Inaugurated in 2005, the MAC/VAL, or Val-de-Marne Museum of Contemporary Art, is based in Vitry-sur-Seine town centre, close to Paris, and offers an overview of French artistic creation from the 1950s to the present day. Set in a beautiful white building with contemporary architecture that blends into the cityscape, the museum and its permanent collection house more than 2,000 works, with pieces by such renowned artists as Christian Boltanski, Pierre Soulages and Annette Messager. With a total area of 13,000 m², of which 4,000 m² is devoted to permanent and temporary exhibitions, the museum also hosts international artists in residence.

To help visitors discover the MAC/VAL and its exhibitions, guided tours and free audioguide tours are available, as well as workshops for children and families, and multi-sensory tours.

If you need a rest, feel free to stay awhile in the public garden that surrounds the museum or enjoy a meal at its pleasant restaurant!

The Rose Garden of Val-de-Marne, in L'Haÿ-les-Roses, lies at the heart of the departmental park of the same name. Some 16,000 rose bushes of more than 3,000 different species and varieties flourish in this exceptional setting of international renown. The Rose Garden of Val-de-Marne, listed on the Supplementary Inventory of Historic Monuments and awarded the Remarkable Garden (Jardin Remarquable) label, was the first garden to be built for the purpose of growing roses.

Jules Gravereaux, a specialist in the cultivation and study of roses, began designing his masterpiece in 1894. Roses that yielded a large amount of essence were of particular interest to him, with a view to making perfume, and he created two varieties. In 1914, the town of L'Haÿ was renamed L'Haÿ-les-Roses.

The remarkable collection proudly displays its scents, shapes and colours. Wild roses mingle with cultivated roses, old rose varieties with more common ones, local roses with those from further afield. As you wander along the paths, you can learn about the evolution of the rose throughout history, from the simple flower to its use in garden design. Covering more than a hectare, thirteen unique collections will take you on a journey through time and space, with roses from all over the world and all eras, from the tea rose to the burnet rose and Far Eastern roses. The roses climbing up a majestic dome, surrounding a water mirror, are extremely elegant.

Its collection of old roses, some of which are no longer found in gardens, is one of the largest in the world. During the flowering season, from mid-May to mid-September, rose lovers will be treated to a dazzling, poetic spectacle that will delight all their senses. A painting competition is held on the site every year and, at weekends, orchestras regularly perform music for visitors to enjoy during their stroll...

Located in the heart of Vincennes Wood in the 12th arrondissement, the Paris Zoological Park, more commonly called Vincennes Zoo, reopened in 2014 after several years of renovation. Covering 14.5 hectares, it has been completely redesigned for the delight of young and older visitors, but especially for its animal residents, whose welfare has been improved. More than 1,000 animals of nearly 180 different species are distributed in five major geographical areas, called biozones: Patagonia, with pumas, penguins, sea lions...; Sahel-Sudan, with giraffes, lions, zebras, white rhinos ...; Europe, with wolves, vultures, lynx, otters ...; French Guiana, with jaguars, monkeys, macaws, manatees, alligators, toucans ...; Madagascar, with lemurs, frogs, chameleons... In all, no fewer than 74 species of birds, 42 species of mammals, 21 species of reptiles, 17 species of amphibians and 15 species of fish, living in large, landscaped areas where the environment is as close as possible to their natural habitat, and can be admired during your visit.

Enjoy a journey around the world that takes you to the very heart of nature, following the biodiversity trail, the children's trail with family scavenger hunts, or the "Behind the scenes" trail about jobs at the park. Alternatively you can attend a guided tour or one of the scientific and creative workshops! As a place that raises public awareness of conservation and biodiversity, Paris Zoological Park also takes part in many programmes to conserve and protect endangered species.

Surrounded by the Marne and Vincennes wood, Nogent-sur-Marne is proud of its rural identity and idyllic environment. The town lives up to its slogan, which means "The good life to the East of Paris"! The banks of the River Marne are a real invitation to well-being, where you can relax and enjoy a change of scenery.

In the shade of the tall trees, a 1.5 km walk along the Promenade Yvette Horner, a long walkway by the river, will lead you to the marina. From this pleasant, flower-filled spot, you can admire the Passerelle des Arts, the first metal bridge in Paris, built in 1804. You will then walk along a woodland trail that will guide you to the Île de Beauté. Along the way, some beautiful villas with unusual architecture can be glimpsed among the trees.

