The Heritage Days offer the perfect chance to dive into the history and cultural wealth of our country. It’s an event that thrills history, art and culture enthusiasts: as with every September, they return the weekend of September 19 and 20, 2026 in Paris and the Île-de-France region.
During these special days, hidden treasures open to the public exclusively, historic sites that are usually off-limits become accessible, and museums host unique exhibitions. It’s a rare opportunity to discover hidden architectures, cultures, and traditions... and to marvel with young and old. Between guided tours, concerts, and unusual visits, there’s plenty to fill the weekend (and you won’t want to stop).
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Inauguration of the construction works - Historical section
The Diane-de-Poitiers Media Library has been given a fresh look. Come celebrate the completion of the renovations to the historic section at the inauguration.
As part of European Heritage Days.
Participation requirements: Free | No reservation required
Schedule: Friday, September 18, 2026 — 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Opening of the Hôtel Diane-de-Poitiers - Media Library
Come and discover this Renaissance townhouse whose façade has just been restored.
Participation conditions: Free | No reservation required
Hours: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM | Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Overview of restoration work
Come and discover the various restoration works carried out on the façades and decorative features of this former Renaissance townhouse.
Participation requirements: Free admission | Reservations required - tourisme@caese.fr, 01 64 94 99 10
Schedules: Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 2:30 PM to 3:00 PM, 3:30 PM to 4:00 PM
Self-guided tour of Notre-Dame Collegiate Church
Self-guided tour of Notre-Dame Collegiate Church.
Participation terms: Free | No reservation required
Hours: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 10:00 AM–5:00 PM | Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
Organ recital
The Orgues d'Étampes association presents an organ recital by Anne-Lise Vuilleumier Luy (Switzerland), featuring works by Byrd, Cornet, Sweelinck and Muffat…
Participation conditions: Free | No reservation required
Timings : Sunday, September 20, 2026 – 4:00 PM ⤏ 5:00 PM
Introduction to the organ
An introduction to the organ at Notre-Dame Church.
Participation conditions: Limited seats available – Free of charge | Booking required – tourisme@caese.fr, 01 64 94 99 10
Schedule: Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 5:30 PM to 6:00 PM, 6:00 PM to 6:30 PM
Self-guided tour of Saint-Basile Church
Self-guided tour of Saint Basil Church.
Participation conditions: Free | No reservation required
Schedule: Saturday, September 19, 2026 – 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Self-guided tour of Saint-Gilles Church
Self-guided tour of Saint-Gilles Church.
Participation requirements: Free | No booking required
Hours: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM | Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Baroque music concert
A Baroque music concert performed by a string ensemble.
Participation requirements: Free | No reservation required
Schedule: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 8:00 PM–9:00 PM
Self-guided tour of Saint-Martin Church
Self-guided tour of Saint-Martin Church.
Participation requirements: Free | No reservation required
Timings: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. | Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The Vineyard Workshop — Its Masters and Their Students
Discover the works of the students and masters at the Atelier de la Vigne d'Étampes, a landmark workshop that keeps alive a tradition of teaching and artistic practice, showcasing the creativity and diverse talents thriving there.
Participation requirements: Free | No reservation required
Hours: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM | Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Miniature Train Circuit
Come and discover Étampes' architectural heritage, from the town center to the Saint-Martin district, aboard a small train.
Enjoy an audio guide or live commentary as you take in Étampes' rich heritage and history.
Participation requirements: Limited seats available - Free | No reservation required
Hours: Saturday, September 19, 2026, 09:30–18:30 | Sunday, September 20, 2026, 09:30–17:00
Opening night of the exhibition "The Vineyard Workshop: Its Students and Their Mentors"
Opening night of the exhibition "The Vineyard Workshop, Its Students and Their Masters".
Participation conditions: Free | No reservation required
Schedule: Sunday, September 20, 2026 – 11:00 to 11:30
Self-guided tour of City Hall
Come and discover this town hall, a former Renaissance private mansion that became a communal house and was expanded in the 19th century.
Participation conditions: Limited seats available – Free | Registration required – tourisme@caese.fr, 01 64 94 99 10
Hours: Saturday, September 19, 2026 – 2:00 PM–5:00 PM | Sunday, September 20, 2026 – 10:00 AM–12:00 PM, 2:00 PM–5:00 PM
Discovery Tour of City Hall
Come explore the Town Hall and its beautifully decorated rooms.
Participation conditions: Limited spots - Free | Booking required - tourisme@caese.fr, 01 64 94 99 10
Schedule: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 2:30 PM to 3:00 PM, 3:30 PM to 4:00 PM, 4:30 PM to 5:00 PM | Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 2:30 PM to 3:00 PM, 3:30 PM to 4:00 PM, 4:30 PM to 5:00 PM
Discovery tour of the Sub-Prefect’s Residence
Guided tour of the Sub-Prefect's Residence.
Participation conditions: Limited seats available - Free | Booking required - tourisme@caese.fr, 01 64 94 99 10
Schedule: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 4:00–4:30 PM, 5:00–5:30 PM
Introductory tour of the theatre
Come explore the history and the backstage of this magnificent Italian-style theatre.
Participation requirements: Limited spots — Free | Registration required — tourisme@caese.fr, 01 64 94 99 10
Schedule: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 6:00 PM to 6:30 PM | Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM
Inauguration of the Reopening of the Guinette Tower
Join us for the inauguration of the public reopening of the Tour de Guinette after its consolidation work.
This ceremony will be followed by an interior tour of the Tour de Guinette (limited to a maximum of 18 people at any one time).
How to participate: Free | No reservation required
Timings: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 11:00–11:30
Introduction to fencing and a medieval spectacle
Medieval spectacle and fencing initiation organized by the Le Masque de Fer association
Participation requirements: Free | No reservation required
Schedule: Saturday, September 19, 2026 - 12:00 ⤏ 16:30
Saynets by the Muscardins Company
Come enjoy short sketches performed at the foot of the Guinette Tower.
Participation terms: Free | No reservation required
Schedule: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 2:00 PM–2:30 PM, 5:00 PM–5:30 PM | Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 2:00 PM–2:30 PM, 5:00 PM–5:30 PM
Self-guided tour of the Guinette Tower
You’ll have the chance to step inside the Guinette Tower after years of closure and stabilization work.
Participation requirements: Limited seats - Free | No reservation required
Schedule: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM | Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Discover Guinette Tower: An Introductory Tour
Come discover the history of the Guinette Tower and trace the evolution of Étampes Castle from the 12th century to the present day.
Participation conditions : Limited seats - Free | Reservation required - 01 64 94 99 10, tourisme@caese.fr
Schedule: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 3:00 PM to 3:30 PM, 4:30 PM to 5:00 PM | Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 12:00 PM to 12:30 PM, 3:00 PM to 3:30 PM, 4:30 PM to 5:00 PM
Introductory sessions, chainmail workshops and arrowhead forging
Introductory sessions, chain-mail weaving workshops and arrowhead forging by the Étampes archers.
Participation terms: Free | No reservation required
Hours: Sunday, 20 September 2026 – 11:00 to 17:00
Discovery tour of the courthouse mural
Introductory tour of the fresco at the Palais du Séjour.
Participation conditions: Limited seating – Free | Booking required – tourisme@caese.fr, 01 64 94 99 10
Schedule: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 10:30 to 11:00, 14:30 to 15:00 | Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 10:30 to 11:00, 14:30 to 15:00
Dates and Opening Time
From September 19, 2026 to September 20, 2026
Location
Etampes
12 Carrefour des Religieuses
91150 Etampes
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