Contes et Histoires 2025: discover the Pantheon behind the scenes with a storytelling tour

The national eventContes et Histoires (Talesand Stories) is back atthe Pantheon on December 21, 22, and 23, 2025. For this new edition, the monument located in the heart of the Latin Quarter in Paris offers a dreamlike and playful stroll in the company of actors. It's an opportunity for children—and parents—to discover the great women and men of history. 

The Panthéon is a monument to the great figures who have left their lasting mark on French history. Great men and women are buried here so that their work and legacy can be celebrated and commemorated. These include Victor Hugo, Simone Veil, Voltaire, Louis Braille, Pierre and Marie Curie, Jean Moulin, Alexandre Dumas... In all, more than 80 personalities are highlighted.

• To be read
• This Week’s Top Deals in Paris and Île-de-France, February 9-15, 2026
• Activities for children on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, in Paris and Île-de-France
• Free museums and monuments in Paris and the Ile-de-France region: cultural tips

The Contes et Histoires event opens the doors of monuments to families. To mark the occasion, the Panthéon is organizing an unusual activity designed to attract the attention of young visitors, while introducing them to the history and mission of this emblematic Parisian landmark.

On December 21, 22, and 23, 2025, families are invited to take part in an interactive walk in the footsteps of the great men buried in the Pantheon. Here is the event program:

• Tales and Stories2025
  Entre Ombre et Lumière by Aimé Césaire
  Once upon a time, there was a man named Aimé Césaire. On the day he was born on the island of Martinique, there was a powerful, mocking, laughing breath that tickled the newborn's face. His parents looked at him with emotion and named him Aimé. Aimé grew up, feasting on words in a jumble: yum, yum! Aimé grew old, offering new words to his land, to the world, to the universe. When Aimé died, the powerful, mocking, laughing breath blew through Paris. He entered the Pantheon, engraving a few mysterious words on a smooth white stone: " I inhabit a sacred wound—I inhabit imaginary ancestors—I inhabit an obscure desire—I inhabit a long silence—I inhabit an irremediable thirst.
  Storyteller Florence Desnouveaux and lighting designer Laurent Dhainaut stood for a long time in front of these mysterious words. They heard each letter whisper a cascade of colorful words: foufou, crested hummingbird, flamboyant tree, Creole house, Ti-jean, frizzy hair... so many sounds and sparks to tell stories from Martinique on the wings of hummingbirds and guide curious families behind the scenes of the Pantheon.
  Sunday, December 21, 2025, Monday, December 22, 2025, Tuesday, December 23, 2025
  Times: 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. - 50-minute walking show, 40-minute guided tour offered after the show
  Monument admission fees (free admission applies).
  Open to ages 7 and up
  Warm clothing recommended

A fascinating walk to discover during the Christmas vacations. Please note that reservations are required, and entry is free for children only! Enjoy this wonderful discovery with your family.