Heritage Days 2026 at the Quai d'Orsay, the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs in Paris.

The Journées du Patrimoine are back on the weekend of September 19-20, 2026. During this special gathering, enthusiasts and the curious enjoy a rich lineup of events at the heart of our finest heritage. A chance to stock up on cultural tips through open or guided visits, often free, as well as activities and experiences designed for all ages. In Paris and Île-de-France, many venues take part, letting everyone find a program that matches their passion!

The Heritage Days are also the perfect moment to take in the exceptional openings of places that are usually off-limits to the public, including several ministries. These sites are often tucked away inside magnificent private mansions, where you can uncover their secrets and treasures during this rare opportunity.

Thus, the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs welcomes you during the 43rd edition of the Heritage Days, scheduled for the weekend of September 19–20, 2026. Built in the mid-19th century, it is also nicknamed the Quai d’Orsay for its riverside location along the Seine.

• To be read
• This week's best tips and deals in Paris and Île-de-France, June 29–July 5, 2026

The 2026 Heritage Days program at the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs in Paris

• A Tour of the Quai d'Orsay — Exhibitions, Meetings and Activities

  Started in 1844 and completed in 1855 under Napoleon III, the Hôtel du Ministre des Affaires étrangères stands as a hallmark of Second Empire decorative art, blending motifs drawn from Antiquity, the Renaissance, and the classical era. A place of memory, it has hosted major international negotiations, from the 1856 Paris Treaty that ended the Crimean War to the 1919 Treaty of Versailles that concluded World War I. It is also here that Robert Schuman, then foreign minister, delivered his famous founding declaration for European unity on May 9, 1950. As a residence, the hotel welcomed sovereigns and heads of state on official visits to France up until 1973. Among these memorable stays was the 1938 visit by British monarchs, which prompted significant renovations, including the creation of the so‑called king’s and queen’s bathrooms.

  Authentic masterpieces of interior design, these two rooms—accessible to the public during the European Heritage Days—deserve a place in any anthology of 1930s decorative art. As a workplace, the Hôtel du Ministre des Affaires étrangères has occupied the same premises since the mid-19th century. Today, however, Foreign Ministry staff—about 4,000 in France—are spread across the buildings adjacent to the hotel as well as four other sites in the Île-de-France region and in Nantes.

  Eligibility: Registration opens 15 days before the event - Free | Booking required

  Hours: Saturday, September 19, 2026 – 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM | Sunday, September 20, 2026 – 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM

Le programme est mis à jour en fonction des annonces officielles.