Immersive City of Fables
- Cité Immersive des Fables, Paris
11 Sep - 31 Dec 2026
From€22.15
An immersive odyssey through the legendary tales and architectural wonders of a mythical metropolis.
Exhibition at Cité Immersive des Fables
Discover the current major exhibition showing at Cité Immersive des Fables in 2026.
The Cité Immersive des Fables, located just steps from the iconic Champs-Élysées in the 8th arrondissement, is a groundbreaking cultural venue that reimagines the literary legacy of Jean de La Fontaine. Spanning over 1,000 square meters within the Galerie Berri-Washington, this experience serves as a bridge between the Grand Siècle of Louis XIV and the digital age. By translating 17th-century moral allegories into a high-tech sensory journey, the exhibition honors the historical significance of the Fables, which remain a cornerstone of French education and culture, while modernizing their social satire for a contemporary audience.
The journey begins in a meticulously recreated version of La Fontaine’s Study, where a digital incarnation of the poet, voiced by Laurent Stocker of the Comédie-Française, invites visitors to rediscover his work. The artistic design is a masterful blend of theatrical scenography and organic sculpture, notably inspired by the wood-like, winding forms of artist Henrique Oliveira. Each themed room is a "living tableau" that brings iconic tales like The Raven and the Fox or The Frog Who Desired a King to life through a combination of lush vegetation, monumental sets, and cutting-edge 360-degree video mapping.
Visitors are enveloped in a multi-sensory atmosphere that goes beyond traditional museum displays. The experience utilizes 3D spatialized sound and a contemporary soundtrack by the collective Bon Entendeur to create a rhythmic, dreamlike pace. Unique to this venue is the integrated scent trail, featuring evocative aromas of forest earth and foliage that add an olfactory dimension to the storytelling. This immersive world is further populated by filmed performances from a "dream team" of French talent, including Arielle Dombasle and Charles Berling, who portray the fables' animal protagonists with a mix of baroque elegance and pop-culture flair.
The experience culminates in the spectacular Salle des Rêves (Room of Dreams), a 185-square-meter space dedicated to a 25-minute grand finale of light and motion. Here, the boundaries between the spectator and the story dissolve completely as the walls transform into a panoramic canvas of vibrant animations. Whether exploring the pond of the vain frog or reclining in the final hall of reflection, visitors encounter a world that is simultaneously a playful family adventure and a sophisticated critique of modern vanity, proving that the wisdom of La Fontaine remains as vibrant today as it was in the court of Versailles.
Highlights
- The Hall of Dreams serves as the grand finale where a dazzling 20-minute 360-degree video projection immerses visitors in a timeless world.
- In the Fox's Garden, you can discover the famous fable of the crow and the fox while exploring the fox's hidden lair.
- The Wolf's Forest invites you to meet the characters of the wolf and the dog under the light of a full moon in a lush scenography.
- Visit the Frog's Pond to engage with interactive games inspired by the vain frog who wanted to be as big as an ox.
- The Grand Siècle setting allows you to journey back to the age of Louis XIV and rediscover the cultural legacy of the 17th century.
- Renowned performers like Laurent Stocker and Arielle Dombasle bring iconic animal characters to life through theatrical narration and sound design.
Must-Dos
- Take a moment to peer into the intricate compartments of a classic 17th-century writing desk to imagine how secrets were once guarded.
- Participate in a hands-on workshop to create your own illustrated version of a favorite fable using provided artistic tools.
- Engage your sense of smell by identifying the botanical notes in a dedicated olfactory station representing the scents of the French countryside.
- Test your rhythm by tapping out the beats of famous verses during a guided collaborative poetry-writing activity.
- Use a digital interactive screen to animate a classic character and watch your personal illustration come to life on the gallery walls.
- Find a quiet corner to listen to high-fidelity recordings of poets reading their work to appreciate the nuances of 17th-century French linguistics.
Guidelines
- All visitors must pass through a security screening and mandatory bag check before entering the venue.
