Family fun in Paris: Air and Space Museum or France Miniature?

Soar with jumbo jets or explore France in miniature—find your perfect Paris family day out.

Rocket lifting off

Looking for a Paris experience that takes you out of the ordinary? Whether you dream of piloting a Concorde, climbing inside space shuttles, or exploring France’s finest chateaux and landmarks at toytown scale, the Museum of Air and Space and France Miniature are two offbeat, family-friendly gems. With hands-on learning, unique photo ops and plenty to entertain everyone from toddlers to grandparents, picking between them isn’t easy. We’ve compared everything—fun, food, wow factor, accessibility and other nearby attractions—to help you plan your best Paris family day out.

The lowdown

 

Museum of Air and Space (Musée de l’Air et de l’Espace)

  • Located at Paris-Le Bourget, boasting huge hangars filled with historic and modern aircraft
  • Features Concorde, jumbo jets, early biplanes, spacecraft, satellite exhibits and a real Air France 747
  • Climb-aboard cockpits, flight simulators and interactive learning zones for all ages
  • Regular flight and engineering workshops—kids can build gliders or conduct their own simulated space missions
  • Special areas dedicated to airships, military aviation and the future of flight

France Miniature

  • Outdoor park southwest of Paris recreating France’s most famous landmarks and cities in detailed miniature
  • 117 scale models including the Eiffel Tower, Mont Saint-Michel, the Palace of Versailles and many more
  • Hands-on games and interactive exhibits—launch boats, storm castles and play archaeologist
  • Adventure play areas, zip lines and seasonal treasure hunts for kids
  • Special events including historical re-enactments, mini train rides and artisan demos

Sounds wicked, tell me more...

Kid dressed in space gear

Museum of Air and Space

Space lovers, budding pilots and engineering fans will be in seventh heaven in the Museum of Air and Space at Le Bourget. The museum pulls you into a high-energy world of flight—and nothing stays behind glass for long. From the full-size Air France Concorde to the walk-in Boeing 747, there’s plenty here for every age to scramble through, touch and explore. Old hangars are packed with jet fighters, biplanes, airship cabins and everything in between. Future astronauts will love the moon landing zones and satellites, while kids can't resist the cockpits and hands-on mechanics.

Knowledgeable guides hold the answers to every question and, for those with a competitive streak, there are regular paper plane challenges and model-building workshops. Science buffs should dig into the multimedia ‘history of aviation’ section—touchscreens, films and wind tunnel demos make it fun for even the least technical among us.

The museum atmosphere is unpretentious and welcoming. If you book a simulator session (best done ahead), families or friends can even work together to ‘fly’ a jet liner above the Paris skyline.

France Miniature

Want to see all of France’s most iconic chateaux, churches and monuments in just half a day? France Miniature is where it’s at, with 60,000 square meters of gardens, towns, lakes and other fairytale scenes. Kids lead the way over mini bridges and under tunnels as they discover the Eiffel Tower, Strasbourg Cathedral, Château de Chambord, or even medieval Mont Saint-Michel, all recreated in dazzling, minute detail.

But there’s more than looking: you can press buttons to sail boats across the Atlantic, rescue knights at Carcassonne or trigger volcanoes in Auvergne. The interactive play zones—rope bridges, mini zip-lines and dig-your-own-archaeology pits—let kids burn off steam. Special themed weekends add jousting, traditional craft demos and super-fun treasure hunts that send families dashing from region to region.

Ok, which is most impressive?

 

Strolling up to two real Concordes and climbing into a jumbo jet are experiences you won’t soon forget. The Museum of Air and Space’s huge hangars and fleet of historic and modern machines deliver an unmatchable sense of scale and achievement. Add in real spacecraft, moon landers and hands-on cockpits, and it’s a destination that wins jaws-on-the-floor admiration from kids and adults alike.

And which is more fun?

 

France Miniature turns discovery into adventure at every turn. You’re never more than a few feet from a hands-on challenge, a secret to unlock, or a wow moment. Between the quests, the playgrounds, and the tactile delight of button-pushing and castle-climbing, kids never want to leave—and adults get to relive all their favorite French holidays in a single sunny stroll.

Which is more beautiful?

