A Merovingian-era immersion at the Val d'Oise Archaeological Museum for Heritage Days 2026

On the occasion of Heritage Days, the Val-d'Oise Archaeological Museum invites you to discover its program for the weekend of September 19 and 20, 2026. And what if we set off to explore the fascinating adventures of archaeological heritage?

For the new edition of the Journées du Patrimoine, the Musée archéologique du Val-d'Oise invites you to visits and a variety of workshops for kids and grown-ups on Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20, 2026. Opened in 1983, the archaeological museum houses more than 35,000 objects, with 3,000 on display while offering a route linking the Prehistory to the contemporary era.

Sculpted blocks from a 2nd-century sanctuary, concrete statues from the Soviet pavilion built for theExposition Internationale des Arts et Techniques de la Vie Moderne... These are just some of the historical objects that visitors can admire during their visit to the museum.

For the Journées du Patrimoine (Heritage Days), you can take advantage of a whole host of good ideas and unusual events in every corner of the Île-de-France region. You can find ideas for visits close to home, or take advantage of the opportunity to explore the region's heritage. If you'd like to explore the Val d'Oise a little further, here's a guide to what's on in the 95 département to round off your weekend.

Are you ready for a weekend full of new experiences and wonder?

The 2026 Heritage Days program at the Val-d'Oise Archaeological Museum:

Historical reenactment "Meeting the Merovingians"
Encountering the Merovingians

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### Travel back to the era of the first Frankish kings!

Inside a recreated Merovingian encampment, allow yourself to be carried away by the daily life of these foundational centuries. Bright costumes, refined jewelry, secret of cosmetics, stonework or flour milling—everywhere, gestures and know-how come back to life before your eyes. Between spectacular combat demonstrations and a historical fashion parade, History comes alive in a vivid, immersive experience to share with the whole family. Keep your eyes wide open—the Merovingian world has never felt so close!

Presented by the Compagnie du Nord and the Atelier de Micky
Participation requirements: No reservations | Free
Hours: Saturday, September 19, 2026, 1:00 PM–6:00 PM | Sunday, September 20, 2026, 1:00 PM–6:00 PM
Escape game "In Search of the Merovingian Tomb"
### On the hunt for the Merovingian tomb

### Lab alert!

Professor Perin, a leading expert on the early Middle Ages, is clear: a precious Merovingian bird-shaped fibula has vanished. The object was still there just moments ago... but the courier charged with delivering it to the museum arrives in under thirty minutes. Time is running out. Search, observe, deduce. Every clue could bring you closer to the truth. Will you find the fibula in time? The countdown has begun... will you take on the challenge?

Escape game created by TerreHistoire Conseil

On-site registration on the day of the event
Participation conditions: Limited seats - On-site registration on the day of the event - Free | No reservation required
Schedule: Saturday, September 19, 2026 – 2:00 PM ⤏ 4:45 PM | Sunday, September 20, 2026 – 2:00 PM ⤏ 4:45 PM
Exhibition: The World of Clovis
### Exhibition The World of Clovis

### Flash Tour

Clovis belonged to the Merovingian dynasty, which ruled from the 5th to the 8th century, bridging the end of the Roman Empire and the dawn of the Middle Ages. Today’s image of the Merovingians largely comes from late chronicles that amplified violence, legends and intrigues. Behind these tales, the Merovingians were a genuine royal dynasty that governed the Franks for almost three centuries. This exhibition invites visitors to rediscover this pivotal era in the formation of the Frankish kingdom.
Participation terms: Free | No reservations required
Hours: Saturday, September 19, 2026, 2:00 PM–4:20 PM | Sunday, September 20, 2026, 2:00 PM–4:20 PM