Micropolis, discover the extraordinary city of insects

20 minutes from the famous Millau Viaduct , hides on the heights of the village of Saint-Léons , a wonderful place that will make you discover the secret life of insects from around the world . Inspired by the film " Microcosmos ", this park is unique in Europe and will delight young and old alike !

For the more curious, you can visit the birthplace of Jean-Henri Fabre, one of the greatest naturalists of all time.

Enter another world

Upon your arrival you will be surprised by the shape of the building that houses the city of insects . The architecture is futuristic and perfectly fits the natural environment that surrounds it.

Micropolis, a city of insects that blends into the environment

To discover the whole park, you will have two choices of visit . There is an outdoor course , more for children and an indoor course . If you have children I advise you to start from the outside to allow them to let off steam on the many activities that will be offered throughout the course.

An outdoor play area dedicated to children

You will be invited to have fun with giant and colorful insects , which come alive on your arrival. Feel free to play music with an orchestra composed of a grasshopper of a bee and a cricket, to make a hide and seek with the queen of wasps , or to enter a giant ant !

Playing music with giant insects, a funny experience!

Welcome to the giant anthill

It's great fun for kids and adults too!

Immerse yourself in the infinitely small

Before starting the visit of the interior course, you have at your disposal on the site a restaurant with a panoramic view on the village of Saint-Léons . We offer you a traditional cuisine from Aveyron adapted to all budgets.

Once your stomach is full, you will finally be ready to unlock the mysteries of the wonderful world of insects .

The interior of the building is huge , but you will not get lost because you just have to follow the red ants on the ground!

To miss nothing in the great city of insects, follow the red ants!

You will be mistaken for an insect that moves in the middle of the tall grass , sometimes for an explorer, among the living butterflies in the big greenhouse .

The big butterfly greenhouse

The visit begins with the exploration of a cave in which there are vivariums that contain living insects : praying mantises, beetles of all kinds, and even tarantulas !!!

In the cave of Micropolis, did you recognize which insect is represented in the shade?

A fungus, fortunately there is glass!

You'll love following the transparent tunnels that lead the ants to their huge anthill , and watch their live lifestyle.

The huge anthill and its many tunnels

You can also admire the hard work of bees making their honey under your eyes and see the differences between natural and artificial beehive .

Learn while having fun

The tour is adapted to children by offering them fun activities to learn more about the amazing world of insects. With very fun stagings and access to interactive screens . The city also puts forward a wealth of very specific information on insects and plants for the most curious . Did you know that the bumblebee also makes honey? Or that the American cousin of the rhino beetle is able to carry up to 100 times its own mass ? You will be able to impress your friends with anecdotes in shambles!

Beetles of all kinds

We never tire of admiring the butterflies

The tour ends with 2 3D films where you can follow Miellie the Bee who will take you on a trip to the countryside and " the fabulous journey of Jean-Henri Fabre ".

2 3D movies to finish the visit, go!

You will find the opening hours on the Micropolis website

The birthplace of Jean-Henri Fabre

In front of the city of insects , in the heart of the village of Saint-Léons , is the birthplace of Jean-Henri Fabre , famous entomologist . You can access it through a path and stairs that lead directly from Micropolis .

Enter the birthplace of Jean-Henri Fabre

The interior of Jean-Henri Fabre's birthplace

You will find an exhibition of naturalized insects and you will be able to reach the small house that saw Jean-Henri Fabre grow up . The animator 's presentation on the scene is rich , full of anecdotes and transports you to the past .

The entry is included in the Micropolis ticket.

>>> Read our travel guide of the region of the Heart of Aveyron, to organize your stay and see the activities and cities to discover around Micropolis!

Report by Fannie Lefever for Tarn Aveyron Guide

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