It's the tradition of the new school year: on the third weekend of September, for the Journées du Patrimoine (Heritage Days), thousands of sites all over France open their doors to the general public, allowing them to enjoy and (re)discover the history, arts and culture that make up the richness of our country. Of course, museums, places of worship, factories, department stores and workshops are all part of the fun... But what always attracts us are the open doors of the great institutions.
Thus, on September 19 and 20, 2026, ministries and other seats of power will be unusually open to the public! An opportunity that rarely comes around in a given year, and one you should seize to have the chance to visit these hauts lieux du pouvoir en France.
More discreet, but just as interesting, theHôtel de Noirmoutier also opens this Heritage Days weekend. Located in the 7th arrondissement, this private mansion is the official residence of the Prefect of the Île-de-France region, Prefect of Paris.
The prefect is “the custodian of state authority. He is charged with national interests and upholding the laws,” notes the government site Vie publique. More precisely, this senior civil servant acts as the State’s representative in the region to which he has been assigned. He implements the public policies decided by the government, enforces the laws, and maintains public order in his region. In 2026, Georges-François Leclerc serves as the Prefect of the Île-de-France region and the Prefect of Paris.
Guided tour of the Noirmoutier Hotel
European Heritage Days 2026: Noirmoutier Hotel Opens Its Doors to the Public
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### For the 43rd edition of the European Heritage Days (JEP), the Île-de-France regional prefecture, and the Paris prefecture, will open the doors of the Hôtel de Noirmoutier to the public.
On Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., visitors will be able to explore this historic building, erected for the Duke of Noirmoutier in 1724 by Jean Courtonne, the architect of the Hôtel de Matignon.
Guided tours will be led by official guides in several rooms of the hôtel.
Once a residence for Miss de Sens, the Army General Staff training school, and later the home of Marshal Foch until his death, the building now serves as the official residence of the Île-de-France regional prefect and the Paris prefect.
To complement the visits, exhibitions will also be mounted.
Conditions de participation : Continuous departures — Free | No reservation required
Hours: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 9:00 AM–7:00 PM
These institutions are often crowded with curious visitors: arrive early to avoid the queues!
Dates and Opening Time
On September 19, 2026
Location
Hôtel de Noirmoutier - Residence of the Prefect of the Île-de-France region, Prefect of Paris
138 Rue de Grenelle
75007 Paris 7
Route planner
Prices
Free
