The Journées du Patrimoine à Paris is the must-attend event for curious visitors who want to see the capital in a new light. During this major rendez-vous culturel, numerous lieux historiques of the City of Light reveal their secrets. For this édition 2026, held over the weekend of 19 to 20 September 2026, we’re heading to the Hôtel de Sens, tucked in the famous Marais district, to discover the splendid Bibliothèque Forney. It’s free, of course, and open to ages five and up.
Heritage Days 2026 in Paris (75): the borough-by-borough programme of visits
For the 2026 Heritage Days in Paris, the capital’s monuments and historic sites throw open their doors (often free) to reveal their secrets. Don’t miss this unmissable event, scheduled for the weekend of September 19–20, 2026, with the themes: "Heritage in Peril" and "Heritage of Photography." [Read more]
During the Journées du Patrimoine in Paris, libraries and archives will be revealing their secrets this weekend, September 20 and 21, 2025. Come and discover these architectural gems and their treasures! [Read more]
Heritage Days are back for the weekend of September 19 and 20, 2026. How about taking the opportunity to discover Paris's private mansions? Here’s the program awaiting you among the capital’s treasures. [Read more]
This private mansion dates from the late 15th century and is listed as a historic monument. It was dedicated to the Archbishops of Sens, and at the time was considered one of the most beautiful palaces in Paris, before gradually falling into disrepair. After having been a dwelling, theHôtel des Sens became public property following the French Revolution.
In 1911, when the capital bought the mansion, it was in a state of extreme disrepair, and 20 years of restoration work were needed to restore it to its former splendor. A true jewel of Gothic architecture, since 1961 it has been home to the Bibliothèque Forney, dedicated in particular to the fine arts. Come and discover this splendid Parisian edifice during the 40th edition of the Journées du Patrimoine!
An art library housed in a historic monument
Free tour of a portion of the heritage-listed spaces, with librarians presenting patrimonial items (books, trade catalogs, prints, manifestos, artists’ books) representative of the library’s collections (arts and crafts and decorative arts), in connection with the Heritage Days theme.
Conditions de participation : Free | No reservations required
Hours: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM | Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Stand of the Friends of the Forney Library Society
Sale of library postcards and exhibition catalogs, plus a briefing on the SABF’s activities—a recognized public‑interest association whose main goals are to support the library’s initiatives, broaden its reach, and help enrich its collections.
Participation terms: Free | No reservation required
Hours: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM | Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM
The History and Architecture of the Hôtel de Sens
Continuous presentations by speakers from the Paris Historical Association, detailing the history and architecture of the Hôtel de Sens, a late-15th-century building that has housed the Forney Art Library since 1961.
Participation conditions: Free | No reservation required
Hours: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM | Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Dates and Opening Time
From September 19, 2026 to September 20, 2026
Location
Forney Library
1, rue du figuier
75004 Paris 4
Prices
Free
Heritage Days 2026 in Paris (75): the borough-by-borough programme of visits
Journées du Patrimoine 2025: events in Paris libraries and archives
Heritage Days 2026 in Paris: visit the historic private mansions