- Bags larger than 12x12x6 inches or backpacks are strictly prohibited inside the exhibition spaces.
- Personal photography is permitted but the use of flash, tripods, or selfie sticks is not allowed.
- Consuming outside food or beverages is forbidden within the galleries to protect the immersive installations.
- Visitors must maintain a safe distance from all displays and are strictly prohibited from touching the projections or artworks.
- The venue is a non-smoking facility, which includes the use of electronic cigarettes and vapes.
Tips
- Plan your visit for weekday mornings or late afternoons to explore the exhibits with far fewer crowds.
- To save time and guarantee your entry, it is highly recommended to buy your tickets online in advance.
- Arrive at least 15 minutes early to the venue near the Champs-Élysées to ensure a smooth check-in process before your time slot.
- Make sure to prioritize the Hall of Dreams for its spectacular 360-degree video projection that serves as the experience's grand finale.
- Travel to the 8th arrondissement using public transport to avoid the common parking difficulties found in this central area.
- Check the official schedule ahead of time for any temporary exhibits or special workshops that are only available for a limited time.
Why Visit
Forget the static galleries of the past; the Cité Immersive des Fables is a theatrical revolution that places you directly inside the whimsical and witty mind of Jean de La Fontaine. This isn't just an exhibition; it’s a living masterpiece where classic French literature sheds its dusty skin to become a vibrant, high-tech playground. By wandering through these monumental, organic sets, you aren't just observing history—you are engaging in a playful social satire that feels as urgent and clever today as it did in the 17th century.
Prepare for a multi-sensory awakening that blurs the line between reality and the dream world through an enchanting blend of 3D soundscapes and a specialized scent trail. As you breathe in the evocative aromas of a moonlit forest or witness the panoramic spectacle of the Hall of Dreams, the fables transform from mere schoolbook lessons into profound emotional experiences. Whether you are animating characters on digital screens or losing yourself in the rhythmic pulse of the contemporary soundtrack, you will discover that the true magic of Paris lies in this perfect fusion of Baroque elegance and modern wonder.The Cité Immersive des Fables is a transformative journey where the timeless wisdom of the Grand Siècle meets the cutting edge of digital art, creating an unforgettable Parisian memory for the modern soul.
When to Visit
Midweek Mornings in the Fox's Garden
Arriving immediately at opening on Tuesday at 2:00 PM or Wednesday through Friday at 10:30 AM offers the most secluded environment to interact with the exhibits. Since the venue is a popular choice for families, the early afternoon on weekdays typically sees a significant drop in foot traffic compared to the high-density weekend crowds. Securing an entry slot within the first hour of operation ensures you can navigate the 1,000 square meters of the Galeries de l’Élysée with maximum personal space, allowing for a more intimate engagement with the interactive displays before the post-school and tourist rush begins.
Optimal Luminescence in the Hall of Dreams
Planning your entrance for late afternoon, specifically between 5:30 PM and 7:30 PM, provides the most effective lighting balance for the 360-degree video projections. While the venue uses advanced internal mapping technology, the ambient light in the surrounding 8th arrondissement softens as dusk approaches, minimizing external visual interference and making the "Hall of Dreams" grand finale appear significantly more vibrant. This timeframe also aligns with the venue's final entry window, often resulting in a quieter atmosphere that enhances the sensory impact of the 20-minute immersive show.
How to Visit
Finding the Cité Immersive des Fables is half the fun; it's a bit of a hidden gem located inside the Berri Washington mall at 5 rue de Berri. To get there easily, take Metro Line 1 to George V, which is just a two-minute stroll away. You should budget at least 1.5 hours to fully enjoy the experience, as the finale alone is a 20-minute show.
Navigating the 17th Century
To make the most of your time, I recommend a specific flow through the 1,000 square meters of exhibits. This ensures you see the interactive elements before the final sit-down spectacle.
- Start in the Fox's Garden, where the most famous fables come to life through interactive displays and digital characters.
- Move through the rooms dedicated to the Grand Siècle, making sure to inspect the period writing desks and participate in any hands-on workshops.
