activities with kids – enfantsdazur

Winter Reading Magic The Most Beautiful Books to Share With Children During the Holiday Season

Marie1_1 — Fri, 12 Dec 2025 08:20:00 +0000

« Winter Reading Magic The Most Beautiful Books to Share With Children During the Holiday Season »

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a commission from qualifying purchases.

The year end season carries a particular atmosphere. The pace shifts. Mornings stretch a little longer. Afternoons soften. Evenings arrive earlier and invite stillness. Whether families celebrate specific traditions or simply welcome the quieter rhythm of winter, the holiday break offers a rare luxury unhurried time together.

In these slower days, reading becomes something entirely different. Not a routine, not a task but a shared pause. A book opened between two moments. A voice filling the space where the day begins to unwind. Below are some of the most beautiful books to share with children during the winter holidays, stories that invite calm, imagination, humour, wonder and emotional connection, each paired with the moment of the day when it feels most alive.

⁠The Snowman by Raymond Briggs (Ages 3 to 7)

Best Time to Read Twilight just before bed

As the day fades and the house begins to soften into evening calm, The Snowman brings quiet magic in its purest form. Told entirely through illustrations, it follows a young boy whose snowman comes to life for one silent, extraordinary night.

“There were no words. And yet everything was said.”

Children lean closer, drawn into secret flight and impossible friendship. Parents often feel the tenderness of how fleeting childhood truly is. The story moves without sound but leaves deep impressions behind. It is the perfect bridge between movement and sleep.

> Click here <

⁠The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg (Ages 4 to 9)

Best Time to Read A cozy evening during the holiday break

As anticipation fills the air and the days begin to glow with late sunsets and quiet lights in windows, The Polar Express invites children into belief. A mysterious train appears in the snow and carries children toward wonder, testing not just courage but faith in the unseen.

“The bell still rings for all who truly believe.”

Children feel chosen and transported. Adults often feel the subtle emotion of watching belief transform rather than disappear. This is a story that belongs to evenings when imagination feels especially close.

> Click here <

How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr Seuss (Ages 4 to 8)

Best Time to Read Late afternoon after an active winter day

After a day filled with outings, play or family visits, this story lands with perfect timing. The Grinch tries to steal celebration itself, convinced that joy lives only inside decorations and gifts.

“Maybe Christmas does not come from a store. Maybe Christmas perhaps means a little bit more.”

Children laugh at his mischief. Adults recognise the deeper truth beneath the humour. Without explaining anything, this story quietly recentres the season around people, not things.

> Click here <

⁠Bear Stays Up for Christmas by Karma Wilson (Ages 2 to 5)

Best Time to Read After bath time before sleep

This gentle winter tale follows Bear as he sleeps through winter while his friends prepare a loving surprise. The rhythm of the story mirrors the winding down of small bodies and busy minds.

“So with lights and gifts and tiny lit tree, Bear sleeps on peacefully.”

For young children, this story feels like a slow exhale at the end of the day. It carries comfort, waiting and the quiet joy of togetherness.

> Click here <

⁠A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens (Ages 8 and above adapted editions)

Best Time to Read Early evening as a family

This timeless story unfolds slowly, with space for reflection. Scrooge’s journey from isolation to generosity opens quiet conversations between generations.

“I will honour Christmas in my heart and try to keep it all the year.”

Children begin to understand the weight of choice and kindness. Adults often find themselves unexpectedly moved by its truth. It is a story for shared silence as much as shared reading.

> Click here <

The Nutcracker by E T A Hoffmann (Ages 6 to 12)

Best Time to Read A quiet winter afternoon

As daylight softens and the outside world grows hushed, The Nutcracker opens a door into fantasy, fear, bravery and transformation. Clara’s journey through dream and danger mirrors the inner world of many growing children.

“One must have courage to dream, and courage to follow the dream.”

Children connect with loyalty, wonder and adventure. Parents see the symbolism of growth, of trusting children as they step into independence. This story often lingers long after the book is closed.

