The Origins of Paris, 2,000 years of history along the Seine, in virtual reality, on the very spots where it happened.

Open since June 25, 2025

2,000 years of history along the Seine, in virtual reality, on the very spots where it happened.

★ 4.9 / 5 · 4,290+ reviews

  • Virtual reality
  • Total immersion, from age 8
  • 1 hour with a guide

The experience

The route follows the banks of the Seine, a UNESCO World Heritage site. For one hour, in the open air, you walk through today's Paris. At each stop, you look at yesterday's through our virtual-reality Binoculars: the great scenes of the city's history take their place again, where they happened. The visit is open to anyone aged 8 and over.

A guided walk along the Seine

In a small group, you follow a guide along the Seine for one hour. At each stop, you raise the virtual-reality Binoculars and today's scenery gives way to yesterday's.

More than 15 reconstructed eras

From Gallo-Roman Lutetia to the present day, you cross the eras that shaped the city: the construction of Notre-Dame, the medieval Place de Grève, the Viking siege or the 1889 World's Fair.

For every generation

The visit is easy to share as a family. It works from age 8, for history lovers and casual strollers alike.

The eras you will travel through

  • Gallo-Roman Lutetia
  • 885 The Viking siege
  • Medieval Place de Grève
  • The construction of Notre-Dame
  • The frozen Seine
  • The great flood of 1910
  • The 1889 World's Fair
  • … and 15+ eras in total

The frozen Seine in Paris

In pictures

A few of the scenes you will travel through, reconstructed in virtual reality.

« An immersive walk along the Seine that travels through the past, from Lutetia to the 1910 flood. »

France Info

What visitors say

4.9 / 5 · 4,290+ reviews

« A beautiful experience to share as a family. A journey back to the origins of Paris — you feel like you are reliving scenes of the city's history, on the quays of the Seine, with a unique panorama over Île Saint-Louis and Île de la Cité. »

Michael C.

« I loved my visit, it was completely mad! I'm Parisian and yet I feel like I rediscovered my own city. Time flew by — I highly recommend it! »

Jeanne C.

« Diving into Paris across every era is just brilliant! The historical reconstruction is outstanding and the headsets are very smooth. I recommend it to everyone: families with kids, seasoned Parisians, visiting tourists. »

Héloïse O.
A couple experiences The Origins of Paris in virtual reality on the banks of the Seine

Lived by our visitors

Real travellers, virtual-reality Binoculars in hand, on the very sites where history happened.

The banks of the Seine busy with boats, seen under an arch of the Pont-Neuf

Practical information

Prices
28 € standard · 25 € reduced (students, seniors, jobseekers, pass Culture, disability card) · 19 € children 8-15
Duration
60 min · route of 1.2 km
Schedule
Wednesday to Sunday, 10 am – 6:30 pm (closed Monday & Tuesday)
Languages
French, English and Spanish
Address
Port de l'Hôtel de Ville, Voie Georges Pompidou, 75004 Paris, Right Bank, Le Marais
Groups
Up to 15 people per departure · group rates from 4
Age
From age 8
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In the press

« An immersive walk along the Seine that travels through the past, from Lutetia to the 1910 flood. »

France Info

« What history lacks is that you cannot see it… We have recreated it. »

Le Figaro

« A fascinating immersion on the banks of the Seine, bringing 2,000 years of Parisian history back to life through VR. »

Sortir à Paris

« You never cross Paris the same way again after the experience. »

France Inter

Groups, schools & private events

Give your group an immersive experience with a dedicated guide. Slots can be arranged beyond the dates on sale, with team quizzes or a group photo embedded in one of the experience's historical settings. Educational kits available for schools.

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Getting there

Port de l'Hôtel de Ville, Voie Georges Pompidou, 75004 Paris

Metro
Pont Marie (line 7), 2-min walk · Hôtel de Ville (lines 1, 11), 6 min · Cité (line 4), 9 min
RER
Châtelet – Les Halles (RER A, B, D), 10-min walk
Bus
Pont Louis-Philippe stop (lines 67, 72, 76, 96, N11, N16, N22)
Bike
Vélib' station 4005 – Pont Louis-Philippe (100 m away)
Car
Indigo Hôtel de Ville car park (24/7) · Baudoyer car park (daily, 7 am – 10 pm)

The Origins of Paris

4.9 (1,100 reviews)

Tourist attraction

Port de l'Hôtel de Ville, Voie Georges Pompidou, 75004 Paris

Wednesday to Sunday, 10 am – 6:30 pm (closed Monday & Tuesday)

Looking for a unique gift?

Gift The Origins of Paris: receive a unique gift code to pass on, redeemable directly on the ticketing platform for the date of their choice.

Gift this experience Gift cards

Frequently asked questions

What is the minimum age for the experience?

The experience is accessible from age 8. Children aged 8 to 15 get the €19 child rate. It is one of the best-rated family activities in Paris (4.9/5).

How long is the visit and how far do you walk?

The guided visit lasts 1 hour along a 1.2 km route on the right-bank quays of the Seine, between Pont Louis-Philippe and Île Saint-Louis.

How much does it cost?

Standard: €28. Reduced: €25 (students, seniors, jobseekers, pass Culture, disability card). Children 8-15: €19. Preferential rates for groups of 4 or more.

When is it open?

Wednesday to Sunday, 10 am to 6:30 pm (closed Monday and Tuesday), with regular departures, up to 15 people per group.

Which languages are available?

The visit is available in French, English and Spanish.

How do I book tickets?

Tickets are sold online through the Fever ticketing platform (or the Fever app on Google Play and the App Store). Group slots can be arranged beyond the dates currently on sale.

Which eras of Paris do you relive?

More than 15 reconstructed eras: Gallo-Roman Lutetia, the 885 Viking siege, medieval Place de Grève, the construction of Notre-Dame, the frozen Seine, the 1910 flood and the 1889 World's Fair.

Does the VR cause motion sickness or dizziness?

No: unlike closed headsets, our "Binoculars" are held up to your eyes only at observation points, while standing still. You stay connected to your group and surroundings, so the experience amplifies reality instead of replacing it.

Can I wear glasses?

Yes, the Binoculars are held like classic binoculars and work with most prescription glasses. The on-site team will help you adjust the device if needed.

Is the route wheelchair accessible?

The route follows the flat, developed quays of the Seine over 1.2 km. Contact us before your visit (hello@timescope.com) so we can prepare your visit at best.

What happens if it rains?

The walk takes place outdoors in most weather. In exceptional conditions, sessions can be rescheduled, and Fever ticketing support will help you change your slot.

How do I get there by metro?

Starting point under Pont Louis-Philippe, voie Georges Pompidou (Paris 4th): Pont Marie metro (line 7) is a 2-minute walk; Hôtel de Ville (lines 1 and 11) is 6 minutes.

Can I gift the experience?

Yes! You receive a unique gift code to pass on: the recipient redeems it directly on the Fever ticketing platform and picks their own date. See our gift cards page.

Is the content historically accurate?

Yes. Every reconstruction stems from meticulous archive analysis, validated with scientific committees, historians and curators. Everything we tell is sourced. It has been the Timescope signature for 10 years.

Ready to travel through time?

Book now

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The Origins of Paris 4.9 60 min from 19 €
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