ECLIPSO Paris

Paris

Experience the future of cultural exhibitions in Paris at ECLIPSO, where cutting-edge VR technology and immersive storytelling transport you through breathtaking historical landscapes. This innovative journey seamlessly blends heritage and technology to offer an unparalleled window into different times and places.

Located in the vibrant Bercy Village district of the 12th arrondissement, ECLIPSO Paris represents a revolutionary shift in how we engage with heritage. While Paris is renowned for its physical monuments, this center serves as a "portal" to the past, utilizing cutting-edge Virtual Reality to reconstruct history with breathtaking accuracy. It occupies a space where the industrial charm of old wine storehouses meets the digital frontier, offering a unique cultural venue that prioritizes immersive storytelling over traditional static displays.

The experience is defined by its Immersive Expeditions, such as the acclaimed Horizon of Khufu, which transports visitors to the Giza Plateau in Ancient Egypt. Unlike a typical cinema or museum exhibit, the "architecture" here is digital; you walk through vast, meticulously rendered spaces that capture the monumental scale of the Great Pyramid. The artistic detail is profound, from the texture of ancient limestone to the flickering light of torches in burial chambers, all developed in collaboration with leading Egyptologists to ensure historical integrity.

Visitors will find an atmosphere that blends high-tech wonder with a deep sense of reverence for the subjects portrayed. Upon donning the VR headset and backpack, the physical world of Paris fades away, replaced by a shared social space where groups can see and interact with one another as avatars. This communal aspect makes the journey feel like a true expedition, fostering a sense of collective discovery as you navigate through the Grand Gallery or witness sacred rituals from thousands of years ago.

Ultimately, ECLIPSO Paris is a testament to the French touch in digital innovation, merging the nation's passion for history with world-class technological prowess. It offers a multisensory experience that appeals to both tech enthusiasts and traditional history buffs, providing a deep, emotional connection to the wonders of the world. Whether you are exploring the mysteries of the pharaohs or other curated historical narratives, the venue provides a profound, modern way to experience the timeless legacy of human civilization.

Highlights

Embark on an immersive expedition to ancient Egypt in The Horizon of Khufu to explore the Great Pyramid and its hidden chambers.
Step back to 1874 with Tonight with the Impressionists to witness the birth of the movement alongside masters like Monet and Renoir.
Travel through 3.5 billion years of planetary history in Life Chronicles to encounter prehistoric landscapes and massive dinosaurs.
Discover the architectural secrets and engineering brilliance of the pyramids in the virtual journey The Builders' Treasure.
Navigate a meticulously scientific reconstruction of 19th-century Paris to experience the atmosphere of the first Impressionist exhibition.
Experience cutting-edge free-roaming VR technology that allows for real-time interaction and movement across a vast interactive space.

Must-Dos

Take a post-expedition stroll through the cobblestone streets of Bercy Village to admire the historic architecture of former wine warehouses just steps from the venue.
Arrive at least 5 minutes early to complete the mandatory security screening and ensure a smooth transition into your virtual journey.
Pair your visit with a relaxing walk through the Parc de Bercy to see the local vineyard and the "romantic garden" with its serene duck pond.
Explore the nearby Musée des Arts Forains to discover a hidden collection of vintage funfair rides and whimsical carnival objects.
Follow the colorful umbrella canopy that often decorates the pedestrian walkways surrounding the exhibition space for a unique photo opportunity.
Catch the Metro line 14 to the Cour Saint-Émilion station for the most convenient and direct transit route to the heart of the district.

Guidelines

Please arrive at least 5 minutes before your scheduled admission time to complete a mandatory security check.
All visitors must undergo a security screening, and weapons of any kind are strictly prohibited within the venue.
Only bags that can be easily worn or carried are permitted inside the experience.
Children under the age of 13 years old are not permitted to use the virtual reality headsets.
The use of flash photography is strictly prohibited during the experience to ensure the safety of the performers and other guests.
Professional recording equipment, tripods, and monopods are not allowed inside the venue.
Participants must follow all safety instructions provided by staff to avoid injury while using VR headsets.

