Calling all art, history, and culture enthusiasts! An unforgettable journey awaits in the heart of Argenteuil in the Val-d'Oise during the Journées du Patrimoine, on September 19 and 20, 2026. This prestigious nationwide event invites people of all ages to explore the hidden treasures of our cultural, architectural, and historical heritage.
The Journées du Patrimoine (Heritage Days), a brilliant and daring concept, open the doors to monuments, museums and other buildings that often contain unsuspected wonders. It's the perfect opportunity to discover or rediscover places steeped in history, accessible for just a few days.
In Argenteuil, a city of art and history, culture is not to be outdone. From the banks of the Seine to the picturesque alleyways, this commune is brimming with treasures. The Basilique Saint-Denys, thehistoric Cavaillé-Coll organ and the Musée Sauvage are just some of the jewels in the town's cultural crown. From painting to music to architecture, Argenteuil never ceases to charm and amaze.
But what would Argenteuil be without its rich and fascinating history? Once a prized resort for kings, the town has been immortalized by great artists such as Monet, whose house is well worth a visit. Argenteuil is also home to one of France's oldest abbeys, founded in the 7th century. Its vineyards, bucolic landscapes and industrial heritage are just some of the facets that define the identity of this multi-faceted town.
In short, the Argenteuil Heritage Days are much more than just an event: they're an invitation to escape, to discover and to be enchanted. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned connoisseur, prepare to be seduced by this unique cultural journey, in a town where every stone, every painting, every note of music tells a story. Argenteuil awaits you for an unforgettable journey through time and art!
Basilica of Saint-Denis
Guided stroll "In the Footsteps of the Swiss Guards in Argenteuil"
The Swiss Guards had long been, since Louis XI, a true elite unit of the royal army, and a single company—about 500 men—garrisoned Argenteuil during the 17th and 18th centuries. This guided urban stroll will illuminate their privileged status, their lasting imprint on the town, and their eventual departure, through a wealth of historical references along a roughly 3-kilometer route.
BY THE ARGENTEUIL AND PARISIS HISTORICAL AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY
Meet at the apse of the Saint-Denys Basilica, rue des Ouches
Participation terms: Meet at the apse of Saint-Denys Basilica, Rue des Ouches – Free | No reservation required
Schedule: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM
Guided Walk: "A Spiritual and Historic Route Through the City Center"
Over a 2-kilometer route, this urban stroll traces the rise and fall of the religious communities once active in the city center. The remnants visible on façades, the vanished seminary, the Bernardines, the Ursulines, the Augustinians, and the Jansensist phenomenon will all be brought to light. The walk concludes with a visit to the Reformed Protestant Temple.
Meet at 3:30 p.m. on the forecourt of Saint-Denys Basilica, Place Jean Eurieult
Terms of participation: Free | No reservation required
Schedule: Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM
City Hall
Miniature Train Circuit
Hop aboard a miniature electric train for a guided tour that reveals the city through the eyes of Claude Monet, the painter who spent seven years immortalizing Argenteuil.
Runs hourly. The last departure is at 5 p.m.
Pick up your tickets at the welcome/information desk in the Town Hall park.
Depart from the Robida parking lot behind the Town Hall.
Participation requirements: Free | No reservation required
Hours: Saturday, September 19, 2026, 2:00 PM–6:00 PM | Sunday, September 20, 2026, 2:00 PM–6:00 PM
The Atelier, Abbey Gardens
Self-guided tour of the exhibition "Seine de vie, de Paris à l'Estuaire"
Come explore the new temporary exhibition "Seine de Vie, from Paris to the Estuary," a traveling show co-created by the MUS - Museum of Urban and Social History in Suresnes and MuséoSeine in Caudebec-en-Caux. Rare archives from the city’s municipal collection will also be on display.
A journey into the history of the river that has shaped the region’s geography.
Participation requirements: Free | No reservation required
Opening hours: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 11:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. | Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 11:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
Dinner is served!
Tablescaping is a time-honored craft. Come color your meals by crafting a Seine-inspired landscape on beautifully customized napkins. In collaboration with the Municipal Archives, this workshop echoes an introduction to calligraphy and embroidery.
Participation requirements: 12 people at a time - Free | No reservation
Hours: Saturday, 19 September 2026 — 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM | Sunday, 20 September 2026 — 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Guided tour of the exhibition "Seine of Life: From Paris to the Estuary"
Tag along as you explore the touring exhibition "Seine de Vie, de Paris à l'Estuaire". A look at the history of a river deeply transformed by human activity since the 19th century.
