Parc de la Villette: Free Access, Opening Hours, Activities and How to Get There
The Parc de la Villette (19th arrondissement) is free and open to all year round; only the Cité des Sciences and the performance venues charge admission. Metro Porte de Pantin (line 5) or Porte de la Villette (line 7). Between architecture and nature, it is one of the largest Paris parks, rich in leisure areas and cultural venues for young and old: the Cité des Sciences, the Géode, the Musée de la Musique, among others. It has 33 green spaces and covers 55 hectares. Formerly the site of the La Villette slaughterhouses, it was turned into a park in the 1980s.
Highlights
La Géode
With its spherical dome, you'll spot La Géode from far away! Designed in 1985 by architects Adrien Fainsilber and Gérard Chamayou, La Géode also serves as a cinema. With a diameter of 36 meters, its exterior shell reflects the Cité des Sciences and Parc de la Villette. A must for kids, who can watch impressive 3D documentaries here.
A stroll through Parc de la Villette
You don't need to visit any cultural venue to enjoy Parc de la Villette! Stroll along the Canal de l'Ourcq, relax by the ponds and green spaces... The Jardin des Dunes et du Vent lets children burn off energy while parents keep watch, stretched out on lounge chairs. And when the weather's nice, the water sports base offers pedal boats, canoes, and kayaks. A real (free) breath of fresh air in the heart of Paris!
The Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie
Launched by then-President Valéry Giscard d'Estaing, the Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie aims to teach scientific knowledge, particularly to children and teenagers. Workshops and programs designed especially for children are held there regularly.
Practical info
Tips
- In summer, the Parc de la Villette hosts open-air film screenings. Bring a picnic to enjoy in front of a good film. For a full day, combine your stroll with the Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie or the Musée de la Musique, both in the park. For a musical evening, the Philharmonie de Paris hosts symphonic concerts in the heart of the park.
How to get there
You can reach the Parc de la Villette by metro, at Porte de Pantin station (line 5, Cité de la Musique side) or Porte de la Villette (line 7, Cité des Sciences side), by tram T3b, or by bus: lines 75 and 175 (Porte de Pantin), 139, 150, 152 and 249 (Porte de la Villette). More original: the park is accessible by the canal, whose landing stage is located between the Canal de l'Ourcq and the Galerie de la Villette. Also, if you have a vehicle, the Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie and the Musée de la Musique each have a paid car park.
Opening hours
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