As a frequent visitor to New York City, I’ve become a fan of the cupcake-only shops that have sprung up and risen to fame through movies such as Sex and the City. Perhaps because it’s a throwback to my childhood, there’s a certain nostalgic comfort in these super sweet and colorful treats.

A disclaimer – nothing beats the bakeries and pastry shops in Paris for unique and delicious sweet treats on the go, but if you’ve got a cupcake craving that won’t quit, you’ll be pleased to know that cupcake shops have begun to pop up in Paris!

Berko, a shop on the outskirts of the Marais, is one such example of the new Parisian cupcake craze. A modern, sleek shop, Berko offers a huge variety of cupcakes for sale individually to eat on your walk or by the dozen for parties.

As you can see, the glass display case shows the mouth-watering choices and at less than three euros per cupcake, you can try more than one to find your favorite! The moist, chocolatey oreo cupcake is my go-to cupcake but I can’t wait to try a few more.

If you’re looking for an alternate to the typical pastry shop, stop by Berko for a sweet treat on your walk in the Marais.

By kathryn Frengs from SpottedByLocals.com/paris
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Paris has many wonderful parks to experience with kids.  One of my favorite places to explore is the Place des Vosges in the Marais (4th arrondissement). This 17th century square has gorgeous architecture surrounding a grassy garden.  When this sun is shining, this green space is filled with families enjoying the magnificent setting.

If you’re staying in Paris with young children and cannot rent an apartment (many have minimum stay requirements) and/or want hotel services and amenities, Pavillon de La Reine is a wonderful option and is part of this historic square.  The décor of the 56-room boutique hotel is upscale, but not stuffy, and there are a number of good room configurations for families including duplex rooms and suites.  While the ambiance inside the hotel is quiet, the beauty is that you are only steps away from a space for kids to run and play.  There is also an endless array of cafes and restaurants in Marais and I love the lively neighborhood vibe of this area.  The trade-off is that this location is a bit removed from some of the main tourist sights in Paris, but the Metro is only a short walk away.

Read the complete family-friendly hotel review and check availability on Ciao Bambino.