Like many seats of power in Paris, the Ministry of Justice opens its doors to visitors during the Heritage Days, on the Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20, 2026. Head to the Place Vendôme to explore the workspace of the Minister of Justice and Keeper of the Seals. The Hôtel de Bourvallais (which houses the ministry) is all but invisible to tourists: one must admit that eyes are most often drawn to the Vendôme Column and the Ritz Hotel.
Yet it's here that the chancellors and later the gardes des Sceaux have lived and worked for the past 250 years. The building is full of secrets. Hardened eyes will find the symbols of justice hidden everywhere. There are six of them: the scales, echoing the weighing of deeds; the sword, the weapon of decision; the shield, the passive weapon of strength and victory; the scepter, an extension of the arm, a sign of power and authority; the hand, the instrument of mastery; and the serpent, symbolizing prudence.
Here, you can step back in time through the various salons of the private mansion and into the Royal Library, the office of the Keeper of the Seals and Minister of Justice! Another magnificent decorative element is a Gobelins tapestry after Raphael, adorning the main staircase.
Visit to the Hôtel de Bourvallais (Ministry of Justice)
As every year, for European Heritage Days, the Hôtel de Bourvallais—home to the Ministry of Justice for more than 300 years—opens its doors to the public. Classified as a historic monument, the building boasts a rich collection of movable heritage.
For the 43rd edition, a visitor route offers a view of the ceremonial salons and the ground-floor offices, as well as the Hôtel de Bourvallais garden. Every afternoon, visitors can meet restorers of ancient books in the ground-floor library, up close to the roughly 2,000 works on display, dating from the 16th to the 18th centuries.
Visits follow a self-guided route, enhanced by the tour guide booklet and in the presence of Ministry of Justice staff who can answer questions.
Last entries at 17:15.
Participation rules: Entry strictly by advance reservation (registrations forthcoming). Reservations will open on the Ministry of Justice website (justice.gouv.fr) on Wednesday, September 9, 2026 at 2:00 PM. - Free | Reservation required - https://journeesdupatrimoine.culture.gouv.fr
Hours: Saturday, September 19, 2026 - 9:00 AM ⤏ 6:00 PM | Sunday, September 20, 2026 - 9:00 AM ⤏ 6:00 PM
Dates and Opening Time
From September 19, 2026 to September 20, 2026
Location
Ministry of Justice - Hôtel de Bourvallais
13 Place Vendôme
75001 Paris 1
Route planner
Access
Metro line 8, 12 or 14 "Madeleine" station
Prices
Free
Official website
journeesdupatrimoine.culture.gouv.fr