You can also discover Nogent from the water. Step aboard a pedalo, electric boat or rowing boat to reach the Île des Loups. Accessible only by boat, this wooded area is a peaceful sanctuary where flora and fauna can thrive, offering visitors a moment of calm and serenity. Cruises on the Marne are also among the many water-based activities you can enjoy there.

The centre of Nogent-sur-Marne also has many gems to offer. During your outings, don't miss its listed buildings with Historic Monument status (Monuments Historiques). The emblematic Pavillon Baltard, the last remains of the Grandes Halles de Paris covered market which was built in the 19th century, is now a prestigious concert venue. You can also admire the Church of St. Saturnin, built in the 12th century; the Carré des Coignard exhibition gallery; or the old Royal Palace cinema, now an Artel-UGC cinema. The René-Dumont Garden of Tropical Agronomy, the site of the 1907 Colonial Exhibition, is another must-see attraction. It offers a surprising trail through the exotic vegetation and the remains of the Colonial Exhibition. You can also learn about the history of the Boucles de la Marne when you pay a visit to Nogent-sur-Marne Museum. And if you want to honour a famous French song from 1943 that makes reference to Nogent, "Ah ! Le petit vin blanc", come and enjoy a little white wine at the Independent Winegrowers' Wine Fair, held every spring at the Pavillon Baltard!

Created in 1670 by Colbert, then Minister of Finance to Louis XIV, the Domaine de Sceaux estate welcomes you with its Château des Trévise, a beautiful building constructed in the 19th century for the Duke and Duchess of Trévise. The site, a listed Historic Monument, is interesting due to the château museum as well as the park, a certified Remarkable Garden. So, when you visit the château, you'll learn about the history of the place and its various owners, Colbert, Maine, Penthièvre and Trévise. Each room invites you on a journey through time! Many artworks depict the French art of living from Louis XIV to Napoleon III. In the Princes Room, a table has been laid and awaits its guests for a fashionable supper, 18th century-style. And in the Neuilly Room, you'll discover the prestigious furniture of a bedroom in the Empire style.

Continue your visit with a look at the grounds, which are just as splendid. The superb French formal garden was designed by André Le Nôtre, the famous architect of the gardens at Versailles. You're sure to be charmed by the tree-lined grand canal and the Octagon Pool, connected by the small canal footbridge. You can also admire, amongst other architectural treasures, the Orangery, the Pavilion of the Dawn and Pavilion of Hanover, the moat and the Colbert stables.

The Sceaux Park is also intended as a place of recreation, which its games and sports area, as well as culture, with an annual music festival in September, which offers a varied programme (Baroque, jazz, chamber music...). A gastronomic restaurant, Le Trévise, is an inviting place to stop for a delicious meal.

Created in the 1990s on the site of a former wine warehouse, Bercy Park extends along the Seine, in the 12th arrondissement of Paris near the big AccorHotels Arena concert venue. Covering 14 hectares, this contemporary park has kept some traces of its winegrowing past, as evidenced by the few vines that are still harvested today, and the rail sections which were once used by tankers.

Three parts make up Bercy Park: the Parterres, which include the kitchen garden, the wine store, the rose garden, the bulb garden, the maze and the scent garden, as well as the House of Gardening (Maison du Jardinage) offering introductory gardening courses; the Great Prairie with its huge shady lawns; and the Romantic Garden with its ponds dotted with water lilies, its charming lake and its small island. Tucked away in this haven of peace and greenery is the Lake House (Maison du Lac), a venue for exhibitions and conferences.

As you explore the site, you can also see the modern building designed by the American architect Frank Gehry, which houses the French Cinematheque (Cinémathèque française) and its Cinema Museum about the history of the silver screen.

After your walk, you can enjoy a drink or a spot of shopping in Bercy Village, on the picturesque Cour Saint-Émilion, where the biggest wine market in the world used to take place. Its old wine storehouses made of white stone, which are listed on the additional inventory of Historic Monuments, nowadays contain shops and restaurants and are full of charm!