Participation Conditions: Limited to 25 people — Free | No reservation required
Hours: Saturday, September 19, 2026 – 2:00 PM to 2:45 PM, 5:00 PM to 5:45 PM | Sunday, September 20, 2026 – 2:00 PM to 2:45 PM, 5:00 PM to 5:45 PM
Candlelight Concert: The Four Volutes
The Four Volutes invite you on a time-traveling concert, presenting a program devoted to French composers of the Belle Époque. Chabrier, Debussy, Ravel and Fauré will draw you into the heart of the era’s French musical aesthetics, in the shadow of Claude Monet. A contemporary piece by Florestan Gauthier, continuing this aesthetic lineage, will complete the program. Featuring: Éloïse GAUTHIER, violin; Émilie MELLARDI, violin; Florestan GAUTHIER, viola and composition; Ershad VAEZTHERANI, double bass
Participation requirements: Free | No reservation required
Schedule: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 8:30 PM to 10:00 PM
The Adriel Company presents a theatrical improv show
Adriel's A Team presents an improvised show where anything can happen. Here, the performers don’t know what they’ll play… and the audience doesn’t know what they’ll discover. Between quirky game rounds, cabaret, dubbing and a match, spontaneity reigns. Scenes unfold with twists, laughter and emotion for the whole family. A unique, live moment, created before your eyes and with you.
Participation requirements: Free | No reservation required
Schedule : Sunday, September 20, 2026 – 3:00–4:00 PM, 5:00–6:00 PM
Escape room – Who stole the Holy Tunic?
The relic of the Holy Tunic was kept at the abbey. Sadly, it has disappeared. Set off to meet several emblematic figures from the Notre-Dame d'Argenteuil Abbey and help crack this mystery.
Suitable for ages 10 and up.
Participants are asked to check in at 6:15 p.m. Thank you.
Participation requirements: Limited to 15 people - Free | Booking mandatory - reservations.patrimoine@ville-argenteuil.fr, 0134234250
Schedule: Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM
The Imagerie
The magic of cyanotype: create your own portrait!
In 2026, photography celebrates its 200th anniversary. To mark the milestone, begin by having a studio portrait taken, then make your own cyanotype print from your image—an ancient photographic process that reveals striking Prussian blue tones.
You’ll walk away with a one‑of‑a‑kind work born from your own touch, while discovering the secrets of a technique that lies at the roots of modern photography.
Participation requirements: Free entry or register by emailing valerie@limagerie.fr or by calling 06 84 43 54 74 - Free | Booking required - valerie@limagerie.fr, 06 84 43 54 74
Hours: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM | Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM
The Cellar
Escape Game: Trace Your City 2
Join the second edition of Trace Ta Ville, an urban escape game celebrating Argenteuil’s heritage. Team up to tackle challenges, crack puzzles, and explore Argenteuil’s open-air museum. Blending heritage, observation, and teamwork, discover the city from a fresh perspective. A new feature this year: an augmented reality route will add a hi-tech twist to the adventure.
Participation requirements: Free, booking required. For ages 12 and up — Free | Booking required — https://www.argenteuil.fr/fr
Hours: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM
A Journey to the Center of the Mandolin
Flavien Soyer and Florentino Calvo, musicians with Pincées Musicales and the Estudiantina of Argenteuil, present a rich, varied repertoire that highlights the mandolin’s multiple facets, an instrument deeply rooted in Argenteuil’s cultural heritage.
Participation requirements: Free | No reservation required
Schedule: Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM
Forecourt of Argenteuil railway station
Guided discovery tour of the Impressionist panels
On the occasion of the centenary of Claude Monet's death in 2026, the town of Argenteuil unveils for European Heritage Days 2026 a trail that reveals the exact spots where Monet painted several works that have since become legendary.
A route punctuated by panels marking these locations, letting visitors time-travel back to Argenteuil at the end of the 19th century.
To be explored on guided tours Saturdays and Sundays at 11:00.
Participation requirements: Free | No reservation required
Times: Saturday, September 19, 2026, 11:00–12:30 | Sunday, September 20, 2026, 11:00–12:30
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Dates and Opening Time
From September 19, 2026 to September 20, 2026
Location
Argenteuil
95100 Argenteuil
95100 Argenteuil
Route planner
Accessibility info
Access
Transilien line J "gare d'Argenteuil" station
Prices
Free
Official website
www.argenteuil.fr
