Jules Renard once said you just need to add three letters to Paris, and you have paradise. The French author's words still ring true. The city's romance, culture, and beauty have captured the hearts of millions. Near Melodie within the Hartbeespoort area, you can enjoy your own slice of the famous city. Little Paris is a quaint square offering a cafe, boutique, gift shop, deli, beauty salon, and aquarium. An Eiffel Tower replica and "lock bridge" also set the scene for a French-styled outing.
The romantic history of Little Paris
While it may seem strange to have such a French-themed venue in the North West, there's a fascinating story behind it. It was established in 2014, the brainchild of Paul Kruger, a South African movie maker and producer. Originally the set for the Afrikaans rom-com movie French Toast, it was opened to the public. It has since become a popular destination for those in search of a taste of the City of Love. Fans of the film will see how Café Alexandre, the official bar in the film, has become the popular French Toast coffee cafe.
Plan your trip to Little Paris
Located in Hartbeespoort on the bustling R511, you'll find this delightful venue. Little Paris is open every day from 8 am-5 pm. It's best to make a booking for a table at the cafe. However, an early start (before 10 am) or in the afternoon can help you skip queueing.
There are no entrance fees if you're visiting for a sit-down meal or coffee, or when you buy a lock for the lock bridge. However, there is a R20 entrance fee per person arriving to view the tower and take photos. Children under 12 can do so for free and the charges only apply over weekends, public holidays, and school holidays.
The Eiffel Tower, love wall, and lock bridge
The great appeal of Little Paris is the attention to detail. You can visit the 12.5 m Eiffel Tower replica and the "I love you wall" hidden at the end of a lake. This enchanting backdrop provides the perfect opportunity to take pictures with your loved one and even pop the big question.
Leading up to the entrance along the railing are different coloured locks. You can bring your own or buy one on the premises and have it engraved with your details as a couple. Together, you can lock them in a chosen spot and seal your love forever. While the actual Paris no longer allows couples to do so along the Pont des Arts bridge, Little Paris is still dedicated to this beloved tradition. The venue is in the process of designing and building a new structure for visitors to put their locks.
Bon appétit at French Toast Cafe
Little Paris's French Toast Cafe is a delightful eatery. With its lush greenery, bicycles, and French music playing in the background, you will truly feel transported. The menu does change on weekdays and weekends. However, their range includes authentic french toast dishes, sumptuous sandwiches, appetite-appeasing cheese platters, and crunchy salads. If you're feeling adventurous (and more than a little hungry), the Eiffel burger is a firm favourite. This is a towering stack of french toast, crisp bacon, chicken fillet or beef patties, cheese, and battered onion rings all served with veggie fries.
Other things to do in Little Paris
No expense or effort has been spared to turn Little Paris into an attraction fit for the whole family. There are so many gems to explore from the shops, a fountain with cute ducks, to an aquarium.
- Bake Away bakery: Visit this spot next to the cafe for cakes, milk tarts, cupcakes, macaroons, meringues, croissants, and more to please your sweet tooth.
- Pig A Deli: Take a look for cold meats, craft meats, cheeses, fudge, and olive products.
- Boutique: The boutique is ideal to pep up your wardrobe with a new scarf, purse, jewellery, and other French-style clothing.
- Butterfly Blu gift shop: Treat a loved one or yourself to something special. The gift shop has a wide variety of paintings, ornaments, wall hangings, bags, baskets, bath oils and salts, soaps, jewellery, and more.
- Aquarium: This spot will keep the little ones occupied. The seal and crocodile shows are also a highlight.
- Eksklusiv beauty salon: Enhance your looks with a facial, waxing, nail art, pedicure, lash extension, and other treatments.
Enjoy Paris in the heart of Hartbeespoort
The French flair of Little Paris adds great appeal to Hartbeespoort. You can visit this charming location every day as a resident, especially within the nearby suburb of Melodie. View our properties for sale or properties to let and contact us today.