It’s difficult to describe succinctly, but this nocturnal presentation of hundreds of giant Chinese lanterns is back for its third year running in the Jardin des Plantes, close to our hotels.

Hundreds of extinct animals have been reproduced and await your visit in this magical setting. Definitely something all the family will love over the holiday period!

It has to be one of the most unusual and magical events of the holidays in Paris – L’Évolution en voie d’illumination lets you walk round the Jardin des Plantes after dark on a trail punctuated by hundreds of huge illuminated animals.

These are not your ordinary Chinese lanterns (the biggest is over 30 metres long!) and as you marvel at them you’ll also be able to learn more about each one and 600 million years of evolution that has seen many creatures disappear.

It’s really something special, and a perfect outing if you’re coming to Paris around Christmas (special rates are on offer for families).

All the species you’ll see actually existed (and are now extinct) and have been recreated thanks to work and research of the palaeontologists of the Natural History Museum.

As an extra bonus, you entrance ticket also gives you reduced rate entrance to one of the venues run by the Museum – the Natural History Museum itself, the Galerie de Paléontologie et d’Anatomie comparée, the Menagerie and the Grandes Serres (all of which are in the Jardin des Plantes), as well as the Paris Zoo and the Musée de l’Homme at Trocadero!

Don’t miss it!

Évolution en voie d’illumination is in the Jardin des Plantes (here) until 30th January 2022 (closed 24th & 31st December)

Open every day from 6-9.30pm (visit until 11pm)

Admission: 15€ / 12€ (online tickets sales here)

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Une publication partagée par MNHN (@le_museum)