On the occasion of Journées du Patrimoine 2026 in the Val d'Oise, the Château d'Ecouen opens its doors to the public for free on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 September.
This Renaissance château, located 20 km north of Paris, was built in the 16th century for Anne de Montmorency. For his residence, the Constable thought big and hired the best craftsmen of his time: Jean Bullant, Bernard Palissy, Masséot Abaquesne, Jean Goujon, perhaps Nicolo dell'Abbate, would succeed one another at the Château d'Écouen, incorporating the finest innovations of their era: paving, stained glass, panelling, painted friezes and landscapes, marble...
Today, the Château d'Ecouen is home to a Renaissance Museum, whose works come mainly from the Musée de Cluny (Paris). These include the splendid David and Bathsheba tapestry, with its imposing dimensions of 75 m long by 4.50 m high, and one of the very first copies of Leonardo da Vinci's famous Last Supper, commissioned from Marco d'Oggiono in Milan in 1506.
The Musée National de la Renaissance invites you and the museum's curators to rediscover the château and its collections through an exceptional program of tours, workshops and lectures. You can also discover the works of art in a different way with the screening of Aplanos, l'homme de fer, a video creation by Xavier de Richemont.
Self-guided tour
The National Museum of the Renaissance – Château d'Écouen celebrates its monumental architectural heritage for European Heritage Days. Over these two days, a range of discoveries about our museum will be showcased for visitors.
Saturday, September 20 and Sunday, September 21, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. and from 2:00 p.m. to 5:45 p.m.
Free admission
More information on our website: musee-renaissance.fr
Participation requirements: Free | No booking required
Schedule: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 9:30 a.m.–12:45 p.m., 2:00 p.m.–5:30 p.m. | Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 9:30 a.m.–12:45 p.m., 2:00 p.m.–5:30 p.m.
Opening of the new exhibition "Crowning the Sky: Ridge Finials and Roof Decorations of the French Renaissance"
During the Renaissance, the roofs of France’s mansions and churches continue to dominate the landscape, adorned with modern, poetic decorations in lead or shimmering, color-rich ceramic. Big vases, flags, mermaids, birds, naked children, or soldiers nestle along the ridges and weathercocks. Come face to face with this little-seen world—at eye level—in Catherine de’ Medici’s apartment, for a selection of these works that normally hide from view, where roof meets sky.
From September 18 to January 11, 2027
Open daily
Included in the admission price (free during European Heritage Days)
Participation terms: Free | No reservation required
Hours: Saturday, September 19, 2026 - 09:30 ⤏ 12:30, 14:00 ⤏ 17:30 | Sunday, September 20, 2026 - 09:30 ⤏ 12:30, 14:00 ⤏ 17:30
From the construction site to the "Crowning the Sky" exhibition
This restoration project has been an opportunity to discover how the castle was built more than 480 years ago and how it was later altered over the centuries. Our scientific team shares the findings from three years of restoration work.
By Guillaume Fonkenell, Chief Heritage Conservator
Saturday at 2:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.
By Thierry Crépin Leblond, Museum Director
Sunday at 2:15 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.
Participation requirements: Free | No reservation required
Schedule: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 2:00 PM–2:30 PM, 3:00 PM–3:30 PM, 4:00 PM–4:30 PM | Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 2:15 PM–3:00 PM, 3:30 PM–4:00 PM
Theatrical guided tour "In Search of Madame Campan"
In seven steps and as many tableaux, two peculiar narrators guide visitors through a theatrical, poetic stroll into the château’s memory. Along the paths and in the gardens, they recount the adventures of a painter and his model tracing the footsteps of the young women of the Maison d’Éducation de la Légion d’Honneur, installed in the castle by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1805.
This scavenger hunt leads them in pursuit of Madame Campan, the former headmistress of the institution and one of the early educators of modern history.
A bucolic, whimsical, and family-friendly journey, carried by two versatile actors.
In partnership with Théâtre de la Vallée
Based on a story by René Fix
Adaptation and direction by Franck Zerbib, with Thérésa Berger and Thomas Segouin
Sundays at 3 p.m.
Free. Reservations at 01 34 38 38 50
Participation requirements: Free | Booking required - 01 34 38 38 50
Schedule: Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Le programme est mis à jour en fonction des annonces officielles.
Lots to do this weekend!
Dates and Opening Time
From September 19, 2026 to September 20, 2026
Location
Château d'Écouen - musée national de la Renaissance
Rue Jean Bullant
95440 Ecouen
Route planner
Access
Transilien Line H Ecouen-Ezanville station
Prices
Free
Recommended age
For all
Official website
musee-renaissance.fr
