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In light of the winter holidays kicking off this weekend in zone C, we at the Yvelines du Parisien editorial team are aware that not everyone can afford to jet off to the ski slopes. As such, we have taken the liberty to curate a list of five exciting outing ideas that you can embark on without breaking the bank.

This list is specially designed to keep your children entertained throughout the fortnight. Furthermore, we have carefully selected activities that are low-cost, in consideration of the current inflationary climate.

1. French-speaking Cinema at Les Mureaux

The Frédéric-Dard cinema, named in honor of the successful author who resided in the town for many years, has been a hive of activity since Wednesday and is set to continue buzzing throughout the following weekend in Les Mureaux. The cinema is currently hosting the 3rd edition of the French-speaking youth film festival. The festival features a selection of twelve feature films from across the globe, catering to audiences of all ages. The opening night set the tone with the screening of “It looks like the planet Mars”, a film by Stéphane Lafleur, which was awarded the prize for the best Quebec film in 2023.

Given that this is an Olympic year, the festival also showcases sports-themed films such as the boxing film, “Comme un Prince” by Yvelinois Ali Marhyar, which was partially filmed in Les Mureaux, and the women’s football film, “Marinette” by Virginie Verrier. This Saturday, families are invited to partake in free special effects or voice dubbing workshops (children under 8 are admitted free of charge).

Find more details about the “3rd edition of the French-speaking youth film” festival, which runs until Tuesday, February 13, at the Frédéric-Dard cinema (56, bd Victor-Hugo) in Les Mureaux, at cinema-frederic-dard.fr. Admission for each session is 4 euros, while a festival pass, which includes four screenings, costs 10 euros.

2. Goldorak, Astroboy, Captain Flam… Robot Toys Exhibition in Versailles

For several generations of children, Japanese robot toys such as San Ku Kaï and Astroboy have become iconic figures. More than 300 of these robots, dating back to the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s, are on display at the Espace Richaud in Versailles. The collection, primarily owned by Baptiste Caillaud, France’s leading collector, traces the history of these whimsical toys from the Land of the Rising Sun that inspired countless cartoons. The exhibition also features rare pieces that were only distributed in Japan, including the Japanese Barbie.

The “Robot toys, emergence of a Japanese culture” exhibition runs until February 25 at the Espace Richaud (78, bd de la Reine) in Versailles. The exhibition is open on weekends from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Admission is 7 euros for adults, 5 euros for concessions, and free for those under 26.

3. Journey Back to Antiquity in Saint-Germain-en-Laye

Fancy a little trip back in time? The National Archeology Museum (MAN) in Saint-Germain-en-Laye is offering a series of educational workshops for children starting this Saturday. These sessions include activities such as discovering prehistoric animals, learning cave painting techniques, and using terracotta.

Starting from Saturday, February 17, the museum will debut its major exhibition titled, “From One World to Another. Autun from Antiquity to the Middle Ages”, which will run until mid-June. This exhibition offers a deep dive into the history of this affluent Gallo-Roman city, as told through the lavish artifacts unearthed by archaeologists.

For more information, full programming, and ticketing details, visit the National Archeology Museum in Saint-Germain-en-Laye’s official website at musee-archeologienationale.fr.