MEET ZOË PETIT: THE PARIS FAMILY GUIDE WHO KNOWS ALL THE BEST LEFT BANK SECRETS

When planning a family trip to Paris, having an insider who truly understands what makes the city magical for both parents and children is invaluable. Meet Zoë, the Texas-born, Paris-based guide who has been helping families discover the City of Light for over a decade through her unique concept The Petit Guide. 

From Austin to Paris: Zoë's Journey

Zoë's Parisian adventure began in the most romantic way imaginable. After completing her Art History studies in Austin, Texas, she fell in love with a French gentleman, crossed the Atlantic and never looked back. For more than ten years, she's called Paris home, immersing herself in the language, culture, history and every hidden corner of the city. Now a mother of two herself, Zoë has developed an authentic understanding of what families need when exploring Paris with children. 

What Sets The Petit Guide Apart

Zoë offers specialized family tours that go far beyond typical tourist experiences. Her tours are thoughtfully adapted to children's ages and attention spans, typically lasting around 2.5 hours. She doesn't just focus on monuments and history, though those are certainly included, but also weaves in daily French life, street art, authentic boutiques, and tasty food.

For younger visitors, Zoë comes prepared with sketching supplies, bubbles, and chalk to keep little ones happy and enthusiastic. She incorporates delightful breaks for carousels, treats, and park visits, ensuring that children remain excited throughout the experience. Parents consistently praise her ability to balance educational content with pure fun. 

Her most popular tour explores Montmartre, her neighborhood for the past decade, where families discover everything from Sacré Coeur Basilica to the spot where Picasso worked at Le Bateau Lavoir. The tour includes stops at wonderful bakeries and features the gorgeous double-decker carousel below Sacré Coeur. 

Another favourite is the Central Paris Tour takes families through the heart of the city, exploring both islands and the surrounding areas. This journey through medieval Paris includes stops at Notre Dame, the iconic Shakespeare and Company bookstore, and treats like iconic ice cream from the famous Berthillon shop on Île Saint-Louis. 

Zoë's Favorite Left Bank Spots for Families

As part of a mother-daughter Parisian morning on the Left Bank, she visited our dress boutique! It was the perfect opportunity to ask her to share her personal recommendations. Here are her tips on creating a special, meaningful experience for your family.

Luxembourg Gardens: A Left Bank Essential

For Zoë, the Luxembourg Gardens represent a must-visit destination on any Paris itinerary. This spectacular park offers layers of entertainment for children: pony rides, sailboats to float on the fountain (available March through November), an excellent playground, and what Zoë considers her favorite carousel in all of Paris. The gardens provide the perfect blend of beauty, history, and child-friendly activities that make it an ideal starting point for a Left Bank adventure.

Rue de Montparnasse: The Crêperie Capital

When hunger strikes, Zoë recommends heading to Rue de Montparnasse, which she calls the headquarters for crêperies in Paris. Her family favorite is Le Petit Josselin, a cozy and bustling spot that serves authentic Breton crêpes. 

The restaurant offers the classic combination of savory galettes (like the complete with egg, cheese, and ham) followed by sweet crêpes : Zoë's daughter loves the traditional beurre sucre (butter and sugar). It's the kind of authentic, affordable meal that satisfies both children and adults while giving families a true taste of French tradition.

Chapon Chocolaterie: The Famous Chocolate Mousse Bar

Just steps from the magnificent Saint-Sulpice Church and iconic fountain, Chapon Chocolaterie offers one of Paris's most unique chocolate experiences. This isn't just another chocolate shop, it's home to a dedicated chocolate mousse bar, featuring single-origin mousses served in charming paper cones.

Founded by Patrice Chapon, a former ice cream maker for Buckingham Palace, the boutique reflects over 30 years of craftsmanship. What makes Chapon truly special is that he sources his cocoa beans from around the world and roasts them himself.

At the mousse bar, children and adults alike can choose from several single-origin dark chocolates, each with different intensity levels and flavor profiles from countries like Ecuador, Cuba, and Venezuela. The boutique itself is whimsical and inviting, with vintage candy-shop style decor and walls adorned with old-fashioned chocolate molds. 

Planning Your Experience with Zoë

The Petit Guide offers several types of tours priced at 350 euros for up to six people, with an additional 25 euros per person beyond that. 

Zoë also provides a "Get to Know Your Neighborhood" tour, perfect for families at the start of their trip. This orientation meets you at your accommodation and covers Paris basics : etiquette, culture, safety, while exploring your immediate area to locate groceries, bakeries, pharmacies, and the nearest metro station. 

For families who prefer to explore independently, Zoë also offers self-guided tours and a Paris activity book designed to keep children engaged while discovering the city. 

Why Families Love The Petit Guide

Reviews consistently highlight Zoë's warmth, patience, and ability to customize experiences. One recent visitor noted that their time with Zoë was the highlight of their entire Paris trip, while another praised her ability to pack incredible information and sights into the tour while keeping children thoroughly engaged. 

Her approach is guided by core values of curiosity, communication, service, optimism, and a spirit of adventure : all essential qualities when exploring a new city with children. She understands that things don't always go according to plan, especially when traveling with kids, and approaches unexpected changes with positivity and creative problem-solving. She marvellously blends education with genuine fun, combining famous landmarks with local secrets, and thus creating memories that last far beyond the trip itself.

To learn more about The Petit Guide or book a tour, visit zoepetit.com or follow her on Instagram at @the.petit.guide for ongoing Paris inspiration and tips.

Read her blog article about her visit to our boutique.