The Parc de la Villete combines areas for nature, play and leisure, exhibitions shows and debating: (Cité des
Sciences, Grande Halle, Cite de la Musique, Maison de la Villette, Zenith concert hall, dance floor...). The canal de
l'Ourcq runs through the Park, which has many water features: fountains, ornamental ponds, waterfalls...
Two walkways have been designed for visitors in a hurry: the first crosses the Park from the porte de Pantin to the
porte de la Villette; the second, is elevated and runs along the south bank of the canal. A paved blue path meanders
across the Park between the ten theme gardens that include three play areas for children. In the centre of the park the
large grassed areas known as the circle and the triangle provide a place for people to relax and enjoy themselves.
The Cité des Sciences et de lIndustrie in the
Park is a vast science museum, a media center, exposition
halls, all oriented towards science and technology. The
vast rectangular building with the blue roof is the Cité;
the huge reflective globe slightly to the right and in front
of the Cité is La Géode, one of Europes
largest IMAX theater.
In the south of the Park there is the Grande Halle, which had been a beef market since 1867 and was transformed during
into a cultural space.
Close to the Lions Fountain is located the "Cite de la Musique", which was completed in 1994 and is the work
of Christian de Portzamprac. Finally, on the edge of the canal is the Zenith concert hall