Heritage Days 2026 in Paris: step behind the scenes at Gaîté Lyrique

Published by Cécile de Sortiraparis, Caroline de Sortiraparis · Photos by Cécile de Sortiraparis · Updated on August 12, 2026 at 04:41 p.m.
On the occasion of the latest edition of the Journées du Patrimoine in Paris, La Gaîté Lyrique opens its backstage. On Sunday, September 20, 2026, the public will be invited to discover its turbulent history through a series of guided tours, available by advance booking only.

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.

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For Paris’ 2026 Journées du Patrimoine, the capital’s monuments and historic sites throw open their doors—often free of charge—to reveal their secrets. Don’t miss this must-attend weekend, scheduled for September 19–20, 2026, as you discover the program built around the themes “Heritage in Peril” and “Heritage of Photography.” [Read more]

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Heritage Days are back for the weekend of September 19–20, 2026, in Paris and Île-de-France. For the occasion, some fantastic programs are on offer, sometimes requiring registration. We take a closer look at these visits that will need a reservation. 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)!

Heritage Days 2026 at Gaîté Lyrique, the program:

  • 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

Practical information

Dates and Opening Time
On September 20, 2026

× Approximate opening times: to confirm opening times, please contact the establishment.

    Location

    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

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