Heritage Days 2026: tours of the Paris arrondissement town halls

Paris’s arrondissement town halls throw open their doors to the public on the weekend of 19–20 September 2026: explore the activities lined up for Heritage Days.

Paris unveils a new side this third weekend of September... And for good reason! It's the return of the Heritage Days in the capital! This European cultural event carries us into its 43rd edition, as exciting and full of surprises as ever, inviting us to explore the various highlights of the City of Light.

Little-knownmuseums, hidden corners, private mansions usually closed to the public, behind-the-scenes tours of major institutions: the Heritage Days are an opportunity to visit exceptional, unusual and secret places... Or learn more about places you thought you already knew!

You’ve probably stepped into the town hall of your district to ask a question or complete an administrative step... But what if you returned to uncover all its secrets? On September 19 and 20, 2026, for Heritage Days, several Paris arrondissement town halls will throw open their doors to the public, inviting you to discover them with guided tours and special activities.

Discover what's on at these Parisian town halls for the 43rd Heritage Days:

5th arrondissement town hall

European Heritage Days 2026: Paris’s 5th arrondissement Town Hall
### Visit the 5th arrondissement town hall, a 1920s Art Deco showcase

After a long search for a location, the 5th arrondissement's town hall finally sits on Place du Panthéon. From its construction—begun between 1844 and 1846—it was designed as a mirror image of that great monument, conceived as an architectural setting to highlight it.

In 1913, plans for enlargement were approved and, in 1921, entrusted to architect René Patouillard-Demoriane. He transformed it into a true showroom of Art Deco, the artistic current that dominated at the 1925 Exposition.

This visit will let you discover its spectacular interior spaces and its crowning piece: the grand hall, the fruit of the work of the renowned designer and master decorator Jacques-Émile Ruhlmann.
Participation conditions: Limited to 30 people. The ticketing link will go live in the first half of September — reservations required | Free — https://www.paris.fr/evenements/jep-2026-mairie-du-5e-arrondissement-114435
Schedule: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 2:30–3:30 PM, 4:30–5:30 PM

8th district town hall

A deep dive into the heart of French industrial architecture, visit Hôtel Cail
Testimony to France's industrial might and to the evolution of architecture through its quality and unity, the Hôtel Cail stands as one of the finest examples of the Second Empire style. Now housing the 8th arrondissement town hall, the building keeps getting more splendid as renovations and upgrades go on.

Attention: the entrance will be at 56 Boulevard Malesherbes (special opening)
Entry requirements: Note: Entrance is at 56 Boulevard Malesherbes. - Free | No reservations required
Hours: Saturday, 19 September 2026 – 14:00 ⤏ 18:00 | Sunday, 20 September 2026 – 14:00 ⤏ 18:00

And since you're in the area, find out what else you can do in these arrondissements. And don't forget to take a look at the events scheduled atHôtel de Ville.

Heritage Days 2026 in Paris (75): a district-by-district lineup of visits
For the 2026 Heritage Days in Paris, the capital’s monuments and historic sites throw open their doors (often for free) to reveal their secrets to us. Don’t miss this essential event, scheduled for the weekend of September 19–20, 2026, under the themes: "Heritage in Peril" and "Heritage of Photography". [Read more]

Heritage Days 2026: Tour of the Hôtel de Ville — Paris City Hall
For Heritage Days 2026, the City Hall of Paris will exceptionally open its doors for free, self-guided tours. Join us on Saturday, 19 September and Sunday, 20 September 2026 to discover the Mayor of Paris’s office, the Hôtel de Ville library, the Council Chamber, and the ceremonial salons. [Read more]