Fontainebleau's Imperial Ball: First Empire gala, virtual reality experiences and strategy games (77)

The city of Fontainebleau, in Seine-et-Marne, has long been home to key figures in French history, not least Emperor Napoleon I! The fifth edition of Impériales, on the weekend of November 21–22, 2026, will stage a citywide program of activities, often free, for both children and adults, to retrace his life and plunge into the era of the First Empire.

On the program: a First Empire-era ball, a play, a musical performance, strategy games and lectures, but also the virtual reality experience, Napoleon, the Immersive Epic, which requires a ticket, to plunge into the heart of History.

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This weekend's program

• Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 November – 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. – Napoleon, the immersive epic

A virtual reality experience that lets you relive the greatest moments of Napoleonic history. Atelier de la Charité Royale, booking mandatory via the Theatre’s ticket office — 12 € for adults · 8 € for children up to 12 years.

• Saturday, November 21 — 11:00 a.m. — Youth mini-lecture: “Napoleon I’s Army”

An event designed specifically for young audiences, followed by a convivial moment to share with the family. Municipal Theatre. Free admission.

• Saturday, November 21 — 2:30 PM to 7:30 PM — An afternoon of strategy games

Dive into the heart of Napoleonic campaigns with strategy games brought to life by the Fumbles association. Municipal Theatre. Booking required.

• Saturday, November 21 — 8:30 p.m. — "La Dictée", a play by Nathalie Ganem

In Sainte-Hélène, Napoleon traces his fate through Emmanuel de Las Cases’s writings, giving birth to the Napoleonic legend. Municipal Theater, running time: 1h20, reservations mandatory · standard fare.

• Sunday, November 22 — 11:30 a.m. — The Imperial Epic, a musical spectacle

Bringing together the Drums of the Odyssey, the Conservatory’s students, and the Fontainebleau Musical Union. Municipal Theatre. Duration: 35 minutes. Free admission.

• Sunday, November 22 — 2:30 p.m. — Conference: “Experiencing the Grande Armée: life as a soldier in Napoleon’s era”

Historian François Houdecek invites you to discover the life and daily routine of the soldiers of the Grande Armée under Napoleon. Theatre
municipal. Free admission.

• Sunday, November 22 — 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM — First Empire Ball

Demonstrations and introductory classes in period dances by the company "Paris qui Danse". Municipal Theatre. Free admission.