Photo : Musée Méliès DR la cinémathèque française
All Saints' Holidays at the Cinémathèque française Museum
Step into a world where cinema feels like pure magic, exploring the visionary mind of Georges Méliès. Whether you are a fan of classic animation or early sci-fi, these bite-sized guided tours offer a brilliant look at how film history was truly invented.
La Cinémathèque française (Paris 12th)
About
Experience the magic of cinema this autumn break at the Cinémathèque française. From October 17 to November 1, 2026, expert guides lead short tours through the Musée Méliès, uncovering the secrets of early filmmaking, visual effects, and the evolution of science fiction. Designed for visitors aged 8 and up, these sessions offer a captivating look at cinematic history, from Georges Méliès's pioneering work to the whimsical animation of Paul Grimault. The entire museum space is wheelchair accessible, ensuring a comfortable experience for all film enthusiasts looking to explore the roots of the moving image in the heart of Paris.
The Cinémathèque guides will accompany you through the Musée Méliès to discover, through short tours, the origins and birth of cinema, the career of Georges Méliès and his contribution to the invention of cinematic language, as well as the museum's new exhibits, which notably celebrate Paul Grimault and the genesis of The King and the Mockingbird.
Origins and birth of cinema: From magic shows and magic lanterns to the invention of the cinematograph
Wonder in Méliès and his successors: Méliès behind the camera, extraordinary journeys! Colors, special effects, fantastic or magical effects, the influence of Méliès on Demy and Paul Grimault
The invention of science fiction: From A Trip to the Moon to Star Wars
Tours at 2:00 PM, 2:30 PM, 3:00 PM, 3:45 PM, 4:15 PM and 4:45 PM. Duration 20 min.
Every afternoon from October 17 to November 1. Accessible with a museum entrance ticket
Our take on this event
The Cinémathèque française invites you to discover its collection during the Toussaint holidays, running from October 17 to November 1, 2026. Short 20-minute guided tours are scheduled every afternoon—on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays—with sessions starting at 14:00, 14:30, 15:00, 15:45, 16:15, and 16:45. These tours are accessible with a standard museum entrance ticket.
Expert guides will walk you through the Musée Méliès, covering the birth of cinema, from magic lantern shows to the invention of the cinematograph. You will also learn about Méliès's fantastic visual style and his lasting impact on directors like Jacques Demy and Paul Grimault. The program also highlights the history of science fiction on screen, tracing the genre from early moon voyages to modern space epics. The museum is fully wheelchair accessible and open to attendees aged 8 and older.
