The Journées du Patrimoine (Heritage Days) are back again this Saturday, September 20 and Sunday, September 21, 2025. You're wondering"What to visit in Versailles for the Journées du Patrimoine?" This year, why not get out of Paris and head to the Yvelines region, and Versailles in particular , for a visit to an exceptional château , as well as all that the city has in store for us in terms of beautiful discoveries.
Obviously, when you think of Heritage Days at Versailles, you immediately think of the Château de Versailles. It's true that this is a golden opportunity to visit it, but Versailles also abounds in other treasures to discover. From the Grande Écurie to the Potager du Roi, from the Osmothèque to the Château de la Maye, there's plenty to see and do.
The Journées du Patrimoine (Heritage Days) are an opportunity to delve into the heart of the Paris region's heritage and visit places that are still too little known, including Versailles. Here's the detailed program for this key Parisian town, with the promise of a weekend full of wonderful discoveries!
Heritage Days 2025 at the Osmothèque, the perfume conservatory in Versailles: the program
On September 20 and 21, 2025, the European Heritage Days open wide the doors to a heritage to be smelled, felt and discovered in a whole new way. In Versailles, the Osmothèque reveals the scents of yesteryear and the perfumes that have disappeared, for a visit that tickles the nostrils as much as the memory. Registration opens on September 5, 2025, so mark your calendars! [Read more]
Heritage Days 2025 at Versailles Town Hall (78): free tours of the monument
The Journées du Patrimoine 2025 invite you to explore Versailles in a whole new light. On the weekend of September 20-21, 2025, discover the secrets of the royal city with an exclusive tour of the Hôtel de Ville, a historic monument and former property of one of Louis XIV's daughters. [Read more]
Heritage Days 2025 at the Grande Ecurie de Versailles (78), free tours!
The Académie Équestre de Versailles and the Versailles Campuses are opening the doors of the Grande Écurie at the Château de Versailles for the Heritage Days, on the weekend of September 20 and 21, 2025. Click here to discover the program! [Read more]
Heritage Days 2025 at the Maison des Italiens in Versailles, the program
On September 20 and 21, 2025, the Journées Européennes du Patrimoine (European Heritage Days) invite visitors to unveil unusual and emblematic sites all over France. This year, we're heading for the Yvelines to explore the Maison des Italiens in Versailles, an elegant private mansion listed as a Monument Historique and just waiting to reveal its secrets. [Read more]
Heritage Days 2025: discover the history of the Republic at the Château de Versailles (78)
For the Journées du Patrimoine 2025 (Heritage Days 2025), the Château de Versailles is inviting you to discover the grounds through a tour that takes you back in time in the footsteps of the Republic, on September 20 and 21, 2025. [Read more]
Heritage Days 2025: free tours of the King's Kitchen Garden at the Château de Versailles (78)
For the Journées du Patrimoine 2025 (Heritage Days 2025), we're off to the Potager du Roi at the Château de Versailles to take advantage of two free days in an enchanting setting, on September 20 and 21. The program includes tours and a host of activities for young and old alike! [Read more]
Heritage Days 2025 at the Théâtre Montansier in Versailles (78): the program
On the occasion of the 42nd Heritage Days, the Théâtre Montansier, an 18th-century treasure located in Versailles, welcomes you for guided tours on Saturday, September 20, 2025. Find out more about the program. [Read more]
Old post office
The "Versailles from the sky" exhibition, partially presented in July 2024 for a few weeks as part of the opening of the Olympic and Paralympic Games and the Ancienne Poste, is an unprecedented visual and historical immersion of the entire Versailles territory. It returns to the Ancienne Poste from August 30 to November 16, with new viewpoints and a new itinerary to discover the scale and beauty of the royal city, its château, its natural spaces, its many diverse districts and its remarkable sites and buildings. Discover this three-storey exhibition and all its new features!
Archives communales de Versailles
Come and discover the memory of Versailles! We invite you to take a tour of the Versailles Archives Communales, including the reading room and storage areas. Along the way, you'll be able to admire documents relating to the city's architecture, as well as some of the most prestigious documents in the Archives communales.
Saint-Louis Cathedral
Church built by architect Mansart de Sagonne, nephew of Jules Hardouin Mansart, at the behest of Louis XV.
Large nave with 2 side aisles and a chapel of the Virgin behind the choir.
Lycées Hoche chapel and historical museum
Guided tour of the Lycée Hoche museum, with its fine collection of scientific educational objects, around the "Teaching from the 18th century to the advent of the number" exhibition. Reservations required on www.amis-musee-hoche.fr from mid-September.
Guided tour of the Couvent de la Reine and its chapel, an architectural masterpiece by Richard Mique. Reservations required on www.amis-musee-hoche.fr from mid-September.
Central library
Aucun événement annoncé à ce jour, le programme est mis à jour en fonction des annonces officielles.
