Monuments in (great) shape: yoga, mini-golf, fencing... activities combining heritage and sport

Published by Graziella de Sortiraparis · Photos by Margot de Sortiraparis · Updated on April 17, 2025 at 11:51 a.m.
For the first time, the Monuments nationaux are going all out for sport, and from May 8 to 11, 2025, they're inviting you to get back into shape in exceptional locations, with mini-golf, yoga, fencing and Olympics in the châteaux and buildings of the Ile-de-France region!

Running, meditating, golfing- these are terms that rarely go hand in hand with a visit to a monument! And yet, the Centre des Monuments Nationaux is getting into the spirit of sport and launching the first edition of Monuments en (pleine) forme, to get moving together, from May 8 to 11, 2025, at eight monuments in the Paris region and beyond. On the program: mini-golf, yoga, cricket, hiking, qi gong, fencing or Olympics in historic villas, resplendent châteaux or the homes of the illustrious!

There's plenty for the whole family to do, with a wide range of sports and wellness activities in exceptional locations, all of which must be booked in advance to guarantee access. A golden opportunity to see and visit these monuments in a different way!

Participating monuments

  • Mini-golf at Villa Savoye (78) - 10 am to 5:30 pm - €9 / free for children under 26

The icon of Le Corbusier's purist villas offers mini-golf. This initiation is a nod to the sport of choice of the house's former owners! The Savoyes bought the land in Poissy, near Saint-Germain-en-Laye, where there was already a golf course at the time, enabling them to indulge in their favorite sport at weekends.

  • Yoga at the Maison des Jardies (92) - May 11, 2025 at 11am - €9

This class is designed to echo the monument's collections, combining artistic discovery and meditation. Try the unique experience of a yoga session in a privileged setting. Take a seat in the garden of the Maison des Jardies and enjoy a moment of well-being. A time for yourself, not to be missed! By Aurélie Delarue.

Come and try your hand at cricket or simply watch demonstrations, with the Aulnay Cricket Club, or discover the park on your own, during a fun hike created by IGN! You can also take part in an open-air yoga session with Hana Génin, or the Nordic walk she'll be leading along the park's wooded paths, ending with a gentle moment of stretching and relaxation in nature.

Don't forget to bring your own equipment: yoga mat, walking sticks, walking shoes or sneakers, bottle of water, snacks, backpack... and clothes suited to the sport and the weather!

From 10.30am to 11.45am, in the grounds of the estate, introduce the whole family to tai chi. From 2pm to 5pm, take part in the "Family Olympics". From 10 a.m. to 5.30 p.m., follow inthe footsteps of Pierre le Fauneby downloading the free Baludik app and discover the park by solving the riddles. So get your sneakers on, put on the right outfit, and don't forget your bottle of water! And to help you make the most of the day, picnics are permitted in the park.

Carole Berthelot, your instructor, will introduce you to this practice which helps you regain flexibility, mobility and calm. After 45 minutes of gentle, whole-body work, you'll experience a feeling of well-being and relaxation, followed by a convivial moment with a cup of tea.

  • Cultural walk and bike tour at the Domaine national de Saint-Cloud (92) - May 10 from 2pm to 5pm and May 11 from 2pm to 4pm - €9 / €7.5 for under-18s

Discover the Saint-Cloud estate, its vanished château and the sporting events that have marked its history on a 3-kilometer hike from the banks of the Seine to the plains of Garches.

Cycling has always had a place on the Saint-Cloud estate, ever since the first cycle speed race was organized in 1868. Hop on your bike and discover the history of the château and grounds as you tour the formal gardens, shady paths and landscaped grounds!

  • Duels at the Conciergerie - May 10 and 11, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. - €13 / free for under-26s

Come and discover fencing with your family and/or friends in the most beautiful Gothic hall in Europe, built in the 14th century under the reign of Philippe le Bel. The vaults of the former palace of the Capetian kings will vibrate for two days to the sound of blades, between initiation and demonstration, foil, sabre and epee, under the direction of Patrick Groc, State-certified fencing master, former member of the French foil team and Olympic medallist at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games.

  • Souplesse pour tous au château de Vincennes and obstacle course - May 8 and 9 at 10:30 a.m. for adults and 2 p.m. for families and from May 8 to 11 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. - €14 / €8 for children, free for the course

Alone, with family or friends, the Gothic vaults of the Château de Vincennes await you for a moment of well-being! In the sainte-chapelle, as a preamble to the session, the dancer and contortionist from the Gipsy Raw company will present a dance extract from her show "Au-delà des nuages" (Beyond the clouds).

Before or after your flexibility workshop, discover the castle site through an assault course combining sporting challenges and historical questions. In partnership with the Service Historique de la Défense, discover the dungeon and the Sainte-Chapelle in a whole new way. Once you've passed the tests, you'll have a chance to win a book and some goodies!

Practical information

Dates and Opening Time
From May 8, 2025 to May 11, 2025

× Approximate opening times: to confirm opening times, please contact the establishment.

    Prices
    €9

    Official website
    www.monuments-nationaux.fr

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