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Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 September 2026, the European Heritage Days (JEP) will focus on “architectural heritage”, offering visitors the chance to explore sites usually closed to the public, enjoy events in unusual venues, take part in discovery trails and workshops… One of the unmissable cultural events of the autumn ! An exceptional programme of events brings the city to life and makes this weekend one of the unmissable events of the autumn in Paris and the Greater Paris area.
Immerse yourself in the cultural treasures of the capital through its iconic museums and monuments. For this exceptional weekend, some are opening areas usually closed to the public, whilst others are offering exclusive tours that reveal their secrets and history.
Behind the impressive scaffolding that has enveloped the Church of the Holy Trinity since 2018 lies an extraordinary restoration project. On this guided tour, take a behind-the-scenes look at this vast project to clean and replace damaged stones, from the façade to the bell tower and the lantern towers. A unique immersion into the heart of an iconic piece of Parisian heritage, built in the 1860s. Tour limited to 18 participants; booking required.
To mark the upcoming European Heritage Days, discover the former priory of Saint-Martin-des-Champs, a remarkable monastic complex in the heart of Paris. It now houses the Central Library of the Conservatoire national des arts et métiers, which has been located since 1852 in its medieval refectory, built around 1230. This guided tour will allow you to explore the former church and this exceptional refectory, which bear witness to the site’s history and its rich architectural and scientific heritage.
Step back in time to the First Empire on a unique guided tour of the Catacombs of Paris. Opened to the public on 1 July 1809, these underground galleries, situated 20 metres below ground, offer a timeless journey through the heart of a unique world. Accompanied by a guide who seems to have stepped straight out of that era, discover the history of Paris’s former ossuary and the secrets of this fascinating place, where memory, underground architecture and 19th-century imagination intertwine.
Go behind the scenes of textile restoration at the museum! Following an introduction to the exhibition ‘Weaving, Embroidery, Embellishment: The Craftsmanship of Fashion’, textile conservator Anastasia Ozoline will reveal the techniques and various stages of her craft through several works she has restored. An immersive experience into a craft essential to the preservation of fashion heritage.
For over 200 years, Père-Lachaise Cemetery, a veritable open-air museum and vast garden in the heart of Paris, has told the story of the capital through its graves, monuments and the famous figures laid to rest there. Guided by the ‘Great Sibyl of the Revolution’, Marie-Anne Lenormand, set off to meet her illustrious ‘friends’ and discover the stories, secrets and intrigues hidden behind the cemetery’s most famous graves.
Located in La Plaine Saint-Denis, the Académie Fratellini is a leading centre for training, creation and performance dedicated to contemporary circus. During this special tour, take a behind-the-scenes look at this unique venue and its various spaces: the Grand Chapiteau, the Petit Chapiteau, Studio Zéro, the Halle and the studios, including those usually closed to the public. A chance to discover the world of the Académie and the new forms of contemporary circus.
With its gilded domes and Russo-Byzantine architecture, [St Alexander Nevsky Cathedral](https://journeesdupatrimoine.culture.gouv.fr/w/391796/ event/20047188/guided-tour-of-st-alexander-nevsky-cathedral?lang=fre-FR) is one of the 8th arrondissement’s most iconic buildings. Built for the Russian community in Paris and listed as a historic monument since 1983, it bears witness to the history of this community and its place within Paris’s cultural heritage. The tour traces its history and allows visitors to discover its rich décor, notably the paintings and icons by Théodore Bronnikov and the brothers Eugraphe and Paul Sorokine.
The Bourdelle Museum is hosting [Les Folies du Temps](https://journeesdupatrimoine.culture.gouv.fr/w/391796/ evenement/20109297/concert-serenade-de-beethoven-sous-les-arcades?lang=fre-FR) for a concert dedicated to Beethoven, a figure of Romantic genius deeply admired by Antoine Bourdelle. The programme features the Serenade, Op. 8, an early work by the composer, and an Aubade for flute and string trio by François Devienne. These two works reflect the influence of Mozart and Haydn and create a dialogue between the strings and the flute within the museum’s setting.
