The most trippy immersive experiences of the moment

© Lumières en Seine by Vincent Nageotte. 

Those boring museum visits with your middle school teacher? They’re terminado. Immersive experiences in museums or outdoors are in the spotlight on the Parisian cultural scene this autumn. Travel back in time at the Invalides, Château de Vincennes, or the Domaine National de Saint-Cloud, dive into the Normandy landings or step into the castle of Beauty and the Beast—now it’s all possible. A closer look at these outings that are sure to blow your mind; make sure to book them ASAP!

The AURA Invalides show offers an immersive experience in the heart of Paris’s Invalides monument, transformed each evening under its vast dome by the magic of light, orchestral music, and video mapping. Breathtaking images are projected onto the relief surfaces of the monument, adapting to the shapes and volumes of the surface, creating visual effects that give the impression that the structure itself is transforming and coming to life.
Visitors explore the six chapels surrounding the crypt of Napoleon I in a nighttime stroll that progressively reveals the secrets of the location. The journey begins with a tribute to the Dome’s construction, highlighting the genius of architect Jules Hardouin Mansart. Then, it dives into the collective memory of the place, connecting past to present, finishing with a moment of aesthetic and sensory release, perfectly in harmony with the spirit of the Invalides. A true moment of emotional connection with this emblematic Parisian historical monument!
AURA Invalides, Hôtel des Invalides, 129 rue de Grenelle, Paris 7th. Until December 30, 2024.

The grown-up kids who loved watching Beauty and the Beast and singing along with Mrs. Potts and Lumiere can now step into a real enchanted palace at the Hôtel des Grands Voyageurs. The settings are breathtaking! Stroll through a room adorned with magical portraits, the throne room, or a sumptuous dinner by candlelight (it’s a party!). The 100% immersive and enchanting show takes you from bustling kitchens to the crystal-lit ballroom under century-old chandeliers.
Amidst a whirl of costumes, settings, and music, a troupe of actors leads you on a truly magical journey. Experience the enchantment of a Disney classic as you move through a castle that seems straight out of a fairytale. A unique family show that’s an absolute must to book now!

Beauty and the Beast, Le Grand Hôtel des Rêves, 47 rue du Cardinal Lemoine, Paris 5th. Until November 17, 2024.

© La Belle et la Bête by En 1 Cliché. 

This autumn, Vincennes becomes an essential hub of digital arts with an unprecedented and impressive event: Château de Lumière. Dive into a world where each luminous artwork embodies a fragment of time, an emotion, or an echo of the past. In the majestic setting of the Château de Vincennes, on the outskirts of Paris, contemporary installations subtly awaken your senses and immerse you in a unique experience.
Like stars at dusk, lights illuminate the way, creating a connection between past and present, between fleeting and eternal. Immerse yourself completely in the millennium-long history of the Château through video mapping: from its role as a royal residence under Saint Louis and Louis XIV, to its time as a symbol of the empire under Napoleon, and its endurance through the German troops' assaults during World War II, before rising from its ashes. This 3D creation, enhanced by enchanting light and special effects, draws from the Service historique de la Défense archives. Move forward slowly, breathe deeply, and let each glimmer whisper the story of the Château de Vincennes...
Château de Lumières, Château de Vincennes, avenue de Paris, 94300 Vincennes. Until November 2, 2024.

© Château de Lumières by François Dufaux.

If, like us, you’re fascinated by the concept of artificial intelligence since 2001: A Space Odyssey, you’ll love the new immersive phenomenon at the Musée de l’Armée…which transports you back to summer 1944! AI tools have been used to process a vast collection of historical photographs to create 3D versions of the Normandy and Provence landing scenes, adding perspective and colorization effects. You’ll also witness the legendary week of the Liberation of Paris, with rooftop shooters and tanks posing in front of the Eiffel Tower. By bringing historical images to life, these techniques enhance the immersion and provide a stunning visual experience.
The exhibition also highlights the moving testimonies of those who lived through these events. With the help of AI, their stories have been enriched with previously unpublished photographic archives and recreated through a voice generator. A journey into the past, as close as possible to intimate stories, for an experience as unique as it is captivating.

Relive the Liberation of 1944. Artificial intelligence in service of history. Musée de l’Armée, 129 rue de Grenelle, Paris 7th. From November 8 to December 18, 2024.

© Paris musée de l’Armée, dist. RMN-Grand Palais, Anne-Sylvaine Marre-Noël. 

After the overwhelming success of previous editions (with more than 250,000 visitors), Lumières en Seine is determined to wow visitors again and plunge them into the magic of the holidays with a brand-new illuminated path. This 25-scene show is a real cure for autumn blues! Held at the sublime Domaine National de Saint-Cloud, just outside Paris and accessible by metro, the nighttime illuminated and musical stroll transforms the 460-hectare site into a magical moment. Polished scenography, breathtaking light displays, sound effects, laser shows, projections, and even pyrotechnic displays: everything’s there to leave you spellbound.

A favorite retreat of the powerful over the centuries, this domain is still marked by great historical events. See this splendid domain at its best, dressed in light. To complete this unforgettable sensory universe, young and old can also enjoy the cozy and festive atmosphere of the food court’s gourmet chalets for a feast of hot drinks and sweet and savory treats, from pretzels and hot dogs to burgers and indulgent desserts.

Lumières en Seine. Domaine National de Saint-Cloud, 1 avenue de la Grille d'Honneur, 92210 Saint-Cloud. From November 15, 2024.

© Lumières en Seine by Vincent Nageotte.