Fun Things For Children Near The Champs Elysées
A large toy store just off the Champs Elysées is La Grand Récré 126 rue La Boétie75008 01 42 25 42 42
A great brasserie nearby is l’Alsace brasserie (currently closed for renovation), plus their Christmas market begins November 24.
Have the children seen the movie “Ratatouille“? The Ratatouille document is from the Paris mayor’s Web site with a map and references to places in Paris that were made in the movie — could be a fun way to see Paris. You will find all the recent movies on Mayor’s link.
If the children are 10 and up, consider visiting the sewers of Paris (les égouts de Paris). Hours and videos on the Paris Mayor’s page. The site will provide the basic information about price and opening times.
The Palais de la Découverte is very close to the Champs Elysées. It is a science museum (although in French the displays and interactivity could be universal. It is located on the back side of the Grand Palais.
A Monoprix is located on the corner of the Champs Elysées and rue du Colisée. They have a grocery store downstairs and clothes, household goods, cosmetics, etc. upstairs.
This is also a good spot to pick up picnic supplies (depending on the weather). If you have small tots who want to play in the sand box at the park before or after the guignols (puppets) (av Matignon and Champs-Elysées), check out the Monoprix for the spoons, cups, pails, shovels and other toys.
Buy tasty bread at Paul. The two closest locations to the Champs-Elysées are at 49 bis avenue Franklin Roosevelt and 84 avenue Champs-Elysées.
The temptation of chocolate is nearby at Jadis et Gourmande. If you are unsure what to choose from their wide, delicious selection, I recommend putting together a small bag of ganaches and its various flavors. Ten pieces will cost under 7 euros.
Marionnettes/Guignols (Marionettes/Puppets)
Under fives along for the tour? Try the marionettes on Wednesday and Saturdays at the park on the corner of Avenue Matignon and Champs-Elysées. Find more information on theatres, guignols, circuses in the article “Puppets and Marionettes in Paris”.
A man in a black hat (the voice of the marionettes) begins swinging and ringing a massive bell at Rond-Pont Champs-Elysées announcing the opening of the gate to the performance.
Playground in the area
A playground is located within the same park, as well as mechanical amusements (1 ticket is 1.50 euros – multiple tickets are also available) and swings (balancoires) 1 euro per child.
Toilets
There are facilities available in the park, but if you would rather go some place extremely nice and especially if you have someone in your party in diapers — go to 26 Champs-Elysées and Point WC inside the gallery. It is also accessible from rue de Ponthieu. For the price of 1,50 euro, believe me, it will be worth the visit with its contemporary design and products.
The Disney Store at 44 avenue Champs-Elysées.
Restaurants
In the Champs-Elysées area, you have pizza restaurants, Hippopotamus, brasseries, and movie theaters with movies in English. Use the Hippopotamus movie coupon (Hippociné) for 5 euros off, print out the document (“imprimer cette fiche”) and take it with you. Restrictions: Dine after 7:30 p.m. and everyone has to spend at least 23 euros. Maybe the Hippoétudiant is better. Show your student ID any night between Sunday and Thursday for 20% off your meal. They also offer a HippoKids menu.
Hippopotamus, 6, avenue Franklin Roosevelt Metro FDR .
Café le Ponthieu is a very nice, small café on the corner of avenue Franklin Roosevelt and rue de Ponthieu. Good menu prices at lunch time.
Paul is also on avenue Franklin Roosevelt and a good place close by the Champs-Elysées for a sandwich, pastry or some fresh bread. Read more about Paul and their history since 1889 (in English as well).
Most Champs-Elysées stores are open until midnight.
Jadis et Gourmande
49 bis, avenue Franklin Roosevelt 75008
Open: 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
, Metro: Franklin Roosevelt or Saint-Philippe du Roule
Closed Monday morning
PAUL
49 bis avenue Franklin Roosevelt – 75008
Pizza Pino
Champs Elysées
31/33, avenue des Champs-Elysées – 75008
Tél. 01 40 74 01 12
Open from 11:30 a.m. to 5 a.m.
Metro: Franklin D. Roosevelt or bus 73
Other Paris Pizza Pino’s http://www.pizzapino.fr/nos-restaurants.php
Marionettes in Paris – celebrated their 200 year birthday in 2008!
Luxembourg Gardens
Théâtre des Marionnettes du Jardin du Luxembourg, Since 1933 – Indoors and heated
The son Francis-Claude Desarthis continues his father’s tradition
Wednesday 4 p.m., Saturday, Sunday 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Jardin du Luxembourg 6th arr. Metro Vavin
Marionnettes des Champs-Elysées
Théâtre du vrai Guignolet
Guillaume Loison is considered the first Paris guignol puppeteer. Laurent Mourguet, from Lyon, and the Guentleur family, marionette artists, are the originators of the guignols on the Champs-Elysées according to the Marionnettes des Champs-Elysées website. Protective covering during the rain.
Once inside their website, use the menu option “Programmation fixe” to view the show times. They are normally: Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday, holidays and every day during French school holidays at 3 p.m., 4 p.m., and 5 p.m.
Rond-Point des Champs-Elysées 75008
Metro: Champs-Elysées Franklin Roosevelt
Watch my video presentation of the Luxembourg and Champs-Elysées puppet shows.
Marionnettes des Buttes-Chaumont
Théâtre Guignol Anatole
History of the Guignol in Paris and videos. Theatre closes for the winter: end of October until Spring and during bad weather.
Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday at 4:30 p.m.
Entry: 3 euros
Click on the clock that the puppet points to for the hours; they are closed during the winter.