> Click here <

Why Winter Is Such a Natural Season for Stories

During the year, stories often compete with schedules. During the holiday season, they find their place. Winter naturally draws children inward. It quiets the outside world and restores imagination as something unhurried.

Stories at this time of year do not just entertain. They accompany.

When the House Grows Quiet

As the season unfolds, there are moments when the house gently exhales. The laughter softens. The lights dim. Outside, winter settles into its own rhythm. Somewhere between one page and the next, a different kind of holiday atmosphere appears, not the one that sparkles, but the one that lingers.

Books slip naturally into those spaces. They do not demand attention. They simply accompany the quieter hours. A shared story before sleep. A chapter caught between two cups of hot chocolate. A familiar voice reading words that slowly become part of the season itself.

Long after the decorations are packed away, it is often these unnoticed moments that return first.

Author’s Note

This selection was shaped with the winter season in mind, a time that carries both movement and stillness, excitement and retreat. Each story chosen here brings its own pace, its own emotional temperature, its own invitation into imagination.

At Enfant d’Azur, we are constantly inspired by the natural rhythms of family life, the mornings that begin in a rush, the afternoons that drift, the evenings that soften into calm. These books belong to those in between spaces, where stories quietly settle into memory without ever announcing themselves.

With warmth,
Enfants d’Azur

Le Musée de l’Illusion in Nice: A Fascinating Family Adventure into the World of Illusions

Marie1_1 — Fri, 08 Nov 2024 15:54:10 +0000

Le Musée de l’Illusion in Nice: A Fascinating Family Adventure into the World of Illusions

Nestled in the vibrant city of Nice, Le Musée de l’Illusion offers a unique and interactive experience where reality and perception collide. This innovative museum invites visitors to explore the mind-bending world of illusions through immersive displays and interactive exhibits. It’s a place that promises excitement and wonder for families and children, combining fun with learning in ways that entertain and amaze. Here’s a closer look at the illusionist arts you can explore and why it’s an ideal destination for families.

What Types of Illusions Can You Explore at Le Musée de l’Illusion?

The museum features an array of visual and sensory illusions that use psychology, physics, and art to create effects that trick the mind. Here are some highlights of the illusionist displays families can explore:

1. Optical Illusions

The museum is filled with optical illusions that challenge how we see color, depth, and movement. These exhibits use clever designs and patterns to create images that seem to change or move as you look at them. Kids and adults alike will be mesmerized by the tricks these simple visuals can play on the brain!

2. The Ames Room

The Ames Room is one of the museum’s most popular illusions, where people appear to grow or shrink depending on where they stand. This distorted room alters your perception of size and shape, providing a fun setting for families to snap creative photos that make people look like giants or tiny figures.

3. The Infinity Mirror Room

In the Infinity Mirror Room, reflections create a seemingly endless expanse that tricks your sense of space. With mirrors reflecting each other from every angle, this room creates an infinite illusion that makes visitors feel like they’re standing in a boundless space. Children especially love the magic of this room, where the reflections go on forever!

4. Vortex Tunnel

The Vortex Tunnel is a spinning tunnel with rotating patterns that create the sensation of movement and disorientation. Although you’re on a stable path, the spinning colors and lights make it feel like the whole room is swirling around you. This thrilling experience is a favorite among kids and adds a bit of excitement to the visit.

5. Holograms and 3D Illusions

The museum’s holograms are displays that seem to float in three dimensions. These illusions use light to create lifelike images that appear to move or change as you view them from different angles. Kids enjoy watching the holographic images come to life and trying to figure out how these effects are created.

6. Upside-Down Room

In the upside-down room, every item of furniture appears to defy gravity by hanging from the ceiling. This surreal space lets families take fun and quirky photos that make it look like they’re walking on the ceiling. It’s a playful exhibit that encourages creativity, and the results make for fantastic family photos.

