Hôtel Bel Ami

THE MOST KID-FRIENDLY ART WORKSHOPS IN PARIS

Categories : Parisian life, published on : 10/2/25

 

What if your children discovered Paris differenly? Instead of a simple stroll through the museums, imagine them holding a paintbrush before an Impressionist canvas, shaping clay in an artist’s studio, or composing their own fragrance in a haute parfumerie. The capital is brimming with places where young ones transform into true little creators. From Hôtel Bel Ami, in the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, just a short walk takes you to these exceptional spots where art is experienced as a family — with style and lightness.

 

 

 

 

ARTISTIC WORKSHOPS
in the city's great museums

MUSÉE D'ORSAY - THE IMPRESSIONIST LEGACY AT CHILD'S HEIGHT

Housed in a former Beaux-Arts railway station, the Musée d’Orsay is as awe-inspiring for adults as it is enchanting for children. But it’s not only Monet’s masterpieces or the grandeur of the galleries that capture their imagination—the museum also offers guided tours and workshops designed especially for families.

After exploring the collections with a passionate guide, your budding artists head into the studio to try their hand at Impressionist techniques. Mixing colors, playing with light, experimenting with pastels or charcoal—here, they learn to see differently before bringing their vision to life. In just two hours, they leave with a creation all their own, proud to have engaged—on their own terms—with the masters of Impressionism.
 

LE LOUVRE - THE NOBILITY OF ARTISTIC GESTURE

The Louvre is more than a collection of universal masterpieces—it is also a school of perception. The museum offers free workshops (upon registration) where children experiment with life drawing, composition, or even keeping a sketchbook.

Sometimes, the young artists settle right within the galleries themselves, sketching in front of ancient sculptures or monumental paintings. The experience carries a sense of solemnity: surrounded by timeless works of art, they focus on their own line, guided by attentive mediators. A rare way of approaching art in its purest nobility, transforming a visit into a true moment of transmission.
 

FONDATION LOUIS VUITTON - BETWEEN ARCHITECTURE AND CREATION

With its billowing glass sails designed by Frank Gehry, the Fondation Louis Vuitton is already a masterpiece in itself. But for families, the wonder continues inside with creative workshops tied to current exhibitions. Whether building miniature models, playing with colors, or exploring abstraction, children are introduced to the language of contemporary art in tandem with their parents. All in a spectacular setting within the Bois de Boulogne, where every corner invites awe. An outing that marries architectural wonder with the joy of creation—a true artistic interlude for the whole family.
 

PALAIS DE TOKYO - THE PLAYFUL "TOK-TOK"

At the Palais de Tokyo, contemporary art is discovered through play. The famous Tok-Tok workshops immerse children in the current exhibitions with a delightfully playful, offbeat approach. Guided by real artists, they experiment with pigments, collage, textures, and unexpected materials to create a piece inspired by their visit. The rule is simple: dare, experiment, reinvent. While the kids let their imagination run free, parents can enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of this avant-garde cultural hub. The result: an arty, joyful, and unforgettable family outing that makes Palais de Tokyo one of the trendiest spots for introducing children to contemporary creation.

Atelier artistique enfant au Louvre
© Musée du Louvre

 

EXCLUSIVE EXPERIENCES
with artists and artisans

ARTKIDS ATELIER - CREATIVITY TAILORED TO CHILDREN

In the 7th arrondissement, Artkids Atelier is the address whispered among savvy families. Everything here is designed for children: painting, sculpture, graphic arts—all guided with a bespoke approach. Small groups, quality materials, and personalized mentoring ensure that imagination truly flourishes. Each session becomes a privileged moment where a child dares, explores, and leaves with a creation that reflects them. The perfect atelier for offering little ones a chic, intimate, and truly creative escape, far from standardized activities.
 

INSTITUT GIACOMETTI - THE INTIMACY OF SCULPTURE

Just steps from Montparnasse, the Institut Giacometti feels like a hidden treasure. Bathed in natural light, the museum recreates the atmosphere of the artist’s own studio. Families are welcomed into intimate workshops where parents and children alike try their hands at modeling clay or sketching sculptural forms. No crowds, no distractions—just the gesture, the material, and the magic of seeing form emerge beneath one’s fingertips. For children, it’s a rare initiation into sculpture; for parents, it’s a chance to share a creative bond far from the bustle of Paris.