Tips

Take the Metro line 14 and get off at the Cour Saint-Émilion stop for the most direct route to the venue in Bercy Village.
Arrive at least 5 minutes before your scheduled time slot to ensure a smooth check-in process at 45 Rue des Pirogues de Bercy.
Be sure to show your mobile voucher to the staff at the entrance for quick validation of your tickets.
Avoid arriving more than 15 minutes late for the final session of the day, as entry after this window is not permitted.
If you are driving, use the paid parking facility located nearby at 14 Rue des Pirogues de Bercy.
Plan to visit on a Sunday between 10:00 am and 8:00 pm if you want to explore the surrounding shopping center before or after your VR expedition.

Why Visit

While the Louvre and the Musée d'Orsay offer unparalleled glimpses into static history, ECLIPSO Paris invites you to actually live it. This is where the boundaries between observer and participant dissolve, offering a rare opportunity to step inside the canvas of 19th-century Paris or stand amidst the dust of a pharaoh's tomb. By prioritizing free-roaming exploration, the venue transforms a typical afternoon into a visceral, shared adventure that bridges the gap between the historic soul of Bercy and the absolute vanguard of digital artistry.

The true magic lies in the sensory weight of the experience; it is the feeling of cool, subterranean air as you navigate a digital necropolis or the vibrant energy of an Impressionist salon brought to life through scientific precision. Unlike any other attraction in the city, ECLIPSO leverages cutting-edge VR to trigger a profound emotional resonance, allowing you to witness the monumental scale of human achievement and planetary evolution as if you were truly there. It is a transcendent journey that leaves you with a heightened appreciation for the fragility and brilliance of our shared heritage.ECLIPSO Paris is the ultimate cultural bridge, where the elegance of French history is masterfully reborn through the lens of future-defining technology.

When to Visit

Midweek Virtual Voyages

Weekdays offer the most seamless entry into the immersive world of ECLIPSO, specifically between Monday and Thursday. Aiming for a 2:00 PM arrival right as the doors open allows you to bypass the heavier foot traffic associated with Bercy Village's evening dining crowd. Since the experience is entirely indoors and digital, you are shielded from external weather, making these early afternoon slots the most efficient choice for a focused, uninterrupted journey through the VR landscapes.

Twilight Transitions in Bercy

Scheduling your expedition for a weekday evening after 6:30 PM provides a unique logistical advantage for those who enjoy the social buzz of the 12th arrondissement without the peak indoor congestion of weekend afternoons. While the virtual environments utilize internal lighting that remains consistent regardless of the sun, the physical transition out of the venue into the glowing string lights of Bercy Village creates a pleasant atmospheric shift. If you must visit on a Saturday, arriving at the 10:00 AM opening is the only reliable way to avoid the significant influx of families and shoppers that typically saturate the area by midday.

How to Visit

Getting to ECLIPSO Paris is a breeze if you head toward the charming 12th arrondissement. You will want to set aside about 1 hour for the total experience, which includes roughly 15 minutes for check-in and 45 minutes for the virtual journey itself. Since the venue is tucked away in the pedestrianized Bercy Village, ensure you arrive at least 5 to 10 minutes early to clear the security screening without feeling rushed.

Seamless Access at Bercy Village

The most efficient way to reach the center is via Metro Line 14, getting off at the Cour Saint-Émilion station. From there, follow the signs toward the heart of the shopping complex. The entrance is located at 45 Rue des Pirogues de Bercy. Because this is a timed-entry attraction, having your digital tickets ready on your phone will help you breeze through the reception desk and straight to the orientation area.

Your Expedition Game Plan

Once you are inside and equipped with your headset, the flow is designed to be intuitive, but a little bit of planning helps you get the most out of the digital landscape.

Start in the equipment zone where the staff will help you secure your VR gear; make sure it feels comfortable as you will be moving around for quite a while.
Transition into the free-roaming exploration hall, where you should move slowly to allow the sensors to track your position accurately within the virtual environment.
If you are exploring The Horizon of Khufu, focus on following the guide closely to unlock the most detailed views of the Great Pyramid’s hidden chambers and the surrounding plateau.

