MARIE THIBAUT DE MAISIÈRES, FOUNDER ZEBRABOOK, IN BRUSSELS
Today we are touring Brussels with a mom who certainly has a way with words. Marie Thibaut de Maisières, the founder of ZebraBook - an adorable collection of personalised children's books - has been living in the capital of Belgium for 20 years, after living 8 miles away before. She loves walking around the city with her 'tribe' that she describes with love and irony:
"I have 3 kids. Naïri, 7 years old, is our little tyrant who controls the life of our family with lots of love. You definitely want to have her on your side. Arman is 5 years old and is our little fool. I am his biggest fan, and I have been laughing at his jokes since he was born; he is surprised not to receive the same praise when he shows his butt at school! Gassia, our little sun, has been with us for two years only (to the cat's despair!). She's a joyful but deafening little creature."
IN BRUSSELS WITH MARIE THIBAUT DE MAISIÈRES
Eating out with the kids. To be honest with you, my kids are not too well-behaved so I only take them out in an emergency (such as a snow storm in the country or if our local market is out of stock!). The only place they really fit in is at Manhattn's Burger where young adults are often noisier than them. It's perfect because their burgers are to die for. Otherwise, we love to order in the veggie couscous from La Médina.
Grabbing a snack with the kids. The "pains au chocolat" from La Fleur de Pain are terrific.
Shopping for the kids. For toys, Papillon is the place to go to. The staff are extremely patient and give great advice to find the gift that will best suit your kid.
For a nursery, Enfantillages. The selection is awesome and features pratical, high quality smart products. The staff never pushes you into buying something you don't need and that's really appreciated.
For clothes, we're super lucky in Brussels. Don't miss boho-chic brands such as Little Panama and Maurice & Co. If you're looking for something more sophisticated, check out Les Petites Abeilles. All these places also have online shops.
A favorite activity with the kids on a sunny day. Jacot Park is my kids' favorite. It's great as I always find an old friend or an old neighbor to talk to there. (Actually, my kids sort of prefer the ugly playground across the street from us but I lie to them about its opening hours).
During the summer, my kids live in the fountains at Place Flagey. Otherwise, outside of the city, we like going fruit picking at Marie’s Garden - totally magical for city kids!
And when it's raining? When it's raining, we love to go choose a comic book from the second hand bookstore Pêle-mêle and read in front of the fire whilst eating daddy's crepes - to the regret of our white carpet!
There are also loads of great museum in Brussels: Musée d’Histoire (Museum of History), Musée d’Histoire Naturelle (Museum of Natural History), Musée des Enfants (Children's Museum), Musée de l’Armée (Military Museum).
If you are lucky and happen to be in Brussels the day of a show at La Montagne Magique theater, don't miss it! Last but not least, the best activity for kids (and also the worst for parents) is the huge indoor playground, Stardust, at Forrest. Unforgettable (in both ways!), if you can send a grandparent or a baby sitter, it's a win-win.
A kid-friendly hotel. Undoubtedly Zita! This adorable bed & breakfast is also used as a rehearsing room for musicians of the conservatory, as an exhibition hall for upcoming or well-known artists, and as a meeting room for the intellectuals visiting Brussels. The atmosphere is very family-friendly, kids are welcomed and the rooms have character. A dream!
How do you keep up to date with local family friendly info? BelgoMums on Facebook, Le Petit Moutard or Le Ligueur.
Just like Marie Thibaut de Maisières' locations, her books are worth a try! Check out her collection here.
