France Miniature

The basics

France Miniature can be easily visited on a half-day or full-day trip from Paris by either going on your own if you have a car—or booking a tour from the city—which provides you with admission and a driver so you don’t have to worry about how to get there.

Upon arrival, visitors wander through the site to study replicas of the Eiffel Tower, Château de Versailles, Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte, St-Tropez, Mont St-Michel, Chartres Cathedral, the Basilica Notre-Dame of Lourdes, and more. A playground and an adventure park with kid-friendly rides and other activities can also be enjoyed.

Things to know before you go

• France Miniature is particularly popular with school groups and families.
• The park is home to a gift shop and a restaurant.
• The average visit length is four hours.
• The paths around the park are stroller- and wheelchair-accessible, except for one steep walkway.

How to get there

France Miniature is about 20 miles (32 kilometers) southwest of Paris in Elancourt, just past Versailles. There is a fee-based parking lot. Public transport takes much longer, but is possible via the U train line to La Verrière stop, followed by a local bus.

When to get there

The park is open seasonally in the spring, summer, and fall; opening days and hours vary depending on the month but it’s generally open from late morning to early or mid-evening.

The Models

The roughly 50 models at France Miniature represent the country’s various regions with UNESCO World Heritage Sites, ports, and villages. The goal is to showcase monuments linked to French traditions, history, and culture. After a core made of plastic, the architectural details such as gargoyles and window shutters are put on with resin, followed by paint for the final touches.

Ways to explore

If you only have time for one family day trip from Paris, France Miniature offers an entertaining alternative to visiting the country’s many sights. During the visit, watch the miniature trains chugging around the park and spot the Eiffel Tower, Chartres Cathedral, the Basilica Notre-Dame of Lourdes, St-Tropez, the Loire Valley Chateaux, and many other memorable French landmarks.

Admission tickets grant entry to the exhibition of miniatures, as well as access to the rides and playground for children. Paris Pass holders visit for free.

Accessibility

Most of the park is wheelchair accessible, and suitable for travelers with reduced mobility. Note that the Ascent of the Alps attraction includes a steep path and may not be accessible to all.

Age limits

Rides have a minimum height requirement, starting at 35 inches (90 centimeters). The park is best suited for children aged 5 to 12 years.

What to pack

Camera, sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, water, picnic lunch (the on-site restaurant can be quite pricey), stroller (if you have young kids with you)

What to wear

Comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing

Not allowed

Pets, bicycles, scooters, roller skates, large bags, suitcases, knives and sharp equipment (opt for plastic picnic cutlery)

Amenities

English language guides (available at reception), paid parking, restrooms with baby-changing facilities, picnic area, restaurant, snack kiosk, gift shop

Address

France Miniature is located in Elancourt, about 45 minutes west of Paris and 15 minutes from Versailles. It’s accessible by public transport, or you can drive and combine it with a visit to nearby Versailles.

Driving

If you’re driving from central Paris, take the A13 motorway west towards Versailles, then merge onto the N12 and continue until the exit for Élancourt/La Verrière. From there, follow the France Miniature signs. Parking is available on-site for a flat fee.

Public transportation

From Paris, take the Transilien (regional train) Line N from Gare Montparnasse or Line U from La Défense to La Verrière station, then board bus 5120, 5122, or 5125 to the France Miniature stop; travel time totals just over one hour. From Versailles, take line N or U from Versailles-Chantiers station.

Best times to visit

Opening hours of the park vary throughout the year, so check ahead. Aim to arrive at opening (typically 10am) to make the most of your visit and avoid the crowds. It’s usually busiest from 11am to 4pm.

Best days to visit

Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays typically attract the fewest crowds, but the park sometimes closes on these days during the low season.

Best months to visit

The park is open seasonally from April through the first weekend of November, but it’s best to avoid the crowds of July and August if possible.

Special events

The park hosts special events for the European Heritage Days in September, including the opportunity to meet the model makers.