Villette Makerz rents 600 square meters in Parc de la Villette, Paris, for seminars, team buildings, conferences and private parties of 8 to 150 people. The venue is a fablab and community workshop in the Folie L5, a red pavilion designed by Bernard Tschumi on the Canal de l'Ourcq in the 19th arrondissement, so a meeting can include a hands-on workshop led by makers.
Seminars and company events
Companies use the space for half-day or full-day seminars, executive committees of 8 to 20 people, product launches, year-end parties, client evenings and hackathons lasting one to five days. Creative team building is the house specialty. Four formats are described: customizing goodies, an escape game in the park, a collective mural or object, and a construction challenge. Groups of 8 to 60 work at the same time, and up to 100 can rotate through the workshops. A separate immersion offer builds workshops around circular economy topics, from a 3-hour discovery session for 5 to 25 people to a custom seminar of one to three days for up to 40.
Weddings and receptions
Weddings are not listed among the formats. The team does host birthdays, family parties, housewarmings and private evenings, and the terraces open in season for cocktails and receptions.
Rooms and capacities
The Rotonde is the main hall at 170 m². It takes 150 people standing for a cocktail, 90 in conference seating, 50 at round tables and 40 in a U shape. Le Cinéma, at 52 m², takes 50 for a cocktail, 40 in conference seating, 30 at round tables and 20 in a U. A terrace completes the set. Each room can be rented on its own, and the full privatization reaches 150 guests for a cocktail. For a seated lunch or seminar the team recommends 80 to 100 people. Equipment included in every rental: HD projector and screen, sound system with wireless microphones, high-speed WiFi, modular furniture, a reception desk with cloakroom and access to the terraces. On request: audio and video recording, a sound and lighting technician, on-site printing and signage, and goodies personalized live.
Catering
The venue has its own kitchen. A resident chef prepares buffets, shared dishes, cocktail dinners, breakfasts and afternoon snacks on site, using seasonal products that are mostly organic and from short supply chains, with a zero-waste approach. The menu is built with you according to the format of the event, and diets are handled. Using the kitchen is optional.
History and setting
The Folie L5 is one of the red follies of the Parc de la Villette, a park of 55 hectares. Villette Makerz states ten years of experience, around 150 workshops a year, 60 members in its community and 12,000 visitors a year.
Getting there
Metro lines 5 and 7 and tram T3b serve the park. Parking and Vélib' stations are nearby. The Gare du Nord is 10 minutes away and Porte de Pantin 5 minutes. The ground floor and its terrace are step-free, with an accessible toilet. For a business event the team advises booking 4 to 8 weeks ahead and answers quote requests within 24 hours.
