Heritage Days 2026: go behind the scenes at Paris’ Montparnasse Station

It's one of the capital's biggest stations, a hub of mobility that welcomes thousands of travelers every day: you're undoubtedly familiar with the Gare de Paris - Montparnasse, located on the border between the 6ᵉ, 14ᵉ and 15ᵉ arrondissements. Most of us have already walked the aisles and platforms of this station, but do you know what lies behind the doors reserved for SNCF staff?

On the occasion of the 43rd edition of the Journées du Patrimoine, the gare Montparnasse reveals its behind-the-scenes, with tours available by reservation only, on September 19, 2026.

Go behind the scenes of a railway station? Yes—during the Journées du Patrimoine, anything goes. This European cultural event takes place every September. On this weekend, thousands of places of art, history, and heritage open their doors to the public, letting everyone discover and appreciate the patrimoine and the richesse historique of our region. Thus, castles, museums, churches, artisans' workshops, leading fashion houses, restaurants, cemeteries, monuments and many more await us on 19 and 20 September 2026.

• To be read
• This week's top picks for July 6–12, 2026 in Paris and Île-de-France

The lineup for the 2026 Heritage Days at Paris-Montparnasse station:

• Visit to the Operations Control Centre at Paris Montparnasse railway station

  Come and visit the Paris-Montparnasse Operations Control Center (COEG) and its operations room to get a behind-the-scenes look at a major Paris rail hub and how railway services are managed. You’ll meet the people who work there and hear about the specialized roles that make it possible to welcome more than 70 million travelers each year in this living landmark that is Montparnasse station.

  Participation requirements: Limited to 10 people per timeslot. The registration link will be announced later — Free | Reservation required - https://journeesdupatrimoine.culture.gouv.fr/

  Hours: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 09:00 to 16:00

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

This visit could give you a wanderlust, or a new vocation! To find out, just take part in the event this Heritage Days weekend.