Heritage Days 2026: Discovering the Château de la Madeleine (78)

For two days, Paris region residents will have the chance to discover the area’s finest sites, thanks to a new edition of the Journées du Patrimoine. The weekend of September 19–20, 2026 invites you to explore the historic monuments you’ve always wanted to visit while they’re open to the public, the most beautiful churches or castles spread across the departments of Île-de-France. A large number of activities are organised for free, notably in the Yvelines.

Have you heard of the Château de la Madeleine in the heights of the Vallée de Chevreuse? This magnificently preserved fortified castle, built between the 11th and 14th centuries, is a fortress located in Chevreuse. Its construction was ordered by Gui I (lord of the Montlhéry-Rochefort branch), to defend the valley from numerous enemy attacks. A true model of its kind: moat, keep, machicolations, drawbridge, chapel, towers and ramparts... it has all the attributes for a medieval immersion!

• To be read
• This week's top picks in Paris and Île-de-France, September 7–13, 2026

Since the 11th century, this château has witnessed all the major events inFrench history. A long epic to discover during the Heritage Days.

Heritage Days 2026: this weekend’s program to discover in Yvelines (78)
There’s plenty to explore for Heritage Days in Yvelines! On Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20, 2026, head to the many castles and museums in the 78 that will open their doors for guided tours, workshops, and memorable moments of shared experiences. [Read more]

Heritage Days 2026 program at Château de la Madeleine

• Guided Archaeological Tours

  Seine et Yvelines Archéologie's primary objective is to carry out preventive archaeology actions. This organization also pursues scientific research, inventories, the management and conservation of collections, advisory services for developers, and the promotion of the archaeological heritage of the two departments.

  Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20 at 11:00, 13:30, 15:00, 16:00 and 17:00

  The Château de la Madeleine invites the public to travel back in time and discover how archaeological digs have shed light on the history of the castle and the daily life of its inhabitants over the centuries.

  • Archaeological guided tours

  Free – Open access

  Participation terms: Free | No reservation required

  Hours: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 11:00–12:00, 1:30–2:30 p.m., 3:00–4:00 p.m., 4:00–5:00 p.m., 5:00–6:00 p.m. | Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 11:00–12:00, 1:30–2:30 p.m., 3:00–4:00 p.m., 4:00–5:00 p.m., 5:00–6:00 p.m.

Happy Heritage Days in Yvelines!