 

Nothing beats walking among flowering gardens dotted with tiny castles, sparkling waterways, and colorful mini-villages—especially in spring or fall when the grounds bloom in full color. France Miniature’s clever landscaping and whimsical vistas make every step a new postcard. While gleaming aircraft have their sleek charm, for pure scenic beauty, the park is unbeatable.

How do I get there?

Traveler in airport

Museum of Air and Space:

  • By rail: RER B to Le Bourget station, then take bus 152 or a 15-minute walk.
  • By car: A 25-minute drive from central Paris (traffic permitting).

France Miniature

  • By rail: SNCF/Transilien train from Paris Montparnasse to La Verrière, then bus 411 or 12 minutes by taxi.
  • By car: Around 40 minutes southwest of Paris, near Versailles.

Best choice for families, couples or friends

 

France Miniature is an absolute dream ticket for kids—there’s so much to touch, climb and play on, it turns learning into pure fun. Friend groups and multi-generational families also love the park’s sense of nostalgia and non-stop photo ops.

Museum of Air and Space is best for airplane geeks, future astronauts or families with older kids. It’s also a top choice for friends or couples seeking a more immersive, wow-factor adventure with loads to talk about on the way home.

I’ve got fidgety kids to entertain – which has more ‘hands on’ activities?

 

No contest—France Miniature packs its space with interactive quests, climbing nets, zip lines and play areas, all designed for non-stop discovery. Here, children become the heroes of their own cross-country adventure. 

What’s the accessibility like?

 

Museum of Air and Space

Step-free access to hangars, main galleries and amenities. Some cockpits and simulators may be up steps, but the main pathways are smooth, with accessible restrooms and dedicated staff assistance as needed.

France Miniature

Flat, paved paths throughout the outdoor park, accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. Some play equipment and interactive zones are best for children with adult support; accessible restrooms and shaded rest spots provided.

Any good lunch spots nearby?

 

Museum of Air and Space

  • Café Aéro: Classic French snacks, hot meals and child-friendly options at the on-site café, set next to model planes and aviation displays.
  • Le Bourget town center: Casual bistros serving croques, pizza and North African classics—well worth a stroll after your museum visit.

France Miniature

  • Les Provinces: Relaxed picnic tables at France Miniature, serving crowd-pleasers like burgers, rotisserie chicken, sandwiches and salads. Kids’ menus include favorites like pasta and fries.
  • Food Stalls and kiosks: Scattered throughout the park for grab-and-go crêpes, ice cream and snacks for when you need to refuel mid-adventure.
  • Les 3 Marches: Slightly upscale restaurant featuring French classics if you fancy a longer, sit-down meal after the park.

Where are the best photo opportunities?

 

Museum of Air and Space

Stand right under the Concorde for that showstopper shot, or hop inside the 747 cockpit for a true ‘pilot’s view’ selfie. Panoramic shots from the upper walkways catch a sea of gleaming wings and colorful tails. Don’t miss the open-air aircraft park—best in golden hour when the sunlight bounces across all that polished aluminum.

France Miniature

Try a panorama above Mont Saint-Michel or pose with the Eiffel Tower. Action shots of kids on rope bridges, or dramatic scenes with boats zipping across mini-Lac Léman, all shine. Capture a birds-eye view on one of the observation platforms, and shoot the tiny Loire castles with flowers in bloom for postcards that confuse (and delight) your friends.

We’re finished and thirsty – is there a decent bar nearby?

 

Museum of Air and Space

  • Café Aéro: Enjoy a chilled glass of French white wine in the hangar-themed lounge.
  • Le Clemenceau: Head into Le Bourget (10-minute walk) for this lively local bar, great for a beer and a plane-spotting chat with regulars.

France Miniature

  • On-site bar/kiosk: Grab cold drinks, cocktails, and locally brewed beer with your meal, then relax at shaded tables as the kids keep playing.
  • Nearby, small-town tabacs offer a laid-back spot for a coffee or local liqueur if you want a taste of suburban Paris.

Any other good stuff nearby?

Montmartre

Museum of Air and Space

  • Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie: In nearby Parc de la Villette, this enormous hands-on science center is a wonderland for kids with a planetarium, submarine, robots, interactive labs and more.
  • Stade de France: Take a guided tour of France’s national stadium (and its museum), with behind-the-scenes peeks.
  • Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur: If you’re heading back to Paris after Le Bourget, hop off and wander Montmartre’s legendary plazas, cafés and attractions including the Sacré-Coeur.

