Immerse yourself in Oriental Culture

L'Institut du Monde Arabe (The Arab World Institute), designed and built by architect Jean Nouvel, is situated on the rue des Fossés-Saint-Bernard. Have a look at the south-facing wall, with it's metal panels inspired by the Moucharabieh mobiles, geometrical forms and designs that let  light and air through. For a panoramic view of Paris, head to the rooftop terrace the ninth floor. Le Zyriab restaurant serves excellent Mediterranean food and a terrific mint tea. 
As you exit the Arab World Institute you will find yourself in the square Tino Rossi. In this oasis of green, overlooking the Seine, lies the Open Air Sculpture Museum. The Parisians love to picnic on the grass next to the sculptures of Brancusi, Gilioli and César. At night, come and dance the Tango with your sweetheart or take a turn with the junglers...Paris festive and bohemian!
At the back of the square lies the 'green lung' of Paris, the Jardin des Plantes. Stroll among the garden paths to discover the beautiful flower beds and listen to some surprising animal sounds...coming from the Ménagerie, a real zoo in the heart of the capital!  You can enter on the right at the end of the path. As you leave, let the children amuse themselves in the labyrinth at the top of the garden.
Walk back towards the centre of the garden. The gigantic edifice that proudly peers down upon the Seine is none other than the Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle (Museum of Natural History). The most remarkable of all collections is of course la Grande Galerie de l'évolution (Gallery of Evolution),  with an impressive selection of Elephant, Lion and Rhinoceros.

The favourite animal seems to be the Whale...In the pavilion dedicated to the impressive mammal, there is also a café-restaurant called... la Baleine (the Whale).  From the terrace of this original place, where the decor imitates a whale's skeleton, you can see both the garden and the animals in the menagerie.
Just across from the south entrance of the Jardin des Plantes, the Grande Mosquée de Paris offers you total immersion into Oriental culture.  After a soothing ham-am (men and women separate), succumb to the pleasure of pastry and a mint tea in the courtyard of the mosque.