In Villeneuve-d’Ascq, the Forum des Sciences offers a lively way to explore science, combining a planetarium, exhibitions, and interactive spaces. To organize an outing without rushing after schedules once there, here are the essential references on sessions, prices, bookings, and access.
Article in brief
The Forum des Sciences Villeneuve-d’Ascq can be discovered with family, group or friends, provided the right session is chosen. Hours, prices and access tips: useful information is gathered here to prepare the visit calmly.
- Individual hours: Open in the afternoon on weekdays according to school holidays and public holidays
- Individual prices: Prices vary depending on the activity, with free entries and discounts on presentation of proof
- Group visits: Dedicated slots and mandatory phone reservation to arrange the session
- Practical access: Address at place François-Mitterrand and parking signposted nearby
Hours and prices may depend on the chosen activity: it is better to check conditions before leaving.
Opening hours of the Forum des Sciences in Villeneuve-d’Ascq
For individual visits, the Forum welcomes the public from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. During the school term, it is open on Wednesdays, weekends and public holidays; during school holidays, it extends from Tuesday to Sunday, including public holidays.
The site is closed every Monday, as well as January 1st, May 1st, and December 25th. Sessions and activities can have limited capacity, so booking is possible online or by calling 03 59 73 96 00.
| Audience and period | Opening days | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Individuals, school term | Wednesday, weekend and public holidays | 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. |
| Individuals, school holidays | Tuesday to Sunday and public holidays | 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. |
| Groups, school term | Tuesday, Thursday and Friday | 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. |
| Groups, school term | Wednesday | 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. |
| Groups, short holidays | Tuesday to Friday | 9:30 a.m. |
| Groups, summer holidays | Tuesday to Friday | 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. |
Booking an individual session or a group visit
For a family outing, individual booking can be made by phone at 03 59 73 96 00 or online, subject to available places. A quick look at availability before leaving avoids disappointment if a session is full.
Groups must book by phone only. Slots vary according to school terms and holidays; a class or leisure center should specify the desired activity and number of participants when calling.
Forum des Sciences rates: activities and discounts
The rates at the Forum des Sciences vary depending on the space or activity chosen. The planetarium, temporary exhibitions, Enigma, Petit Forum and the Atom Space each have their own rate scale: for a visit with several children, comparing options allows choosing without unpleasant surprises.
| Individual activity | Adult | Child |
|---|---|---|
| Planetarium | €9 | €4 up to 12 years |
| Temporary exhibition, Enigma or Petit Forum | €8 | Free up to 12 years |
| Atom Space | €5 | €5 |
| Reduced planetarium price, on presentation of proof | €8 | According to applicable conditions |
The Family Pass costs €25 for four people and one activity, or €35 for four people and two activities. For a group of ten people, the package is €50 for one activity.
Reduced rates are offered on presentation of proof, notably to some youth, students, teachers, researchers and job seekers. Free entry applies to several audiences, including children under 3 years — except specific activities for young children —, persons with disabilities and recipients of social minimums. Since conditions may vary according to the activity, it is best to confirm them when booking.
Entrance is free for all on the first Sunday of the month as well as during certain national or territorial days and events in which the Forum participates. For groups, rates also depend on the audience and capacity: a school planetarium session for 20 people is priced at €50, while an adult visit for 20 people is €120.
Rates for school, extracurricular, and adult groups
For school and extracurricular groups — from nursery to high school, as well as leisure centers — and disadvantaged audiences, a planetarium session costs €50 for 20 people or €90 for 38 people. Temporary exhibitions, Enigma and Petit Forum are offered at €50 for a visit or session of 38 people.
Adult groups have a distinct pricing: the planetarium or an exhibition costs €120 for 20 people and €210 for 40 people. An Enigma session is charged €120 for 20 people. In all cases, reservation is made by phone and allows confirming the format adapted to the group.
Forum des Sciences address and access map
The address of the Forum des Sciences is 1, place François-Mitterrand, 59491 Villeneuve-d’Ascq. To prepare the access map, this address can be entered into a GPS or a route planning application; parking is indicated nearby.
Access by public transport can be prepared from this same address using the local network route planner, checking schedules on the day of travel. The information available here does not specify any line or stop: it is better to consult an updated route before leaving, especially with young children or a group.
- Address: 1, place François-Mitterrand, 59491 Villeneuve-d’Ascq.
- By car: parking is indicated near the site.
- By public transport: search the address in the local route planner and check schedules.
- Before departure: confirm the activity hours and seat availability.
The Forum is a scientific museum designed to make sciences accessible through experimentation. According to the program, scientific exhibitions and family activities offer several ways to spark curiosity, even when children are not yet used to museums.
An outing to organize according to the age and rhythm of the children
For a family, choosing a single main activity may make the visit more pleasant than a too full program. For example, a planetarium session followed by an exhibition allows time to settle, take a break and enjoy hands-on activities without turning the outing into a race against the clock.
Also note: an announcement indicates a reopening on September 19 and 20, 2026 on the occasion of the European Heritage Days. During the mentioned closure period, group school bookings remain possible by phone; checking official information before traveling allows taking possible changes into account.
Practical questions before a visit to the Forum des Sciences
What are the Forum des Sciences opening hours for individual visitors?
During the school term, the Forum welcomes visitors on Wednesdays, weekends and public holidays from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. During school holidays, it is open from Tuesday to Sunday and public holidays, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
How to book an activity at the Forum des Sciences?
Individual visitors can book online or call 03 59 73 96 00, subject to available seats. For groups, booking is mandatory and is done by phone only.
How much does an entry to the planetarium cost?
The individual price indicated is €9 for an adult and €4 for a child up to 12 years. A reduced rate of €8 is offered on presentation of proof.
Where is the Forum des Sciences located and is parking available nearby?
The Forum is located at 1, place François-Mitterrand, 59491 Villeneuve-d’Ascq. Parking is signposted nearby; for public transport, it is advisable to check an updated itinerary from the address.
