Have you ever imagined traveling through time while staying rooted in the present? It is now possible, thanks to augmented reality! Until Sunday, July 30, 2023, the Military Prytanée in La Flèche, located in the department of Sarthe, invites you to embark on an extraordinary tourist experience by discovering its history and architecture in an innovative and entertaining way, using HoloLens 2 headsets.
The Tour
As soon as you enter the Saint-Louis Church of the Prytanée, you are immediately immersed in a world where holograms come to life. The augmented reality headsets, developed by Microsoft, allow you to follow the clues triggered by the guide throughout the guided tour. The secrets of the Prytanée unfold before your astonished eyes.
Standing at the heart of the central aisle of the church, you witness the original drawings of the construction of the royal college dating back to 1604 materializing before you. You become aware of the history of this place, which evolved to become the Military Prytanée under Napoleon in 1808. Each step you take reveals captivating virtual details about the architectural evolution of this institution.
A little further ahead, in front of the altar, a painting depicting King Henry IV, the founder of the place, appears before you. He is accompanied by his family and his faithful confidant, Guillaume Fouquet de La Varenne. You feel like you’re traveling back in time, facing these historical figures who left their mark on the history of France.
The “augmented tour” lasts approximately 45 minutes and is filled with surprises that blend informative knowledge with entertaining moments. You must follow the lights on the floor and the trails of powder to discover the various content scattered throughout the church. It’s a real treasure hunt that transports you to a universe where past and present intertwine in a unique way.
Technology Serving Heritage
This augmented reality experience at the Military Prytanée in La Flèche is the result of a collaboration between the “Pays d’art et d’histoire” and the company HoloForge. This revolutionary technology, not widely spread in France, aims to attract a new audience, particularly young people passionate about new technologies and less familiar with historical heritage.
The objective is clear: to rejuvenate the audience of guided tours and generate interest in cultural heritage in an innovative way. By combining modernity and history, this unique experience reaches a wide range of tourists, whether they are history enthusiasts or simply curious to live an immersive adventure.
Conclusion
Do not miss this opportunity to have a memorable visit to the Military Prytanée in La Flèche using augmented reality. You have until Sunday, July 30, 2023, to immerse yourself in this extraordinary experience and discover this historical gem from a new perspective. Don’t hesitate to participate in these exciting virtual tours and be part of the pioneers of this technological revolution in heritage tourism. One thing is certain, you won’t come out unaffected, as your perception of the past will be forever transformed!
