449261 Tue Oct 09 15:25:32 -0700 2007 13 49 France 0 3019370 I'm going to Paris in dec, travelling with my son, alone. I just can't wait, I'm so exited!! But as I am alone with my son, I can not go to just any restaurant I'd like. My question is: where can I find the best children-friendly places in Paris? My idea of children-friendly is: a stool for him, and an children-friendly attitude. (He brings his own food). (I refuse to visit McDonalds in the food capital of the world:) Tue Oct 09 15:25:32 -0700 2007 133450 Loveling 1 3052682 I try once more:) I,ve read ALL (the 4) links about French beeing so children oriented and that Apollo is supposed to be a child friendly place:) But my son is really just 13 months, Even though he is a very well behaved kid, he is still suddenly loud or he will happily toss all reachable items on the floor/ try to make contact with nearby tables. Or just start to cry out for no particular reason. And I will be on myown, not making it easier. I still wonder if there is a common practice in Paris to have childrens stools in restaurants. I have been searching the board for some time now, and I think my options might be in the bistroscene. As recomended on the board (seems to be quite unanimous) I'm thinking of l'ami jean. Have I gotten the the right picture of this place, when I belive it to be a little noisy? That would be very good for my sons activities (others wont be too bothered). I have also thought of Le Paul Bert and La Cave de l'Os à Moëlle. A chef I know recomended La Cremerie for wineshopping, Any rec? Hopefully someone has some answers for me:) Thanks Sat Oct 20 14:59:07 -0700 2007 3019370 133450 Loveling 2 3070041 I can't help much, but I would say-while L'Ami Jean is quite noisy, the tables are very closely packed (they have to move the table completely out so you can get to the inside chair.) I'm not sure where your son could sit in that space. Fri Oct 26 11:24:30 -0700 2007 3052682 17642 David W 3 3070858 Thanks for answering. I have decided not to go to l'ami. I think it might not be the place for my little one, and he will not be a good visitor to them:) Fri Oct 26 15:09:05 -0700 2007 3070041 133450 Loveling 1 3100711 I got back from Paris a couple of weeks ago. My wife and I took our 20 month old son with us. We didn't go to any of the really nice restaurants with him though so I can't really help you there. But most of the restaurants I've been to seem a bit cramped to allow for high chairs and things like that. We ended up going to pretty casual places like sandwich / baguette shops and street type places (l'as du falafel, etc.). RVD. Tue Nov 06 12:34:36 -0800 2007 3019370 41511 rvd72 2 3101889 I think I will do just the same as you, go to casual plases. I think I will learn from your observation, about the crampedness. At first I wanted to go lunching while in Paris, at some better bistros every day. Now I have decided to make lunch one day, and go with the "pauls" kind of places the rest of our stay. I have bought a chair for him, one you can put on top of a grown chair, so I will report how it goes:) Tue Nov 06 18:27:17 -0800 2007 3100711 133450 Loveling 3 3102302 You may want to consider the chain restos 'Chez Clément'. Depending on the branch, they aren't too bad and they are very child-friendly. Also, they will have stools. They do have mashed potatoes (purée) on the menu. Ask, if you can have just that for your little boy. They are a bit all over the city and have pretty convenient hours (avoid the peak hours though). You'll find all details (locations, menu, etc.) on their web page. I'd recommend the Montparnasse branch (on Blvd. Montparnasse, M°: Vavin). http://www.chezclement.com/anglais/index.php Tue Nov 06 22:56:58 -0800 2007 3101889 13522 Dodo 4 3108652 Thank you!! I am really happy now!! This solves a big problem for me. I was getting afraid I'd have to go to american chains... Thank you so much! Thu Nov 08 16:59:25 -0800 2007 3102302 133450 Loveling 5 3141064 Have a look at the blog Parisbreakfasts. There's a wonderful article (and even more nice photos of Chez Clément in Montparnasse (Le Dôme on one of the pics as well), dated November 19: http://parisbreakfasts.blogspot.com/ Mon Nov 19 22:56:19 -0800 2007 3108652 13522 Dodo 6 3151617 Thank you for this excelent link! It is so beautiful and warm, a real jewel. I really look forward to follow it. Sat Nov 24 15:15:32 -0800 2007 3141064 133450 Loveling 3 3109364 <I think I will do just the same as you, go to casual plases. I think I will learn from your observation, about the crampedness. At first I wanted to go lunching while in Paris, at some better bistros every day. Now I have decided to make lunch one day, and go with the "pauls" kind of places the rest of our stay.> You know, you don't have to make ALL your plans ahead of time. It is possible, especially when traveling in the "off" season, to make reservations one day ahead, and sometimes, even that same day. Why don't you start off casual and have a look around, especially near where you are staying. You may find some neighborhood bistros that are so comfortable you will feel very at ease bringing your son with you. I don't know where you are staying, but I can think of several places, in the 5me, 6me and 15me that would be welcoming places for you with your son. Thu Nov 08 22:51:15 -0800 2007 3101889 52499 ChefJune 4 3111693 I think your right about the overplanning. Getting a child generally made my brain into mush, hihi. I will take your advice, after starting out on Chez Clément, I will see how he behaves in Paris, and make plans accordingly. He is used to eating out, but the travelling might change his moods. And it is really good to know I don't need reservations weeks ahead. Fri Nov 09 16:14:38 -0800 2007 3109364 133450 Loveling 1 3111723 We went in april/may and one particular wonderful place that we had lunch, had a very comfortable dining room downstairs that might be nice with a 13 month old, particularly at lunch (i'm not sure what it was like at dinner time). It was Le Pre Verre @ 8, rue thenard. It was excellent and plenty of space downstairs. Of all the places that we dined, that one I would certainly take a toddler but pass on the others. http://www.lepreverre.com/en/resto/resto.html Fri Nov 09 16:26:48 -0800 2007 3019370 49588 lexpatti 2 3354761 Loveling, Any feedback on how your trip (and restos) went? ;o) Fri Feb 01 04:37:51 -0800 2008 3111723 13522 Dodo