One of the most exclusive tours during Heritage Day in Paris, the Hôtel des Invalides is once again opening the doors to the private salons of the Military Governor of Paris. Usually closed to the public, the general’s office, the grand hall and the state rooms can be explored in small groups of 12, accompanied by military staff and civilian reservists. A unique opportunity to understand the role of the Military Governor of Paris and to step into the heart of a site that symbolises French military history.
To mark Heritage Day in Paris, the Grand Palais is hosting a special edition of Fine Arts Paris, one of the capital’s most prestigious art fairs. Beneath the impressive glass roof of the recently restored monument, visitors can view, free of charge, a selection of works presented by nearly a hundred French and international galleries, covering more than 20 specialisms, from antiquity to contemporary art. This special opening also offers the chance to admire the iconic architecture of the ** Grand Palais** whilst enjoying a major cultural event as part of Paris Heritage Days 2026.
To mark the Paris Heritage Days 2026, Paris City Hall is opening its doors to the public on an exceptional basis. This free tour offers the chance to explore the sumptuous reception rooms, the Council Chamber, the library and the Mayor of Paris’s office, which are usually closed to visitors. Throughout the tour, guides from the École du Louvre will share insights into the history, architecture and décor of this iconic Parisian landmark. An unmissable highlight of Paris Heritage Days, it’s the perfect opportunity to go behind the scenes at one of the capital’s most prestigious institutional buildings.
To mark Heritage Days in Paris 2026, the Basilica-Cathedral of Saint-Denis is opening the doors to the necropolis of the kings and queens of France free of charge. Visitors can explore this masterpiece of Gothic art, famous for its more than 70 sculpted tombs, and also enjoy activities centred on the Spire Restoration Project, dedicated to one of Europe’s largest heritage restoration projects: the reconstruction of the basilica’s spire. An unmissable visit during Paris Heritage Day, offering a deeper understanding of the monument’s history whilst discovering the craftsmanship of the artisans working to restore the building to its original silhouette.
To mark Heritage Days in Paris 2026, the Musée de La Poste invites families to discover the behind-the-scenes world of collection conservation with the Le Petit Récoleur workshop . During this hands-on tour, young and old alike will step into the shoes of a museum curator to understand how heritage objects are studied, examined, verified and preserved. A fun and interactive activity that offers an insight into careers in heritage whilst exploring the collections of the Musée de La Poste. A unique event not to be missed during Paris Heritage Day, ideal for families with children.
Continue your exploration of the Eiffel Tower by heading to the Trocadéro, where a giant Game of the Goose will take place on the Parvis des Droits de l’Homme on Saturday 19 September 2026 as part of Paris Heritage Days. This free, family-friendly event invites young and old alike to explore a life-size game board whilst discovering Paris’s heritage in a fun way. It’s an excellent family activity to round off your Paris Heritage Day, with one of the most beautiful views of the Eiffel Tower as a backdrop.
Heritage Days aren’t just about iconic monuments. Many lesser-known or unusual venues are also opening their doors.
Follow in the footsteps of the former Sevran National Gunpowder Works at the Technical Museum of Gunpowder and Armaments, before exploring the 144 hectares of the Poudrerie Forest Park. From the gunpowder manufacturing industry, which shaped the landscape until 1973, to the remains of the old buildings, discover a site where history and nature come together. A tour organised in collaboration with the Friends of the Poudrerie Forest Park.
Head to the Quai d’Orsay to discover the “American Church in Paris”, the first American church founded outside the United States. Built in 1926 by the architect Carrol Greenough, this Neo-Gothic church houses two Tiffany stained-glass windows listed as historic monuments, as well as works by Charles J. Connick, an American painter, muralist and designer renowned for his stained-glass windows. This one-of-a-kind tour offers the chance to discover a unique heritage and the history of a community that today comprises more than 40 nationalities.
Usually closed to the public, the Ministry of the Economy, Finance and Industrial, Energy and Digital Sovereignty is opening its doors for European Heritage Days.