France Miniature

  • Palace of Versailles: Ten minutes by taxi or a short bus/train hop, the world-famous palace and gardens are yours to explore.
  • Château de Rambouillet: A little further west, this beautifully restored royal residence is a dream for history lovers.
  • Aquaboulevard de Paris: If you’re up for more adventure, this massive indoor water park is closer to central Paris, and handy for combining with France Miniature.

Local tip: Both attractions are ideal start or endpoints for Paris day trips. Try combining a morning at France Miniature or Le Bourget with a late afternoon at Versailles or Cité des Sciences—especially in summer when parks stay open late.

In summary…

 

Whether your crew loves flight and science or miniature quests and fairytale gardens, both the Museum of Air and Space and France Miniature deliver one-of-a-kind Paris days out. For big-wow tech and cockpit thrills, the museum soars; for playful discovery, hands-on fun, and massive photo ops, France Miniature wins our family-fun vote. The Paris Pass® means you can do both, and save money by extending your adventure with even more science museums, chateaux, grand parks and stadiums.

On the hunt for more Paris inspo? Find out which of Tour Montparnasse and the EIffel Tower has better views, and check out our guide to free things to do near France Miniature. 

Step up your sightseeing with Go City®

We make it easy to explore the best a city has to offer. We’re talking top attractions, hidden gems and local tours, all for one low price. Plus, you'll enjoy guaranteed savings, compared to buying individual attraction tickets. 

See more, do more, and experience more with The Paris Pass® - just choose a pass to get started!

Powered by AI

This article was generated with the help of AI to provide accurate and up-to-date information. The Go City team has reviewed and curated the content to ensure it meets our quality standards for accuracy and relevance.

Build your unique Paris itinerary with our trip planner

Who's going?
Adult
1
Child (2-17)
0
How many days?
What do you want to see?

Continue reading

Eiffel Tower
Blog

A thrill-seeker’s guide to the wildest attractions in Paris

Paris isn’t just about pastries and parks—here’s where adrenaline junkies can push their limits, whether you crave heights, speed or just pure adventure.
Cafe de Flore
Blog

