Escale à Paris : free activities for kids around cruise ships

Published by Margot de Sortiraparis · Updated on May 28, 2026 at 08:05 p.m.
On May 30 and 31, then June 6 and 7, 2026, MSC Cruises will set up at Port de la Tournelle for “L’Escale à Paris,” a free outdoor event with activities for kids, remote-controlled mini ships, and an introduction to the maritime world.

There are weekends when you can get away without leaving Paris. With “L’Escale à Paris”, MSC Cruises offers four days of free activities at Port de la Tournelle, just steps from Notre-Dame. The gathering takes place on May 30 and 31, then on June 6 and 7, 2026, in a family-friendly, accessible format designed to introduce visitors to the world of river cruising along the Seine. The program includes: child workshops, seaside-themed activities, surprises, and tiny remote-controlled boats to pilot on the water.

The choice of location is no accident. Nestled in the 5e arrondissement, the Port de la Tournelle runs along the Seine between the Pont de Sully and the Pont de l’Archêvêché, opposite the Île de la Cité. Once tied to cargo unloading, it maintains a direct link to the river history of Paris. Today, this riverside stretch is also a promenade spot, valued for its views of Notre-Dame, the Île Saint-Louis, and the quays.

During the event, children become rookie captains for the afternoon. At the helm of miniature boats, they learn to steer, observe the water, wait their turn, and try again — in short, to savor the joys of sailing in miniature. Surrounding this central activity, coloring workshops and animations round out the day, in a simple spirit: play, discover, and spend time by the water.

A charming way to travel and enjoy yourself—without ever leaving Paris!

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Practical information

Dates and Opening Time
From May 30, 2026 to June 7, 2026

× Approximate opening times: to confirm opening times, please contact the establishment.

    Location

    Port de la Tournelle
    75005 Paris 5

    Route planner

    Access
    Metro Maubert-Mutualité (line 10), Jussieu (lines 7 and 10) and Sully-Morland (line 7)

    Prices
    Free

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