Come and explore its buildings and meet ministry staff, who will introduce you to their roles and responsibilities through a range of activities. Completed in 1989, this vast architectural complex – designed notably by Paul Chemetov and Borja Huidobro – has been awarded the ‘Remarkable Contemporary Architecture’ label.
There are four tour slots available: 2.00 pm, 3.00 pm, 4.00 pm, 5.00 pm ; two tours in English in the afternoon: 2.30 pm, 4.30 pm ; last tour at 5.00 pm (in French).
In 2026, École Polytechnique will be celebrating 50 years since it moved to the Saclay plateau ! Let students from the École polytechnique guide you as you explore the places where they live and study. Discover the campus and how it has evolved, from the 1960s architecture designed by Henri Pottier, winner of the Prix de Rome, to the new developments that have accompanied the growth of the Saclay plateau. An ideal tour to understand the links between past and present.
To mark European Heritage Days, discover the new Cité du Cinéma for free and enjoy an exceptional weekend at the heart of this iconic Saint-Denis venue, which has been completely transformed. Get a sneak preview by exploring its refurbished spaces and enjoy a programme centred on its four pillars: cinema, performing arts, music and media. Screenings, shows, performances, workshops, tours and discoveries await you to celebrate the opening of this new cultural venue in Greater Paris.
Just a stone’s throw from the Eiffel Tower, the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Paris is opening its doors to the public for a special event. Housed since 1912 at 15 Avenue Charles-Floquet, in a private mansion designed by the architect Pierre Humbert, the embassy invites visitors to explore its elegant reception rooms and garden, which are usually closed to the public. This year, the tour pays tribute to Václav Havel, with an exhibition tracing his life’s journey and his humanist and democratic legacy commemorated by the Václav Havel Bench, situated in front of the embassy entrance.
Push open the wooden door of the Hôtel d’Avaray and discover, right in the heart of Paris, a majestic courtyard leading into a three-hundred-year-old mansion. Built in 1718 by Jean-Baptiste Le Roux, this private mansion has been the official residence of the Dutch ambassadors since 1920. From the state rooms, the original staircase and a lush garden, explore this setting steeped in history, which served as a filming location for The Intouchables, starring Omar Sy and François Cluzet, and Saveurs du palais, starring Catherine Frot.
Beneath the streets of the 14th arrondissement lies a little-known history: that of the civil defence shelters, built to protect the civilian population during conflicts. At the central library of the Cité internationale universitaire de Paris, Gilles Thomas, an expert on Paris’s underground networks, will explore these forgotten relics and their history. A researcher and author of several books on underground Paris, he will share his knowledge of these hidden places beneath the capital.
Still in operation more than 110 years after its creation, the Eiffel Wind Tunnel is a remarkable testament to Paris’s scientific and industrial history. Built in 1912 in the 16th arrondissement by Gustave Eiffel, it marks an important milestone in the development of aerodynamics, a field to which the engineer devoted part of his career. Listed as a Historic Monument in 1996, it continues to support scientists and industrialists in their research and innovation today. The tour traces its history and evolution.
Architecture, heritage and culture come together at the Georges-Pompidou European Hospital in the 15th arrondissement. Discover its modern and innovative architecture during a tour that also highlights the hospital’s heritage and cultural programme. Serving the healthcare needs of nearly 600,000 residents, the hospital is particularly renowned for its expertise in cardiovascular and renal medicine, cancer care and emergency medicine. The tour concludes with a discussion with participants.
This is a unique opportunity to discover the Gaumont Collection, which preserves and showcases the history of the world’s oldest film company, from its origins in 1895 to the present day. Posters, photographs, film equipment, scripts, set pieces and costumes all bear witness to the richness of this collection. The guided tour will be followed by a screening of a montage film produced by GP Archives.
The Hôtel de Noirmoutier is opening its doors to the public on this special occasion. Built in 1724 by the architect Jean Courtonne, this private mansion is now the residence of the Prefect of the Île-de-France region and Prefect of Paris. Accompanied by qualified guides, visitors are invited to explore its various drawing rooms. In the dining room, carved panels inspired by La Fontaine’s Fables sit alongside two large contemporary tapestries, whilst exhibitions round off the tour.
