From the Ourcq canal to the Bourget runways: this corner of Greater Paris hides nuggets that even Parisians don’t know about.

There’s a lot more to northeast Paris than meets the eye. From the Bassin de La Villette to the legendary runways of Le Bourget, the Greater Paris region has a unique identity, combining lush green parks, fascinating museums and local cultural initiatives that are well worth a visit.

A Greater Paris territory in its own right

The area stretching from La Villette to Le Bourget is one of the liveliest parts of Greater Paris. Here you’ll find generous natural spaces, top-notch cultural venues and canals that invite you to slow down. Each walk reveals a different facet of this metropolis in motion.

The Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, located in the north-east of Paris, is one of the capital’s largest green spaces, covering 25 hectares. The Parc de La Villette, meanwhile, was built on the site of former abattoirs and designed by architect Bernard Tschumi. These two sites perfectly embody the green wealth of this area.

The network of Parisian canals also structures this area. The Canal de l’Ourcq is part of the Parisian canal network, drawing its source from the Ourcq. The Canal Saint-Denis links the Canal de l’Ourcq to the Seine in front of the Île Saint-Denis.

Museums that leave their mark

The Musée de l’Air et de l’Espace at Le Bourget is one of the world’s leading aviation and space museums. As imposing as it is fascinating, it attracts families and aviation enthusiasts alike. The Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie completes the picture: set in the heart of the largest landscaped park in Paris, this spectacular site is well worth a full day’s visit.

The Drancy Shoah Memorial offers a different perspective on history. It complements the Shoah Memorial in Paris and acts as a mediator between memory and transmission. The Fondation Privée Cherqui is a vibrant artistic jewel, full of surprises.

“Green parks, fascinating museums, local initiatives, unusual places: experience a unique immersion in Grand Paris from La Villette to Le Bourget.”

Events not to be missed in 2026

This year, the calendar in north-east Paris is particularly full. Lovers of culture, sport and popular festivals will find plenty of reasons to cross the ring road. From the Bassin de La Villette to the runways of Le Bourget, there’s a succession of events all year round.

On June 6, 2026, the Pride des Banlieues returns to La Courneuve at Dock B. This popular and festive march defends the rights of LGBTQIA+ people in working-class neighborhoods. In June 2026, the European Archaeology Days offer workshops, tours and meetings in La Courneuve to immerse yourself in local and European archaeology.

From June 18 to 21, 2026, Le Centquatre hosts the Rendez-vous in Paris roller parties: four days of partying, dancing and night-time gliding in an electrifying atmosphere. Then from June 27 to August 9, 2026, the L’Été du Canal festival returns for an extended 19th edition on the Canal de l’Ourcq, organized around seven different universes.

• La Pride des Banlieues: festive LGBTQIA+ march at Dock B in La Courneuve on June 6, 2026
• L’Été du Canal 2026: festival on the Canal de l’Ourcq from June 27 to August 9, 2026, 19th edition
• Roller parties Rendez-vous in Paris at Centquatre from June 18 to 21, 2026
• Madame Loyal Festival: electro, circus and funfair on September 5 and 6, 2026
• Machine arrière #2: la machine à écrire” exhibition at the Cité des sciences until October 25, 2026

Exhibitions at the Cité des sciences until autumn

The Cité des sciences et de l’industrie will be hosting two major exhibitions in 2026. The exhibition Chiens et chats, on view from February 18, 2025 to August 30, 2026, invites visitors to slip into the skin of an animal and experience its sensations. Machine arrière #2: la machine à écrire, meanwhile, takes visitors on a journey through the history of the keyboard, on view until October 25, 2026.

Both events are aimed at children and curious adults alike. They confirm the Cité des sciences’ central role in the cultural offering of Greater Paris.

Getting around in north-east Paris

To reach Le Bourget from La Villette, a combination of public transport remains the most practical. Simply take metro line 5 to Porte de Pantin, then tramway T3b to Porte de la Chapelle, and finally RER B towards Aéroport CDG to get off at Le Bourget. Total travel time isaround 30 minutes.

For those who prefer cycling, Seine-Saint-Denis offers 4 carefully selected themed itineraries to explore the nuggets of northeastern Paris. You can cycle along the canals with their street art frescoes, follow the industrial history of La Courneuve or seek out the wilderness in the Bondy forest.

There’s no shortage of walking tours either. A stroll from the Canal Saint-Martin to La Villette, a stroll through the Parc de La Villette or a climb to the heights of Belleville are just some of the routes that let you feel the soul of this area. So, whether you’re with the family, on your own or with friends, the Grand Paris du Nord-Est can be tamed at your own pace.

For ticket purchases, automatic ticket machines in metro and RATP/SNCF stations remain the most accessible solution. The Pass Navigo covers the entire network, making it easy to get around Paris and the surrounding area. What’s more, the official Paris je t’aime application lets you find your way around, book and activate your Paris City Pass directly from your phone.