The World of Clovis: An Interactive Exhibition Where You’re the Hero at the Val d'Oise Archaeological Museum

The Val d'Oise Archaeological Museum invites you to step into a historic journey — an interactive adventure where you become the hero, tracing the footsteps of King Clovis. Running from February 14 to November 1, 2026, this immersive and highly engaging exhibition promises an unforgettable experience.

What if you could experience a moment in history firsthand, as if you were truly there? The Val d'Oise Archaeological Museum offers not just a journey through time, but an interactive experience where visitors become active participants in their own historical adventure!

Rediscover the dynasty of the Franks and King Clovis through an immersive, unconventional interactive exhibition that combines role-playing with a "choose-your-own-adventure" experience. This playful and engaging journey transports visitors into The World of Clovis, the interactive exhibition where you are the hero.

From February 14 to November 1, 2026, immerse yourself in the vibrant life of the Middle Ages. Pick your character and craft your own exploration, gradually shaping a story as you go. At each stage of your journey, you'll be faced with decisions, search for clues about the objects around you, and build your story set in the Merovingian era.

We had the chance to experience this interactive exhibition back in 2022 when it was showcased at the National Archaeological Museum in Saint-Germain-en-Laye. We took on various roles and engaged with the playful displays and interactive stations throughout the exhibit, all while exploring the historical artifacts on display.

Every visit is one-of-a-kind, and each guest embarks on their own unique journey. It’s easier to fully engage with the wide array of artifacts and artworks on display, taking the time to read the explanations and immerse oneself in the Middle Ages—allowing each visitor to continue writing their personal story.

Every family member explores this exhibition in their own unique way. Even better: with various pathways, multiple alternative endings, and thousands of details to uncover, you can visit this exhibition multiple times without ever getting bored! Visitors are given remarkable freedom to engage with the experience, making them active participants in this extraordinary event.

Four characters are available for you to choose from. Select the one that best suits you, then follow the right paths to give your avatar an interesting life:

Andarchius, the Energetic
Born into the humble peasant communities of Gallo-Roman Gaul, like most residents of the Frankish kingdom, Andarchius makes up for his modest beginnings with boldness and ambition. Will he live up to his grand dreams?
Bathilde, the Skilled
Coming from a family of Anglo-Saxon slaves settled near Amiens, Bathilde's origins are modest, but her intelligence and drive set her apart. One day, she will influence fashion trends, and the most influential women of the Frankish world will wear her creations.
Geneviève, the Brave
A member of Paris’s small Syrian community, Geneviève’s parents emigrated from the Eastern Roman Empire, and her family has made a name for itself in exotic trade. Courageous and diplomatic, she aims to carve out a prominent place for herself among the Franks.
Médard, the Clever
Hailing from a noble Frankish lineage, Médard is eager to leave his family's estate and embark on a daring expedition. A scholar and strategic thinker, he aspires to follow in his father’s footsteps and become a renowned warrior.

Once you've chosen your character, the adventure begins! This fun and interactive journey transports you into the Merovingian era through a wealth of documents, artifacts, and archaeological treasures. In this immersive exhibition, you're not just passively observing the exhibits one after the other. You'll need to pay close attention to every element on display to earn the most points for wealth and prestige. These points will enable you to make strategic choices for your character and guide them to the top of the World of Clovis!

Le monde de Clovis, l'exposition dont vous êtes le héros au musée d'Archéologie nationale - photos

Extremely fun, this interactive experience offers a new perspective on the Merovingian era and provides deeper insights into the daily lives of its inhabitants—far from the textbooks that often fail to ignite our imagination. By embodying a single character, visitors can explore the various choices that men and women faced, from selecting a profession and getting married to managing their affairs, all in hopes of climbing the social ladder... With the exhibition's booklets, it’s up to us to make these decisions and craft a life that’s either more or less prosperous for our character.

The layout of the exhibition and the museum's galleries offer visitors a chance for a full immersion into this world, and visitors have a great time, all while learning! Clovis's France is revealed in a new light for us, bringing history that we last studied years ago back to life... Truly a one-of-a-kind exhibition, and exceptionally well executed!

So, which character will you become, and what kind of life will you choose to live in this medieval world?