Founded in 1864 by Frédéric Bofinger, the Bofinger brewery is one of Paris’s historic establishments. Its décor unfolds as you move through the rooms: a monumental staircase, a flower-adorned dome, marquetry by Charles Spindler depicting the wedding of ‘Ami Fritz’, and tulip-shaped light fittings. One room features Alsatian landscapes painted by Jean-Jacques Waltz, known as Hansi, who also designed the sign, whilst Jérôme Mastier’s ceramic vases add a splash of colour to the décor. An unmissable visit!
To mark Heritage Days in Paris 2026, set off on an unusual night-time walk to explore the Rosa Parks neighbourhood in the 19th arrondissement. Organised by the Rosa Lab, this immersive walk traces over a century of urban transformation through large-scale projections of archive photographs directly onto building façades and public spaces. From the old gasometers at La Villette to the Macdonald warehouse, via the Petite Ceinture and the Chapelle-Charbons freight station, images from the past engage in a dialogue with the present-day landscape. An original experience blending heritage, digital art and urban history, ideal for discovering a little-known side of the capital during Paris Heritage Day.
A must-see during Paris Heritage Days, the Senate is opening the doors of the Palais du Luxembourg free of charge. The tour takes visitors around the chamber, the prestigious library with ceilings painted by Eugène Delacroix, the Conference Room and the Petit Luxembourg, seat of the Senate Presidency. A unique photographic exhibition dedicated to the Palace and an audio tour further enrich the visit, making it the perfect way to explore the inner workings of French democracy.
To mark the Paris Heritage Days 2026, the National Assembly is opening the doors of the Palais Bourbon to the public on an exceptional basis. Visitors can explore the chamber, the restored library adorned with ceilings painted by Delacroix, the salons of the Hôtel de Lassay, as well as several iconic spaces associated with the legislative branch. This free tour offers a behind-the-scenes look at French democracy through a unique journey to the heart of one of the Republic’s most prestigious institutions.
The start of the cultural season in Paris sets the pace for the city from the end of summer: major exhibitions, theatre plays, concerts, festivals and family activities breathe new life into the capital.
Don't miss out on any of this cultural excitement: our guide will take you through the highlights of autumn, so you can enjoy this rich season full of discoveries and emotions to the fullest.
As well as major monuments and unusual sites, Heritage Days also offer themed experiences that enrich your exploration of Paris’s heritage.
Ten years after Le Corbusier’s work was inscribed on the World Heritage List, the Le Corbusier Foundation is celebrating this anniversary with an exhibition dedicated to 17 sites across 7 countries. Scale models, plans, photographs and archive material showcase the diversity of this collection. The tour continues at Maison La Roche, designed with Pierre Jeanneret for the collector Raoul La Roche, where the art gallery and the original rooms bear witness to the architect’s inventiveness.
In Nanterre, a railway depot dating from 1912 is being opened to the public to mark European Heritage Days. A legacy of the Ateliers de La Folie and designed by engineer Simon Boussiron, it bears witness to the site’s industrial history and now houses a modern maintenance workshop. SNCF staff will give visitors a behind-the-scenes look at their work and the technologies that ensure the trains run smoothly.
Founded in 1820, the National Academy of Medicine works to advance medical science and public health. Open to the public on this special occasion, it invites visitors to discover its building, designed by Julien Rochet, where it has been based since 1902. The guided tour offers the chance to explore its academic spaces, historical collections and architecture. Presentations and discussions will shed light on the institution’s role and its work with public authorities.
In the heart of the 20th arrondissement, step inside the Alain Ducasse Chocolate Factory, which holds the ‘Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant’ (Living Heritage Company) label. From cocoa bean to chocolate bar, from roasting to conching, the artisan chocolatiers will explain every stage of the production process. The tour continues with the ice creams, whose techniques draw inspiration from cooking and patisserie. A gourmet immersion at the heart of artisanal expertise, produced entirely in Paris.