7. Interactive Puzzles and Games

Beyond illusions, the museum also has brain-teasing puzzles and games that challenge problem-solving and spatial skills. These hands-on puzzles offer a fun way to test the mind, making it a great learning opportunity that families can enjoy together.

Why Le Musée de l’Illusion Is Perfect for Families

Le Musée de l’Illusion is designed to be accessible, engaging, and fun for all ages. Here’s what makes it a fantastic destination for families with children:

•Educational Entertainment: The museum provides a playful introduction to the science of perception and psychology. Children can learn how the brain interprets visual information while having fun, which makes the experience both educational and enjoyable.

•Endless Photo Opportunities: With so many interactive displays, there are countless chances for families to take creative photos. From the Ames Room to the Infinity Mirror Room, each exhibit provides a unique backdrop for memorable photos. These pictures make great keepsakes and are fun to share with family and friends.

•A Space for Curiosity and Exploration: The museum encourages kids to explore and engage with each exhibit, sparking curiosity and wonder. Parents can let their children freely interact with the displays without worrying about fragile artifacts or strict rules.

•Appealing for All Ages: Younger kids are captivated by the colors and movement, while older children and teens are drawn to the more complex illusions and puzzles. The museum has something for everyone, so the whole family can enjoy it together.

•Friendly, Safe Environment: The museum is enclosed and carefully organized, so parents can feel at ease while children roam and explore the exhibits. Many displays are touch-friendly and designed for interaction, making it a stress-free experience for families.

Practical Information for Your Visit

Here are some helpful details for planning your visit to Le Musée de l’Illusion:

•Location: The museum is centrally located in Nice, making it easily accessible by public transportation or on foot.

•Visit Duration: Most families spend around 1-2 hours exploring the museum, depending on how long they interact with each exhibit and take photos.

•Tickets: Le Musée de l’Illusion offers ticket packages for families and discounts for children, making it affordable for groups. It’s a good idea to check online for current prices and ticket options before you go.

•Bring a Camera: Many exhibits are designed with photography in mind, so be sure to bring a camera or smartphone to capture the fun. The museum staff is often available to help families get the perfect shot.

Conclusion

Le Musée de l’Illusion in Nice is a magical destination that offers families a chance to explore, play, and learn together. With its interactive exhibits and mind-bending illusions, the museum provides an experience that’s both fun and educational. Whether you’re twisting through the Vortex Tunnel, marveling at holograms, or capturing quirky family photos in the upside-down room, every corner of the museum holds a surprise. For families visiting Nice, this museum promises an unforgettable adventure into the world of illusion, sparking curiosity and creating lasting memories for everyone.

Make your Lockdown Walks Exciting for Kids with these Fun & Educational Ideas

hgrattan — Sat, 07 Nov 2020 02:40:30 +0000

Exciting Fun and Educational Ideas for your Lockdown Walks

Due to the new lockdown in France, we have been told that yet again, we must stay at home except for an hour or two a day, in which, attestation in hand we are allowed to get some fresh air, stretch our legs, take our pets for a walk or get some exercise and all this within a short distance from home.

Getting out of the house at least once a day is essential for our family's health and wellbeing so, how can we inject a bit of excitement into our walks and local hikes so that kids are raring to get outside? And why not sneak some educational value into your walks to make learning fun too!

Disclaimer: Enfants D’Azur reviews are independent and based on expertise and testing. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, but this never influences our product choices.

1. Go to the beach/river/lake/pool/pond and have a rock skipping competition. See who can get the most skips across the water. For very young children if they can’t skip the rocks yet praise their efforts as they try. Then encourage them to find different sized rocks and pebbles and let them throw them in to see the splash they make. Talk about how larger heavier rocks make a bigger splash. Why not add some items that float such as twigs and leaves and teach the concept of "what floats and what sinks" This idea is guaranteed to be a "splashing good time".

