Fancy a visit off the beaten track for the Journées du Patrimoine? For the 42nd edition of this European cultural event, theÉcole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort and the Fragonard Museum of the Veterinary School invite you to discover their history and premises, on September 20 and 21, 2025. The establishment, whose main site is in Maisons-Alfort, is one of the most prestigious veterinary schools in France.
Created in 1766 by architect Jacques-Germain Soufflot, the school covers a surface area of 12 hectares and includes the Fragonard Museum, with one of the world's most impressive veterinary collections, and a botanical garden designated a "Remarkable Garden".
Seven of the buildings on the site were listed as historic monuments in 1992. Today, the school is home to over 800 students and 80 teaching and research staff. This exceptional site is opening its doors to us once again this year, for the Journées du Patrimoine, an opportunity to learn more about the history of the site and discover one of the oldest schools in the Île-de-France region.
Skeletons, organs, skinned bodies...
4,200 items in the showcases!
Outstanding collections dedicated to animals and their anatomy.
Discover the works exhibited on campus and immerse yourself in their significance through the eyes of the artists.
Each tour is led by a passionate student guide.
Veterinary students reveal the rich history of the École Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort.
Guided tour of the library, featuring rare, vintage EnvA books in a timeless setting.
Lecture-meeting with journalist Julien Solonel, about his book "La France vue par les vétérinaires", in the spectacular Fragonard amphitheatre.
Julien Solonel, head of the Society department at Le Parisien newspaper, conducted a major survey of veterinarians across France. The result is an original radioscopy of the profession, published by Buchet-Chastel. He will be presenting his approach and his book in one of the veterinary school's most emblematic venues, the anatomy amphitheatre.
The Office national des forêts offers you :
* Test your knowledge of the French forest and the profession of forester (exhibition-quiz)
* Can you place the forests of Île-de-France in the right place?
* Turn the wheel and challenge your forest knowledge!
* The forest awakens our senses. Essences, smells... can you recognize them?
* ONF trumpeters welcome you with a fanfare!
The Office national des forêts head office opens its doors to you!
This eco-friendly building, to be built between 2021 and 2022, is home to over 300 people working every day to preserve France's public forests.
Visit these premises, accompanied by an ONF-certified guide, and learn more about the roots of public forest management.
For more great ideas for outings and unusual discoveries, check out our special selections.
Journées du Patrimoine 2025: 10 must-see events in Paris
To make the most of the Journées du Patrimoine in Paris and the Île-de-France region, here are 10 not-to-be-missed events on Saturday September 20 and Sunday September 21, 2025! Discover the weekend program. [Read more]
The Journées du Patrimoine return to the Val de Marne this weekend of September 20 and 21, 2025. For the occasion, the many castles and museums of the Val-de-Marne open their doors to us for guided tours, workshops and original events! [Read more]
Dates and Opening Time
From September 20, 2025 to September 21, 2025
Location
Alfort National Veterinary School
7 Avenue du Général de Gaulle
94700 Maisons Alfort
Access
Metro line 8 "École nationale vétérinaire d'Alfort" station
Prices
Free
Official website
www.vet-alfort.fr
Journées du Patrimoine 2025: 10 must-see events in Paris
Heritage Days 2025 in Val de Marne (94): cultural treasures to visit this weekend
