In Paris's Parc de la Villette, the Cité des sciences et de l'industrie lets visitors experiment, handle exhibits and learn about science at their own pace. Families will find areas suited to children, exhibitions and immersive experiences, from scientific games to the big questions about the Universe.
Step inside a lunar space station
The permanent Mission spatiale exhibition, recommended from 8 years old, explores the jobs, technologies and challenges of space exploration. Its highlight is a full-scale reproduction of the I-Hab habitation module for the future Gateway lunar station, which visitors can enter. This is not the International Space Station (ISS), but a proposed station orbiting the Moon. An immersive show and exhibits about probes, space travel and life away from Earth complete the visit.
Experiences for different ages
The Cité des enfants has discovery areas for 2–6-year-olds and 5–10-year-olds. The Planetarium screens immersive shows and films exploring the sky and the Universe. La Géode, with its giant screen, offers another way to experience a spectacular screening.
Before your visit
The Cité is at 30 avenue Corentin-Cariou, Paris 19th arrondissement. For a family visit, it is best to choose areas based on children's ages and check the booking requirements for each activity. The Cité library is also free to visit.
