This historic Parisian brewery opens its doors and reveals its secrets for Heritage Days 2026!

The standout event every September in Paris is, of course, the Journées du Patrimoine. For one weekend, on September 19 and 20, 2026, lace up your sneakers, roam the capital, and trace Paris’s history through a host of free guided tours of the city’s most iconic monuments and museums. Two extraordinary days during which the city reveals the secrets and memories of a Paris of yesteryear, even in the most unexpected and quirky spots.

Heritage Days 2026, an offbeat edition: the most original outings to try in Paris
You think you know Paris inside out? Think again. On Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20, 2026, you’ll be blown away during Heritage Days! We’re sharing our offbeat favorites to discover in this new edition of Heritage Days, across Paris and Île-de-France. [Read more]

The Bofinger brasserie, an elegant icon of old Paris, is showcased during these Heritage Days 2026. Founded in 1864 by Alsatian innkeeper Frédéric Bofinger, it became in 1870 the first Parisian brasserie to serve beer on tap. While part of its original decor dates back to 1880, the rest is the work of architect Legay and decorator Mitgen following a 1919–1921 enlargement of the brasserie.

Past the oak front, your eye is caught by the imposing oval dome adorned with floral motifs, and here and there, ceramic statues of herons, a stained-glass window depicting the King of Beer Gambrinus, and paintings of Alsatian landscapes. And here's a special touch: the upright urinals feature dolphin heads!

• To be read
• Best bets for the week of September 14–20, 2026 in Paris and Île-de-France

Heritage Days 2026 program at the Bofinger Brasserie: 

• Guided tour of Bofinger Brasserie

  Grand Alsatian-style brasserie, a signature example of 19th-century French hospitality, founded in 1864 by Frédéric Bofinger. Its interior blends distinctive architectural touches: a broad staircase, a floral dome, Charles Spindler marquetry evoking the marriage of L’ami Fritz, tulip lighting, and ceramic vases by Nice-born Jérôme Mastier. The space was enlarged in 1919, with a full decor refresh (1919–1921) by architect Legey and decorator Mitgen, featuring an oval dome adorned with floral motifs. After another expansion in 1930, a room created for the 1931 Colonial Exhibition was decorated with landscape panels by the painter Jean-Jacques Waltz, better known as Hansi, who also designed the establishment’s sign. The urinals, supported by dolphin-head uprights, are another notable detail. The storefront was rebuilt in 1982 in oak, faithfully echoing the 1919 design.

  Access: Bastille metro

  Participation requirements: Free | No reservation required

  Schedule: Saturday, September 19, 2026, 9:00 AM–11:00 AM | Sunday, September 20, 2026, 9:00 AM–11:00 AM