2. On your walk or shopping trip, pop into a local supermarket or deli and let your child pick items for a delicious picnic. If you want them to choose a balanced menu talk to them before you go about the food groups and healthy eating. You could set them a task of choosing an entrée, a main, a dessert, and their favorite drinks. You will be surprised at how responsible they will be. And even if they do choose a basket of sweet treats - well it’s only a one-off! Just in case plan a backup lunch for when they feel hungry later. Then let them, or help them if they are very young, prepare it for you in your garden or your own balcony. Children can invite dolls and teddys, in the absence of playdate buddies and you could even play some music to enhance the experience

3. Take your binoculars on your walk and go bird watching. Talk to the children about how we classify birds and tell them apart from other animals: They are bipedal; they have 4 clawed toes to grip onto branches; they have a beak, wings, and feathers. Listen out for birdsong and try to imitate them. When you get home look up facts about the birds you encountered. You could even make homemade bird feeders, like this one from"The Kratt Brothers" made from pine cones, peanuts, birdseed, and some string and hang them in your garden on your balcony. Your little ones can then continue to watch and observe the birds from the comfort of home during the lockdown.

4. Search for bugs at the park and look up facts about them. If you have a bug box bring some home as pets. There are lots of resources online for learning about bugs including BBC Earth Kids, just one of many fantastic YouTube channels and Apps I mention in my article about keeping kids busy in lockdown in Enfants D'Azur Magazine's November / December 2020 issue.

Read the article here...

This great little bug box, available from Amazon. It has a magnifying glass, air holes for little creatures to breathe and a pair of tweezer to pick up the dead bugs.

Birdwatching

A fun picnic with deli treats at home.

5. Do a colour, alphabet, or number hunt. As you go on your walk look for anything with that colour/letter/number. This a great literacy game. Watch how your kids point and shout out for joy when they see their chosen numbers on the front doors, apartments, or shops and identify letters in street signs. If you chose an alphabet hunt, find things that start with the letter A, then B, then C, etc... and see how far you get. If you chose to search for colours why not dress up in that colour just for fun! You or your child could use your camera or phone to take pictures of the things you find. When you get home you could make a collage of your pictures and you can continue the game into the afternoon by having a ‘green’ snack of crunchy apples or cucumber crudités, or a ‘red’ meal like pasta with tomato sauce or Pizza Margarita.

6. Get your kids to help you make some of my Easy No-Cook Playdough. This is the last playdough recipe you will ever need it is the perfect consistency and, if covered, lasts for up to 2 weeks. You will find the recipe here in the July/August 2020 issue of Enfants d'Azur Magazine.

Bring the playdough with you on your walk. Then make sculptures, depending on where you go, you can make different sculptures if you go to the park, collect twigs and leaves and if at the beach try seaweed and stones. We would love to see your creations so tag us @enfantsdazur on Instagram and Facebook.

7. Paint some pebbles from the beach and on your walk, leave them for people to find. It might make someone smile. Post a picture on your Facebook and your local school or town social group ( it works best if it's a group with members that live near to you) Post a photo or tell them where you have left your rocks and challenge them to go and find them. You never know it might become a "thing" and other kids in your area might leave some rocks for you to find on your next walk.

8. Make a map of sounds. As you go on your walk, encourage your child to listen to all the noises on the street, in the parks, and at the beach. Can you hear dogs barking, birds tweeting, the wind in the trees, waves crashing, car horns beeping. What else can you hear? When you get home make a map of your journey. Mark all the sounds you heard. You can either draw them like a dog barking or if you prefer you can print out a picture from the Internet or cut one out of a magazine and glue it onto your map. This game is a great sensory play activity and talking about your journey is great for spatial awareness and learning about where you live. What a great piece of your child's art to pin on the front of the fridge.

9. By incorporating this fun game into your walk you can get some exercise in for yourself and your child. Before you go on your walk consider where are you going to go. Talk to your child about how you get there and the different things that you need to pass on the way. For example:

When we get to our gate we’re going to do 10 jumping jacks When we get to the bus stop we’re going to run on the spot till the bus arrives
When we get to the hill we’re going to run up it
When we get to the stairs we’re going to skip down
When we get to the park we’re going to balance on one leg for one minute. Set your stopwatch and challenge your child to see how long they can hold it.

