Happy hours: a gourmet family outing in Paris
Looking for a family outing that's a little different from the local park, but still easy, fun, and friendly?
We've found THE perfect plan: "Les heures heureuses"(Happy Hours), a 100% Parisian culinary event that's delicious and totally family-friendly.
Whether you're from Paris or just passing through, this event is a great opportunity to discover new flavors, stroll through the neighborhoods, and spend some quality time together. Follow the guide!
What exactly are happy hours?
It is a participatory culinary event, organized every year in several neighborhoods of Paris (often in the spring or early summer).
The concept is simple:
Dozens of restaurants, caterers, bakeries, ice-cream parlors and bars offer gourmet snacks at mini prices (often around €2-4) to eat in or take away.
International cuisine, sweet and savory dishes, surprising flavors... all to be enjoyed on the go, with or without a stroller.
It's lively, relaxed, vibrant, and there'salways a great atmosphere in the participating streets. It's the perfect way to introduce children (and adults) to the joys of taste and discovery.
Why is it a perfect outing with children?
Les Heures Heureuses has all the ingredients for a successful family outing:
- Small portions = perfect for trying without wasting
- No long sit-down meals = we move around, we chat, we explore
- Many vegetarian, sweet, and light options...
- The lively, festive yet relaxed street atmosphere
- Routes sometimes designed by neighborhood = themed walks
And children love the "gourmet treasure hunt" aspect:
"Mom, shall we try the bao or the croque raclette?"
Which neighborhoods are best for families with children?
The event changes a little each year, but here are 3 neighborhoods that are often on the program and very suitable for family outings:
The 11th arrondissement / Oberkampf
- Lively neighbourhood, but with quiet corners
- Plenty of bistros, patisseries, world restaurants
- Great places for a snack break
The Canal Saint-Martin
- Ideal for use with strollers and baby carriages
- We walk along the water's edge, stop on a bench and enjoy a bite to eat in the open air.
The 14th / Alésia–Montsouris
- Residential neighborhood + Parc Montsouris nearby = perfect combo
- You can finish the walk at a playground or with a short ride on the merry-go-round.
Our practical tips for a successful outing
Here are a few tips for stress-free enjoyment with baby or children:
Bring a tote bag to carry your snacks to share
Take some wipes, water, a light towel (for picnic breaks) And of course, wear a nursing top Convenient for easy breastfeeding while out and about.
Keep some baby food or snacks handy. if your toddler is not yet eating the food offered
Hats and sunscreen if it's during the day
Follow the official route via the event website or social media channels (the exact locations are often revealed the day before or a few days in advance)
Bonus: a few ideas for activities in the area
Would you like to take advantage of this opportunity to enjoy a truly complete family outing? Here are a few ideas to add to your day:
- A quick visit to a kid-friendly museum (Musée en Herbe, Palais de la Découverte)
- A ride on a cargo bike (rented via local apps)
- A stop at a children's bookstore such asLa Librairie du Canal or Librairie Chantelivre
- A snack + stuffed animals at the park after the tasting
Small moments make big memories
Ultimately, what we remember are not the big events, but the moments shared, the laughter in the streets, the "hmm, that's so good!"
Happy Hours are moments like that. Accessible, joyful, shared, simple, and magical all at once.
At 23 Mai Paris, we love those everyday moments that become precious.
Our nursing clothes are designed to accompany you in all those real-life moments, with style, softness, and comfort (even when eating a bao on the street).
If you are breastfeeding, here are some of our nursing clothes that may interest you:
Breastfeeding t-shirts
Breastfeeding sweaters
Breastfeeding tank tops
Breastfeeding dresses
Breastfeeding pyjamas
