Parc de la Villette

Parc de la Villette is a large cultural park and urban green space in the northeastern part of Paris, France, in the 19th arrondissement. It occupies the site of former municipal slaughterhouses and meat markets and opened in its current form in the late 20th century.

The park contains major cultural institutions including the Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie, the Grande Halle (a converted industrial hall used for events) and the concert and music complex now known as the Philharmonie/La Cité de la Musique. It also features themed gardens, open lawns, canalside promenades and a series of modern architectural ‘follies’ that mark routes and sightlines across the site.

Parc de la Villette was created as a re-use and cultural development project on the former industrial outskirts of Paris and was developed from the 1970s into the 1980s under a city masterplan. Facilities have been added and upgraded since opening to accommodate large exhibitions and performances.

The park sits on the northeastern edge of Paris along the Canal de l’Ourcq and is served by several metro and tram lines, making it easily accessible from central Paris.

• Size: The park covers roughly 55 hectares and was laid out on the site of Paris's former Abattoirs de la Villette.
• Cultural programming: Many paths, open lawns and purpose-built 'follies' are arranged across the site to host cultural events, film, exhibitions and concerts throughout the year.

What to See #

• Grande Halle: A large cultural and exhibition hall converted from former slaughterhouse buildings, now used for concerts, fairs and markets.
• Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie: A science museum with interactive exhibits aimed at children and adults, one of Europe's largest science museums.
• Philharmonie/La Cité de la Musique complex: A modern concert venue and music complex housing performance halls and rehearsal spaces, completed and opened in stages in the 21st century.