You get the idea you can make it as difficult or as easy as you like.

10. Finally "Apothecary", is a fabulous game, a game from my own childhood taught to me by my grandmother and I recently wrote about in the November / December issue of Enfants d'Azur magazine. Take a little basket or a box with you, a walk is a perfect opportunity to collect all the many different leaves, buds twigs petals, and other objects and items from nature you will need to play. The objective is to make a pretend apothecary shop using those items and sell these items to siblings and other members of your family. To read more about the "Apothecary Shop" game and other old-fashioned easy to make games check out my article in this issue of Enfants D'Azur Magazine Nov Dec 2020.

I hope you have lots of fun trying out these fun ideas on your lockdown walks.

Enjoy,

Holly

Enfants d'Azur Magazine is a bilingual Parenting and Lifestyle Magazine for the Cote d'Azur. It is also available in French.

www.enfantsdazur.com/magazine

My Favourite Things to do in Autumn on the French Riviera with Kids.

hgrattan — Sun, 04 Oct 2020 17:53:12 +0000

The weather in Autumn on the French Riviera is still exceptionally sunny but the great advantage is that all the tourists have gone home. It is an incredibly stark contrast to the bustle of summer and feels so calm and tranquil. There are so many opportunities to take long walks along the beach, hike inland, one of my favourites being Greolières. You can visit one of the stunning natural parks like Le parc naturel de la Valmasque and l’Étang Fontmerle, visit the weekly markets to buy fresh local seasonal produce or visit some of the many art galleries in the area.

Dates for your Diary July 2020

hgrattan — Wed, 01 Jul 2020 22:12:47 +0000

Dates for you Diary - What to do throughout July 2020

If you were expecting the Summer to be quiet with not much happening on the Cote D’Azur, then think again. As well as ample opportunities to indulge in me-time, we have researched things for everyone to do on the Riviera and the calendar for July is quite robust. There are things for everyone from theatre lovers, fitness fans, foodies, art enthusiasts, and those who love to party/dance. For August, there are not yet many events and activities planned but don't worry we will be keeping you updated as and when this information is released on our website and our blog. So take a look at this round-up of just some of the fabulous things we have found for families this summer.

When: 20th July 2020

Where: Nice

Arthur et la Sorcière à Moustache - Sebastien Morena

Arthur is a little boy who loves to play but today he is all alone and quite bored.

On his adventures, he meets lots of new animal friends. Zozo, a completely crazy cat, who knows how to play hundreds of games leads him through the forest. The forest is also home to a witch with a mustache who sets. trap for Arthur. TO escape from the spell cast by the witch Authur call on children in the audience to help him.

A lovely enchanting and magical puppet show performance for a young audience

with: Sébastien MORENA

Puppet Show - Length: 35 minutes - Suitable for 2 à 8 years old

Contact Théâtre L'Alphabet

When: 23rd July 2020

Where: Nice

Le Vilain Petit Mouton

Don’t miss out on "Le vilain petit mouton et le secret de la poule au n'oeuf d'or", a family adventure presented by the Théâtre L'Alphabet in Nice !

Kids will participate and help Lainy in this interactive puppet show that is full of surprises!

Afternoon snack included.

Wednesday 08^th of July 2020 at 14h

Contact Théâtre L'Alphabet

When: 23^rd July at 9 pm and 30^th July at 9 pm

Where: Ecoparc du Pôle Culturel, Villeneuve Loubet.

Jardin des Contes et Légendes

In a traveling atmosphere, enjoy the book readings of Fred Duvaud and Muriel Revellon as they take you on a journey of the imagination.

When: 24th July 2020 @ 10 pm

Where: Place Du Grande Jardin, Vence.

Cinéma Plein Air - Fourmi

Experience a wonderful evening at the outdoor cinema in the heart of Vence, watching Fourmi, a heartwarming French film directed by Julien Rappeneau.

