Meetup at the Gardens 2026 at the Relief Map Museum, located in the heart of the Hôtel des Invalides in Paris

Located in the heart of Les Invalides, the Relief Map Museum invites you to join this year's edition of « Rendez-vous aux Jardins 2026 ». Explore the exciting lineup of activities and events awaiting you for a delightful weekend in the countryside from June 5 to 7, 2026.

The Rendez-Vous aux Jardins is back, inviting you to explore the four corners of Paris and Île-de-France with a fresh, springtime sensation. Each year, this charming event bridges the gap between nature and culture, offering a chance to discover our rich botanical heritage. For this special occasion, a variety of guided tours and activities await visitors of all ages—inside private and public gardens, nestled within cultural landmarks, major institutions, and other must-see spots. You can even take advantage of this cultural celebration to access rare openings to places usually closed to the public. So, if you're craving a breath of fresh air, don't miss the upcoming event scheduled for the weekend of June 5 to 7, 2026.

In the 7th arrondissement of Paris, at the heart of the Hôtel des Invalides, the Model Map Museum is participating in the Rendez-Vous aux Jardins 2026. This fascinating museum, which showcases an impressive collection of scaled models, is sure to captivate visitors of all ages. Among its holdings are 28 maps of France, out of the roughly one hundred models the museum houses. To celebrate the Rendez-vous aux Jardins 2026, the Paris Model Map Museum invites everyone to explore its hidden treasures through a specially curated program.

The Musée des Plans Reliefs, a unique collection in Paris
The Musée des Plans Relief, located in the Hôtel des Invalides in Paris, houses some 100 relief plans of fortified towns. Once used for military purposes, they are now preserved in their original state at the Invalides, where you can discover these immense models of French towns. [Read more]

2026 'Meetings in the Gardens' Program at the Musée des Plans-Reliefs in Paris, at the Hôtel des Invalides

School Visit: "The Gardens of the Relief Maps"
Friday, June 5, 2026 – 10:15 AM to 11:45 AM, then 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM
Students explore the collection of relief maps with the help of a guided tour, then complete a booklet that encourages them to think about the gardens and vegetation generally represented on the models.

This offers a unique, innovative way to experience this world-famous collection!
Family Workshop: Draw the Gardens of the Relief Models
Saturday, June 6, 2026 — 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
After exploring the museum, the educator guides the children to the educational room to work on a collaborative relief map, each taking home their own version. This fun and creative activity aims to introduce them to the techniques of creating a relief map and depicting its vegetation. Expect paint, crayons, and plenty of imagination to be part of the experience!
Discovering the Gardens of the Plans-Reliefs
Saturday, June 6, 2026 - 2:30 PM to 3:00 PM, 3:30 PM to 4:00 PM, 4:30 PM to 5:00 PM | Sunday, June 7, 2026 - 2:30 PM to 3:00 PM, 3:30 PM to 4:00 PM, 4:30 PM to 5:00 PM
Explore a unique collection of detailed models showcasing the fortified cities of France and their surrounding countryside, created between the eras of Louis XIV and Napoleon III. These miniatures depict, among other features, the greenery of the cities and gardens at an impressive 1/600 scale! Visitors can discover a wealth of intricate details throughout this exhibition. Join us on the day of your visit at the museum reception on the 4th floor of the East Entrance.