Cite des Sciences, Paris

Paris is packed with tourist attractions such as the Eiffel Tower, although not enough to keep the children entertained for a full week, unless you want to make the most of Disneyland Resort Paris. However the attractions we list here will easily give you several days of entertainment and you could mix and match a few carefully chosen monuments/museums in between to keep the balance of culture!

Cité des Sciences

Description: Paris’ s vast science museum is definitely worth a visit. The admission price covers all presentations and activities, among which are space, rocks and volcanoes, images, sounds and light games. Many have English translations, making the Museum readily available to non French speakers. Much is hands-on and interactive and there is plenty to keep all members of a family occupied all day. Other exhibitions – for example The Planetarium, Géode and Argonaute submarine cost extra.

Location: 30 Ave Corentin-Cariou, access via the métro (Porte de La Villette).

General Info: Open Tues to Sat 10am to 6pm, Sun from 10am to 7pm, closed Mon. The pricing structure is complex and is dependent on which areas of the museum you wish to visit. See their website for full details. There in underground parking. There are plenty of snack bars to choose from as well as a waitress service restaurant – Le Hublot (open 11.30- 15.30), which serves a first class lunch menu for adults and children. Recommended!

Website: http://www.cite-sciences.fr/fr/cite-des-sciences/

Our recommendations: There are always special exhibitions showing. Check online before you go to see what might be of interest. These can be included in the special admissions packages available. Bring a picnic (or eat in) and allow a whole day. Arrive early as both the manned ticket kiosks/self service credit card ticket machines get extremely busy.

For the children: There are two special children’s sections where timed tickets are required, one for 3-5 year olds and the other for 5-12 year olds. Get them as soon as you arrive as you may have to wait before you can enter. For younger family members there is an excellent kiddies playground right outside.