Happy french at The Great Gallery of Evolution and the Garden of the Plants

Located in the 5th arrondissement of Paris, in a beautiful building constructed in 1889, La Grande Galerie de l’Evolution (Grand Gallery of Evolution) will immerse you in the richness of biodiversity, offering you the chance to discover the fascinating diversity and history of life on Earth.

You will discover animals in their natural environments; be transported into the tropical forests of South America; enter into the nature reserves of France, the Arctic and Antarctica, as well as find yourself exploring the deserts of the Sahara, and the extraordinary African savannah. At the start of your visit, you will be immersed in the underwater world and will discover species as amazing as they are impressive. You can’t help but feel very small while standing in front of the skeleton of a blue whale!

Continuing on, you’ll discover the « evolution of life » section, and while you’re at it, don’t forget to take a walk in the hall of endangered and extinct species, for it is here where you can catch a glimpse of animals that you are not likely to see anywhere else. If you visit the Great Evolution Gallery with your children, head over to the « Children’s Gallery », a space dedicated to toddlers and young children, where the stories of biodiversity are made more accessible and playful.

Beautifully detailed in 4 sections ranging across the two floors of the Grand Gallery, you will discover the wonders of cities, rivers, rainforests and the planet as a whole.Your children will learn about biodiversity in a colorful and fun space where they can easily absorb the stories about animals and the wonders of the world. They will be able to discover all of this through participation in hands on activities, as well as simply through walking around the gallery.

Happy French particularly loves (and recommends!) the large central nave and its African animals, as well as the luminous and authentic atmosphere of the Gallery that makes you feel as though you are really in the heart of the wilderness as you move through the visit.

Once your visit is over, take some time to stroll through the flower-adorned walking paths of the ‘Jardin des Plantes’ that you’ll find just outside the museum. This beautiful french garden was created in the heart of Paris four centuries ago, and is set over 2.5 hectares (or over 6 acres) of manicured green space, right next to the banks of the Seine river. Discover the diverse sections of this French garden – offering a lens into French life and culture – as your children wander and play along its many paths.

Some of the animals in the Grand Gallery of Evolution :