Théo, otherwise known as "ant", is the only son of divorced parents. At 12 Théo has always had a gift for football.when a scout from a well known British club starts to show an interest in him, he sees an opportunity to give a little bit of hope back to his father. Despite his efforts, "ant" is not selected due to this small size. He decides to lie to his father and makes him believe that he has been selected for the next season. This lie quickly gets out of control and completely changes his life and those of his nearest and dearest.

When: 1st July to 30th August 2020

Where: Nice

Retour Des Expositions au Parc Phoenix

« Regards sauvages »

By Animal Photographer Jean-Paul ACQUAVIVA,

Au travers de ses clichés, il nous offre l’opportunité de croiser le regard d’un animal sauvage dans son milieu naturel. Une exposition qui ne peut qu’éveiller les consciences sur la diminution des territoires vierges et sur la nécessité de protéger notre biodiversité aussi riche que fragile.

Pour les enfants, un tunnel de brume a été installé au jardin d'enfants. Une envie de vous rafraîchir ? Rendez-vous sous cette pergola ombragée pour un vent de fraîcheur !

En point final vous pouvez visiter en toute sécurité! La parc a obtenu début juin le label "confiance sanitaire" grâce aux mesures sanitaires d'accueil du public mises en place.

Contact Park Phoenix

When: 1st July to 30 August 2020

Where: Vence

Guided Visit of the Town

Vence Tourism is offering a tour which they promote as being "at children’s level"!

Discover this original visit that explores Vence using all your senses, touching, looking, listening, and tasting. Ideal for families and kids of all ages!

Contact Vence Tourism

When: until 30th August 2020 From 10 pm to be 11:30 pm

Where: Cannes

Stunning Light Show Cannes

Every evening watch a stunning light show. form the façades of the Palais des festivals et des congrès to the Notre-Dame d'Espérance au Suquet Church

When: 11th July to 25 Augst 2020. From 8 pm to Midnight

Where: Avenue Pierre Poési, Cannes La Bocca

Luna Park

Fun for everyone young and old, Summer Fete at Luna Park. There will be numerous attractions on the Courbertin Parking lot in Cannes La Bocca. Open to all!

The Moonraker ! is the attraction which is attracting the most interest this year! Inspired by NASA and the training Astronauts are subjected to, It holds 40 people at a time in this enormous UFO-shaped whirlwind of flashing lights. For 5 full minutes, it spins at 2 speeds (between 10 to 18 times per minute) whilst being lifted up vertically by a metal arm. Expect to feel Force of 3-4 G in other words up to 3 to 4 times you own body weight.

Pour le plus grand bonheur des petits et grands, la foire d'été Luna Park accueillera le public sur le parking Coubertin avec de nombreuses attractions.

Pendant les trois premiers jours (samedi 11, dimanche 12 et lundi 13 juillet), tous les manèges sont à 2 €.

When: 20th to 24th July 2020 From 10 am to 12 noon

Where: Grasse

Museum of Art History of Provence

The Museum of art history of Provence is offering workshops for families wanting to learn different mediums of arts and crafts (ARTS PLASTIQUES)

Join a family workshop at the Musée d’Art et d’Histoire de Provence. Come and learn about arts and crafts: painting, sculpture, engraving, and design in this old hotel that houses a rich collection of works of art and historically significant objects to the local area.

Contact The Museum of Art History of Provence

When: 21st and 28th July 2020 at 9 pm

Where: Biot

Tuesdays Festival

For this Summer Season's Tuesdays Festival Biot has organised Puppet Performances again in the Jardin Frédéric Mistral.

