The centrally-located Menagerie at the Jardin des Plantes is worth a stop as you make your way across the left bank, especially if you have children in tow. Housed within the walls of the Jardin des Plantes, the Menagerie dates back to 1789 (making it the oldest continually-operating zoo in the world) when it was founded as a home for Marie Antoinette's unusual collection of animals after the French revolution. Though its foundings may not have been under the most positive of circumstances, the zoo is now a lovely place to spend an afternoon.
Stepping in the front gate of the zoo is like stepping back in time-- instead of being greeted by the glass and high walls found in most modern zoos, you are met with mahogany-stained wood and forged iron. The fences have been there long enough that many of the trees have actually grown around them. It may be old, but the well-maintained space continues to hold an exotic collection of animals as atypical now as it must have been in 1789. The current animals-in-residence range from the traditional monkeys and flamingos to yaks, rheas, and red-tailed pandas (as well as many others you may never have heard of!). Many of the signs are written in both French and English, giving foreign visitors a fighting chance.
The rest of the Jardin des Plantes is also worth visiting-- especially the Natural History Museum located in the opposite corner of the garden. There are playground areas for the kids to run in and a beautiful collection of flora for picture-taking. The only thing missing is good food nearby, so grab a sandwich to eat while you're there or plan on leaving before mealtime.
(Note: There is also the Paris Zoological Park located in the Bois de Vincennes. It is currently closed for renovations, but it is a bit of a hike unless you are in Paris for an extended time.)
Jardin des Plantes
Price: 8 euros/adult; 6 euros/child
Hours:
Address: Jardin des Plantes, 5th arrondisement
Metro: Jussieu or Gare d'Austerlitz
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