How does a court operate on a day-to-day basis? Créteil District Court, the court of first instance for the whole of Val-de-Marne, is opening its doors for a guided tour in small groups! Explore the court building and the routes taken by litigants and legal professionals, whilst learning about the roles of judges and court staff. The tour offers a better understanding of how hearings are conducted and how civil and criminal cases are handled, with opportunities for discussion.
Founded in 1766, the National Veterinary School of Maisons-Alfort is the oldest veterinary school in the world still located on its original site. Its library, situated in the Fragonard building which also houses the museum, is a remarkable part of its heritage. This guided tour will allow you to explore the library and view a selection of old and rare books from the School’s collections, all set against a backdrop steeped in history.
Go behind the scenes at the Banque de France in Vincennes to gain a better understanding of the remit and workings of this independent institution. A unique opportunity to discover its role in our economic ecosystem and to engage in dialogue with the ‘Bank of Banks’. An unmissable event for anyone wishing to learn more about its activities and the place it occupies within the French banking system.
Since 1886, the Port-Royal Fire Station has been safeguarding the residents and heritage of several historic districts of the capital. Open to the public on this special occasion, this fire station steeped in history offers a chance to explore a building designed from the outset to meet the needs of firefighters. During the guided tour, discover this iconic site and its technological and functional evolution, all in the service of essential emergency response missions.
Behind the scaffolding at Gare de Lyon, a major restoration project is breathing new life into its historic façade. Designed by Marius Toudoire in the run-up to the 1900 World’s Fair, the station is gradually being restored to its original appearance, notably through the reconstruction of elements lost after the Second World War. At the foot of the building site, come and meet the teams and craftspeople at work (stonemasons, slate workers and mosaic artists, among others) and take a behind-the-scenes look at this exceptional restoration project!
Opened in 1884, the Lycée Janson de Sailly reveals over 140 years of history through a tour combining heritage and science. Accompanied by history teachers and art history pupils, explore its historic rooms before moving on to the biology and physics laboratories. Demonstrations using vintage scientific equipment round off the tour. Don’t miss its magnificent iron and stone façade, adorned with busts of writers and scholars.
At the heart of Atelier Hylé, heritage comes back to life. Paintings, ceramics, archaeological artefacts and contemporary artworks are restored with passion by professionals authorised to work on the collections of the Musées de France. During a small-group tour, discover their expertise and specialisms (ceramics, paintings, contemporary art, 3D works and metal objects) through works currently undergoing treatment.
To mark the Paris Heritage Days 2026, IRCAM invites the public to enjoy a unique sensory experience with Two Immersive Soundscapes. Located right next to the Maison Pompidou and the Centre Pompidou, this leading centre for musical research and contemporary creation offers an immersion into soundscapes designed using sound spatialisation technologies. Visitors will discover how music, acoustics and digital innovation transform our perception of space. An original event not to be missed during Paris Heritage Days, ideal for exploring a more experimental and contemporary facet of Paris’s cultural heritage.
To mark Heritage Days in Paris 2026, Inalco (National Institute of Oriental Languages and Civilisations) is offering an introductory workshop on calligraphy, led by the student association Assila. Open to all, this workshop celebrates an ancient craft and a living heritage, whilst offering a glimpse into the linguistic and cultural richness taught at Inalco. Held at the Maison de la Recherche on Rue de Lille in the 7th arrondissement, this free event is a wonderful opportunity to try your hand at the art of writing and to discover the history of this iconic venue dedicated to the world’s languages and civilisations. An original activity to add to your itinerary for Paris Heritage Day.
Paris is a city with a thousand faces, where each neighbourhood tells a unique story. Whether you're looking for little-known places, typical atmospheres or architectural gems, our Paris by neighbourhood guide will immerse you in Greater Paris.
From the Marais to the heights of Montmartre, via Saint-Denis and the banks of the Marne, explore these places at your own pace and according to your mood.