The biggest green space in Paris, with no fewer than 995 hectares, the Vincennes Wood is located to the east of the capital in the 12th arrondissement, with its entrance marked by the famous Golden Gate (Porte Dorée) located not far from the Metro station of the same name.

Many facilities have been installed on this vast wooded area, starting with the Breuil Horticultural School and its beautiful arboretum, the tropical agronomy garden full of romantic charm, and the Great Pagoda, the headquarters of the International Buddhist Institute. In the heart of the Vincennes Wood lies the famous Paris Zoological Park, also known as Vincennes Zoo, which reopened in 2014 after several years of renovation. On almost 14 hectares, you can admire a large number of animal species - from lemurs to giraffes through jaguars, penguins or vultures - spread over five biozones that are the Sahel-Sudan, Patagonia, Europe, French Guiana and Madagascar.

Meanwhile, the equally famous Paris Floral Park, which stretches north-east of the Vincennes Wood, is sure to appeal to lovers of gardening and botany with its collections of irises, dahlias, bonsais, rhododendrons and camellias. Many free events are organised in summer, like the three music festivals, the Paris Jazz Festival, Classique au Vert and Pestacles.

At the edge of the wood, in the municipality of Vincennes in the department of Val-de-Marne, is the biggest French royal castle fort that you can visit. Flanked by a high keep, it's a formidable reminder of medieval times!

For lovers of horse-racing, Paris-Vincennes Racecourse, which is well-known to punters, is not far away. Inaugurated in 1863, it is mainly devoted to trotting, harnessed or mounted, and hosts such prestigious races as the Grand Prix de France and the Prix d'Amérique.

An ideal destination for a walk or bicycle ride, the Vincennes Wood also lends itself perfectly to romantic walks, especially around its four lakes or along its beautiful streams. Full of charm with its two islands, a small temple and a pleasant path by the water, Lake Daumesnil is a popular meeting place for lovers of boating, but also joggers and walkers.

On the edge of the Vincennes Wood, in the 12th arrondissement of Paris, lies a beautifully landscaped park of about 35 hectares. It's popular with lovers of gardens and botany, who come to appreciate its remarkable collections of irises, dahlias, tulips, bonsais, rhododendrons and camellias. Ideal for strolling and relaxing, this is a unique place to watch the landscapes change with the seasons, with a series of wonderful themed gardens to look at...

The floral park also has many play areas for children, including a mini-golf course decorated with miniature Parisian monuments. In addition, in the summer it hosts many musical events, like the Paris Jazz Festival, the Pestacles or the Classique au Vert festival. In autumn, it's the turn of the famous International Dahlia Competition, with awards for the most beautiful varieties!

Right at the heart of Paris' 13th arrondissement, around the Olympiades site with its high towers, you can soak up the atmosphere of one of the capital's liveliest and most exotic districts. As you explore the Avenues de Choisy and Ivry, both of which are dotted with store signs in Chinese, you'll find a number of shops, groceries and Asian restaurants serving delicious specialities. This is where you'll also find the famous Tang Frères supermarket, known for supplying all Asian products imaginable, and the Empire des Thés, an elegant place with a traditional décor that's ideal if you want to enjoy a nice cup of Chinese tea. And over towards the Olympiades esplanade, not far from Les Olympiades Metro station, you can admire a beautiful Buddhist temple.

At Chinese New Year in January or February, the district becomes even livelier, with its red lanterns, gongs and dragon dances, to the delight of its residents and onlookers who come to enjoy the festive atmosphere!

In Paris' 12th arrondissement de Paris, not far from Place de la Bastille and the Faubourg Saint-Antoine, this bastion of arts and crafts is a prestigious showcase for French know-how. Originally built for the Vincennes railway line, this magnificent viaduct that runs along Avenue Daumesnil today houses many art studios under its arches, ranging from cabinet-making to goldsmithery, through ironwork and glass-blowing. Craftspeople, designers and art teachers all have their place at this absolutely unique site!

Above the viaduct on the tree-lined walkway known as the Promenade plantée or Coulée verte René-Dumont, which follows the route of the former railway line, a totally different atmosphere greets you. Dotted with many trees, this pleasant path runs from the Arts Viaduct to the Montempoivre Gate and is a lovely place for a walk. Yet another great thing about this unusual viaduct!

