Memory making and merry-go-rounds

I have very fond memories of visiting the old Wellington museum on Buckle Street when I was a child.

I know it’s very fashionable to create interactive museum spaces these days designed to encourage critical thinking and promote cultural heritage. But you just can’t beat a good old-fashioned skeleton for good viewing.

Prior to leaving New Zealand we had seen pictures of the Grande Gallerie de l’Evolution, part of the French National Museum of Natural History. It certainly didn’t disappoint. I half expected to see Noah waiting at the front to welcome the incredible collection of taxidermy animals lined up in a procession. The museum has never been on my Paris to-do list before, but it seemed sensible today to escape the popular tourist hotspots while still feeling like we were making the most of every minute.

Housed in an intricate building (which in itself would have been eye candy for me) I could imagine Parisian children from two centuries ago wandering the floors in much the same way my four were in 2017. I’m not sure any animal species is absent there. Hopefully my children will now have memories of visiting the museum that will last them a lifetime.

The rest of the day will look very familiar to those of you who lust after Paris: Jardins des Tuileries, Carousels (x2 - only 7 more to find and do), Roue de Paris, Place de la Concorde and a wee stop-in at Angelinas for the obligatory chocolat chaud. Not a moment wasted.