The Journées du Patrimoine (Heritage Days) are a unique opportunity to make new discoveries and discover our most beautiful treasures. Every year, on the third weekend in September, a program of events - generally free of charge - awaits us in museums, châteaux, monuments and churches, as well as in more unusual locations, including ministries, embassies, hospitals, major institutions and fashion houses. Young and old alike can enjoy workshops, tours, entertainment and much more.
In Paris and the Île-de-France region, a rich program awaits at every edition, so it's hard not to stumble upon an outing that matches your passion. Brace yourself for the next event: the 43rd edition of Heritage Days arrives the weekend of September 19–20, 2026 in the Paris region.
Want to discover the capital's hidden nuggets? On the border between the 6th and 7th arrondissements of the capital, on Rue du Bac, lies a place hidden from the gaze of passers-by: the headquarters of the Séminaire des Missions Étrangères. The Séminaire des Missions Étrangères is a training center for French missionary priests in Paris, with a long history dating back to 1663 and approved byKing Louis XIV. The headquarters boasts a museum in the Salle des Martyrs, a French garden and the Chapelle de l'Épiphanie. Discover the program for this year's Journées du Patrimoine!
Open House at the Paris Foreign Missions Society
Come discover the new showcases and layouts of the Hall of the Martyrs and the Dumoulin-Borie Room of the Paris Foreign Missions Society. Not to mention the magnificent garden right in the heart of Paris.
The Paris Foreign Missions Society (MEP) was founded in 1658 to evangelize Asia. In 360 years, almost 4,500 priests have been sent from the seminary at 128 Rue du Bac, and about 120 dioceses established. Twenty-three missionaries gave their lives as martyrs and are recognized as saints. The Crypt of the Martyrs is a pilgrimage site dedicated to them. Many groups or individuals come to visit and pray there. You are welcome. It houses paintings, objects, and relics of the martyrs.
Today, the MEP numbers 150 priests in 14 countries. Since 2003, thousands of young volunteers have gone to support the missions, for example in Madagascar, China, India, the Philippines... They work in education, health care, care for the disabled, street children, rural development, youth outreach, accounting, and more. Come aboard too!
Participation requirements: Free | No reservation required
Hours: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM | Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Guided tour of the Paris Foreign Missions Society
Come and discover the new displays and the renovations of the Hall of Martyrs, as well as the Dumoulin-Borie Room of the Paris Foreign Missions Society. And don’t miss the stunning garden right in the heart of Paris.
The Paris Foreign Missions Society (MEP) was founded in 1658 to evangelize Asia. In 360 years, about 4,500 priests have left the seminary at 128 Rue du Bac, and roughly 120 dioceses have been established. Twenty-three missionaries have given their lives as martyrs and are officially canonized. The Crypt of the Martyrs is a pilgrimage site dedicated to them. Many groups and individuals come to visit and to pray. You are welcome here. It houses paintings, objects and relics of the saints who were martyred. Today the MEP counts around 150 priests in 14 countries. Since 2003, thousands of young volunteers have gone to support the missions—Madagascar, China, India, the Philippines, and more. They work in education, health, care for the disabled, street children, rural development, youth outreach, accounting, and beyond. Join us too!
Participation conditions: Free | No reservation required
Hours: Saturday, September 19, 2026 – 14:00 ⤏ 17:00 | Sunday, September 20, 2026 – 14:00 ⤏ 17:00
Dates and Opening Time
From September 19, 2026 to September 20, 2026
Location
Foreign Missions Seminar
128 Rue du Bac
75007 Paris 7
Route planner
Access
Metro: Sèvres - Babylone (lines 10 and 12)
Prices
Free
Official website
missionsetrangeres.com
