Parc de La Villette - Plein Air

The Parc de la Villette is the largest urban cultural park in Paris, located in the 19th arrondissement. Designed by architect Bernard Tschumi and opened in 1987, it covers 55 hectares, 35 of which are open-air. Formerly the site of the capital’s abattoirs, it now welcomes over 10 million visitors a year, combining nature, architecture, leisure and culture for all ages.

The Parc de la Villette is situated in north-east Paris, in the 19th arrondissement, between the Porte de la Villette and the Porte de Pantin. It is crossed by the Canal de l’Ourcq, which divides the site into two distinct areas. Easily accessible by metro via the Porte de la Villette (line 7) and Porte de Pantin (line 5) stations, it lies on the border with Seine-Saint-Denis.

Entry to Parc de la Villette and its gardens is completely free, open to all without restriction. The green spaces, playgrounds and Little Villette with its children’s workshops are also accessible free of charge. However, certain cultural venues on the site, such as the Cité des Sciences, the Cabaret Sauvage or the Philharmonie de Paris, offer activities and shows for which an admission fee is charged.

Parc de la Villette can be reached by public transport via metro lines 5 and 7, as well as by bus, with several routes serving the area, notably lines 75, 139, 150 and 152. Cycling is also a good option thanks to the numerous Vélib’ stations nearby. If travelling by car, car parks are available in the surrounding area, although public transport remains the most practical option to avoid traffic jams.

Parc de la Villette offers a wide range of activities to keep you occupied for a whole day. On sunny days, enjoy open-air film screenings on a giant inflatable screen, the Jazz à la Villette festival or concerts at the Trabendo and at the Cabaret Sauvage. The equestrian centre, the Jardin des Voltiges for street workout and the ten themed gardens round off the offering. The Espace Chapiteaux regularly hosts contemporary circus performances.

The park offers a wide range of free activities throughout the seasons. The Ferme de la Villette is open at weekends from March to October, allowing families to discover animals right in the heart of Paris. The new 15,000 m² biodiversity area, open since March 2026, is also freely accessible. Outdoor exhibitions regularly line the park’s paths, as do sporting events in the dedicated areas.

This weekend, head to the Théâtre Paris-Villette to enjoy a high-quality play, or explore the new 15,000 m² biodiversity zone, open since March 2026. The park’s themed gardens are perfect for a lovely stroll as spring draws to a close. The Philharmonie regularly offers introductory music sessions, whilst the Villette Sonique festival brings the site to life with electronic and experimental concerts.