La Villette Park (Parc de la Villette)

The Basics

Once host to slaughterhouses and considered an industrial wasteland, Parc de la Villette was transformed by architect Bernard Tschumi in the 1980s. Now Paris’ largest landscaped park, Parc de la Villette—situated on the northeastern edge of the city—has become a cultural heavyweight. Home to the Cité de la Musique (a campus that includes the Musée de la Musique and the Philharmonie de Paris), the Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie, Le Zénith Paris (a sprawling concert venue), La Grande Halle de la Villette (a former abattoir, now a restored exhibition space) and more, the park also hosts numerous themed gardens and is bisected by the Canal de l'Ourcq.

Some boat tour itineraries venture near Parc de la Villette, and several of its attractions are included in the Paris Pass scheme, including the Cité de la Musique and the Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie.

Things to Know Before You Go

• There are numerous cafés and eateries on-site, including Le Café des Concerts, Goutu, and La Petite Hall.

• While Parc de la Villette is free for all to visit, its various attractions are ticketed separately and have their own entrance policies.

• Parc de la Villette is broadly accessible and includes handicapped parking, but the aid of another person may be required in some points throughout the park.

How to Get There

To access the northern edge of the park, which is near the Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie, take Métro line 7 to Corentin Cariou. To access the southern edge of the park, near the Cité de la Musique, take line 5 to Porte de Pantin. The park is also served by the 75, 151, PC2, and PC3 bus lines and can be visited by car, by Vélib’ bike, or even by canal boat.

When to Get There

Parc de la Villette is open 24/7, though each of its venues and attractions has unique opening hours. It’s worth researching in advance if you’re planning to visit a specific site. Several high-profile annual events are held at Parc de la Villette, including the Villette Sonique music festival in May and the Cinéma en Plein Air à La Villette outdoor film series, usually in July and August.

Other Venues On-Site

Parc de la Villette has one of the heaviest concentrations of cultural venues anywhere in Paris, and in addition to its top-tier museums, its highlights range from the Cabaret Sauvage and Le Trabendo (two alternative-music venues) to the Théâtre Paris-Villette (a small theater) and the Espace Chapiteaux (dedicated to the circus arts).

Ways to explore

There are endless draws to La Villette Park, including the Cité de la Musique, a campus that includes the Musée de la Musique and the Philharmonie de Paris; the Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie, a science museum; Le Zénith Paris, a sprawling concert venue; La Grande Halle de la Villette, a former abattoir, now a restored exhibition space; large gardens and green spaces for relaxing, and several bars and restaurants. Stop here after visiting the city’s A-list sights to catch a concert or art exhibit, visit the family-friendly science museum, cruise down the canals that cross the park on a pleasure boat, or simply stroll through this lively and lush space.

Accessibility

The park offers wheelchair-accessible paths and cultural venues, plus wheelchairs available for loan. It has accessible restrooms. Guide dogs are welcome throughout the park.

Age limits

Kids have a wide variety of dedicated attractions here, from children’s shows and activities to play areas and a small farm. Check its website for upcoming family-friendly events.

What to pack

Picnic, sporting equipment, camera, sun hat

What to wear

Comfortable shoes, layers, sunscreen

Not allowed

Glass containers, large bags, bicycles, scooters, skateboards, animals (except guide dogs)

Amenities

Restrooms, restaurants, bookstore, water fountains, bike racks

Address

La Villette Park is set on the far northeastern corner of Paris, too far to walk from most city sights. There are several ways to reach the park by public transportation, and bike docking stations are located just outside the park.

Driving

There are a handful of paid parking lots just outside the park, clustered along its southern border close to the main concert venues. Vehicles are not permitted inside the park.

Public transportation

To access the northern edge of the park, which is near the Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie, take metro line 7 to Corentin Cariou. To access the southern edge of the park, near the Cité de la Musique, take line 5 to Porte de Pantin. The park is also served by the 75, 39, 150, 151, and 152 bus lines.

Best times to visit

That depends on what you plan to do—this bustling cultural hub and public park is fun to visit any time of day, whether you hope to catch a show or relax in its gardens.

Best days to visit

Check the park’s official website to see what’s on as it boasts a busy schedule of exhibitions, concerts, and events.

Best months to visit

Winters in Paris are often too cold to enjoy much outdoor time, so visit the park from spring through fall for the most pleasant conditions for exploring its grounds.

Special events

La Villette Park hosts a full roster of art exhibitions, musical performances, workshops and activities, and other events all year round.