Le Jardin des Plantes

La Ménagerie du Jardin des Plantes comprises the Jardin Des Plants' zoological display area, continually operating since its construction in 1794. The lengthy history of one of the world's oldest zoos is reflected in the architectural styles of animal enclosures. Small log cabins are still used to house the more diminutive animal displays while newer additions such as the aviary (inspired by Marie Antoinette's farm displays and constructed 1888) and the vivarium (1926) trace a legacy from Beaux Arts to deco. The sheer amount of animals on display here, clocking in around 1800, is impressive enough, only augmented by the fact that 30 percent of the menagerie consists of near-extinct species. A site of inspiration and conservation, this zoological treasure relies on ticket sales to help acclimate endangered animals and return them to their natural habitats.

After five years of renovation, the four tropical greenhouses of Jardin des Plantes have reopened to the public. The first one is made of glass and wood and was built in 1714. Two more were built in 1834 and 1836, in glass and metal this time. The fourth one (built in the 1930s) is in the art deco style. You will be able to visit: the damp tropical forests greenhouse, with an exclusively tropical ecosystem, the deserts and dry ecosystems greenhouse which explains how plants adapt to dryness in different parts of the world, the New Caledonia greenhouse which exhibits all the island's plants, and the History of plants greenhouse which tells a 430 millions of years long story.

Located in the Grande Galerie de L'Evolution, in Le Jardin des Plantes, La Galerie des Enfants is a specially designed exhibition area for children ages six to 12. Attracting families from all around, the gallery is so popular that it works on a timed schedule, visitors are admitted in shifts, allowing an hour and a half of discovery time. This highly interactive museum features hands-on experiments and educational activities perfect for parents and kids to explore together.

Gare D'Austerlitz boasts itself to be one of the six large stations in Paris, through whose gates, it is believed around 23 million people walk in and out on a single day. Its architecture and grandeur suits its historic story of being the battle site of one of the Napoléonic wars. Located in the 13th arrondissement of Paris, the station is close by from the famous Libertel Austerlitz hotel. Get down from the train and walk into this luxurious hotel for a comfy stay. With many places to see around in this grand European city, a train to Gare D'Austerlitz must be top on your list of destinations.

Discretely situated in the 5th Arrondissement, these Roman ruins are easy to miss. They're a great place to come, however, if you're looking for a bit of greenery and a breath of fresh air in a friendly neighborhood setting. The ruins were first unearthed in 1869, and have since been excavated and landscaped. Parts of the Roman amphitheater are clearly visible: a testament to the Romans who founded the city of Lutetia, as Paris was first called. On weekends, expect to find families and loads of children running around. Or bring a book and a sandwich on a sunny weekday, and enjoy the peace and quiet.

The Game is an attraction designed to take you on an adventure. In a group of three to five people, you enter professionally designed scenes where your mission is to solve a mystery using clues. You have an hour to work together and accomplish your goal, making for a unique group outing you'll never forget. It's recommended that you make reservations ahead of time, as capacity is limited and spaces fill up quickly.