France Miniature
Laid out in the shape of France, France Miniature features the country’s major sights built down to scale. This quirky theme park on the outskirts of Paris provides a welcome overview of all that lies outside of the capital, which many visitors don’t have the chance to see.
The basics
France Miniature can be easily visited on a half-day or full-day trip from Paris by either going on your own if you have a car—or booking a tour from the city—which provides you with admission and a driver so you don’t have to worry about how to get there.
Upon arrival, visitors wander through the site to study replicas of the Eiffel Tower, Château de Versailles, Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte, St-Tropez, Mont St-Michel, Chartres Cathedral, the Basilica Notre-Dame of Lourdes, and more. A playground and an adventure park with kid-friendly rides and other activities can also be enjoyed.
Things to know before you go
- France Miniature is particularly popular with school groups and families.
- The park is home to a gift shop and a restaurant.
- The average visit length is four hours.
- The paths around the park are stroller- and wheelchair-accessible, except for one steep walkway.
How to get there
France Miniature is about 20 miles (32 kilometers) southwest of Paris in Elancourt, just past Versailles. There is a fee-based parking lot. Public transport takes much longer, but is possible via the U train line to La Verrière stop, followed by a local bus.
Trip ideas
When to get there
The park is open seasonally in the spring, summer, and fall; opening days and hours vary depending on the month but it’s generally open from late morning to early or mid-evening.
The Models
The roughly 50 models at France Miniature represent the country’s various regions with UNESCO World Heritage Sites, ports, and villages. The goal is to showcase monuments linked to French traditions, history, and culture. After a core made of plastic, the architectural details such as gargoyles and window shutters are put on with resin, followed by paint for the final touches.
- Things to do in Île-de-France
- Things to do in Marne-la-Vallée
- Things to do in Blois
- Things to do in Deauville City
- Things to do in Lille
- Things to do in Dijon
- Things to do in Brussels
- Things to do in Bruges
- Things to do in Zaventem
- Things to do in Luxembourg City
- Things to do in Horley
- Things to do in Nantes
- Things to do in London
- Things to do in Normandy
- Things to do in Nord-Pas de Calais
- Port-Royal des Champs Museum
- Palace of Versailles
- Villa Savoye
- Château de Malmaison
- Chatou
- Sèvres National Ceramics Museum
- La Seine Musicale
- Parc des Princes
- Stade Roland Garros
- La Défense
- Aquaboulevard
- Marmottan Monet Museum (Musée Marmottan Monet)
- Théatre le Ranelagh
- Louis Vuitton Foundation
- Jardin d'Acclimatation