- Conclude your journey in the Hall of Dreams, the grand finale where the 360-degree projections take center stage.
Entry Logistics and Pro-Tips
The main entrance requires a security screening, so keep your belongings light. Note that large bags and backpacks are not permitted inside the exhibit. If you are traveling with a family, you can use a stroller throughout the entire venue or leave it in the designated stroller storage area near the start. To ensure a smooth arrival, it is best to have your digital tickets ready for scanning as you enter the mall passageway.
Schedules
Opening Hours
- The venue is open Tuesday from 2:00 PM to 7:30 PM and Wednesday through Sunday from 10:30 AM to 7:30 PM.
- The location remains closed on Mondays except during school holiday periods when it opens daily from 9:30 AM to 7:30 PM.
- The last entry for all visitors is strictly scheduled for 6:00 PM each day the exhibition is open.
Special Days
The venue remains open on public holidays including Ascension Day, Easter Monday, and 14 July.
During school holidays, the site is open seven days a week from 9:30 am to 7:30 pm.
Entry is free for children under the age of 6.
How to get there
Nestled in the prestigious 8th arrondissement, the Cité Immersive des Fables is a hidden gem located just steps away from the iconic Champs-Élysées. Its central location within the Berri Washington mall makes it exceptionally accessible via Paris's extensive public transit network.
- Metro: Line 1 to George V, which is a mere two-minute walk from the entrance, or lines 1 and 9 to Franklin D. Roosevelt.
- RER: Take Line A to Charles de Gaulle – Étoile for a short nine-minute stroll to the venue.
- Bus: Lines 73 and N11 to George V, or take a variety of routes to La Boétie - Champs-Élysées and Friedland - Haussmann for easy access.
Directions
Frequently Asked Questions about Cité Immersive des Fables
The exhibition is located within the Galerie Berri-Washington in the 8th arrondissement. The most convenient way to reach it is by taking the Paris Metro to the 'George V' (Line 1) or 'Saint-Philippe-du-Roule' (Line 9) stations, both of which are just a short walk from the venue near the Champs-Élysées.
Yes, it is one of the premier family activities in Paris. The combination of interactive art, 360 projections, and a sensory scent trail makes the literary works of Jean de La Fontaine accessible and engaging for children, turning classic French literature into a playful adventure.
Visitors should typically allocate about 60 to 90 minutes. This allows enough time to explore Jean de La Fontaine's recreated study, wander through the themed living tableaux, and enjoy the full 25-minute video mapping grand finale in the Salle des Rêves.
For security and comfort within the 1,000-square-meter cultural venue, it is recommended to travel light. While small items may be accommodated, large suitcases and bulky equipment are generally restricted to ensure a smooth flow through the narrow, artistic passageways.
Photography for personal use is permitted and encouraged, especially in the Salle des Rêves where the 360-degree video mapping creates incredible backdrops. However, the use of flash and professional tripods is prohibited to preserve the 'dreamlike pace' and multi-sensory atmosphere for other guests.
The Cité Immersive des Fables is designed to be inclusive; however, due to the intricate theatrical scenography and organic sculptures, visitors using large strollers may be asked to park them in a designated area. The main paths are accessible, ensuring everyone can enjoy the high-tech sensory journey.
While walk-ins may be possible depending on capacity, booking your tickets online in advance is highly recommended. This ensures your entry time for the immersive world and helps you avoid long wait times at this popular cultural venue near the Champs-Élysées.
While the fables are a 'cornerstone of French education', the experience is highly visual and sensory, making it enjoyable for international travelers. The 3D spatialized sound and spectacular video mapping transcend language barriers, though printed or digital guides in English are often available to explain the moral allegories.
Unlike static projections, the Salle des Rêves at Cité Immersive des Fables offers a 25-minute scripted grand finale where the boundaries between the spectator and the story dissolve. It combines a contemporary soundtrack by 'Bon Entendeur' with cinematic performances by French stars to create a sophisticated cultural critique.
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