Heritage Days 2026: at the heart of SNCF in Paris and Île-de-France

Heritage Days are back in Paris and Île-de-France on the weekend of September 19–20, 2026. For railway enthusiasts, we unveil the program of tours and activities that SNCF has in store for you.

The Journées du Patrimoine (Heritage Days ) are just one more opportunity to take advantage of a wide range of cultural offers. It's a major event that takes place every year in September. The concept? A program of visits, events and workshops for young and old, often free of charge, to showcase the finest treasures of our heritage.

In Paris and Île-de-France, museums, monuments, castles, and even embassies, institutions or ministries are lining up for the delight of enthusiasts and the curious. This year, this high point of the Parisian cultural calendar is set to unfold on the weekend of September 19–20, 2026 for a 43rd edition.

You’re passionate about the railway world, so this is your chance to go after the big players in transport! Among the must-sees, you’ll typically find, on one side, the RATP, the Régie Autonome des Transports Parisiens, and on the other, the SNCF, or National Company of French Railways. The latter unveils its program in Paris and Île-de-France for this new edition of the Heritage Days. We take stock of the tours and activities planned in the capital for this exceptional weekend!

The SNCF Heritage Days 2026 program:

Châtillon – SNCF Atlantic Technicentre

Explore the Technicentre Atlantique
On the occasion of Heritage Days, we invite you to step behind the doors of the Technicentre Atlantique and discover a world that is often little known—human, technical, and innovative at its core. You’ll be able to tour our workshops, watch the maintenance process of the trains, talk with our teams, and gain a clearer understanding of the professions that keep the TGV Inoui running daily in optimal condition.

Whether you’re curious, a rail enthusiast, visiting with family, or simply eager to explore a flagship site in Châtillon, we’ll be delighted to welcome you for a day of discovery and conviviality.

See you soon at the Technicentre Atlantique!
Participation guidelines: Bicycles and strollers cannot be parked here. The route features numerous obstacles and elevation changes (track installations, crossings over the rails). - Free | Reservation required - https://patrimoine.sncf.com
Hours : Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 09:00 to 17:00

Clichy — SNCF Voyages Technicentre Normandy

Guided tour of rolling stock maintenance
An in-depth look at the facilities and the roles involved in maintaining the rolling stock that operates on the Normandy network. Maintenance agents from SNCF Voyageurs’ Normandy Lines will be on hand to explain their work on the trains on site.
Participation requirements: Registration opens on September 3, 2026 at https://affluences.com/. For the full SNCF JEP program, visit https://patrimoine.sncf.com. Closed-toe sneakers are mandatory, and children must be at least 8 years old. Free | Reservation required - https://patrimoine.sncf.com/
Hours: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Nanterre — SNCF Training Campus

Discover the careers in railway infrastructure at SNCF RÉSEAU's Paris-Nanterre training campus: Electrical Signalling / Track Platform
The SNCF RESEAU Training Campus will, exceptionally, open its doors to the public for a site tour led by our instructors. A unique opportunity to discover careers in railway infrastructure, with a particular focus on Maintenance and Works. The Campus offers training across most specialties, including Track, Equipment Operator (CREQ), Civil Engineering Works, Electrical Engineering (general service, mechanical service, catenary), Telecom, and Telecom Links.

By reservation, the public will be able to discover Electrical Signalling and the Track Technical Platform.
Participation conditions: Registration on https://affluences.com/ opens on September 3. See https://patrimoine.sncf.com for the full SNCF Heritage Days program. 25 people per time slot / long pants and closed-toe shoes mandatory, stroller access not allowed - Free | Reservation required - https://patrimoine.sncf.com
Schedule: Saturday, September 19, 2026 - 09:00 ⤏ 10:15, 10:30 ⤏ 11:45, 12:00 ⤏ 13:15
Discover railway careers at the SNCF RÉSEAU Training Campus in Paris-Nanterre: the secure mobile rail network / locomotive-driving simulator
The SNCF RESEAU Training Campus is opening its doors to the public for an exceptional site tour led by our instructors. A unique chance to discover the world of railway infrastructure, with a particular focus on Maintenance and Works. The Campus offers training that covers most specialties, including: Track, Equipment Operator (CREQ), Civil Engineering Structures, Electrical Engineering (General Services, Mechanical Services, Catenary), Telecom, and Telecom Links.

By reservation, the public will be able to explore the secure rail communications network and the Equipment Driving Simulator.
Participation requirements: Registration opens on https://affluences.com/ starting September 3. Visit https://patrimoine.sncf.com for the full SNCF JEP program. 25 people per time slot / pants and closed-toe shoes required, no stroller access - Free | Reservation required - https://patrimoine.sncf.com
Timings: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 09:00–10:15, 10:30–11:45, 12:00–13:15
Discover the careers in railway infrastructure at the SNCF RÉSEAU Training Campus in Paris-Nanterre: Catenary / Telecom Stands
The SNCF RESEAU Training Campus is opening its doors to the public for a guided site tour led by our instructors. A unique chance to explore the world of railway infrastructure, with a focus on Maintenance and Works. The Campus offers training that covers most specialties, including Track, Equipment Operator (CREQ), Civil Engineering Structures, Electrical Engineering (general services, mechanical services, catenary), Telecommunications, and Telecom Linkages.

By reservation, the public will be able to visit the catenary system and the Telecom stands.
Participation requirements: Registration opens on September 3 at https://affluences.com/. For the full SNCF Heritage Days (JEP) program, visit https://patrimoine.sncf.com. 25 people per time slot / long pants and closed-toe shoes required; no stroller access - Free | Mandatory reservation - https://patrimoine.sncf.com
Schedule: Saturday, 19 September 2026 — 09:00–10:15, 10:30–11:45, 12:00–13:15

Nanterre – Training campus for construction, Challenge 92

Come tour a MISTRAL simulator at SNCF Réseau's Paris-Nanterre training campus
The SNCF RESEAU Training Campus is exceptionally opening its doors to the public for a tour led by our trainers. A unique opportunity to explore the rail-traffic control profession, and in particular the centralized traffic management system (MISTRAL).

By reservation, the public will be able to get a look at the MISTRAL simulator.
Participation requirements: Registration opens on https://affluences.com/ starting September 3. For the full SNCF Heritage Days program, visit https://patrimoine.sncf.com. 14 people per time slot / no stroller access - Free | Booking essential - https://patrimoine.sncf.com
Schedule: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 09:00–10:15, 10:30–11:45, 12:00–13:15

Heritage Days 2026: Stations and trains to discover for rail enthusiasts
Big or small, trains and stations captivate a wide audience. If that describes you, rejoice: many railway spaces will be open for visits this weekend of September 19–20, 2026, for the 43rd Heritage Days. [Read more]