In my experience, getting kids out and exploring for solid chunk of time requires a delicate balance of walking to treats. And the walk to treat ratio must be high!
Treats abound in Paris, so working them into an outing is quite easy. Between crepe stands, parks, pastry shops and merry go rounds, I find Paris to be one of these easiest cities for kid-friendly walking, Of course, we can’t forget ice cream as perhaps the best motivation for powering through a long summer walk (for both kids and adults).
Here are my top 4 Paris ice cream picks, there are so many others … these are just ones that are delicious and happen to be where we often find ourselves on weekends! I'll be updating this list as I try new favorites!
Bachir - a relative newcomer to the Paris ice cream scene, this spot serves organic Lebanese style ice cream. The flavors are delicate, and oftentimes exotic like rose petal or almond. Best part - you can choose to add crushed pistachios (for about 2 euros), and whipped cream topping is included. There are a couple locations for this one - 7 Rue Tardieu, 75018 Paris; 58 Rue Rambuteau, 75003 Paris
Berthillon - If Bachir is the new kid on the block, Berthillon is the steady grandpa that has been around forever! Founded in 1954, Berthillon has literally changed the Ile Saint Louis into the chic haven that it is today - Raymond Berthillon was one of the first people to set up shop on the island, and helped attract all the high quality shops that followed. These ice creams and sorbets are only made of the highest quality natural ingredients. While these ice creams are sold all over Paris, I think it is worth going to their original location where it all started and sitting in the tea room - maybe you'll see some of the Berthillon family working!
31 rue saint louis en l'ile, 75004 Paris
Une Glace a Paris - I must admit - this is the ice cream I get if I am out *without* the kids. The flavors are decidedly more mature - smoked vanilla, baba au rhum, or almond buckwheat... It is not surprising that there is a MOF (Meilleur Ouvrier de France - this is the prestigious title given to France's best craftsmen, after passing a stringent competition) behind this ice cream shop - it is exciting and delicious!
15 Rue Sainte-Croix de la Bretonnerie, 75004 Paris
16 place des Abbesses 75018 Paris
Amorino - this longtime player in the world of French ice cream is on the short list for one main reason - you can get as many flavors as you want, and each thin scoop is molded on the cone (Oh yeah. Don't get a cup here!) to form a delicate flower. It packs a punch visually and is delicious! This is a more Italian style gelato. Many locations!
Do you have a favorite spot for ice cream in Paris? Please share! I still have plenty to discover:)