Cafe de Flore, Paris- A Timeless Institution in Parisian Café Culture

From celebrity customers to its centuries at the forefront of Parisian cafe culture, here’s why you should be visiting Café de Flore for 'un café ou deux'. This Parisian institute is one of the most renowned cafes in Paris and is about as classic as it gets, with its crisp white marquee and overflow of customers relaxing at chic tables outside. Although the hot chocolate and lovely setting are more than enough reasons to visit, it’s Café de Flore's illustrious history that attracts thousands of tourists every year. It's the perfect representation of Parisian cafe culture. Located on the Seine’s picturesque left bank between the fifth and sixth arrondissements, this Art Deco destination has been featured by the likes of Vogue Australia, Goop, Time Out Paris, and more. Unsurprisingly, it’s topped many Parisian guidebooks as a must-visit place, especially for those who love literature, fashion, and art. In fact, the cafe is lined with works of art by the master artists who used to frequent Café de Flore. 5 Famous Quotes about the Cafe de Flore 1. "Now that he has disavowed as outright lies many of the stories he told himself, it's hard to know what to make of those who still insist that David Brock had it right the first time." - Jane Mayer 2. "If not absolution, I yelled, give me oblivion." - Kiran Nagarkar 3. "If God is not an active part in your friendships, you are missing one of life's most important treasures." - Beth Moore 4. "Day must be an exciting friend, but night is a truthful one." - Himanshu Chhabra 5. "Cafe De Flore speaks of love, its joys, its pains, and its dramas - to love and to lose. This story upset me, I was upside-down, in the depths of myself." - Vanessa Paradis. Cafe de Flore - one of the best cafes in Paris Dating back to 1887, this charming establishment has long attracted big names to its front doors. For years, it was the place to be and be seen (plus get into a debate or two) as many a great mind frequented the premises. Named for a statue of the Goddess of Flowers that used to sit opposite the street, it quickly became a St Germain institution. The great French poet Apollinaire would later invest in the spot and attract other literary types including Aragon, Andre Breton, and Philippe Soupault to its tables. It’s a stretch, but the cafe claims that it was the ‘birthplace of surrealism’ - regardless of whether it was or not, it’s a place where the movement found its feet. More about the history of the Cafe De Flore in Paris In the early 1900s, Cafe de Flore became a landmark Parisian spot with a reputation for attracting the most forward-thinking types. Descartes, Picasso, Simone de Beauvoir, Trotsky, and more begin to frequent the cafe - all thriving and humming with promise despite the gloomy German occupation in World War 2. The cafe endured the Nazi regime as a hidden sanctuary for the free-thinkers and soon attracted creative types from all industries over the ensuing years. Cinemaphiles like Brigitte Bardot, Sophia Coppola, and Quentin Tarantino; the big thinkers like Roland Barthes and Jacques Lacan; sartorialists like Yves Saint Laurent, Givenchy, and Paco Rabanne - they all found refuge here. Naturally, the crowds, keen to catch a glimpse of the big names, began to flock to the cafe and brought big business with them. That takes us to the present day, now that it’s become a beloved tourist destination and a spot that even celebrity cafe regulars will sometimes brave the crowds for. With its bright red flowers, crimson couches, and vintage furniture, it’s no surprise that it’s been featured in popular films (such as the one literally named after it) and television shows like Gossip Girl as a chic Parisian hangout. Cafe de Flore Paris menu Now that you have the lowdown on the cafe’s long history, it’s time to understand why people keep coming back to this classic spot. If you’re looking for some of the best coffee in Paris, the beans and brew at Café de Flore is top of the line, and apparently, Robert de Niro even has it delivered straight to his hotel room when he’s in town. Be sure you don't miss one of the best hot chocolates in Paris, as its chocolate chaud is off the charts: thick, creamy, and served with a side pot of Chantilly cream. If you’re visiting any nearby tourist spots on the left bank, we’d recommend stopping here for a delicious omelette and a coffee to start the day. And it goes without saying that if the weather’s warm and sunny, you simply must sit outside on the terrace at Café de Flore. In the early evening, it also becomes a popular apero spot where you can grab a glass of wine and people watch. Just bear in mind that as it’s a popular joint, the prices can get a little steep - maybe have a couple here and then move on to another bar if you’re going to make it a long night.   5 interesting and unique facts about Cafe de Flore Paris   Historical Roots: Café de Flore is one of Paris's oldest coffee houses, with its story starting in the late 1800s.   Famous Patrons: It's been a favorite spot for well-known writers, thinkers, and artists like Georges Bataille and Pablo Picasso.   Birthplace of Ideas: There's a belief that Café de Flore is where the surrealist movement kicked off, making it a key place for creative minds.   Timeless Decor: Inside, you'll find a classic Art Deco style that hasn't changed much since the 1940s, with red seats, dark wood, and mirrors.   On the Silver Screen: The café has made appearances in films and TV, like "Les Amants du Flore" and "Emily in Paris".   A Mix of Views: Though it's loved by many visitors, some locals aren't as impressed, saying it's too busy and not as great as its reputation suggests. Where to find Café de Flore in Paris  The address is: Cafe de Flore, 172 Boulevard Saint-Germain, 75006 Paris, France Experience everything Paris has to offer with The Paris Pass® Planning your Paris trip? With The Paris Pass®, you can explore big-name landmarks, local hotspots, and epic tours, all on one pass, all for one price. Not only that, but you'll enjoy savings of up to 50%, compared to buying individual attraction tickets. ✈️ Buy The Paris Pass® ✈️
Megan Hills
Paris Airport to City Travel Options
Blog

