Renovation work – FAQ
Is the Cité staying open during the renovation work?
Yes, all of the Cité is staying open.
How do I find the temporary entrance to the Cité ?
It's clearly signposted – just follow the signs.
Have access routes to the Cité's car park been changed?
No, the renovation work doesn't affect access to the car park. However, roadworks for the T3 tramway extension will affect traffic direction in the area around the Cité.
Which exit do I take at Porte de la Villette metro station?
If you're coming to Porte de la Villette station (line 7) from central Paris, take the exit by the front of the train, climb the stairs, then turn right and right again.
If you're coming from La Courneuve, take the exit by the back of the train, climb the stairs, then turn right and right again.
Is the Cité still accessible to visitors with reduced mobility?
Yes, the Cité is still accessible to all, but the route to the entrance is changed until 30 September 2012.
Has the pedestrian route to the Cité from the coach park been changed?
Yes, the pedestrian route has been changed and the lifts for the coach park are temporarily out of service.
To get to the temporary entrance to the Cité (at the west end of the building), walk alongside the water and take the steps to the upper level. The route to follow is signposted.
For reduced-mobility groups, there is a drop-off point at the coach park exit on the same level as the temporary entrance. The route to follow is signposted.
Have pedestrian routes to the Cité from the car park been changed?
Yes, the lifts for the car park are out of service, so visitors using P1 and P2 parks should enter the Cité at level -2 by following signs to the Géode. Once inside the Cité at level -2, take the lifts to level 0 (information desk, ticketing, etc.)
Will the renovation work spoil my visit to the Cité in any way?
Not at all. The renovation site is completely enclosed and great attention has been paid to sound insulation. You can enjoy all of the Cité's activities and services as usual.
Should I buy my ticket in advance?
Yes, we advise you to buy tickets in advance – at the Cité or online (booking fee €1) – so you can get into the exhibitions and shows more quickly.
Are all the services provided by the Cité still available?
Yes, all the Cité's services (reception, ticketing, cafés, cloakroom, etc.) are still available. The shop will be closed from 3 January to 10 February 2012.
Where can I leave my coat or bag during my visit?
A free cloakroom is available for all visitors with a ticket for the Cité's exhibitions.
Are the baby changing facilities still available?
Yes, they are beside the children's activity areas (level 0).
Is the car park open in the evening for visitors to the Zénith concert hall?
Yes. And pedestrian routes to all amenities in the Parc de la Villette are signposted.
