Contes et histoires 2025 : spectacle et visite théâtralisée au cœur de l'Arc de Triomphe

As at the end of every year, the national event Contes et Histoires (Tales and Stories) returns to the Monuments Nationaux during the Christmas holidays. This cultural and family event allows us to visit the region's great monuments in a different way, particularlythe Arc de Triomphe, which is offering various activities from December 20, 2025, to January 4, 2026.

• To be read
• This week's top picks in Paris and Île-de-France for September 28 to October 4, 2026.
• Family-friendly outings in Paris: what to do with the kids this Wednesday, September 30, 2026?
• Free museums in Paris and free monuments in Île-de-France: the top cultural deals

Now's the time to (re)discover this historic national monument, which has stood the test of time and history, with the whole family. Built under Napoleon 1st, from 1806 to 1836, the Arc de Triomphe is a reference to theArch of Titus in Rome. It took 30 years to build, with work suspended several times, and Napoleon 1st never even saw the monument completed.

Finally, it was Louis-Philippe 1st, King of the French in 1836 (after the First Empire, the return to Monarchy...) who saw theArc de Triomphe before his eyes for the first time. The façade of the arch bears the names of decisive battles and important generals, engraved in stone.

Forthe 2025 edition of Contes et Histoires, we invite you to discover this monument steeped in history (and emblematic of Paris) through a variety of activities for the whole family!

On the program for Tales and Stories 2025 at the Arc de Triomphe:

• The Arc de Triomphe celebrates!
  When stones speak, stories come to life! Enchanting tales, inspired fiction, and magical tours bring the Arc de Triomphe to life as you've never seen it before. Let yourself be carried away by a program combining art, legends, and creativity.
  From December 20, 2025, to January 3, 2026
  Prices €16 admission for adults. Free for those under 26 and other usual exemptions (proof required)
  
  
  • The family tour offers a theatrical discovery of the Arc de Triomphe.
    Ages 6 and up.
    
    
  • The show "Paroles de paix et paroles de guerre" (Words of Peace and Words of War), written and narrated by Constance Félix, takes you on a journey through time.
    Ages 7 and up.
    
    
  • A creative writing workshop led by artist Laurence Verdier takes you on a literary adventure.
    Ages 14 and up.