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!
Paris - Control Center
SNCF Réseau: Guided tour of the control center
Serving as the nerve center of the Île-de-France rail network, the SNCF Réseau Control Center operates around the clock to keep facilities functioning smoothly. From this strategic hub, the teams monitor the network remotely and coordinate responses in the event of incidents or disruptions. On the occasion of European Heritage Days, the Control Center will open its doors to the public for a limited time, offering a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse of a usually off-limits site and a clearer understanding of the vital role played by the staff who, every day, help safeguard and optimize the railway network.
Participation conditions: Limited to 6 people per group - Free | Reservation required - https://affluences.com/fr/sites/centre-de-supervision-ile-de-france-sncf
Schedule: Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 9:00–9:45, 10:00–10:45, 11:00–11:45, 13:00–13:45, 14:00–14:45, 15:00–15:45
Exclusive tour of the Île-de-France control center
Come explore a strategic site that is usually off-limits to the public.
A genuine nerve center, this operations hub delivers real-time monitoring, analysis, and control of the facilities. It plays a crucial role in ensuring service continuity and managing incidents.
Guided by on-site professionals, discover the center’s missions, the tools it employs, and the stakes involved in supervision and data management.
An unprecedented immersion at the heart of a system essential to daily operations.
Participation requirements: 6 people per group - Free
Schedule: Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 09:00–09:45, 10:00–10:45, 11:00–11:45, 13:00–13:45, 14:00–14:45, 15:00–15:45
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
Discover the facilities and the roles involved in rolling-stock maintenance at the Clichy Technicentre. SNCF Voyageurs Normandie Lines maintenance technicians will be on site to give you a glimpse into their daily work and to explain what they do, right on the trains housed in the workshop.
Participation requirements: Bookings open on September 3, for ages 8 and up, long pants and closed-toe shoes are mandatory. - Free | Booking required - https://affluences.com/fr/sites/atelier-de-maintenance-de-clichy
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: PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED starting September 3 at 12:00. Visit https://patrimoine.sncf.com for the full SNCF JEP program. 25 participants per time slot / Long pants and closed-toe shoes mandatory, stroller access not allowed - Free | Registration required - https://affluences.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 conditions: PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED from September 3 at 12:00. Visit 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://affluences.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: Mandatory pre-registration opens September 3 at 12:00. Visit https://patrimoine.sncf.com for the full SNCF Heritage Days program. 25 people per time slot / Pants and closed-toe shoes required, stroller access not allowed - Free | Reservation required - https://affluences.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 conditions: Pre-registration required starting September 3 at 12:00. Head to https://patrimoine.sncf.com for the full SNCF European Heritage Days program. Limited to 14 attendees per time slot / no stroller access - Free | Reservation required - https://affluences.com
Schedule: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 09:00–10:15, 10:30–11:45, 12:00–13:15
Heritage Days 2026: stations and trains opening their doors to railway enthusiasts
Young and old alike, trains and railway stations captivate a lot of people. If that’s you, rejoice: many railway spaces will be open to visitors on September 19 and 20, 2026, for this 2026 edition of Heritage Days. [Read more]
Dates and Opening Time
From September 19, 2026 to September 20, 2026
Location
Paris
75 Paris
Official website
www.sncf.com
Heritage Days 2026: stations and trains opening their doors to railway enthusiasts
