Each mid-September, it’s the event that brings together hundreds of thousands of curious visitors eager to learn what lies behind Paris’s seats of power, to discover secret places in the capital, and to get behind the scenes of historic monuments. Yes, the 43rd Journées du Patrimoine will be waiting for you across France, but especially in Paris and Île-de-France on Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20, 2026. So it’s a chance to enjoy unconventional tours, with family or not, to discover the most beautiful churches in Île-de-France, to explore some ministries... and to uncover, in short, places that only open on this occasion.
In Seine-Saint-Denis, the town of Pré-Saint-Gervais, in the Paris suburbs (just north of the 19th arrondissement), is the suburban municipality closest to central Paris, yet also the smallest in the 93 department. Once viewed as Pantin’s satellite, the town has kept in some districts a charming village feel that locals really appreciate. On the occasion of the 43rd Heritage Days, Pré-Saint-Gervais invites you to discover the town’s emblematic squares and sites.
Heritage Days 2026 at the Police Prefecture archives in Pré-Saint-Gervais
"Sensitive Archives" — A special tour of the Police Prefecture Archives
Hello to all listeners, and welcome to the RAPP, the radio arm of the Police prefecture Archives!
Today, dear listeners, we’re bringing you a new episode of our program “Sensitive Archives”. It’s a chance to dive into some rather peculiar archival files that shed light on the unique history of the Police prefecture and its evolution.
At the mic is Cécile L., with three experts who will each present a separate topic.
First, we’ll tread into the morgue to study its impressive registers and uncover a few chilling stories, introduced by Clément H..
Then we switch gears—from a cold, clinical atmosphere to something warmer...
We’ll enter a prison that no longer exists today but once played a key role in managing prostitution in Paris; the tour will be guided by Clémence K..
And finally, a topic a bit more timely, because this year—and through 2027—we’re celebrating the bicentennial of photography. Our last expert, Tristan G., comes at just the right moment to discuss the figure of Alphonse Bertillon and to showcase some entirely inédit glass plates and negatives!
An episode produced by PP Production, to be broadcast live on Saturday, September 19, 2026.
Participation conditions: Visits limited to 15 people per group – Registrations open from 28 August 2026 – Free | Reservation required - archivesdelaprefecturedepolice@interieur.gouv.fr, 01 53 71 61 15
Times : Saturday, September 19, 2026 – 10:00 ⤏ 11:00, 11:15 ⤏ 12:15, 14:00 ⤏ 15:00, 15:15 ⤏ 16:15, 16:30 ⤏ 17:30
Heritage Days 2026 at the Pré-Saint-Gervais Town Hall
Factory and activist memoirs in Le Pré-Saint-Gervais!
Le Pré Saint-Gervais has long been home to a string of notable factories—Gladiator, Rateau, Le Lit National, Les Couleurs de Paris, Le Jambon Français, and Chocolaterie des Lions among them. The town has also left its mark through political figures such as Jean-Baptiste Sémanaz, André Joineau, Lucienne Noublanche, Claude Bartolone, and, serving as a guiding emblem, Jean Jaurès with his pre-war oratory, spanning the era of the First World War and uniting workers beyond their divisions... Set off to meet these iconic figures and discover the town’s industrial heritage on a historical walk.
With Marc Giovaninetti of the History and Workers’ Memories Association
A town-wide historical stroll that begins in front of the town hall
Participation requirements: Reservation required | Free - http://exploreparis.com
Schedule: Saturday, September 19, 2026, 2:00–4:00 PM
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Heritage Days 2026 at Arnaud Briand's workshop in Pré-Saint-Gervais
Overview and demonstration of 3D statuary casting
Overview and live demonstration of 3D statue casting.
Participation conditions: Free | No reservation required
Hours: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 10:00–17:00
Heritage Days 2026 at the Church of the Holy Family in Pré-Saint-Gervais
Visit to the Church of the Holy Family
Discover this Romanesque-inspired church, where you can admire sumptuous Art Deco stained-glass windows. Among the highlights of this 1913 heritage site is a guided tour that unveils twelve historiated glass panels illustrating the life of Christ and the Virgin Mary, created in 1928 by master glazier Louis Barillet in an Art Deco spirit.
Participation conditions: Free | No reservation required
Opening hours: Saturday, September 19, 2026 – 10:00 to 12:00, 14:00 to 18:00 | Sunday, September 20, 2026 – 14:00 to 18:00
Heritage Days 2026 at the Aimé Césaire Garden in Pré-Saint-Gervais
Exhibition "Garden Cities: A Living Utopia"
What is a garden city? A city within a city? A place to live, to play, to play sports, and to meet up. Here at Le Pré, it’s a neighborhood with nearly a century of history. Twelve artists have discovered twelve garden cities, among them our beautiful Red Brick Estate. Come and see their impressions in pictures!
Exhibition from September 19 to October 19
Participation requirements: Free | No reservation required
Hours: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 00:00 to 23:30 | Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 00:00 to 23:30
Heritage Days 2026: the Trou Morin in Pré-Saint-Gervais under the spotlight
A Visit to the Morin Hole Viewpoint
The Trou-Morin spring, likely medieval in origin, underwent a major restoration in the 16th century and was updated again as recently as 2004. Step inside this preserved site where a plentiful, crystal-clear flow still runs today, directed beneath Avenue Édouard-Vaillant after its passage.
These tours are organized by the Sources du Nord Association – Studies and Preservation ASNEP
Participation requirements: Free | No reservation required
Hours: Saturday, September 19, 2026, 2:00 PM–6:00 PM | Sunday, September 20, 2026, 2:00 PM–5:00 PM
Heritage Days 2026 at Edmond Pépin Square in Pré-Saint-Gervais
Aucun événement annoncé à ce jour, le programme est mis à jour en fonction des annonces officielles.
Dates and Opening Time
From September 20, 2025 to September 21, 2025
Location
Pré Saint-Gervais
Le Pré-Saint-Gervais
93310 Pre Saint Gervais (Le)
Route planner
Access
Metro: Hoche, Porte des Lilas, Mairie des Lilas. Buses: 61, 48, 170.
Official website
www.villedupre.fr