In the 5th arrondissement of Paris, not far from the Seine, the Latin quarter and the Grand Mosque, lies a magnificent park where it's lovely to take a stroll: the famous Garden of Plants (Jardin des Plantes), accessible by Metro from the Gare d'Austerlitz and Jussieu stations.

Created in the 17th century by the doctors Jean Héroard and Guy de la Brosse, this unique place became a research centre and museum in the 18th century, and now delights lovers of walking and botany. As listed Historic Monuments, the various buildings dotted about the site bear witness to the saga of science over the centuries: the Great Gallery of Evolution, the Mineralogy and Geology Gallery, and the big greenhouses - with greenhouses dedicated to the rainforest, the desert and arid environments, New Caledonia and the history of plants - are so many wonderful places that will take you on a journey through time and space! And as you wander the park's many paths, you can not only admire historic trees like the Lebanese cedar planted in 1734 by the botanist Bernard de Jussieu, but also see statues of scientists such as Buffon and Lamarck, who helped to make the Garden of Plants famous.

In this haven of peace and greenery, you can also admire the garden's typical French-style perspective, with flowers blooming in square beds from spring to late autumn, its ecological garden where the fauna and flora of Ile-de-France are all represented, its romantic rose garden with many varieties, its open-air botany school, its Alpine garden with over 2,000 mountain plant varieties, its bee and bird garden, and its menagerie, which is much-loved by children and happens to be one of the oldest zoos in the world!

Spanning the 4th, 11th and 12th arrondissements of Paris, the big Place de la Bastille was a major site of the French Revolution, marked by the famous taking of the Bastille on 14 July 1789 which led to the end of the absolute monarchy in France. The perimeter of the old prison-fortress destroyed during the revolutionary period can in fact still be seen on the ground, and remnants of its foundations can be seen at the Metro station that serves the square. To celebrate the bicentenary of the Revolution, a modern opera house by the Canadian architect Carlos Ott was inaugurated in 1989. Not far from there, at the centre of the square, you can also see the famous July Column and its gilded bronze sculpture of the Spirit of Freedom, a group which is now a listed Historic Monument, built in the 19th century to commemorate the Three Glorious Days of 1830 and the overthrowing of Charles X's monarchy.

Yet while Place de la Bastille has a great historic legacy, it also enjoys a particularly lively nightlife scene. Many cafes, restaurants, cinemas and nightclubs keep the district bustling. The site also hosts many celebrations, like the great ball of 13 July, the Gay Pride parade and concerts. What's more, a market full of colours and flavours (one of the biggest in Paris) takes place along the Boulevard Richard-Lenoir every Thursday and Sunday morning!

A characterful district with cobbled streets and pretty little houses, La Butte-aux-Cailles is named after a man named Pierre Caille who planted vines there in the middle of the 16th century. Nestling in the 13th arrondissement of Paris, not far from Place d'Italie and the Asian quarter, this peaceful place with a village feel is not short on charm, and there's plenty of good cheer, especially on Rue de la Butte-aux-Cailles with its many cafes and restaurants.

After a little trip to La Petite Alsace, Rue Daviel, with its surprising timber-framed houses, be sure to head towards the Villa Daviel, a little cobbled road by charming detached houses.

Next to Place Paul Verlaine and its Artesian well, you can swim a few lengths in the lovely Art Deco pool of La Butte-aux-Cailles. Inaugurated in 1924 and now a listed Historic Monument, it has an impressive vaulted ceiling supported by seven concrete arches for swimmers to admire!

Set right at the heart of the lovely Garden of Plants (Jardin des Plantes) in Paris' 5th arrondissement, the famous National Museum of Natural History takes its visitors on an amazing journey through time…

A mythical and splendid place renovated in 1994, the famous Great Gallery of Evolution, about the evolution of species and the diversity of the living world, has an immense hall surrounded by balconies containing some remarkable collections, including an impressive caravan of animals of the African savannah. A fun and educational exhibition space dedicated to biodiversity, the Children's Gallery allows young ones to discover the incredible diversity of plants and animals living in different environments like the city, the river or the rainforest.

The National Museum of Natural History also includes other establishments such as the Comparative Anatomy and Palaeontology Gallery, and Mineralogy and Geology Gallery, whose collection of rocks, crystals and other minerals is one of the most prestigious in the world.

