Le Jardin du Dragon: the must-see children's playground at Parc de la Villette

Published by Margot de Sortiraparis · Photos by Margot de Sortiraparis · Published on September 5th, 2023 at 03:56 p.m.
The Parc de la Villette is one of the capital's largest parks: combining sport, large lawns and ruby-red infrastructures, the park is the playground of families and children, who have a blast in the outdoor play areas.

From the lawn of the Parc de la Villette ( Porte de Pantin side), it's hard to miss this huge blue, yellow and pink dragon overlooking the park. Designed as the body of a real dragon, the Jardin du Dragon offers a play area for children up to 13 years of age.

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For the record, the dragon already existed, long before the creation of the Parc de la Villette: since the 1970s, it has stood proudly in the 19th arrondissement, a stone's throw from the banks of the Canal de l'Ourcq. Back then, the garden was nothing like the dragon of today: made of wood and metal, it already boasted the huge slide for which it's famous. In 1998, Ursula Kurz created a new, safer version of this fantastic dragon, with swings and seesaws for the little ones, climbing ladders... Before closing in 2007 for safety reasons (according to the Seine-Saint-Denis tourist office).

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So, for eight years, the Jardin du Dragon underwent a makeover, reopening in April 2015 with a brand new dragon: the one that still occupies the Parc de la Villette today. From now on, you can slide down the tunnel (the tongue) that emerges from the dragon's mouth, with 11 meters of sliding to do at full speed! There's plenty of other fun to be had, too, with ropes, climbing nets, swings and seesaws for the young ones... Part of the Dragon Garden is now accessible to children with reduced mobility. Benches have also been installed for parents, and toilets are close at hand - just cross the cobbled alley.

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To discover one of the most beautiful playgrounds in Paris, bring the kids to the Jardin du Dragon in the Parc de la Villette!

Practical information

Dates and Opening Time
From September 4th, 2023 to December 31th, 2027

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    Location

    211 Avenue Jean Jaurès
    75019 Paris 19

    Prices
    Free

    Official website
    www.tourisme93.com

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