Tuesday 21st July 9 pm - « Nourritures terrestres » by Loic Bettini (For 8 years and above)

Tuesday 28th July at 9 pm - « POLICHINELLE, tout est permis ! » par la compagnie Gorgomar (à partir de 5 ans)

When: 20th and 27th July 2020

Where: Mouans Sartoux

Open Air Cinema

The tourist Office in Mouans Sartoux have a full program of films being played in their open-air cinema in July. (FRENCH)

Monday 20th July 2020: EN AVANT

In the suburbs of an imaginary universe, 2 elven brothers set off on an extraordinary quest to discover if there is any magic left in the world.

In Disney Pixar's animated movie En Avant, Ian and Barlet Lightfoot, 2 young brother elves would like the chance to spend an extra day with their missing father

Like all quests, their journey is they have to overcome setbacks, spells, obstacles. But when their mother learns of their disappearance she forms a team wih an old warrior who has the a^êarance of part lion, part scorpion with wings of a bat known the Manticore. This magical journey filled with perilous twists and turns could take a turn that surpasses their expectations!

Monday 27th July 2020 : L'AVENTURE DES MARGUERITE

Marguerite et Margot are both 12 years old, each with their own families, friends problems... And their time. Because One lives in 1942 and the other in 2020. But it's a mystical magical spell which transports them n to the other time. Margot et Marguerite have one thing in common, their father is no longer there. Disappeared in the 2nd world war. no longer lives at home. With 70 years difference they set off on a big adventure to find their way back to their own present time exploring history and also the memories of their families.

When: 30th and 31st July 2020

Where: Place Du Grande Jardin, Vence.

La Parenthèse Nuits du Sud

An alternative to the classic Nuits du Sud is offered at the end of July, with musical numbers and concerts taking place around Vence and in various hotel gardens.

Book your tickets online as there is limited seating.

Masks are required! Hand Sanitiser supplied at the entrance.

When: Wednesdays from the 15^th of July to the 12^th of August.

From 7 to 9 pm

Where: Place Du Grande Jardin, Vence.

Pique-Nique au Pays d’Escoffier

In a friendly environment, re-live life like the olden days, bring a picnic, and enjoy musical numbers on the edge of the river Loup like they did many years ago.

When: Everyday until end of 2021

Where: Musée Oceanographique, Monaco

Immersion » Exposition in Monaco

This brand new Exposition will give you goosebumps. Big screens to simulate a 30 minutes dive into the Great Coral Reef in Australia, and the incredible sound effects will definitely impress both you and your child. It will educate you on the impact of climate change and human behavior on the coral reef. Great way to sensibilise your children on environmental topics.

Making Mirabelle Plum Jam & Plum Crumble. 11.6.2020 – 12.6.2020

hgrattan — Sun, 14 Jun 2020 21:30:08 +0000

Disclaimer: Enfants D’Azur reviews are independent and based on expertise and testing. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, but this never influences our product choices.

Mirabelle Plum Tree

It's that time of year again when tons of delicious fruit is coming into season and the trees in our region are ripe for the picking. Thank you to Heather Patrone, founder of "The Rainbow Revival" (Read more below) for inviting us to come over to her beautiful villa to pick the plump yellow fruits of her lovely Mirabelle tree overhanging her driveway. We had such a lovely time picking the fruit and laughed so hard as we chased after the ones that fell and rolled down the steep decline of the driveway.

You can also find supermarket shelves stocked up with cherries, apricots, raspberries, strawberries, and blueberries. Empty jam jars, labels, and special jam sugar, with extra pectin, making it almost impossible to get the setting process wrong, sit on shelves strategically placed nearby.

Jam making is not nearly as complicated and some believe it to be. In reality, jam making is actually quite simple, and freshly made jams are so much better than the supermarket shelf choices. It is such a lovely feeling of accomplishment to spread your own homemade jam onto a baguette fresh from the boulangerie for breakfast.

I love getting the children involved in cooking and baking. There are just so many educational opportunities for learning. Making jam can teach them about how fruit can be made to last longer than fresh fruit through preservation using sugar. In Maths they can learn about quantities and volumes. Getting them to write the labels, can improve handwriting skills and cutting fruit, pouring sugar and, removing the stones/pits can improve and strengthen motor skills.