Choiseul Library
Conceived in partnership with the Archives Department of the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, the aim of this exhibition is threefold. Firstly, to present the major milestones in French diplomacy from the 16th century to the end of the 18th century. It also aims to highlight the role of the ambassador, the tools of diplomacy and its place in the education and prestige of princes. Finally, all these subjects will be placed in the context of the Hôtel des Affaires Etrangères, by linking them to the building's decor and functions, and by creating geographical focuses linked to the titles of the Gallery's rooms. The exhibition will alternate thematic presentations with a chronological tour.
CHOISEUL LIBRARY (ex Centrale) - FOREIGN AFFAIRS GALLERY
Free admission - Open to all
Guided tours: Saturday at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. and Sunday at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. (booking on the day and on site).
--Reservations are open the same day and can be made on site at the gallery reception desk.
The personal libraries of a queen and a favorite, the office of an otherworldly reader, hiding places and a maze of books... Accompanied by a librarian, discover the secrets and anecdotes nestled in the heart of Louis XV's former Hôtel des Affaires étrangères et de la Marine, and admire part of the heritage collections of the Bibliothèque municipale de Versailles.
Versailles Court of Appeal
Guided tours of the Versailles Court of Appeal, with an introduction to the organization of the judiciary and the professions of magistrates, registrars, court clerks and lawyers. Justice opens its doors!
A place steeped in history, the Versailles Court of Appeal is offering 5 guided tours of the building, each lasting 30 minutes, led by a tour guide from the Versailles Tourist Office.
At the end of each tour, the public is invited to move on to the Salle des Assises for a presentation on "Criminal Justice", before moving on to another room for a "Professions and Judicial Organization" workshop.
At both workshops, judges, civil servants and lawyers will be happy to answer questions from the public.
Additional information: the day is completely free of charge.
Please note: registration is compulsory!
Visits start at the following times (the whole sequence, i.e. the guided tour + the 2 workshops, lasts 1h30):
- 11 a.m. (doors open at 10.50 a.m.)
- 11h30
- 14h
- 14h30
- 3pm (courtyard doors close at 6pm)
Madame Elisabeth's departmental estate
Immerse yourself in "Madame Élisabeth's secret garden", a festive weekend in the heart of an 8-hectare listed estate in the heart of Versailles. Craftsmen, local producers and immersive events will set the pace for this edition of nature, heritage and savoir-faire! Period costumes, olfactory workshops, initiation to traditional archery... a true sensory voyage to discover in Versailles! Free admission, ticket sales D-15
Learn about 18th-century floral art, archery with the Compagnie d'Arc des Bleus de Sèvres, embroidery or caning, a form of "yoga-dance" practiced in the courtyard, and discover the park with an outdoor treasure hunt for the whole family, "In search of the lost essences of Elisabeth's botanical notebook".
Theatrical performances, costumed horseback riding, archery, 18th-century make-up...
Discover "Madame Élisabeth's secret garden" with guided tours of this illustrious 18th-century English garden, just a 10-minute walk from the Château de Versailles.
School of Fine Arts
An exhibition by children's and heritage authors.
Church of St Joan of Arc
Recap of the life of Joan of Arc, history of the building with organ interludes, followed by a detailed tour of the great organ.
Espace Richaud, former royal hospital
To mark the European Heritage Days and the 10th anniversary of the rehabilitation of the Richaud hospital, (re)discover this former royal hospital, now a cultural center.
Filmed testimonials
Let yourself be carried away by those who knew the hospital in action! Both captivating and moving, they plunge us into the heart of life in Versailles, making an invaluable contribution to the knowledge and memory of the site.
Documentary "L'ancien hôpital royal: réhabilitation et reconversion d'un monument historique du XVIIIe siècle" (The former royal hospital: rehabilitation and conversion of an 18th-century historic monument)
Abandoned for 10 years and burnt down three times, François de Mazières, elected mayor in 2008, decided to breathe new life into this vast site by opening up its traffic routes and enhancing the value of the ruined historic building.
Mediation area - young public
How about a coloring session on site? Colored pencils and coloring in the Royal Hospital.
Model of the Richaud space
In the heart of the chapel, discover it!
Bishopric of Versailles
Visit some of our workplaces, the bishop's garden and an exhibition of objects and photos.
Hôtel Le Louis Versailles Château
The Louis Versailles Château opens its doors for an exceptional weekend. To mark the occasion, our teams will be delighted to welcome visitors for an exclusive tour of the site of the former artillery armouries.
Built in 1854 under the reign of Louis-Napoléon III, this building houses a majestic porch listed as a Monument Historique. Visible all year round, this weekend will be the perfect opportunity to (re)discover it and immerse yourself in the history of our beautiful hotel.
Madame du Barry's hotel
Visit Madame du Barry's Hôtel. In 1772, the Countess du Barry acquired this pavilion to house her staff, and commissioned the architect Claude-Nicolas Ledoux to build magnificent stables. After the death of Louis XV, she was forced to sell the property in 1775 to the Comte de Provence, brother of the new King Louis XVI.
