This year, the Summer Olympics will be hosted in Paris from July 26 through Aug. 11. If a trip to this storied city is not in the family budget, you can still experience a taste of France in Kansas City.
Kansas City: Paris of the Plains
One of Kansas City’s nicknames is Paris of the Plains. The city’s trademark boulevards, fountains and beautiful art inspired the moniker. Take a tour of the city’s fountains and boulevards this summer with maps and information available at CityOfFountains.org.
Visit Kansas City Kansas
Kansas City's Own Arc de Triomphe
One of the most recognized landmarks in Kansas City, Kansas, the Rosedale Memorial Arch (3602 Springfield St) was built, and dedicated to the city in 1923, as a tribute to World War I soldiers. A monument under the arch honors soldiers of WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. Rosedale resident, John LeRoy Marshall designed the arch based on inspiration from Paris' famed Arc de Triomphe in Paris. This is a great spot to enjoy views of the city and a picnic lunch. Tip: To continue with the French-inspired theme, pack a charcuterie lunch.
The French Collection at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is beloved for its vast collection of art from around the world—including its European collections. Within that collection, the museum holds a total of 110 French paintings and pastels dating from between 1600 and 1945. Among the masterpieces in the collection, you will find art by Nicolas Poussin, François Boucher, Edouard Manet, Claude Monet, Edgar Degas, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec and Paul Gauguin, among others.
Children's Books Set in Paris Celebrated at The Rabbit hOle
The Rabbit hOle, the whimsical new museum celebrating our favorite children's books, is one of the most delightful attractions in Kansas City. Our childhood memories come to life through immersive exhibits that are so charming adults will wish you could go back in time and visit as your childhood self. Some of the most beloved exhibits are set in Paris, including Madeline and Anatole. RabbithOleKC.org
The Art of French Cooking
The Culinary Center of Kansas City offers cooking classes year-round, teaching techniques focused on a variety of cuisines and countries. Their catalog includes courses in French cooking and baking. The Culinary Center Teaching Kitchen at Mid-Continent Public Library also offers cooking classes throughout the year, and their courses have included French cuisine. Registration is required for classes, and programs fill quickly.
Chez Elle Crêperie and Coffeehouse
Chez Elle Crêperie (1713 Summit St, Kansas City, MO), a Parisian cafe in the heart of downtown (just a few blocks from the Kauffman Center), is one of our favorite local restaurants. They offer a wide range of crepes, from sweet to savory. The banana, Nutella, and whipped cream crepe, named The Paris, is my daughter's favorite. I'm partial to Citron, filled with lemon curd and strawberries. Their savory crepes are wonderful too. Inspired by Parisian cafes, the charming atmosphere and delicious menu featuring crepes, coffees, teas, pastries, and salads offers something for everyone.
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Culinary Center of Kansas City
A unique culinary arts center offering over 650 cooking classes annually, interactive cooking events and teambuilding, catered events, The Midwest BBQ Institute, All Hands for Hunger, Junior Chefs Academy, CookWell! wellness program, and more.
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Emilie's French Teas
The French Tea Shop & Tea Room - a first in the area - provides an inviting place to relax and connect with the community.
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MCPL Culinary Center
The MCPL Culinary Center is a destination and resource for anyone interested in learning more about food and culinary entrepreneurship.
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Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is Kansas City’s favorite free attraction, as voted by readers of KC Parent Magazine! Discover masterpieces in the galleries, spend quality time together at a festival or drop in for a weekend art activity. Classes...
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Rabbit hOle
The Rabbit hOle is a new museum experience celebrating 100 years of children’s literature for people of all ages. Visitors will become explorers in an immersive, multi-sensory, narrative landscape filled with discoverable environments.
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Visit Kansas City Kansas
Rosedale Memorial Arch
3602 Springfield St, Kansas City, KansasThe Rosedale Memorial Arch pays tribute to soldiers who served our country in World War I. The Arch, based on the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, was designed by Rosedale resident John LeRoy Marshall and dedicated in 1923.
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The French Market
The French Market (6943 Tomahawk Rd., Prairie Village, KS) located next to Cafe Provence, is a country-chic restaurant with a quaint atmosphere serving authentic French cuisine. The French Market offers prepared grab-and-go entrees and sides, freshly baked French bread, pastries and desserts and a wide selection of artisanal cheese and charcuterie. Additionally, the shop sells imported specialty foods and gifts.
A French Tea Room
Emilie's French Teas (8131 Wornall, Kansas City, MO), was designed by Emilie with the goal of recreating the atmosphere of French tea rooms she knew. The quiet ambiance and delicate menu offer the perfect place to relax and reconnect with friends. Emilie's offers a charming tea room and tea shop with an impressive variety of loose leaf tea brands from France. You may shop the store and take tea home to enjoy, or enjoy tea and refreshments in the walk-in tea room serving an array of French teas and European pastries. EmiliesFrenchTeas.com
More French Cuisine
Across the metro, you can indulge your taste buds at one of the city’s local bistros or cafes. Favorites include Le Fou Frog in the River Market, Aixois in Brookside, Charisse KC and Tailleur Restaurant in Downtown KCMO, Cafe Provence in Prairie Village, and Cafe des Amis in Parkville. For breakfast or brunch, try one of downtown’s creperies: Chez Elle or Seven Swans. Satisfy your sweet tooth with macarons from Andre’s Confiserie on the Plaza or in Overland Park, Bloom Baking in the River Market or Annedore’s Chocolates in Westwood Hills. Enjoy the sweet goodness of French Custard in Brookside.