Historic tour and discovery Parc de la Villette in Paris

History and Visit of the Parc de la Villette

Located in Paris, France, within the 19th arrondissement, the Parc de la Villette spans an impressive 55 hectares. Since its inauguration in 1979, it has become one of the capital’s most beautiful and frequented parks. The park was established on the grounds of the city’s largest slaughterhouses, a project initiated by Napoleon III in 1867 at Villette. However, after a period of decline, the entire area was demolished in 1974 and subsequently redeveloped in 1979, now featuring 33 distinct green spaces. The northern entrance is marked by the Porte de la Villette, within the La Villette district, while the southern boundary is defined by the Porte de Pantin, with the Canal de l’Ourcq bisecting the park.

Following the closure of the Villette slaughterhouses on March 15, 1976, the Messmer Government began to outline redevelopment plans. Initially, the focus was not on creating a park but rather on constructing new residential buildings. The Parisian Urban Planning Workshop (APUR) then launched a competition to solicit innovative proposals for repurposing the old Villette site. On July 13, 1979, the EPPV was established, and it was decided to create a park. Under President Giscard’s direction, plans for a park and museum began to take shape, a vision that continued to evolve even after the left came to power in the 1981 presidential election.

Later, it was resolved that the park would also host a city of music and a science and technology museum. During a competition organized by APUR on April 8, 1982, it was determined that the park would remain open to the public day and night. Notably, 805 groups registered for the competition, with participants hailing from over forty countries, highlighting the project’s international appeal. The competition, judged by a panel of architects (Vittorio Gregotti and Renzo Piano), landscape architects (Peter Dauvergne and Paul Friedberg), politicians (François Barré and Simone Robert), a sculptor, a sociologist, a biologist, and a painter, received hundreds of diverse proposals.

Out of all submissions, only nine met the jury’s criteria, and on March 25, 1983, Bernard Tschumi was selected to lead the project. The park has been a tremendous success, featuring landmarks such as the Grande Halle de la Villette, the Geode, the City of Music, outdoor cinemas during the summer, Zenith Paris, Cinaxe, Trabendo, the Cabaret Sauvage, the Argonaut, and more. The Parc de la Villette stands as a significant cultural asset, adding a unique authenticity to Paris.

Discovering the Cité de la Musique: A Hub of Musical Culture in Paris

Designed by the renowned architect Christian de Portzamparc and opened in 1995 within the Parc de la Villette, the Cité de la musique stands as a beacon of musical dedication. This Parisian musical hub, now merged with the Philharmonie de Paris, offers a sanctuary for music lovers with its 250 yearly concerts, a rich educational program for both adults and children, a media library, and the Music Museum showcasing rare collections. The museum itself is divided into five sections: four dedicated to Western music from the 17th to the 20th century and one to world music, providing a comprehensive exploration of musical history and diversity.

Located in the 19th arrondissement of Paris, the Cité de la musique embodies a national and international reference point for music, thanks to its innovative approach to music transmission. The site comprises two buildings: the original structure known for its concerts, exhibitions, and historical instrument museum, and a newer addition from 2015, designed with cutting-edge acoustic technology and softer architecture, integrating seamlessly with the Philharmonie de Paris to form a unified cultural venue.

Together, they continue to attract audiences with a wide range of musical and cultural offerings, programming nearly 250 concerts annually featuring prestigious artists and ensembles from around the globe. The Cité de la musique and the Philharmonie de Paris celebrate cultural diversity, covering all musical styles and major artistic trends, from classical music and jazz to world music. The Music Museum stands out as a cultural treasure trove with over 1000 instruments and artworks, alongside temporary exhibitions that explore vast historical periods, making it a cornerstone of musical education and appreciation in Paris.

Shuttle from Parc de la Villette to Paris airports

Located near major airports, Parc de la Villette offers a convenient shuttle connection to Orly, Charles de Gaulle, and Beauvais, ensuring seamless travel. Enjoy prompt, comfortable transfers with a selection of vehicles tailored to your needs, perfect for both departures and arrivals. This service highlights our commitment to enhancing your Parisian experience by linking you efficiently with the city’s cultural heartbeat.

Our CDG shuttle service is specifically designed to reduce the stress of airport transfers, offering a reliable and comfortable alternative to public transportation and taxis. With direct routes and tailored services, we ensure a smooth journey to your destination, whether it’s from CDG or for your return trip. For further exploration of Paris’s landmarks, consider our exclusive city tours, providing an intimate look at Paris beyond the typical tourist paths.