Parc de la Villette, Paris
Facts and practical information
Parc de la Villette, located in the 19th arrondissement of Paris, France, is a sprawling urban park that epitomizes modern design and multifunctional spaces. With an area of 55 hectares, it is the third-largest park in Paris and stands out as a cultural hub with a contemporary edge.
Designed by architect Bernard Tschumi and constructed in the 1980s on the site of the former slaughterhouses of La Villette, the park is distinctive for its architectural follies, which are red structures scattered throughout the area, serving various functions and contributing to the park's avant-garde aesthetic.
The park is not just green space but also a cultural venue, housing major facilities like the Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie, Europe's largest science museum, and the prestigious Conservatoire de Paris music school. The Philharmonie de Paris, a world-class concert hall, is also located within the park's boundaries.
For families and children, the park offers themed gardens, playgrounds, and the Cité des Enfants, an interactive museum for children. The park's open spaces are ideal for picnics, while the canal de l'Ourcq that runs along the park provides a serene backdrop for walks and boat rides.
Parc de la Villette also features a giant screen for outdoor movie screenings during the summer months, as well as numerous festivals and live performances, making it a lively spot throughout the year.
Parc de la Villette – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)
Nearby attractions include: Parc des Buttes Chaumont, Trabendo, Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie, Little Villette.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When is Parc de la Villette open?
- Monday 9:30 am - 6:30 pm
- Tuesday 9:30 am - 6:30 pm
- Wednesday 9:30 am - 6:30 pm
- Thursday 9:30 am - 6:30 pm
- Friday 9:30 am - 6:30 pm
- Saturday 9:30 am - 6:30 pm
- Sunday 9:30 am - 6:30 pm
Which popular attractions are close to Parc de la Villette?
How to get to Parc de la Villette by public transport?
Bus
- Porte de Pantin - Métro • Lines: N13, N41, N45 (8 min walk)
- Porte de la Villette Noctilien • Lines: N140 (9 min walk)
Metro
- Porte de Pantin • Lines: 5 (8 min walk)
- Porte de la Villette • Lines: 7 (10 min walk)
Tram
- Delphine Seyrig • Lines: T3b (9 min walk)
- Porte de la Villette • Lines: T3b (10 min walk)
Train
- Pantin (15 min walk)
- Rosa Parks (20 min walk)