11Parc Montsouris Constructed under the reign of Napoleon III and inaugurated in 1869, the Parc Montsouris has a lake, majestic trees and a restaurant. Many bird species may be found here. Located close to the Cité Universitaire, the park is a favourite walking spot for students. In sum- mer, free concerts are held in the bandstand. 2 rue Gazan (14th). RER B Cité Universitaire. www.paris.fr 12Maison de la Photographie Robert Doisneau This temporary exhibitions venue does not show work by Robert Doisneau but it pays tribute to the humanism characteristic of the famous photographer,Gentilly, through its programme of events.a native ofMAC VAL Monographic or thematic exhibitions pres- The monumental sculpture Chaufferie avec ent historical snapshots and contemporary cheminée, by Jean Dubuffet, signals to the works by professional or amateur photogra- visitor that they have arrived at the MAC VAL! phers. The Maison is a place to discover and The Musée d’Art Contemporain du Val-de- share photographic culture. As well as visits, Marne is the first museum to be entirely ded- it offers workshops and educational activi- icated to the artistic scene in France from ties for a wide audience. the 1950s to the present day. The rich collec- 1 rue de la Division du Général Leclerc. 94250 tion of 2,000 works presents great artists and Gentilly. 01 55 01 04 86. Daily, except Mon, emerging artists. Two or three exhibitions are Tues and public holidays. Wed to Fri, 1.30pm- organized each year. The building, with its 6.30pm; Sat and Sun, 1.30pm-7pm. Free. horizontal lines in keeping with neighbour- www.maisondoisneau.agglo-valdebievre.fr ing buildings, is surrounded by a large public garden. This 10,000 m² garden is embellished with sculptures, including the fascinating Grands Fumeurs by Alain Séchas. Place de la Libération. 94400 Vitry-sur-Seine. M Porte de Choisy, then bus 183.o01 43 91 64 20. Tues to Fri: 10am-6pm. Sat, Sun and public holidays: 12 noon-7pm. Closed Mon, 1 Jan, 1 May, plus 15 Aug and 25 Dec. Full rate: €5. www.macval.fr … intheareaof Butte-aux-Cailles MAC VAL A village with narrow cobblestoned streets, lined by quaint houses decorated with flow- ers, and many restaurants, particularly in the Exploradôme Rue des Cinq-Diamants. A science and digital technology discovery 13th. M Corvisart.o museum … where the emphasis is on interactiv- Chinatown ity! You can start a tornado, stick your shadow Situated between the Avenue de Choisy, to the wall or get to grips with virtual reality … Avenue d’Ivry and the Paris ring road, the Chi- Programme of digital and scientific workshops. nese district with its restaurants with flashing 18 av. Henri Barbusse. 94400 Vitry-sur-Seine. neon lights and supermarkets selling exotic M Villejuif – Louis Aragon, then bus 172.o products offers a veritable change of scene. 01 43 91 16 20. Full rate: €7. 13th. M Tolbiac.o www.exploradome.fr IN AND AROUND MONTPARNASSE 71