La Villette

"Sited on a former industrial wasteland (the Parc de la Villette had served as a slaughterhouse since the 19th century until its rehabilitation in the '70s), this expansive cultural venue is the perfect marriage of old and new. Many of the original buildings—including the veterinarian hospital—are now exhibition halls, and 10 themed gardens, many of which are devoted to kids, dot the landscape. All-in, the Parc de la Villette now houses the Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie, three major concert venues, and the Conservatoire de Paris. Photograph by Arnaud Legrain"

"It’s hard to decide if the Parc de la Villette, up in the 19th Arrondissement (and so pleasantly lacking in tourists) is an urban, modern park or a collection of cultural centers with some wonderfully creative patches of green between. The Canal de l’Ourcq runs through the center of the complex, which offers plenty for kids, including the Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie, the largest science museum in Europe, and a playground where a dragon tongue doubles as a slide." - Daisy de Plume

"Tell us a little about this place: what makes it so special? It’s hard to decide if the Parc de la Villette, up in the 19th Arrondissement (and so pleasantly lacking in tourists) is an urban, modern park or a collection of cultural centers with some wonderfully creative patches of green between. The Canal de l’Ourcq runs through the center of the complex, which offers plenty for kids, including the Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie, the largest science museum in Europe. What are the must-see sights in the park? There are three impressive playgrounds, including the Jardin du Dragon, where a dragon tongue doubles as a slide. If we're tight on time, is it still worth a stop? If you’re only in Paris for a few days, you can skip this. But if you have ample time, it’s well worth spending a whole day." - Daisy de Plume