The Journées du Patrimoine return on September 20 and 21, 2025. During this exceptional weekend, which also takes place in several European countries, many establishments open their doors to the general public, often free of charge.
It's an opportunity to discover places that are sometimes inaccessible, or the secrets of monuments you thought you knew well. This national and international event is attended by some fifty countries in Europe and around the world. The event was created on the initiative of Jack Lang, then Minister of Culture, in 1984. This year marks the 42nd European Heritage Days, with the themes of living heritage and sports heritage.
Heritage Days 2025 in Val d'Oise: discover all the treasures of 95
The 2025 edition of the Journées du Patrimoine (Heritage Days) invites us to discover the little-known treasures of the Val d'Oise. From September 20 to 21, 2025, castles, museums and churches open their doors, revealing an exceptionally rich historical and cultural heritage. [Read more]
And like every year, the Val-d'Oise ( 95) departmental archives will be taking part! This institution is responsible for collecting, classifying, preserving and making archives available to the public. With a department as rich as the Val-d'Oise, it's obvious that these walls contain many treasures that it would be a shame not to discover.
To mark the Journées du patrimoine, the archives départementales are offering a range of activities for young and old alike. Find out what's in store for you this special weekend.
This exhibition presents never-before-seen documents from the 2024 "Grande Collecte".
Letters, diaries, press clippings, posters, photographs, memorabilia... This exhibition does not claim to be exhaustive. It presents moments in life, thanks to donations made by Valdoisians, complemented by documents from our collections (public archives and acquisitions). Discover the intertwined destinies of René, Jeanne, Lucienne, Roger..., from the "phony war" to the months following the Liberation.
Visit the exhibition "Mémoires en partage : 1939-1945. Your Archives, Our History."
Family treasure hunt: In search of lost treasure!
Saturday and Sunday, 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm (subject to availability and attendance).
Duration: approx. 45 min.
Behind the scenes at the archives" guided tours
Reservations are available on the Archives départementales du Val d'Oise website.
### Time travel does exist!
Here's an incredible yet true story: a Val-d'Oise resident has invented a time machine! He took advantage of the opportunity to visit various local monuments in different eras, and had fun leaving clues to his presence in the archives: will you be able to solve the riddles to find his trail?
Take a behind-the-scenes look at what archivists do, how documents are processed and what heritage treasures are kept at the Archives départementales du Val-d'Oise!
Dates and Opening Time
From September 20, 2025 to September 21, 2025
Location
Archives départementales du val d'oise
3 Avenue de la Palette
95000 Pontoise
Prices
Free
Official website
archives.valdoise.fr
Heritage Days 2025 in Val d'Oise: discover all the treasures of 95