Paris Airport to City Travel Options

If you're flying to Paris this year, you'll need to know what travel options you have to get from the airport to the city! In this guide, we'll break down the best ways to do it - best take some notes. Including: Paris Airport to City Travel Options: Train Paris Visite travel pass Paris Airport to City Travel Options: Buses Paris Airport to City Travel Options: Rideshare Paris Airport to City Travel Options: Taxis Paris Airport to City Travel Options: Private transfer Paris Airport to City Travel Options: Train If you fly directly to Paris, you'll likely land at Charles de Gaulle Airport. It's Paris' only public airport, and nearly every international flight will land there. Thankfully, train services run directly from the airport to the city center, so catching a train is definitely an option. It's called the RER B, and we're going to learn all about it down below. All three terminals have train stations, and you'll find it easy enough to follow signs to find them. If not, there are information kiosks dotted throughout the airport that can help. However, if you land in Terminal 3, you will need to take a 5-6 minute shuttle bus to get to the nearest station, but they're free and run constantly. The trains themselves depart every 10-15 minutes, so you won't have to wait long. It won't take you long either, as a train from Charles de Gaulle to the city center should take around 25-30 minutes, depending on your destination. But what about cost? Well, adult tickets cost under €12, and kids travel for €8, which makes it a very cost-effective mode of transport. It is worth noting that you cannot book these tickets in advance. Instead, every station at the airport has ticket machines that accept international credit and debit cards. If you hate machines and would rather avoid using our future overlords, kiosks with humans are also at each station. God bless the human touch. Paris Visite travel pass Of course, if you plan to spend a few days in Paris and want to avoid buying ticket after ticket, you could purchase a Paris Visite travel pass instead. Pick the number of days you want to travel and play a flat fee for unlimited rides on all public transport. With the Greater Paris Area ticket, you can use it to get from the airport to the city center. However, the Greater Paris Area ticket is more expensive than the Paris Only ticket, so it's worth weighing up the cost benefits of using the pass when compared to the RER B's ticket prices. As an example, a 5-day Paris Only pass costs under €44 for an adult, but increases to around €75 for the Greater Paris Area (which includes the airport). Describing the comparison can be tough, so your best bet is to check out the price comparison available on the passes website. Paris Airport to City Travel Options: Buses If you don't mind taking the slower, longer option on this list, then all aboard the bus express! Well, it's just a bus, but you can still hum the children's song as the wheels go round and round. The thing is, the bus isn't even the cheapest option available. Tickets are €15-€18, so it's more expensive than the train. It also takes an hour to reach Paris, and that's on a good day. The problem with buses is they're prone to traffic jams, and Paris is a busy city. However, if you insist, you can catch the Roissy Bus from every terminal; they run from 6AM to 8.45PM, leave every 15 minutes, and you can buy your ticket from the driver. But really, considering the other options on this list, is it worth lugging heavy travel cases on board, only to have a longer, more expensive journey? We think not. Paris Airport to City Travel Options: Rideshare In this digital age, rideshare services like Uber are all the rage. Not only can you book ahead of time, but you'll also know the likely exact cost of your trip, avoid any tomfoolery regarding meters, and can follow your journey through GPS. So, if you're okay with spending a bit more, you can get a direct trip from the airport to your hotel or Airbnb. Make sure you've got Uber or G7 (a Parisian booking app) installed before you book. Download them at home, or use the airport's wifi to get them when you land. Prices depend on the time of day and busyness, so we can't really give you an estimate. However, it should be close to €35-€40. Paris Airport to City Travel Options: Taxis If you prefer old-school classic over new-age progress, you could get a taxi instead. You'll find taxi ranks outside each of Charles de Gaulle Airport's arrival halls - just follow the signs. There are some things to bear in mind when booking. Firstly, taxis are legally obligated to use meters, but that doesn't stop some shifty sorts from avoiding these and trying to scam unsuspecting tourists out of their hard-earned money. Always discuss the fee/meter with a cab driver before getting in. If they refuse to use the meter, move on to the next one. You could even report them to the taxi company if you want some sweet revenge. Depending on your destination, expect taxis to be between €50-€60. Paris Airport to City Travel Options: Private transfer If you're looking for a more personalized experience, you can get a private transfer that'll pick you up from the airport, carry your bags to and from the car, and will tailor the experience to your needs. Fancy a chat? Most private transfer drivers speak fluent English, and they can fill you in on local hot spots or things to avoid. Need a bit of peace and quiet? Let the driver know, and they'll leave you to it. Such a personalized experience will set you back a few more euros, but you can book your trip months in advance, so you can remove the cost from your vacation allowance entirely! With services like Welcome Pickups, you'll pay just shy of €70 for the privilege. However, those extra €10-€20 might be worth it for peace of mind. Now you know how to travel to Paris, you may need some vacation inspiration to fill out your itinerary. With the Paris Pass, you can see all the city's best bits for one low price!
Dom Bewley
Eiffel Tower 2nd Floor Guided Climb
Louvre Museum

Have a 5% discount, on us!

More savings? You're welcome. Sign up to our newsletter and receive exclusive discounts, vacation inspiration and much more.

Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off 1-Day Tour
Tours de Notre-Dame de Paris