Now more than ever, the Journées du Patrimoine (Heritage Days) invite you to discover the history of the capital's key sites. Every year in September, this European cultural event invites us to spend a weekend discovering the secrets and treasures of our heritage. And as you can imagine, Paris and the whole of the Île-de-France region have every intention of taking part.
For the occasion, the finest museums, monuments and castles open their doors to let us enjoy often free tours, original and quirky activities and even grant access to places usually closed to the public. No way we're going to miss that! This year, the Heritage Days are not to be missed on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 September 2026.
Heritage Days 2026 in Paris (75): the program of tours by arrondissement
For Heritage Days 2026 in Paris, the capital’s monuments and historic landmarks are opening their doors—often free of charge—to reveal their secrets. Don’t miss this must-see event, taking place over the weekend of September 19 and 20, 2026, with the themes “Heritage at Risk” and “Photography Heritage.” [Read more]
Heritage Days return to Paris and Île-de-France on the weekend of September 19 and 20, 2026. For the occasion, some great programs await you, sometimes by reservation only. Here’s a look at the visits that require booking. It’s your move! [Read more]
The Gaîté Lyrique is one of Paris's most unusual venues. This famous concert hall, which also serves as a cultural center dedicated to digital arts and contemporary music, went through a thousand lives before becoming the venue it is today.
In turn operetta theater, circus school and even amusement park, thehistory of the Gaîté Lyrique is astonishing. Now, behind its 19th-century façade, Parisians of all ages can discover surprising exhibitions and events. Come and take a behind-the-scenes look at the Gaîté Lyrique during the new Journées du Patrimoine(booking required)!
A Historic Tour of La Gaîté Lyrique
Come and discover La Gaîté Lyrique, its backstage and its history! Today oriented toward creativity and engagement through the Fabrique de l’époque project, the venue has changed a lot since the era of operettas…
As a cultural institution of the City of Paris since 2011, La Gaîté Lyrique tells a long, eventful story spanning three centuries—from Offenbach’s operettas to the multidisciplinary scope of the Fabrique de l’époque project (with detours like the Planète Magique amusement park), all through the constant lens of popular practices. It is also a historic building where different eras keep speaking to one another, and which architect Manuelle Gautrand reimagined in the 2000s at the City’s initiative, ahead of the venue’s reopening in its current form.
Meet us on the ground floor of La Gaîté Lyrique!
Participation terms: 20 spots per slot - Free | Booking required - https://www.gaite-lyrique.net/agenda/2026/journees-europeennes-du-patrimoine/
Schedule: Sunday, 20 September 2026 — 14:00–15:00, 15:15–16:15, 16:30–17:30, 17:45–18:45
Dates and Opening Time
On September 20, 2026
Location
La Gaîté Lyrique
3 Rue Papin
75002 Paris 2
Route planner
Accessibility info
Access
Metro line 3 or 4 "Réaumur-Sébastopol" station
Prices
Free
Official website
gaite-lyrique.net
Heritage Days 2026 in Paris (75): the program of tours by arrondissement
European Heritage Days 2026 in Paris and Île-de-France: visits requiring advance booking
