What to do in with younger kids in Paris

So, you have a little bear who isn’t quite ready to venture into the bustling thoroughfare of a museum, or absorb the creativity of a Paris art fair? Then what are your options in the city of Paris? Thankfully there are a quite a few. But lets start with Puppet Shows.

puppet

There is a long history of Puppet Shows in Paris and they are always an easy option to entertain young children. Puppets are often called Marionettes, a French word used to describe puppets hanging from a string. The most famous puppet in France is Guignol who is basically the ‘star’ of most of the shows in the city! So much so that many puppet shows now bear his name. ‘Although often thought of as children’s entertainment, Guignol’s sharp wit and linguistic verve have always been appreciated by adults as well, as shown by the motto of a prominent Lyon troupe: “Guignol amuses children… and witty adults” ‘. Thanks Wikipedia!  Here is some useful information on where you can find puppet shows in Paris and yes they are in French -another great opportunity for the kids to absorb the language.

Théâtre de Guignol – Parc Montsouris
In the 14th arrondissement, the theatre is by the lake, near the gates on the corner of Avenue Reille and Rue Gazan and its heated during winter! Live shows last about 35 minutes without intervals, and are peppered with ballets and gags. Admission: €3.00. Shows Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays, bank holidays and school holidays. Further details online.
http://www.guignol-parcmontsouris.com

Théâtre de Guignol – Parc Floral
Meet the marionette that has been thrilling and chilling children since 1808! The shows are designed for kids from 2 years old and the performances change each week. Distinctively, these shows perform stories from around the world. You can see them every Wednesday, Weekends and School holidays from 3pm -4pm fro €2.80 per person.
Main entrance behind the Château de Vincennes esplanade.
Metro: Château de Vincennes
www.guignol-parcfloral.com

Théâtre de Guignol – Champs Elysées
Positioned on the most famous street in Paris. Guignol on stage can be enjoyed every Wednesday, Weekends and School holidays at 3pm, 4pm and 5pm. €4 per person.
Rond Point des Champs Elysées, on the Promenade des Champs Elysées.
Metro: Champs Elysées Clémenceau or Franklin Roosevelt
www.theatreguignol.fr

Marionnettes du Luxembourg
Their marionette shows are on Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday and holidays all year round. They advise that you arrive at least thirty minutes before the start of the show if you want a good spot. The show lasts about forty minutes, strollers wait outside in a protected area near the entrance. The theater is located next to the playground closest to rue Guynemer. RER B Luxembourg Bus: 83, 89, 38, 85 Metro: Line 4: Vavin, Line 12: Notre-Dame des Champs
http://www.marionnettesduluxembourg.fr

Théâtre des Marionnettes
A theater in the pretty garden with a fluentt exchange between the puppets and children … At the edge of the wood in Saint Mande. Situated near Bois du Vincennes for children and adults from 3 years old! From Tuesday – Saturday at 2:30pm and 7pm. Tickets available an hour before the show but reservations can be made online. Prices range from €8 – €13. You can reserve tickets online.
http://www.lesmarionnettesdeparis.com

Théâtre de guignol du Jardin d’Acclimatation
A 300 seated theatre that changes the show twice a month. It has been here since 1953 and is the joy of children. Open Wednesdays, Weekends and throughout the holidays from 3pm – 4pm. Call or make reservations online.
http://www.jardindacclimatation.fr/article/le-theatre-de-guignol/

Le Guignol de Paris au parc des Buttes Chaumont
Guignol de Paris is located in the top of the Buttes Chaumont park in Paris 19ème . This theatre is known for adaptations of familiar stories and novels and classical repertoire. Very magical by all accounts. Open Wednesdays, weekends and during the holidays. The doors open ten minutes before each performance.
http://www.guignol-butteschaumont.com

Théâtre Astral
The troupe of the Astral Theatre presents shows for children 3 to 8 years in a beautiful theatre that seats 160. The  Astral Theatre is located in Parc Floral and you is open for your entertainment from July to September ! Prices range from €3 – €8 and you can reserve places online.
http://www.theatreastral.com

Théâtre Guignol Anatole
This theatre has been in Parc des Buttes-Chaumont since 1892, and the shows revisit Guignol’s original and traditional repertoire in modern settings. MLP wasn’t able to find any specific details with regards to the schedule but the website is below.
http://www.guignol-paris.com

Hope you enjoy the shows and that you found this post useful. Please like the post and comment to let us know. We would love you to follow our Facebook page too and support us on Twitter and Instagram. You can also subscribe to MLP to get posts direct to your inbox.

PS: We just made our first video called Street of the Week with a help of a few Mamas. You can view it here if you have five minutes spare.

Special thanks to Super Mama Sandra Day for pointing out that Puppet Shows in Paris are perfect for little kids.

Love MLP