Post-Journey Exploration

After you hang up your headset and return to the real world, do not rush off. The location in the former wine warehouses of Paris is a destination in itself. Step out onto the cobblestone streets of Bercy Village for a celebratory coffee or a meal. It is the perfect way to decompress and chat about the digital worlds you just explored while enjoying the historic architecture of the 12th arrondissement.

Schedules

Opening Hours

ECLIPSO Paris is open Monday to Friday from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
On Saturdays, the venue extends its hours from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
Visitors can explore the exhibitions on Sundays between 10:00 AM and 8:00 PM.
The last entry for these immersive expeditions occurs 45 minutes before the daily closing time.

Special Days

ECLIPSO Paris remains open for visitors on major public holidays such as 1 January, 1 May, and 25 December.

The venue offers extended opening hours from 10:00 to 20:00 daily during School holidays to accommodate seasonal demand.

How to get there

Located in the heart of the vibrant Bercy Village in the 12th arrondissement, ECLIPSO Paris is set within historic wine warehouses near the Seine, offering excellent accessibility via the city's modern transit network.

Metro: Take Line 14 to the Cour Saint-Émilion station, which is the most direct route and places you just steps away from the venue.
Bus: Use lines 24, 109, or 111 to the Terroirs de France stop, or line 64 to the Dijon-Lachambaudie stop, both of which are within a short walking distance.
RER: Take Line A or D to Gare de Lyon, from where you can transfer to Metro Line 14 for a quick one-stop journey or enjoy a pleasant 15-minute walk through the Parc de Bercy.

Directions

Contact

Yes, ECLIPSO Paris provides secure lockers in the Bercy Village venue where you can store personal belongings, large bags, and coats before starting your virtual reality expedition. For safety reasons, you cannot wear bulky items or carry large backpacks while equipped with the VR headset and technical gear.

ECLIPSO Paris is fully accessible to people with reduced mobility; the expeditions like 'Horizon of Khufu' are designed to be wheelchair-friendly. The virtual reality software adapts the experience so that everyone can navigate the digital recreations of history and culture regardless of physical movement capacity.

While you are encouraged to take photos in the transition areas of the Bercy Village center, photography is not possible once you are inside the virtual reality experience as you will be wearing a headset. However, the unique 'social VR' technology allows you to see your friends as avatars, making for a memorable shared journey through history.

ECLIPSO Paris welcomes young explorers, but for technical and safety reasons related to the size of the VR equipment, children must typically be at least 8 years old and over 1.30m tall. This ensures the virtual reality headset and backpack fit comfortably for a safe journey through 'Life Chronicles' or 'Tonight with the Impressionists'.

A complete visit to ECLIPSO Paris usually takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. This includes 15 minutes for check-in and technical preparation in the Bercy Village lobby, followed by a 45-minute immersive virtual reality journey through your chosen historical or scientific theme.

It is highly recommended to book your tickets online in advance to secure your preferred time slot, as expeditions like 'Horizon of Khufu' frequently sell out, especially on weekends and during school holidays. Selecting a specific entry time helps minimize wait times at the venue in the 12th arrondissement.

Yes, the high-tech VR headsets used at ECLIPSO Paris are designed to fit over most standard prescription glasses comfortably. The equipment is adjustable to ensure that everyone can enjoy the breathtaking accuracy of the historical reconstructions with perfect clarity.

ECLIPSO Paris uses advanced 'free-roaming' virtual reality technology where your digital movements perfectly match your real-world steps. This synchronization significantly reduces the risk of motion sickness compared to seated VR experiences, making it accessible to most visitors curious about culture and history.

Since ECLIPSO Paris is located in the heart of Bercy Village, you are surrounded by a variety of charming cafes and restaurants housed in former wine storehouses. It is the perfect spot to discuss your virtual trek to Ancient Egypt over a meal or a coffee after your session.

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