Chez nous near the Canal Saint Martin, Paris
One of the things I love about travelling with Minnie is the way I get to experience cities in a completely different way. Unlike my usual trips to Paris, I packed the bare minimum of clothes, make-up and no jewellery (I had to carry it and there was only a toddler to appreciate it) – I even left my beloved camera at home for similar reasons, relying on my phone.
And while I’d normally look for a chic, boutique hotel in the heart of Paris that doesn’t break the bank (not so easy), this time I found myself in a whole new area of the city by the Canal Saint Martin in a flat booked through AirBNB.
About 15 minutes from the heart of the city, it was within walking distance of several Metro lines and a direct bus route to the Gare du Nord, as well as another to the Pont Neuf by the Ile de la Cite.
With boxes of toys and books to keep Minnie happy, there was a proper espresso machine to do the same for me, plus high chair and cot.
And what hotel would leave little messages on a blackboard or in magnetic letters welcoming you to Paris?
Best, I had the waterfront of the canal practically on the doorstep. Wandering along from the Quai de la Loire on a Sunday afternoon, among the other families with buggies and babies, this felt like real life in the city rather than a tourist hub.
But with that added je ne sais quoi of being in Paris… in this case a tight-rope walker, a barge that’s also a performing arts space, boutiques decorated in sugary brights, and weirdly high arched bridges among the bars and restaurants.
And tucked just off the canal itself, Pink Flamingo pizza where I picked up a phenomenal creation with perfectly cooked duck breast, apple slices and goat’s cheese.
They’ll deliver to you on the banks, giving you a bright pink balloon with the order so they know where to find you.
That bit’s best done in summer, I suspect.
All images copyright MummyTravels
We nearly always stay in apartments on city visits and one of the things I love is that you are nearly always in a local area, not touristy, which gives such a different and more authentic experience of a place. Love the idea of the pizza place delivering to the quayside using a pink balloon to find you and I just love your photo of the colourful shops in what is otherwise an almost monochrome view (second to last photo), it’s stunning. Thanks for linking up to #AllAboutFrance
Absolutely, I saw such a different side to the city than whenever I’ve been in a hotel – I do miss those occasionally but it’s a lot more practical with my daughter, and a lovely new experience. And thank you, it was a grey February visit, but I loved the splashes of colour!
It looks nice! #allaboutfrance11
Thanks! Was a lovely spot to stay.
Renting an apartment near the canal sounds so nice – I love that area! And I’m so glad you found Pink Flamingo!! I lived in the Marais for three years, and almost around the corner from my apartment was another of their locations. I LOVE their pizza – in fact, on a trip back to Paris earlier this month, my husband and I went back to Pink Flamingo for one of our first meals out. That’s saying something since we live in NJ and work in Manhattan, an area abundant with pizza 🙂 #AllAboutFrance
It made a lovely base. And Pink Flamingo is fantastic isn’t it – that really does say something that it stands up against the best of Manhattan!