Cité Immersive des Fables – Entry ticket

Discover the Wonders of Cité Immersive des Fables

If you’re hunting for a family-friendly experience that combines literature, art, and technology, the Cité Immersive des Fables in Île-de-France offers a fascinating journey into the world of Jean de La Fontaine. For just $30 per person, you’ll spend about 90 minutes wandering through beautifully designed rooms that bring his famous fables to life with innovative scenography and stellar performances. From the moment we stepped into the office of La Fontaine, we felt transported back to the 17th century — a clever way to set the scene for the stories ahead.

What really stands out to us is the way this experience connects classic storytelling with modern technology. The full 360° projections and AI animations provide a visually stunning backdrop, making these timeless fables feel fresh and relevant. Plus, the cast of talented actors, including Laurent Stocker and Alexandre Astier, adds an extra layer of authenticity and entertainment. On the downside, the experience lasts only 1.5 hours, so those craving an in-depth exploration of French literature might find it a little brief. But for visitors of all ages looking for a rich, engaging, and family-friendly activity, this tour strikes a fine balance.

Perfect for families, literary enthusiasts, and curious travelers, the Cité Immersive des Fables offers an accessible, educational, and fun way to experience French culture. Whether you’re traveling with children, or simply want to explore stories with a fresh twist, you’re likely to find this exhibit both charming and thought-provoking.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

  • Accessible to all ages: Suitable for children from 0 to 99 years old.
  • Visually stunning scenography: Over 1,000 m² of theatrical setups, projections, and interactive rooms.
  • Engaging performances: Top actors bring the fables and characters to life.
  • Educational and fun: Combines storytelling with games, quizzes, and collectibles.
  • Brief but impactful: The entire experience lasts approximately 90 minutes.
  • Perfect for families and culture seekers: Offers a blend of entertainment and culture in a convenient location.

A Closer Look at the Itinerary

The Entrance and La Fontaine’s Office

Your journey begins inside the Berri-Washington Gallery, where a green carpet and water lilies guide you to the entrance. Once you step inside, you’re greeted by a recreation of La Fontaine’s 17th-century office, setting the tone for the entire experience. This initial scene not only offers a visual glimpse into the poet’s world but also introduces you to the posterity of his 243 fables, giving context to the stories you’re about to see.

The Fox Room: Flattery in a Garden

Moving into the Fox Room, we loved the theatrical staging of “The Crow and the Fox” set in a lush French garden. The scene evokes courtiers and flattery, with the Fox’s lair nearby, giving a sense of the moral lesson behind the story. Visitors sit under a tree, watching as actors perform, and can explore the life of La Fontaine on the periphery. This room cleverly combines classic fable elements with visual storytelling that’s simple enough for children to follow but engaging enough for adults.

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The Wolf Room: Nighttime Musings

In the Wolf Room, the mood shifts to a full moon night in a forest, where “The Wolf and the Dog” is acted out. The scene symbolizes independence versus comfort — themes La Fontaine often explored in his writings. A photo booth, games of skill, and collectibles make this room interactive and memorable. Visitors have told us they appreciated the suggestive evocation of La Fontaine’s own life through these scenes.

The Frog Room: The Vain Frog

Under La Fontaine’s watchful eye, the Frog Room immerses visitors in a pond-like setting filled with water lilies. The story of the vain frog who wanted to be as big as an ox is brought to life here, with a jukebox of musical fables adding a charming auditory layer. Visitors thrill at the chance to “show off their size,” making it a favorite among kids and adults alike.

The Lion Room: AI and Art

In the Lion Room, the fable “The Animals Sick with the Plague” is depicted through a video conference scene. This room is particularly innovative, featuring a fresco of visitor drawings animated by AI, adding a contemporary twist to the traditional storytelling. The interactive games encourage participation, and many visitors appreciate how it blends modern technology with cultural storytelling.

The Dream Room: A Stunning Finale

The Grand Finale is the Dazzling Dream Room, where a 25-minute show uses 360° video projections to surround you in the fables’ worlds and emotions. This immersive experience, created in collaboration with Ateliers BK and Bon Entendeur, offers a visually spectacular ending to your journey. The performances by notable actors enhance the storytelling, making it feel like a theatrical event rather than just an exhibition.

What We Loved and What to Consider

The visual spectacle in each room is a major highlight. The scenography makes everything feel alive, and the performers’ energy keeps the stories engaging. We also appreciated how accessible the experience is, with wheelchair-friendly spaces and the fact that no language barrier exists — the tour is offered in both French and English.

A few reviewers have mentioned that the experience is quite brief — only about 1.5 hours — which is true. If you’re a literature buff expecting a deep dive into La Fontaine’s life, this might not satisfy that craving. It’s more of a visual and emotional introduction to his stories, perfect for families and casual visitors.

The cost of $30 is reasonable considering the high-quality production and talented cast. It’s a good value for a unique cultural activity that combines history, storytelling, and cutting-edge technology. However, if you’re looking for a more traditional museum visit or a detailed literary study, you might want to supplement this experience with other attractions in Paris.

Who Should Consider Visiting?

This experience is ideal for families looking for a fun, educational activity that appeals to kids and adults alike. It also suits literary lovers interested in French culture and storytelling, as well as those curious about how modern technology can bring stories to life. The short duration makes it perfect for a quick cultural break or as part of a broader day exploring Paris.

If you’re traveling with mobility restrictions, you’ll be pleased to know that the venue is wheelchair accessible. However, be aware that some content is shown in its original language, which may be a consideration for those with language sensitivity.

Final Thoughts

The Cité Immersive des Fables offers a creative and lively way to explore La Fontaine’s fables and their universal themes. It’s a visual feast that makes storytelling accessible and fun, especially for families and casual visitors. The blend of traditional storytelling, theatrical acting, and modern tech creates a memorable experience that celebrates French culture in a playful way.

While it’s not a deep literary seminar, it’s a well-produced, engaging, and charming activity that provides value for the price. The short duration is a bonus for those with busy schedules or short attention spans, but enough to leave a lasting impression. We think it’s a worthy addition to your Paris itinerary — especially if you want something different from the usual museum or monument visit.

FAQ

Is the experience suitable for young children?
Yes, it’s designed to be accessible for all ages, from 0 to 99. Kids will enjoy the colorful scenography and interactive elements, making it a great family outing.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience takes about 1.5 hours, which is perfect for a quick cultural activity without feeling rushed.

Is it accessible for visitors with mobility issues?
Yes, the venue is wheelchair accessible, ensuring everyone can enjoy the show.

What languages is the tour offered in?
The tour is available in both French and English, catering to international visitors.

Are there any age restrictions or content warnings?
The experience is suitable for all ages, though some content may be shown in its original language. Travelers with epilepsy should be cautious, as some visual effects can be intense.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility for your travel plans.

In summary, the Cité Immersive des Fables provides a charming, tech-enhanced window into La Fontaine’s world, perfect for curious minds and families seeking a fun cultural activity. It balances visual spectacle with meaningful storytelling and offers excellent value for the price. Whether you’re a lover of literature or just in the mood for a unique Parisian experience, this tour is worth considering.

You can check availability for your dates here: