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Theatrical tours

Beyond traditional exhibitions and shows, more and more experiences combining theater, games, video mapping and immersive settings are being offered to wider audiences. Scripted tours bring a famous place or character to life, turning visitors into actors rather than mere spectators. Here's a look at three of these activities that invite you to experience culture differently in Paris.

Meaning, emotion, and interaction

These are three common features of these experiences, which appeal to young and old alike thanks to their entertaining and educational aspects.

The Mystery of Mozart at the Collège des Bernardins
Music, theater, dance, and visual mapping: it took all of this and more to pay tribute to the greatest of musicians. For about 80 minutes, visitors are invited to walk through several vaulted rooms of the former Cistercian monastery of the Collège des Bernardins and, guided by several works by the child prodigy (including The Magic Flute, The Marriage of Figaro and his mysterious Requiem), they watch and/or participate in a performance by a singer, a demonstration by a conductor, and even a minuet, a dance typical of the Great Century. A guided tour with commentary by actors provides a lively and totally unique introduction to the composer's world.

Address: 20 rue de Poissy, 75005 Paris. 
Opening hours: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m according to days and school periods.
Admission: €25 to €32 (free for children under 4).
Jules Verne, An Extraordinary Journey at the Grand Hôtel des Rêves
We remain in the 5th arrondissement but change of universe, and century, with another visionary artist: the most translated French-language author in the world, to whom we owe the essential Around the World in 80 Days and 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. Among the spaces based on its work are the hot air balloon of the adventurer Phileas Fogg and the cabin of the submarine Nautilus. In total, there are eight spectacular sets and 25 actors who immerse visitors in a collective adventure that leaves them feeling as if they have traveled inside Jules Verne's mind. The science fiction pioneer would surely have appreciated that this 1 hour journey takes place in this aptly named location.

Address: 47 rue du Cardinal Lemoine, 75005 Paris
Hours: from 10:40 a.m. to 9 p.m., depending on the day and school term
Prices: from €19.99 to €39.99
The Immersive City of Fables
Another author inspired an experience that immerses visitors in a major work of French literary heritage from four centuries ago: Jean de la Fontaine and his fables, which, long before Walt Disney, featured talking animals. Covering more than 1,000 m², these anthropomorphized creatures come to life in the form of famous actors (Alexandre Astier, Charles Berling, etc.) and in video capsules located in the heart of several sensory spaces: 360° video mapping, immersive sounds, touch screens, etc. The 17th-century poet, fabulist, and storyteller awaits children of all ages (from 4 years old) for a magical 1.5-hour journey near the Champs-Élysées.

Address: 5 rue de Berri, 75008 Paris
Opening hours: 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. depending on the day
Prices: from €13.90 to €19.90 (free for children under 6). 

A new way to experience culture

More participatory, embodied, Instagrammable... these new features have many advantages. Physically immersing yourself in a work, a story, or a place through sets, costumes, actors, and digital tools renews the experience of discovery and attracts audiences who may feel intimidated by the traditional offerings of museums or monuments.

By enhancing emotion and memorization without neglecting substance in favor of form, These new types of cultural outings perfectly illustrate the famous Chinese proverb:
“Tell me and I forget. Show me and I remember. Involve me and I understand.”



Valérie from Comme des Français

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