And what if we set off on a stroll... inside our own bellies? With “Mes microbes du ventre”, INRAE invites families to discover a tiny but highly active universe: the intestinal microbiota. The exhibition runs from June 10 to 15, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., at the Galerie Saint-Joseph, in the 3rd arrondissement of Paris. The entry is free, open access and no booking required for families. The route is recommended for ages 6 and up.
The microbiome is made up of billions of microorganisms living in our digestive system. That might make kids wrinkle their noses. But the approach gets to the heart of the matter: it gives a voice to the bacteria, with two mascots, Cocco and Lacto, to guide young visitors. The goal isn’t to deliver a heavy lesson, but to show how these good microbes contribute to our balance, to our digestion, to our immunity, and, more broadly, to our health.
Launched by Le French Gut, a participatory science project led by INRAE and AP-HP, this exhibition also carries a prevention and awareness mission. It invites families to learn how our diet can influence the balance of the microbiome, using concrete formats: augmented reality, interactive videos, immersive experiences, podcasts and games tailored for children.
Beyond the playful side, the project is part of a national scientific initiative. The program French Gut Kids, open to children aged 3 to 17, aims to push forward microbiome research to help medicine better prevent certain chronic diseases. With My Gut Microbes, we learn that not all microbes are enemies, that our gut shelters a busy little community, and that taking care of oneself sometimes starts on the plate.
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Dates and Opening Time
From June 10, 2026 to June 15, 2026
Location
Joseph Gallery
Place de Thorigny
75003 Paris 3
Access
M° Saint-Sébastien Froissart / République
Prices
Free
Official website
www.inrae.fr
