What to do for the 2026 Heritage Days in Étampes (Essonne)? The visiting program

On Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20, 2026, the European Heritage Days invite you to discover local heritage, here in Etampes in the Essonne department. We’ll share the town’s programme.

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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From the Étampes side, in the Essonne department, a host of activities and guided tours showcase the historical and natural gems to discover in the area. So go explore this charming, picturesque town (easily reachable with your pass Navigo).

From its medieval town centre, its cobbled streets, timber-framed houses and the majestic Tour Guinette, you’re in for a genuine historical journey here! Don’t miss the Saint-Basile Church, with its Gothic architecture, or the town’s castle. From Étampes, you can also access the Parc naturel régional du Gâtinais, perfect for a short stroll or a long hike. Without further ado, here is the program for these Journées du Patrimoine 2026 in Étampes!

The 2026 Heritage Days program in Étampes (91):

At Diane de Poitiers Library

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

At Notre-Dame Church

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

At Saint-Basile Church

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
Inauguration of the display of the painting "The Christ Presented to the People"
Come and attend the inauguration of the display of the monumental painting “The Christ Presented to the People” by Joseph Nicolas Jouy.
Participation conditions: No reservation required | Free
Schedule: Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 10:30 to 11:00
Presentation of the painting The Christ Presented to the People
Join us to explore the unveiling of the monumental painting "Christ Presented to the People" by Joseph Nicolas Jouy, as it is rehung in Saint-Basile Church.
How to participate: No reservation required | Free
Schedule: Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 3:00 PM to 3:30 PM

At Saint-Gilles Church

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

At Saint-Martin Church

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.

At Hôtel Anne de Pisseleu - Tourist Office

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

At City Hall

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

At the Sub-Prefect's Residence

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

Étampes Intercommunal Theatre

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

At the Étampes courthouse

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