He commissioned Jean-François Chalgrin to continue the work. From the Revolution onwards, the complex became a military quarter, before the pavilion and stables were separated in 1902: the latter became the Hôtel de Police.
The other part was acquired by the Versailles Chamber of Commerce and Industry in 1937. It retains some fine decor and remarkable works relating to the last mistress of Louis XV.
Jardins familiaux des petits bois
Guided tour of the Paul Philippe site, which has been awarded the Jardin remaquable label, with a presentation of the history of the association and its site by members of the association.
Versailles Masonic Lodge
The visit is divided into 2 parts:
- viewing of a short film presenting the masonry (15/20mn)
- guided tour of the Temple with questions from the public (15/20mn)
The visit can also be used as an opportunity to talk individually with a mason.
The Mills of Versailles
To celebrate its 120th anniversary, the mill is opening its doors to the public on Saturday September 20, giving you access to the second floor of the building, which is usually closed to the public, and the opportunity to sign up for guided tours.
Registration details will be posted on our website and social networks in early September.
Lambinet Museum
Through readings of humorous and poetic children's books, children dream up imaginary or real constructions.
For children aged 2 to 6
With registration
45 min.
Young and old alike can assemble and personalize their own paper model of the museum with the decor of their choice.
For all ages, from 6 upwards
### 3pm: guided tour of the architecture of the Musée Lambinet, a former private mansion
Visitors will learn about the architectural evolution of the Musée Lambinet since its construction in the 18th century. Decoration, location in the neighborhood and interior design will all be covered.
For all, aged 10 and over
Registration required
1h
2:30 pm: Photo rally "The museum district in pictures
Participants embark on a voyage of discovery of emblematic places in the Notre-Dame district around the museum. Using the museum's paintings as a starting point, they will search for the places depicted with the help of a map, then capture them in photos, accompanied by a teacher from the Ecole des Beaux-Arts de Versailles.
1 accompanying adult compulsory - Bring camera or cell phone - Rally can be adapted indoors in case of bad weather.
For all, aged 8 and over
Registration required
2h
Lecture "Les hôtels particuliers en France au XVIIIe siècle, architecture et vie sociale" by Ronan Bouttier, lecturer in the history of modern architecture at Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne. Ages 10 and up. 1h followed by a discussion.
A parent must be present for each activity with a child.
Limited number of seats (60).
Salle du Jeu de Paume
June 20, 1789 marks the entry of the Salle du Jeu de Paume in Versailles into French history. From being an exercise hall under Louis XIV, it became the birthplace of French democracy, linked to an important episode in the French Revolution.
Versailles Temple
Welcome and guided tours of the Protestant temple, inaugurated in 1882.
Welcome and guided tours of the Protestant temple, inaugurated in 1882.
Judicial Tribunal
On the occasion of the European Heritage Days, the President and the Public Prosecutor open the doors of the Versailles Judicial Court. Along with other members of the court, they are offering guided tours, accompanied by members of the court staff, who will introduce you to the buildings that make up the court and explain how justice works on a daily basis.
Yvelines prefecture and department hotel
The Prefecture, Hôtel de la Présidence, 1871-1879
During the European Heritage Days, come and discover the Prefecture and the Hôtel du Département des Yvelines, two emblematic buildings in the heart of Versailles.
In this city born of the will of one man, Louis XIV, and once again the capital of France in the XIXᵉ century, visitors will have the pleasure of immersing themselves in an exceptional heritage.
Amidst decor and furnishings that have remained intact, let yourself be transported back to 1871, when the King of Prussia was crowned in the Hall of Mirrors.
Built under Napoleon III, the Yvelines prefecture offers a unique setting for reliving the great hours of Republican history.
The 2025 edition will feature the Third Republic, to mark the 150th anniversary of the Republic.
For the occasion, the Prefecture and the Hôtel du Département will open their doors to the public:
* A tour of the historic rooms and areas,
* Exhibition of objects and old documents,
* Lecture by Mr. Fabien Oppermann on the history and role of these prestigious venues.
A not-to-be-missed event to discover or rediscover the rich heritage of Yvelines and celebrate the Republic's heritage together.
Passage Abbé Picard, Lycée la Bruyère
Practical information workshop on the Art of the Espalier tree, including planting, pruning, maintenance, etc.
In the presence of volunteers from the following associations
Association des Amis du Potager du Roi (in the presence of the former head gardener of the Potager du Roi)
ARAP (Association des Riverains de l'Avenue de Paris)
Lycée La Bruyère
Hermitage of Madame de Pompadour
Visit the premises, artists' studios and decorative painting demonstration.
Church of Notre-Dame-des-Armées
Guided tour of the Notre-Dame des Armées chapel
How about a Heritage Day in Versailles? Happy Heritage Days in the Yvelines!
Dates and Opening Time
From September 20, 2025 to September 21, 2025
Location
Versailles
78000 Versailles
78000 Versailles
Recommended age
For all
Official website
www.versailles.fr
