Living in Monaco is a dream for many, but for families—especially those with young children—finding the right places to grow and connect can be quite challenging. This is where two young moms and friends, Marie Ducruet and Elise Rouillard, step in. They’ve beautifully brought to life Little Wonders, a brand-new indoor play space that had its inauguration on January 21, 2026, with the lovely presence of the Princely Family.
Both Marie and Elise experienced the joys and challenges of motherhood at the same time, which inspired them to create a warm café where parents can relax while their kids have fun in a safe play area designed just for them.
Elise is the interior designer, and her design eye contributed a lot to the vision for Little Wonders. Marie and Elise worked together on the design to achieve the same overall look and feel. They chose soft pastel colours to create a calm and welcoming vibe. When you walk into Little Wonders, you’re greeted with play areas that have a touch of that Disneyland magic—truly a dreamland for kids! There’s also a comfy reading corner filled with books to spark their imaginations, plus a soft area for babies to stay safe and cozy.
HM: Marie, can you share the story behind Little Wonders and what inspired you to create it?
Marie Ducruet: Absolutely! Becoming mothers at the same time was the real trigger for us. We were going through those early parenting moments together and quickly realized how limited the options were for young children in Monaco, especially indoors. That sparked the idea to create something special.
HM: You’ve achieved so much in a short time. What motivated you to focus on this area of supporting young families?
Marie Ducruet: There was a clear lack of welcoming, safe indoor spaces where kids could truly play while parents felt comfortable. Most places are outdoors, weather-dependent, or not designed for the very young, and we really wanted to change that.
HM: What can families expect when they visit Little Wonders?
Marie Ducruet: Little Wonders is a cozy, thoughtfully designed indoor space with controlled capacity to ensure comfort and safety. Everything is accessible, easy to navigate, and crafted to suit both children and parents, making it enjoyable for everyone.
HM: How have parents responded to the environment you’ve created?
Marie Ducruet: The feedback has been heartwarming! Parents often tell us they finally have a place where they can relax while their children play safely. Hearing that really inspires us to keep improving and expanding the experience.
HM: Your partnership with Elise seems to be a key part of this project. How has that influenced your journey?
Marie Ducruet: Our partnership is truly at the heart of Little Wonders. We trust each other completely and share the same values. That connection made the whole process feel natural from day one, and I couldn’t imagine going through this without her support.
HM: It’s great to hear about that support! How has your husband, Louis, contributed to this venture?
Marie Ducruet: Louis has been a rock for me. He has been incredibly supportive, both emotionally and practically. He believed in the project from the start and encouraged me through every challenge, just like Chris, Elise’s husband, who jumped in to help without hesitation, making this journey even more special for us.
HM: What sets Little Wonders apart from other spaces for families?
Marie Ducruet: We focus on a variety of play areas specifically for very young children, and we also have a café space for parents to unwind. It’s designed to make families feel welcome and right at home.
HM: Flexibility is key for families. How do you accommodate their needs?
Marie Ducruet: Little Wonders is designed to be flexible. Families can walk in freely, and we also allow bookings in advance during busier times to ensure everyone has a comfortable experience.
HM: What’s your vision for Little Wonders moving forward?
Marie Ducruet: Our dream is for Little Wonders to become a go-to place for families in Monaco—a space that grows with their needs and continues to bring joy, comfort, and connection. Who knows? We might even think about expanding internationally someday!
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Little Wonders is all about the Monaco community and the connections it brings. Marie and Elise have created a space for families to come together, share experiences, and make lasting memories. With the opening just around the corner, Little Wonders is set to become a beloved spot for families to enjoy special moments with their little ones. HelloMonaco will follow along and share updates on this exciting journey!
Location:
Little Wonders, 5 Boulevard Rainier III, 98000 Monaco
@littlewondersmonaco
