A Birthday with Napoleon

Imagine: You look out over the romantic Paris skyline from the rooftop of the Arc de Triomphe. A lyrical singer serenades you with the Marseillaise under an early morning Paris sky. Napoleon stands nearby in silhouette. It’s your birthday, and you’re living a moment of history – a gift you will never forget.

Not long ago we created this moment for a private client seeking an unforgettable celebration for their loved one. It took a great deal of organization, expertise and above all, the right team and efficient collaboration with the custodians of the Arc de Triomphe, the Centre des Monuments Nationaux.

Being alone atop this iconic monument, before opening hours, is an exclusive experience reserved for a lucky few. To create a real moment of connection with history, we worked with our partner Eat the Cake Studio to develop a theatrical presentation of the Arc featuring Napoleon – after all, it is his monument.

A highlight of the experience was when our guests asked Napoleon why he alway sheld his hand over his stomach. When he answered, the client’s eyes lit up. It’s as if that one simple answer changed their perspective completely. Here was a real man standing before them – he was no longer the mythic historical figure, but a guy from Corsica with a chronic upset stomach!

This is what experiential travel is all about – deepening the connection with a landmark, elevating the moment and bringing an element of magic to your visit. At Secret Journeys we are creators of emotions and makers of memories. We’re working with our collaborators to develop new concepts and new performances. Whatever your desire or passion, ­­­we can curate the bespoke event or visit of your dreams.