As in every self-respecting month of September , the Journées Européennes du Patrimoine (European Heritage Days) bring together hundreds of thousands (or even millions) of curious visitors to discover France's rich heritage. In Paris, you'd be hard-pressed to miss any of the major tours on offer (which can sometimes involve a half-day's queue!): the Senate, ministries, theNational Assembly, historic monuments... And yet, far less popular, there are some wonderful tours waiting for you throughout theÎle-de-France region, with a heritage that is sometimes little-known, but always rich in gems to discover or rediscover during this 2025 edition of the Journées du Patrimoine.
In theEssonne department,Orsay is best known for being one of the towns most concerned by the new Paris-Saclay science campus. If you're visiting the town for the Journées Européennes du Patrimoine 2025, be sure to take a stroll through the Parc de la Bouvêche, the campus of the Université Paris-Sud (part of the Paris-Saclay campus) and take a tour of this small town where modernity meets relics of the past. Without further ado, discover the program for the Journées du Patrimoine 2025 in Orsay!
Heritage Days 2025 in Saclay (91): The program in the town
The Journées du Patrimoine will be held in the town of Saclay in the Essonne region on the weekend of September 20 and 21, 2025. Discover the program of events and visits awaiting us in this commune of the 91 département for this 42nd edition. So, are you ready for a weekend of exceptional visits and cultural highlights? [Read more]
University Library of Orsay
Aucun événement annoncé à ce jour, le programme est mis à jour en fonction des annonces officielles.
Corbeville Estate in Orsay
Aucun événement annoncé à ce jour, le programme est mis à jour en fonction des annonces officielles.
Orsay Church
Organ presentation followed by a recital by the organist of the Orsay church.
Take part in an escape-game rooted in the history of the Institut de Chimie Physique, combining puzzles, science and heritage.
You'll find yourself back in the 80s, in the Radiation Physicochemistry Laboratory. Jacqueline Belloni's team, specialized in radiolysis techniques, uses an electron gas pedal, the Febetron. Thanks to their studies, the researchers were able to considerably increase the sensitivity of photo films. These results are of particular interest to AGFA-Gaevert, and their representatives are due to attend a demonstration. They arrive in 1 hour, but the team is nowhere to be found... it's vital to get the Febetron up and running as soon as possible! Can you rise to the challenge and save this ill-fated demonstration?
Sessions for groups of 4 or 5. Registration for 1/2/3 people possible, groups will be completed by other participants. Minimum age 12.
Exact times of sessions :
Saturday :
- 12h45 to 14h
- 2:20 pm to 3:35 pm
- 4pm to 5:15pm
- 5:35pm to 6:50pm
Sunday :
- 1pm to 2:15pm
- 2.45pm to 4pm
- 4:30 pm to 5:45 pm
Guided tour by Patrice Godard, head of cultural heritage development at Université Paris-Saclay, accompanied by three professional musicians Célestine Asselin, Thomas Cordero and Charlotte Faure.
The Gorgon sculpture is the work of renowned artist Vincent Barré, a former architect and studio head at the Beaux-Arts de Paris. Located on the second floor and visible from the main entrance hall, it now greets all visitors to ISMO. For the sculptor, present at the inauguration, "this intriguing figure and its 11 kilos of wood are a fine counterweight to the modern building's majestic, uncluttered appearance".
The 16 prints, which can be admired on the various floors of the ISMO, are the work of internationally renowned artists: among the most famous are the ironic Ben and his "Freedom or Death", and the German artist Baselitz, known in particular for his upside-down figures. A very minimalist etching by Pierrette Bloch, lithographs by Bertrand Vivin, Titus-Carmel, Villeglé, Furudoi, Julien Tiberi, Jean Hucleux, a linocut by Frédérique Lucien, an aquatint by Dominique Labauvie, an etching on paper by Bernard Moninot, a lenticular print by Dorotte et Pagès, an acrylic painting by Takis, a silkscreen by Gérald Petit and a digital print by Detanico et Lain, all of which are often as poetic as they are mysterious, and all of which are invitations to discovery. A number of these works were acquired by Cnap to celebrate the bicentenary of the French Revolution.
This deposit complements 5 major works installed in the laboratory over the past year. Acquired thanks to ISMO researcher Philippe Roncin, this collection includes paintings by painters celebrated at the end of the 20th century. Among them are Robert Wogensky, Jean Vérame, Jacques Vimard and Yves Lévêque.
Last but not least, a work of art from the 1% artistic program opposite the ISMO closes the visit. This is a sculpture in the form of a futuristic garden by the renowned contemporary artist Hicham Berrada.
La Clarté-Dieu is located in the grounds of the former seigniorial château d'Orsay. With its pond, it's a lung of breath, biodiversity and contemplation.
Meet us at 3 p.m. sharp for a guided tour.
Exhibition of artists Blaise and Laurence Mallart
Porcelain artist and designer
Sculptures and unique porcelain pieces
https:// www.mosaiqueorsay.com
https:// www.laurence-mallart-porcelaine.com/
http://blaise-sculpture.blogspot.com
Dive into the world of electromagnetic waves through an exhibition of the scientific instrumental heritage of the University of Paris-Saclay.
Come and learn more about the electromagnetic spectrum and how it is and has been used in scientific practices at the University. It will also be showcased through demonstrations of selected instruments.
Ages 12 and up.
La Bouveche, Tower workshop
Open house workshops
Printmaking workshop: exhibition and workshop on press printing
Francesc Bordas mixed-media painting workshop: exhibition and information
Université Paris Saclay Lumen
### Discover the Lumen, innovative architecture on the Moulon plateau
The Lumen is a University of Paris-Saclay building open to the public since September 2023. A place of study, culture and innovation, it was designed by Laurent Beaudouin and MGM Morales Arquitectos: come and discover an iconic shape on the outside that conceals a variety of inspiring spaces on the inside.
In conjunction with the Lumen exhibition "La France en Antarctique - Les Expéditions Polaires Françaises de 1947 à 1987", come and watch a continuous analysis of an ice core.
In conjunction with the Lumen exhibition "La France en Antarctique - Les Expéditions Polaires Françaises de 1947 à 1987" (France in Antarctica - French Polar Expeditions from 1947 to 1987), join us for a talk on the history and current status of Antarctic ice core studies for climate reconstruction.
Enjoy a 45-minute guided tour of the temporary exhibition "La France en Antarctique - Les Expéditions Polaires Françaises de 1947 à 1987".
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Dates and Opening Time
From September 20, 2025 to September 21, 2025
Location
City of Orsay
orsay
91400 Orsay
Official website
www.mairie-orsay.fr