PARIS ATELIERS - THE EXCELLENCE OF ARTISAN CRAFTS

Bookbinding, fashion design, linocut, decorative arts… Behind discreet doors, Paris Ateliers introduces children to the rare crafts that embody French savoir-faire. Guided by master artisans, they discover the pleasure of working noble materials and learning demanding techniques: binding a Japanese-style notebook, designing a pattern, or mastering a print. Each workshop is a plunge into the world of fine crafts, balancing tradition with modernity. More than just an activity, it instills in children a taste for beauty, patience in the gesture, and pride in shaping an object with their own hands.

Atelier poterie pour les enfants


SENSORIAL CREATION
and the art of living

THE ART OF PERFUME - CREATING A PERSONAL OLFACTIVE SIGNATURE

In Paris, even children can be initiated into one of the most refined arts: perfumery. At Candora, a maison tucked in the Marais, little ones (from 6 years old) discover the secrets of fragrance through a playful and elegant workshop. Guided by a perfumer, they learn to recognize notes, blend them with delicacy, and compose their very own perfume. Each child leaves with a personalized bottle, a unique keepsake of this sensorial experience. A poetic immersion into French luxury, where one doesn’t simply make a fragrance but crafts a true signature.


HIGH-END CERAMIC WORKSHOPS - SCULPTING WITH ELEGANCE

There is something both soothing and creative in working clay. In Paris, several high-end studios welcome children to introduce them to the art of shaping. At Bombini, in their 11th arrondissement atelier, little hands mold bowls, cups, or decorative objects under the watchful eye of experienced ceramists. They learn how to prepare the clay, form a piece, and understand the stages of glazing. Each work is then fired and returned a few days later, transformed into a true work of art.


Atelier céramique pour enfant à Paris

 

OUR CREATIVE ITINERARY IDEAS
from Saint-Germain-des-Prés

ORSAY & LEFT BANK TEA

Begin your afternoon at the Musée d’Orsay with an Impressionist workshop, then stroll back along the Seine, admiring the bridges and views of the Louvre. Once in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, pause at Hôtel Montalembert, the emblematic literary address of the Left Bank. Sink into an armchair by the fireplace and share a rich hot chocolate with your children, served with house-made pastries. A warm and refined interlude before returning to Hôtel Bel Ami.
 

GIACOMETTI & PARISIAN GARDENS

Start the day gently with brunch at Bel Ami, a Sunday ritual where children indulge as much as parents do. Flaky pastries, fresh-pressed juices, and gourmet dishes—an ideal moment to reconnect as a family around the table. Then head to the Institut Giacometti to immerse your children in the world of sculpture. After the workshop, continue to the Jardin du Luxembourg to set little sailboats afloat in the fountain basin—a quintessential Parisian pastime loved by all generations.
 

A WALK & A PERFUMED WORKSHOP

Spend the afternoon on a guided family walk through the Marais, discovering its private mansions and picturesque streets. For children, it’s a chance to listen to anecdotes, notice hidden details, and see Parisian history come alive. After the stroll, stop at Bontemps Pâtisserie, where buttery sablés and delicate tarts have become a neighborhood signature. Then head to Candora, where your children will enjoy a refined olfactory initiation by creating their very own perfume.

Brunch au Bel Ami et Atelier enfant à l'institut Giacometti
© Institut Giacometti - Hotel Bel Ami


So, are you ready to see your children turn into little creators on your next stay in Paris?

Please confirm the captcha

Les informations portées sur ce formulaire vous concernant sont à l’usage de notre établissement et de nos prestataires techniques afin de traiter votre demande. Vous acceptez notre politique de confidentialité des données personnelles. Conformément à la Loi n°78-17 du 6 janvier 1978 modifiée, et au règlement général sur la protection des données, vous disposez d’un droit d’accès, de rectification, d’effacement, d'opposition et de limitation du traitement relatif aux données personnelles qui vous concernent, ainsi que du droit à la portabilité des données et de définition de vos directives relatives à la gestion de vos données après votre décès. Vous pouvez exercer ces droits par email à l'adresse reception@hotel-bel-ami.com. Pour en savoir plus, consultez les mentions légales.