I know what you are thinking! ... there is boiling sugary fruit involved which is not very child-friendly! But, these steps must be reserved for the parents to do. And while you are sterilizing the jars in the oven and boiling the fruit and pouring the hot jam into hot jars the children can be decorating labels for the jars.

https://enfantsdazur.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/video_1_e0aed10109fe4284a89c4dd7245ebf8d.mp4

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MAKING THE MIRABELLE PLUM JAM

Step 1. Sterilization. Put glass jam jars and their lids in the oven at 100*C for 30 minutes.

(Parents to do step 1)

Steralisation of the jars

Step 2. Wash and take the stones out of the Mirabelle Plums and put into a saucepan

Step 3. Add a little water. Cover and boil for 10 minutes

(Parents to do step 3)

Boiling the Fruit & Sugar

Step 4. Set aside some cooked plums for your crumble. Weigh the sugar and add to Mirabelles

(We collected so many plums that we decided to make a Mirabelle Plum Crumble as well!)

Weighing out the sugar

Step 5. Boil until the jam starts to set. Test by doing the wrinkle test.

Test by doing the wrinkle test.

- - - TOP TIP - - -

The "Wrinkle Test"

Before cooking the jam put 3 or 4 small little saucers in the freezer. Once your jam has boiled for several minutes, take the pan off the heat and carefully spoon a little jam onto one of the cold plates. Let it stand for a minute then push the blob of jam with your finger, if the surface of the jam wrinkles then it has set, if it is still quite liquid then put the pan back on the heat and boil the jam for another 3 to 5 minutes before testing again.

(I made sure the jam was cool enough before letting Freyabella do the wrinkle test)

Step 6. Pour into hot jars and screw the lids on firmly

(Parents to do step 6)

Step 7. Leave to cool until the lids pop which means they are sealed airtight.

Pour the jam into the hot jars

For the full recipe with quantities, download my free Mirabelle Plum Jam recipe printable below.

- - - AFFILIATE LINKS - - -

KitchenAid - Rouge. €599,99

Thermomètres à Sucre €8,99

Nutribullet 600 W - €66,99

Conserver fruit legumes €19,90

MAKING THE PLUM CRUMBLE

I love making crumble and experiment all the time with different dry ingredients to give it a luxury feel. My favorite is to add crumbled ginger biscuits into the mixture.

Step 1. Take the stewed plums that you kept aside in Step 4 of the jam-making process. Add sugar to taste.

Step 2. Place them in a ceramic baking dish.

Step 3: Take flour and grated butter and use your hands to rub the flour into the grated butter before stirring in the oats, crushed biscuits and/or crunchy muesli cereal. It should be a crumbly consistency. Sprinkle generously over the stewed plums. Top with a sprinkling of sugar.

Step 4: Bake in an oven on 200°C for 30 minutes or until the crumble is golden brown and the sprinkled sugar has caramelized.

(Parents to do step 4)

For the full recipe with quantities, download my free Mirabelle Plum Crumble recipe printable below.

Mirabelle Plum Crumble

https://enfantsdazur.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Mirabelle-Plums.mp4

- - - THE RAINBOW REVIVAL - - -

The Rainbow Revival is a newly launched eco-friendly sustainable accessories company located on the French Riviera. The Founder Heather Patrone recycles old inflatable pool toys to make really beautiful, colorful and fun beach bags, makeup bags, pencil cases, and other fabulous accessories. Her idea came to her at the end of the summer of 2019 when she noticed just how many of these plastics were destined for landfill. If you would like to get in touch with Heather, to purchase one of her stunning bags here is her business listing. Or perhaps you would like to donate some old inflatable pool toys? For now, she has 2 collection points:

Valbonne, at Brittain’s Home Stores, 1913 Route de Cannes.
Antibes, at Aquarêve, 2567 Chemin de Saint-Claude.

5% of all proceeds from Heather's bags go to Sea Shepard a marine conservation charity.