The Journées du Patrimoine 2026 invite us to a new edition, over the weekend of Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20, 2026, celebrating French culture. Over two days, you can discover places rarely open to the public, religious buildings, or historic monuments, guided by true enthusiasts across Île-de-France. Head to the Yvelines, and in particular Versailles, this royal city with many facets, for numerous free tours in a magical setting.
Head for the Potager du Roi, close to the Château de Versailles, to smell all the aromatic herbs and marvel at little-known plant varieties. A place of production, experimentation and training since its creation, this immense garden is now home to theÉcole Nationale Supérieure de Paysage. Built between 1678 and 1683 by Jean-Baptiste La Quintinie, at the request of King Louis XIV, this masterpiece of the art of the regular French garden was created to supply the king's table with fruit and vegetables. It couldn't be more local!
Classified as a historic monument and a remarkable garden, its gardeners perpetuate the art of pruning in a place that has been open to the public since 1991. An integral part of the Versailles estate, these raised beds were once home to asparagus in January, strawberries in March, figs and even melons, thanks to the exotic plants brought back by travelers. You can still taste the products of the time, as they are sold in the boutique!
European Heritage Days 2026 and World Espalier Art Day
The Potager du Roi, a cornerstone of the Versailles estate, was built at the request of Louis XIV between 1678 and 1683 to supply the royal table with fruits and vegetables. As a remarkable heritage site, classified as a Historic Monument and listed as UNESCO World Heritage, the Potager du Roi opens its doors for the 2026 European Heritage Days.
September 19 and 20 are also World Espalier Art Days.
Inscribed on the French inventory of intangible cultural heritage since 2024, espalier art involves guiding a fruit tree against a wall or an iron framework through pruning.
The Potager du Roi gathers 3,500 trees, including nearly 350 varieties of fruit trees trained into 70 different forms, tended and pruned by gardeners who master this centuries-old know-how.
Guided tours of the Potager du Roi, explanations of pruning by gardeners, and a creative workshop for young audiences are on the program for these days.
Program of events
Explanation of the art of pruning by gardeners of the Potager du Roi
> Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 September from 10:00 to 12:30 and from 14:00 to 18:00
Stand of the Heritage Foundation - Sponsor a fruit tree of the Potager du Roi
Fully restored once in the 1780s and again in the 1880s, the Potager du Roi is once more the focus of a complete and unprecedented restoration of its built and living heritage: the project of the century. More than 6,500 fruit trees will be planted by 2034, to replace half of the 3,500 aging trees and introduce 4,750 new espaliers, tall standards, or potted trees. This broad rejuvenation program for the arboreal heritage serves a double aim: preserving history and adapting to the environmental and ecological challenges of the 21st century.
> Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 September from 10:00 to 18:00.
Guided tours
The Potager du Roi: a discovery of a remarkable garden with many facets
Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 September at 11:00 (start at the La Quintinie statue), 14:30 (start at the La Quintinie statue), 15:00 and 16:00 (start from the La Quintinie statue and the King's Gate).
Free of charge.
Participation conditions: Free of charge - Free | No booking required
Hours: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. | Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
Dates and Opening Time
From September 19, 2026 to September 20, 2026
Location
King's Kitchen Garden
10 Rue du Maréchal Joffre
78000 Versailles
Route planner
Access
RER: Versailles Rive Gauche
Prices
Free
Recommended age
For all
Official website
journeesdupatrimoine.culture.gouv.fr
