A Family Journey: Exploring Paris and Beyond

When my daughter Chloe was just five years old, she asked with the kind of bold confidence you don’t often see in children: could we go to Paris for her 10th birthday? I replied with a simple “yes,” expecting the whimsy of childhood dreams to fade. But as time passed, that dream blossomed into a heartfelt ambition, shared by my husband Chris and our family. Soon, not just Paris, but a grand adventure extending to London and the enchanting forests of Chantilly became a part of our family plan.

As the eve of her birthday arrived, our flight lifted off from Vancouver towards this magical city. Anticipation crackled in the air, filled with the promise of exploration and discovery.

Bonjour, Paris!

Touching down on the morning of Chloe’s birthday, we made our way to Shangri-La Paris, once the residence of Prince Roland Bonaparte. The first glimpse of our Eiffel Tower–facing room set the tone for a memorable birthday celebration. Chloe’s singular wish was to enjoy a croissant with the iconic tower as her backdrop. Watching her radiant joy as we indulged in our breakfast was a moment I’ll treasure forever.

After crossing the Seine, we entered L’Alma, a charming bistro with authentic French vibes, before enjoying a leisurely cruise with Vedettes de Paris that showcased the city’s most recognizable landmarks. We returned just in time for a birthday cake, complemented by the Eiffel Tower’s dazzling evening sparkle.

Adventures in the City of Light

The following morning unfolded atop the Arc de Triomphe. Wandering down the famed Champs-Élysées, we grabbed some delectable macarons from Ladurée before delving into the elegance of the Dior Museum at 30 Avenue Montaigne. Our midday break at La Terrasse Montaigne was marked by fine dining amidst a polished atmosphere.

Back at Shangri-La, we dipped into the sunlit pool at Chi, The Spa, creating a serene interlude. As night settled, we found solace watching the city light up from bed, eager for the 900-foot ascent up the Iron Lady the next day.

Surprises Around Every Corner

Our family exploration took us through Paris’s twenty distinct arrondissements, each bustling with its own character. Transitioning to Mandarin Oriental, Paris in the heart of the 1st, we marveled at the champagne welcome and haute couture-inspired suite. Lunch at Camélia filled our senses with birdsong and the delightful pleasures of the courtyard.

Strolling through the Tuileries Gardens led us to the Louvre, where an afternoon of artistic exploration marked our day. We embraced the evening in formal attire at Park Hyatt Paris for a Michelin-starred dinner at PUR, where each dish delivered a symphony of flavors and creativity.

A Day of Magic

Day four brought an enchanting twist as we ventured to Disneyland Paris, a quick 45-minute journey from the city. Waves of color and joyful chaos filled our afternoon, culminating in the unanimous delight of Big Thunder Mountain as our favorite ride. A cozy dinner at Ferdi just a stroll away from our hotel further nourished our spirits, with hearty cheeseburgers and mac and cheese winning Chloe’s heart.

London Calling

The next chapter of our adventure unfolded with a mysterious surprise added just ten days before our departure. Chloe’s deep-seated love for Harry Potter led us to London, where a stage production continued the enchanting story.

Arriving on the high-speed Eurostar, we checked into The Lanesborough at Hyde Park Corner. The elegance and white-glove service were ready to welcome us into luxurious surroundings. Our suite, adorned with Harry Potter-themed treats, delighted Chloe, while Lilibet, the hotel’s charming Siberian Forest cat, added a dash of endearing whimsy.

A Day Well Spent

The next day unfolded with visits to Buckingham Palace and Hyde Park. Brunch at The Wolseley satisfied our cravings before we browsed through Hatchards, London’s oldest bookshop, to gather a copy of the Harry Potter play. The afternoon culminated with a visit to the West End for Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, a two-part, five-hour theatrical marvel that had us wholly captivated.

A Taste of History

Our next stay at Raffles London at The OWO connected us to a vibrant history, located in the former Old War Office on Whitehall. Afternoon tea, appropriately themed “Secrets & Spies,” whisked us into a captivating historical narrative.

A leisurely stroll to Covent Garden revealed lively street performers, contrasting our previous engagement at Wahaca, where children’s menu choices satisfied the younger members of the family as spicy margaritas delighted the adults.

Rest and Culinary Delights

At Raffles, the Guerlain Spa provided a tranquil escape, featuring a spacious pool for leisurely relaxation. Dinner at Paper Moon was a culinary highlight, with exquisite pizzas and panna cotta rounding off our day splendidly.

Returning to Paris

Even as our adventures were set to end, we craved more of Paris. Our final stay at L’Hôtel du Collectionneur in the 8th arrondissement was marked by an impressive Signature Suite — complete with balloons for Chloe. Choosing room service and letting the day relax around us felt like the perfect way to wind down.

With proximity to the Champs-Élysées, we felt free to wander yet soon found ourselves enchanted by Parc Monceau and Batignolles — a walk filled with vintage treasures and a charming dinner at Mamma Primi.

The Final Chapters in Chantilly

As the journey neared its conclusion, we traded city buzz for tranquil moments at the InterContinental Chantilly Château Mont Royal, nestled in the forest. The serene ambiance and uneventful splendor encouraged lazy conversations and explorations around the Château de Chantilly, including a delightful treat of crème Chantilly and strawberries.

Our final day took us to Senlis, where charming cobblestone streets and quaint shops lured us in. Time lingered as we enjoyed coffee in the sunshine, savoring our last moments of unhurried joy.

As we retreated back to the hotel, we shared a final dinner in the former library and climbed to the roof to witness the sunset over the forest, capturing the essence of an adventure sparked by a simple question asked years before.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Brooke Van Hatten is Vice President of Marketing + Content at Kiwi Collection. Typically working behind the scenes, she is responsible for the magazine’s editorial vision and execution. Her passion for quiet luxury, immersive travel, and discovering local experiences shines through in every narrative.