Unspecified/General

Virtual reality on a grand scale is the draw at ECLIPSO Nantes, part of an international network of immersive centres that offer a new category of cultural entertainment by letting visitors walk freely through vivid virtual worlds. Located on the Parvis Neptune in the city, it operates on a principle that resembles a cinema reinvented for immersive technology: guests choose from a menu of expeditions, are equipped with free-roaming headsets, and then move on foot through vast simulated environments, surrounded on every side by the sights and sounds of distant times and places. The experiences are produced in partnership with leading international virtual-reality studios and are designed to be both educational and entertaining, carrying visitors to destinations far beyond everyday reach, from the pyramids of ancient Egypt and the medieval city of Carcassonne to the world of the Impressionists and a journey through the history of life on Earth. A typical expedition lasts around forty-five minutes, during which small groups move together through a reconfigurable hall, sharing the adventure with friends or family. Because everything takes place indoors and relies only on the headsets and tracked space, it is entirely weatherproof and well suited to older children and adults alike. Its central location makes it easy to fit into a day in Nantes, a city already known for its inventive cultural attractions, and it appeals to those seeking something more active and engaging than a conventional museum or film. People come for the realism and intensity of immersive virtual reality, for the chance to learn about history and science as though actually travelling there, and for a shared, sociable outing with companions. As an accessible gateway into immersive technology, ECLIPSO Nantes has taken its place among the more forward-looking leisure destinations in the city. Sessions are booked online by date and time, and because places per expedition are limited it is sensible to reserve ahead, particularly at weekends. There are usually minimum age guidelines for the headsets, and comfortable clothing helps for the walking involved. As a novel, sociable and entirely weatherproof outing, it suits friends, families and curious first-timers alike, giving newcomers an easy and memorable introduction to immersive virtual reality.

Type: Activity

Address: Parvis Neptune, Nantes, France

Website: https://eclipso-entertainment.com