• GALLERY OF MINERALOGY AND GEOLOGY, GALLERY OF PALAEONTOLOGY AND COMPARATIVE ANATOMY, GRANDES SERRES and BOTANICAL GALLERY: opening days and times and rates vary, contact the venue for information. around MUSÉUM D’HISTOIRE NATURELLE 13LA MÉNAGERIE, THE ZOO OF THE JARDIN MUSÉUM NATIONAL DES PLANTES Created in 1794 to house, among others, the D’HISTOIRE NATURELLE animals of the royal menagerie of Versailles, this is one of the oldest zoos in the world. Since then, it has delighted several genera- tions of Parisians and tourists. Some of the Set aside at least a half-day for the Natu- zoo’s 1,200 occupants are endangered spe- ral History Museum. On the site of the first cies, like the red panda, the snow leopard, publicParisian park (1640), walkers and and the famous orangutan. Don’t miss the joggers take advantage of the green spaces big aviary built in 1888 and the vivarium dat- in the Jardin des Plantes, amidst hundred- ing from 1926. year-old trees. The site includes three gal- Place Valhubert (5th). M Gare d’Austerlitz.o leries,each with a specific focus. In the 01 40 79 54 79/56 01. Daily. Opens at 9am. Botanical Gallery, discover collections of Closing time varies according to the time of plant and fruit species brought back from year. Full rate: €13. numerous expeditions. Children are sure to www.jardindesplantesdeparis.fr be in awe of the skeletons of dinosaurs and mammoths in the Gallery of Palaeontology and Comparative Anatomy. Precious stones once belonging to the royal collections, minerals and giant crystals are housed in the Gallery of Mineralogy and Geology. After a little tour of the Ménagerie (see opposite), the luxuriant flora of the Grandes Serres awaits you. No visit is complete without a trip to the spectacular Gallery of Evolution where stuffed marine mammals and large land mammals (elephants, giraffes, zebras, 14INSTITUT DU MONDE ARABE etc.) can be seen. Behind its glass and steel facade where Place Valhubert (5th). M Gare d’Austerlitz.o sunlight causes the moucharaby to open 01 40 79 54 79/56 01. and close, come and admire the fascinating www.jardindesplantesdeparis.fr exhibitions of the Institut du Monde Arabe. • JARDIN DES PLANTES: Daily: 7.30am-7.45pm The building, designed by Jean Nouvel and (summer), 8am-5.15pm (winter). Free. Architecte Studio, is a wonderful showcase • GALLERY OF EVOLUTION: 36 rue Geoffroy for the diversity and wealth of the Arab- Saint-Hilaire (5th). M Jussieu.o Daily: Islamic civilization, from its origins to the 10am-6pm, except Tues, 1 Jan, 1 May and present day. For one of the most beautiful 25 Dec. Full rate: €10. Gallery of Evolution + views of the capital, visit the 9th floor ter- temporary exhibition/full rate: €12. race of the building with its panoramic vis- tas. The museum also has a rich and diverse cultural programme with shows, concerts and debates. THE LEFT BANK | 39