Monuments in top form: period dance, yoga, fencing… activities that blend sport and heritage

Published by Graziella de Sortiraparis · Photos by Cécile de Sortiraparis · Updated on April 30, 2026 at 04:38 p.m.
National Monuments get into the sports scene and invite you, on May 30–31, 2026, to get back in shape in exceptional venues, mixing mini-golf, yoga, fencing, period dance, and nature hikes among the castles and institutions of Paris and Île-de-France!

Running, meditating, playing mini-golf—these activities rarely come to mind when imagining a visit to a monument! Yet, the Centre des monuments nationaux is embracing sport and is launching a new edition of Monuments in (full) motion. Join us on May 30 and 31, 2026, to get moving together across ten monuments in the Île-de-France region and beyond. The lineup includes yoga, hiking, qi gong, fencing, and sophrology—set in historic villas, magnificent castles, or the homes of renowned artists!

An ideal way for the whole family to stay active with a variety of sports and wellness activities set in stunning locations. Be sure to book in advance to secure your spot. Check each participating site's website for details on how to join—some activities are free, while others require a fee. It's a fantastic opportunity to explore and experience these landmarks in a whole new way!

Landmarks Participating in Paris and Île-de-France

Château de Champs-sur-Marne, visuels - fotor 1745650273798Château de Champs-sur-Marne, visuels - fotor 1745650273798Château de Champs-sur-Marne, visuels - fotor 1745650273798Château de Champs-sur-Marne, visuels - fotor 1745650273798 Monuments in great shape: VR canoe-kayak and a sophrology walk in this nature area of Seine-et-Marne
On Saturday, May 30, 2026, the Domaine de Champs-sur-Marne invites you to a sensory experience as part of the event “Monuments en pleine forme.” From virtual-reality canoe-kayak demonstrations, a soothing sophro-walk, a concert and a playful hike, the estate becomes a true ground for exploration! [Read more]

Visuels musée et monument - chateau VincennesVisuels musée et monument - chateau VincennesVisuels musée et monument - chateau VincennesVisuels musée et monument - chateau Vincennes Monuments in top form: a free 5km race at the heart of this château on the edge of Paris
On Saturday, May 30, 2026, lace up your sneakers for a time-traveling dash just outside Paris. As part of the “Monuments in Full Form” event, the Château de Vincennes will turn its forecourt and its keep into a brand-new, free 5-kilometre running course. [Read more]

Le comte d’Artois, prince et mécène : l'exposition au Château de Maisons-Laffitte - IMG 2815Le comte d’Artois, prince et mécène : l'exposition au Château de Maisons-Laffitte - IMG 2815Le comte d’Artois, prince et mécène : l'exposition au Château de Maisons-Laffitte - IMG 2815Le comte d’Artois, prince et mécène : l'exposition au Château de Maisons-Laffitte - IMG 2815 Monuments in great shape: an introduction to period dance at this Yvelines château
On May 30–31, 2026, the event "Monuments en (pleine) forme" returns to turn our heritage into an unconventional training ground. The Château de Maisons-Laffitte invites young and old to swap their routines for an introduction to historical dance. [Read more]

La Conciergerie de Paris : un monument symbolique de la Révolution Française - IMG20240209124634La Conciergerie de Paris : un monument symbolique de la Révolution Française - IMG20240209124634La Conciergerie de Paris : un monument symbolique de la Révolution Française - IMG20240209124634La Conciergerie de Paris : un monument symbolique de la Révolution Française - IMG20240209124634 Duels at the Conciergerie: the sporting event returns; discover fencing inside a Parisian monument
La Conciergerie transforms into a duel arena for the weekend of Saturday 30 and Sunday 31 May 2026: come watch fencing bouts and give the sport a go in a majestic setting. [Read more]

National Domain of the Palais-Royal (75001) - May 30 and 31

  • Iconic Landmarks in Peak Condition at the Palais-Royal

The national grounds of the Palais-Royal are hosting exciting sports activities for the whole family! On May 30 and 31, at 3 PM and 5 PM, the gymnastics division of the Paris Fire Brigade will put on a stunning live demonstration right in the courtyard of the Palais-Royal. Established in 1919, this gymnastics unit is showcasing both its athletic heritage and the unwavering dedication of the BSPP to preserving cultural landmarks during the “Monuments in (Full) Shape” event.

On May 31st at 11 a.m., 2 p.m., and 4 p.m., young aspiring swordsmen can experience a beginner’s fencing session at the Palais-Royal, inspired by the musketeers of Cardinal Richelieu! Children aged 6 to 13 are invited to join the Cardinal’s Guard. The workshop, led by a professional fencing master, requires no prior experience in fencing.

Arc de Triomphe (75008) - May 30 and 31

  • Body and Movement - from 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM

An experiential workshop offering a fresh perspective on the monument: through movement, breath, and words. Guided by a flexibility coach and an art therapist, participants will explore four different areas of the Arc de Triomphe using intuitive dance and sensory writing techniques.

  • Between sky and stone - from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. - reservation required

A peaceful moment of reflection inside the monument, blending grounding with a sense of lightness. Led by a flexibility coach and an art therapist, participants will reconnect with their surroundings and themselves through observation, breathing exercises, and poetic writing.

  • From Hill to Mountain: A Moving Adventure! - 10:30 AM - €16 - Reserve in advance

Starting from the hill at Place de l’Étoile and the Arc de Triomphe, all the way down the Champs-Élysées to the Hôtel de la Marine—this is a historic and energetic walk, featuring a total ascent of 22 meters.

Jossigny Castle (77) - May 30

  • Guided nature walk in the park – 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM – reservation required

Come explore the grounds of Jossigny Castle Park, brought to you by the Ferrières-en-Brie Nature Center.

Saint-Cloud National Park (92) - May 30 and 31

  • Come join the family fun and discover the area in a new way through sports! - at 11 a.m., 2 p.m., and 3 p.m.

By the late 16th century, the gardens of Saint-Cloud had become a hub for entertainment. Outdoor games found their place alongside fountains and water features. Sports training—both military and athletic—as well as horseback riding were also key elements in the education of young princes. As the 20th century approached, sports became more widespread and accessible to all. The old meadows and pastures of the estate were transformed into sports fields, cross-country trails, and running courses. Discover the history of Saint-Cloud, its now-lost château, and the sporting events that have shaped its past! Families can try their hand at capoeira on the terraces on Saturday, May 30th at 3 p.m., practice tai chi in the Trocadéro Garden on Sunday, May 31st at 11 a.m., or follow an self-guided trail exploring the sporting history of the domain!

Maison des Jardies (92) - May 31

  • Yoga in the garden - 11:00 AM - for adults - €9

Treat yourself to a revitalizing outdoor yoga session in perfect harmony with the unique setting of the Maison des Jardies! Beneath the shade of the trees, let Aurélie Delarue guide you through a practice that blends flowing movements with inner calm. This special moment offers a chance to relax and explore the surroundings, nourishing both body and mind. Take a pause to reconnect with yourself and nature amid this historic garden and house. An enriching experience that combines heritage, nature, and wellness.

Villa Savoye (78) - May 30 and 31

  • Qi Gong at Villa Savoye — from 2 PM to 5 PM

Villa Savoye takes a turn towards wellness. Your instructor guides you through a fitness practice designed to enhance flexibility, mobility, and relaxation. After a gentle full-body workout, enjoy a sense of well-being and calm that will be complemented by a friendly social moment.

Practical information

Dates and Opening Time
From May 30, 2026 to May 31, 2026

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

    Official website
    www.monuments-nationaux.fr

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