French National Museum of Natural History

Le Jardin des Plantes houses three buildings full of extraordinary treasures collected from over four centuries of scientific and botanical exploration. The historic Grande Galerie de l'Évolution is the best place to start on this journey of discovery into the life sciences.

Animals from around the world

The four-floor building with its impressive glass ceiling showcases the evolution of animal species since the emergence of life on earth. Under the diffused light of the 30-meter-high nave, you can admire more than 7,000 stuffed animals. Children will be enthralled by the immersive scenography, and will enjoy a range of virtual reality experiences to learn more about the challenges of biodiversity (from age 12).

Immerse yourself in the diversity of aquatic and terrestrial worlds on the three other permanent exhibition floors, like the room dedicated to 250 rare and extinct species. Take a break with the kids at the cafeteria on the first level and enjoy the view overlooking the great caravan of animals from the African savannah.

Journey to the heart of nature

Near the Grande Galerie de l'Évolution, geology enthusiasts will love “The Treasures of the Earth” exhibition in the mysterious Galerie de Minéralogie et de Géologie where visitors can admire a collection of unusual giant minerals.

Skeleton lovers can take a 450 million-year journey back in time in the Galerie de Paléontologie et d’Anatomie comparée. This charming, old-fashioned building was constructed in 1898, and is packed full of dinosaur skeletons, prehistoric animals and many other surprises. Fossils of all sizes retracing hundreds of millions of years of evolution will surely inspire the imagination.

Living things also have their place in the Jardin des Plantes. During your walk, let yourself be seduced by the diversity of plants that populate the garden by learning their names. In summer or winter, bask in the warmth of the Grandes Serres, greenhouses devoted to the biodiversity of the rainforest.

Away from the hustle and bustle, towards the Seine, take a stroll through La Ménagerie, one of the oldest zoos in the world. Among its 1,200 inhabitants you’ll find orangutans, red pandas, panthers, crocodiles, flamingos and reptiles, to the delight of both young and old.

Continue your visit in the other museums in Paris Region.