Take part in the Heritage Days to explore Île-de-France and uncover a host of cities with surprising charms. On the September 19 and 20, 2026, history enthusiasts will be roaming the monuments, museums and other remarkable buildings, often free, during guided tours, workshops, strolls or various activities. And the Yvelines offer plenty for budding historians, with many medieval remains and traces of the kings of France passing through the region.
Located in the Mauldre valley, the town of Beynes bears many traces of the Middle Ages. As early as the 8th century, the territory was attached to the Abbey of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, but in 1181 it became the seigneury of the House of Montfort. Later, Robert VII d'Estouteville had a fortified castle built as part of the town's defense of Paris against the English. In 1536, King Henri II presented the entire estate to Diane de Poitiers.
Its fortified castle, of which only ruins remain today, was built on an important defensive axis, particularly during the Hundred Years' War, linking Orléans to Beauvais. After the passage of the king's mistress, it became a place for strolling and relaxation, like other Renaissance castles. Unfortunately, it was abandoned and turned into a stone quarry, before being bought back and listed as a Monument Historique in 1959. Today, the moat is a popular destination for visitors!
Heritage Days 2026: a fantastic program to discover in Yvelines (78)
There’s plenty to do for Heritage Days 2026 in Yvelines! On Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20, 2026, head to the numerous castles and museums in the 78 that will open their doors for guided tours, workshops, and memorable moments to share. [Read more]
A tour of Beynes Castle
The Beynes History and Heritage Association invites you to discover Beynes Castle and its history, with on-site inscriptions.
An exhibition tracing the evolution of the castle from the 11th to the 16th century.
Participation conditions: Limited to 15 people — Free | No reservation required
Schedule: Saturday, September 19, 2026 – 2:00 PM ⤏ 3:00 PM, 3:00 PM ⤏ 4:00 PM, 4:00 PM ⤏ 5:00 PM, 5:00 PM ⤏ 6:00 PM | Sunday, September 20, 2026 – 10:15 AM ⤏ 11:15 AM, 11:15 AM ⤏ 12:15 PM, 12:15 PM ⤏ 1:15 PM, 2:00 PM ⤏ 3:00 PM, 3:00 PM ⤏ 4:00 PM, 4:00 PM ⤏ 5:00 PM, 5:00 PM ⤏ 6:00 PM
Recreating a 15th-century camp of Italian merchants by Le Comptoir de Lucques
The Lucques Counter brings 15th‑century Italian merchants to life. Explore spices through a scent-led game, test your defense with polearm drills, and discover a 15th‑century armory, with kids invited to try their hand at a javelin throw.
The encampment opens for visits on Saturday from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM and Sunday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with activities throughout.
How to participate: Free | No booking required
Schedule: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 14:00–14:30, 16:00–16:30 | Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 10:00–10:30, 14:30–15:00, 17:30–18:00
3D Videos of the Castle and the Church
The City presents two films: first, a 3D video that tells the Château’s story and, with drone footage, lets you step inside the fortress, explore its architecture, and trace its evolution—especially through the blend of contemporary images with a scale model of the castle after the Renaissance renovations carried out for Diane de Poitiers by King’s architect Philibert de l’Orme. Second, a 3D film focused on the Church—its history, its development since the XIIth century, and an overview of the numerous objects designated as Historical Monuments.
Participation requirements: Free | No reservation required
Hours: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM | Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Exhibition - Calligraphy Workshop
This activity is part of the "It's My Heritage" initiative. Through after-school workshops, children were introduced to the medieval art of illumination.
Workshop on Saturday afternoon, with an exhibition on Sunday.
Participation conditions: Free | No reservation required
Hours: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM | Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Exhibition — Archaeological Workshop
Come discover the artifacts found in the castle and restored by the Beynes History and Heritage Association. Volunteers will demonstrate and introduce you to restoration techniques.
Participation requirements: Free of charge | No reservation required
Hours: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM | Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Recreating a medieval military encampment
Come discover the Excalibur association's medieval military camp, dedicated to the regular practice of European Historical Martial Arts (medieval fencing), and featuring combat demonstrations with explanations of the weapons and the medieval history of fighting.
Conditions of participation: Free | No reservation required
Hours: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM | Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Bobbin lace embroidery demonstration
Bobbin lace demonstration and an exhibition of the members' works from the Les Aiguilles de la Mauldre association
Participation requirements: Free | No booking required
Hours: Saturday, 19 September 2026 — 14:00–18:00 | Sunday, 20 September 2026 — 10:00–18:00
Medieval board games
The Beynes Libraries invite you to discover board games with a medieval theme
Participation conditions: Free | No reservation required
Schedule: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 2:00 PM → 6:00 PM
Dance performance: "Diane's Gift"
Dance performance by the Corps Accords de Jazz association in Beynes Castle's moat: "Diane's Gift"
Participation conditions: Free | No booking required
Schedules: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 2:30 PM to 3:00 PM, 4:30 PM to 5:00 PM
Heritage at Risk Exhibition
An exhibition by the Beynes-based association Mémoires et Histoire de Beynes of photographs illustrating the town’s small heritage, its evolution, and the restorations undertaken.
Participation requirements: Free | No reservation required
Hours: Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
The Play "Heritage"
Theatre troupe "Collectif Gueule de Bois" presents a new play titled "Heritage" that guides audiences through a cast of historical, contemporary, and fictional figures linked to the history of Beynes Castle. This activity is part of the European Heritage Days program. The Collective has run theatre workshops for the municipality’s young people and will showcase the results during the European Heritage Days, featuring professional actors, other amateur performers, and the workshop’s teenage participants.
Participation terms: Free | No reservation required
Schedule: Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 11:00–12:00, 16:00–17:00
Visit to Beynes Church
Guided tours organized by the Beynes History and Heritage Association to showcase the 12th‑century Saint-Martin Church, which houses numerous items listed as Historic Monuments.
Participation conditions: Free | No reservations required
Hours : Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 10:30 AM–12:30 PM, 2:00 PM–5:00 PM
The Yvelines Heritage Days are yours!
Dates and Opening Time
From September 19, 2026 to September 20, 2026
Location
Beynes Castle
Place du 8 Mai 1945
78650 Beynes
Route planner
Accessibility info
Prices
Free
Heritage Days 2026: a fantastic program to discover in Yvelines (78)