A building of glass and aluminium in Paris' 5th arrondissement, near the Jussieu and Cardinal Lemoine Metro stations, the Arab World Institute (Institut du Monde Arabe) has an architectural style that harmoniously combines Arabic and Western cultures for visitors to admire. In its beautiful museum of civilisations, which unveiled new exhibition areas in 2012, you can admire some magnificent collections that are particularly well showcased, all on the theme of the Arab World. On no fewer than four floors, you can admire more than 560 works of art, such as wood panelling, ceramics, illuminations, textiles and scientific objects.

Temporary exhibitions are also regularly hosted, and you can visit a library as well as a book and gift shop selling many publications in Arabic.

Built in the 1980s by an architects' collective, the IMA also has a lovely panoramic roof terrace with untrammelled views of Paris, the Seine and the Cathedral of Notre-Dame. The site also offers Arabic lessons for children and adults, educational activities, debates and other events.

Built in the 1920s to pay tribute to the 70,000 Muslim soldiers who died for France in the First World War, the Grand Mosque of Paris, not far from the Garden of Plants (Jardin des Plantes) in the 5th arrondissement, near the Place Monge and Censier - Daubenton Metro stations, is the oldest mosque in metropolitan France. Dominated by an elegant minaret 33 metres tall, this vast building complex in the Hispano-Moresque style, a listed historic monument, contains a magnificent patio lined by sculpted arcades, inspired by the Alhambra in Granada, Andalusia. Open to visitors every day except Friday (the day of prayer), the Grand Mosque also invites you to discover its impressive prayer room with many columns, adorned with sumptuous carpets and a monumental chandelier. The mosque is a place of contemplation and prayer for the Muslim community, but also a place of relaxation with a tearoom selling delicious pastries, a restaurant famed for its tagines and couscous, a shop reminiscent of the souks in the Maghreb, and even a hammam! For women only, the latter is an ideal way to forget the stress of the day and enjoy the benefits of a steam bath.

Ideally located between the busy Rue d'Alésia and the International University Campus in Paris in the 14th arrondissement, not far from the Porte d'Orléans Metro station, Montsouris Park offers Parisians and passing tourists a wonderful green space, one of the biggest in the capital, that's an ideal place for a stroll.

Inaugurated under Napoleon III in 1869, it's a beautiful English-style park of fifteen hectares with many species of trees and beautiful sculptures. In particular you can admire many centuries-old, remarkable trees, such as a Chinese parasol tree, a persimmon and a Lebanese cedar, which provide much-appreciated shade for a rest or an improvised picnic. As you wander along the peaceful lake, you can also see many species of birds such as the Canada goose, the European crested tit, or the grey heron, which live in the park. The park also includes a weather station and the Mire du Sud, a monument standing four metres high and marking the approximate location of the Paris meridian. A charming bandstand also offers regular free concerts from May to September.

Opposite Montsouris Park, on the other side of Boulevard des Maréchaux, lies the park of the International University Campus, a unique place with exceptional architecture, where the student houses built between 1925 and 1969 come in a wide variety of styles.

Nestling at the heart of the Latin quarter in Paris' 5th arrondissement, not far from the Place Monge and Censier - Daubenton Metro stations, Rue Mouffetard slopes gently down the Sainte-Geneviève mountain and is one of the oldest roads in the French capital. Known for its lively atmosphere and typical market, this picturesque cobbled street nearly 650 metres long is dotted with many small food businesses, bistros and restaurants. Highly prized by Parisians, students and passing tourists, the famous Place de la Contrescarpe, with its pretty fountain and cafe terraces, is an ideal place to stop and enjoy a drink. After a brief rest, remember to look up as you stroll further along Rue Mouffetard, so you can see the charming old shop signs…

After a little trip to the Church of St Medardus, built in the flamboyant Gothic style between the 15th and 18th century, don't miss the famous Mouffetard market with its fresh produce stalls, in the morning from Tuesday to Sunday at the bottom of Rue Mouffetard, up to the intersection with Rue Jean-Calvin!

At the gates of Paris, in Val-de-Marne, the Château de Vincennes stands out for its grandeur and presence. This prestigious building, which was a royal residence from the 12th to the 18th century, has kept its medieval towers, walls, Holy Chapel (Sainte-Chapelle) and 14th-century keep. It's the largest French royal fortress still standing, and has stood the test of time and war!

