Heritage Days 2026 at the Val-d'Oise Departmental Archives: what’s on

The Val-d'Oise departmental archives will open their doors to children for Heritage Days, this Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 September 2026. Ready to discover the program that awaits you?

The Heritage Days are back on September 19 and 20, 2026. On the occasion of this exceptional weekend, which is celebrated in several European countries as well, many institutions open their doors to the public, often free of charge.

It's an opportunity to discover places that are sometimes off limits, or the secrets of monuments we thought we knew well. This national and international event is watched by around fifty countries in Europe and worldwide. The event was launched at the initiative of Jack Lang, then Minister of Culture, in 1984. This year, we celebrate the 43rd edition of these European Heritage Days, with themes centered on photographic heritage and heritage in peril.

Heritage Days 2026 in Val d'Oise: an immersion into the heart of the 95's treasures
Heritage Days 2026 invites visitors to uncover the hidden treasures of Val d'Oise. From September 19 to 20, 2026, castles, museums, and churches will open their doors, revealing a historical and cultural heritage of extraordinary richness. [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.

The 2026 Heritage Days program at the Val-d'Oise departmental archives:

Exhibition tour
"Facing the Lens: A Portrait History in Photography"

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### Exhibition, activity booklets and photo studio

On the occasion of European Heritage Days, come and discover an exhibition labeled Bicentennial of Photography by the Ministry of Culture.

Designed by the Val d'Oise Departmental Archives, the exhibition "Facing the Lens..." offers an unprecedented trove of photographs, objects and written documents, enriched by works by Ada Soczewinska, an artist specializing in early photographic techniques. From the first known photograph by Nicéphore Niépce to the smartphone, relive the extraordinary journey of a technique that has found its place in daily life over 200 years of evolution.

Take the opportunity to pose in our 19th‑century photo studio setting, in period costume if you wish!

And challenge your kids with the puzzles in our activity booklets (for ages 6 and up, and for ages 11 and up).
Participation requirements: Open visit. For children aged 6 to 11, a game booklet is also available - Free | No booking required
Hours : Saturday, September 19, 2026, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM | Sunday, September 20, 2026, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM
Behind-the-scenes tour
Behind-the-scenes guided tour of the archives

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Led by an archivist, visitors are unusually allowed to venture beyond public areas to glimpse the inner workings. As you listen to explanations and explore the building, you’ll learn more about the missions of the archives services and the documents they safeguard!
Participation requirements: Free | Booking required - https://archives.valdoise.fr/n/septembre-journees-europeennes-du-patrimoine/n:708
Schedule: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 10:30–11:30, 2:30–3:30 PM, 4:30–5:30 PM | Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 10:30–11:30, 2:30–3:30 PM, 4:30–5:30 PM
Junior workshops
Two family photography workshops

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As part of the exhibition "Face to the Camera. A History of Portraiture in Photography," labeled Bicentenaire de la Photographie by the Ministry of Culture, two activities are being offered to children over the weekend:

* Saturday, September 19 at 3:30 p.m. A costume-photo session and the creation of a photo-card: kids will make their own business-card-style portrait, just like in the 19th century. For ages 7 and up with parental assistance.

* Sunday, September 20 at 3:30 p.m. Costume-photo session and decorating a photo frame (stickers, stencils, scrapbooking elements...). For ages 5 and up.
Participation conditions: Adult supervision required. - Free | Booking required - https://archives.valdoise.fr/n/septembre-journees-europeennes-du-patrimoine/n:708
Schedule: Saturday, September 19, 2026 - 3:30 PM ⤏ 4:30 PM | Sunday, September 20, 2026 - 3:30 PM ⤏ 4:30 PM