunday strollers.How to get there: Take the RER B to Parc de Sceaux. Reachable from Route de Senlis, the canal walk is as peaceful as it is brief, and pram-friendly to boot. The path has more character than the wooded area around the nearby château, and a few thoughtful touches – such as the informative placards identifying the varied flora – spice things up for kids. Sadly, a sizeable chunk of the path remains private; but you can extend your walk by continuing into the botanical gardens.
How to get there: Take the RER D to Chantilly-Gouvieux. From here, make your way from Avenue du Maréchal Joffre to Rue du Connétable, then Route de Senlis.