Hello,
We spent 3 days in Paris as part of our trip this month, and I put Parc de la Villette on my list of places to enjoy. I know this is more of a Q&A forum, but for those planning to go to Paris with kids or teens, I'd say this is a really neat place to explore! I can't think of a large park quite like it that I've been to, with its odd architectural sculptures, trails, fountains, sit-and-spin chairs; people were biking, and I think Velib' rentals looked like they were available (though most were rented out); a few events for the summer festival were taking place out there, and there's a hands-on science museum (we didn't go in, but it looked like fun). I am not sure about the area surrounding it as it's about at the perimeter, but we felt safe, and it was a great break from super-crowded areas (also, no one tried to sell us souvenir junk). If you're looking a bit off the beaten path, I recommend it!
--Shelbey
Posted by
South Florida
776 posts
Shhhhhh!!!!
We're trying to keep this area "safe" from the tourist hordes by warning people that it's way way out (19th) at the edge of the known world near the danger ridden perif.
Posted by
3123 posts
Yeah keep it on the Q.T., but another cool park with many acres of open space is Parc de Sceaux. It also has a chateau, which houses the Musée de l’Île-de-France. Sceaux is located pretty much at the opposite end of the Paris metropolis from La Villette -- not far from Orly Airport.
Posted by
Paris
10205 posts
They also run outdoor movies on summer Friday nights . . .
https://lavillette.com/evenement/cinema-en-plein-air-2017/
On August 6, it's Sabrina they're playing, wouldn't that be fun?!
Posted by
Windsor, Ontario, Canada
4088 posts
The area also houses the sparkling new philharmonic hall and an interesting music museum, plus this year the water in the harbour has been deemed sanitary enough for a swimming compound. Too late trying to keep this region somehow hidden since Paris residents themselves are playing "tourist" with eager visits. Plus the canal locks can be navigated by a cruise boat that begins at the Arsenal on the Seine near Bastille, although some of the route is through a tunnel.
Posted by
California USA
4103 posts
And you can visit the most entertaining Paris Plage at the La Villette Canal Basin on your way to the Parc de la Villette! This year the fun is from July 8-September 3. It is the second Plage mentioned in the link below. We've been two times in recent years and love this venue for all ages.
https://en.parisinfo.com/discovering-paris/major-events/paris-plages
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
33843 posts
I really like staying out there in the 19e at the Holiday Inn Express right on the canal.