The famous 50-metre-tall keep, which makes the château one of the tallest medieval fortresses in Europe, was built around 1365 by Charles V, King of France, to house his collections of objets d'art and manuscripts. From the 15th century onwards, the keep became a state prison, where a number of famous figures, including Fouquet, Mirabeau, Diderot and the Marquis de Sade, were held. The work undertaken by Charles V to transform the family manor lasted until the 17th century, and harmoniously combined the Flamboyant Gothic and Renaissance styles to create an architectural ensemble of great elegance. In the Holy Chapel, a Gothic masterpiece founded in 1379, the sumptuous rose window and stained glass windows have been restored.

In 1682, the royal court moved from Vincennes to Versailles. The château then changed functions several times: porcelain and earthenware factory, arsenal, bakery, etc. During the Second World War, it was occupied by German troops, who set fire to the château during the Liberation.

You can learn all about the history of France as you visit the apartments of Charles V, the spectacular keep, the two offices of the King's secretary and the Council Chamber. In the Holy Chapel, you can admire the Treasure Room, sacristy and attic. Enjoy a stroll along the wall walk, which was once used by soldiers to protect the capital. And take the time to browse the shelves in the library of the Defence Historical Service (Service Historique de la Défense – SHD), which is housed in the château and holds over 800,000 documents.

In Paris' 14th arrondissement, not far from the Montparnasse district, lies one of the capital's most mysterious and unusual sites, the famous Paris catacombs. Part of the old underground quarries, converted into an ossuary at the end of the 18th century, is now open to the public. You can enter from Place Denfert-Rochereau, near the Metro station of the same name.

A real underground maze, this mysterious complex covers 11,000 m² and contains around six million sets of bones from various cemeteries and churches in the city. Watch out, with a ceiling height of 1.80 metres and a temperature of 14°C, it's not the most comfortable place to visit. It's not recommended for people with heart or respiratory conditions, or for young children. Anyone with claustrophobia or a nervous disposition is better off avoiding it!

Along the dark tunnels and narrow corridors, you'll be impressed by the atmosphere of the place and the amazing Romantic-macabre décor, where skulls and other human bones have been carefully stacked on top of each other.

For your information, after the tour you'll exit onto Rue Rémy Dumoncel. And if you wish to continue your day in the same vein, bear in mind that Montparnasse cemetery, with its many tombs of famous people, isn't far away from there!

In the Latin quarter, in Paris' 5th arrondissement and not far from the Cardinal Lemoine Metro station, stands this former religious building, which was turned into a republican temple in 1791. It honours the memory of the nation's great people. Boasting an elegant portico with Corinthian columns and crowned by a splendid dome, the architect Soufflot's famous neoclassical Panthéon has some impressive dimensions: 110 metres long, 84 metres wide and 83 metres tall. Although the main floor mostly contains majestic paintings and sculptures, the crypt contains tombs of famous philosophers and writers such as Voltaire, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Victor Hugo, Émile Zola and Alexandre Dumas. Great heroes of the French Resistance, such as Jean Moulin and Pierre Brossolette, and scientists like Pierre and Marie Curie are also honoured there.

The Burgundy municipality of Charny, which became Charny Orée de Puisaye in 2016, is a haven of peace that deserves a visit. You can stroll along the banks of the Ouanne or try out the fabulous Cyclorail, a railbike between Charny and Villiers-Saint-Benoît that offers an original way to enjoy the landscapes of the Puisaye. On a return trip of 32 kilometres, you pedal on rails while discovering the planets of the solar system and learning how far apart they are from each other! So you start from the Sun (Charny) and finish at Neptune (Villiers). This appealing initiative is the result of a partnership between Cyclorail and an amateur astronomers' association. There are also two riverside picnic areas on this scenic and educational itinerary.

In the town centre, don't miss a local curiosity: an old 19th-century market hall resting on pilasters taken from Montargis Castle and featuring a half-timbered upper floor.

A short distance from Charny, the listed historic monument of Montigny Castle is also worth a visit, as is La Fabuloserie, an open-air museum of art brut which exhibits an eclectic range of works made from recycled objects.