Held every year in September, the Journées du Patrimoine (Heritage Days) aim to raise public awareness of the richness and diversity of our cultural heritage. Over the course of a weekend, they enable visitors to discover monuments, unusual buildings and historic sites that are often closed to the public or rarely accessible, while offering a variety of educational and entertaining activities such as guided tours, exhibitions and workshops.
In Paris, the European Heritage Days are a highlight for lovers of culture and history. Many emblematic monuments, such as the Palais de l'Élysée, theHôtel de Ville, and the Senate, open their doors especially for the occasion. Normally inaccessible sites such as ministries, embassies and private residences also welcome visitors. Various cultural institutions, museums, artists' houses and theaters are also taking part, offering special activities to enable everyone to rediscover Paris from a new angle.
In the Val-d'Oise, near Louvres, the Orville archaeological site dates back to the Gallo-Roman period. It reveals the remains of an ancient villa, including thermal baths, agricultural and residential buildings. During the Journées du Patrimoine (Heritage Days) on September 20 and 21, 2025, guided tours will be organized to introduce visitors to the archaeological discoveries, the way of life of the inhabitants of the period, and the excavation techniques used by archaeologists.
A site to discover the work of archaeologists, a Hundred Years War castle and reconstructions of the early Middle Ages.
Besieged and destroyed during the Hundred Years' War, the castle has been the subject of archaeological excavations since 2001. This research has enabled us to reconstruct the probable layout of the fortified castle, and to uncover an important collection of objects such as a metal weather vane and the drawbridge chain. The site provides an opportunity to discover the work of archaeologists, the remains of the siege and the daily activities of peasants in the Pays de France in the early Middle Ages, through reconstructions. Guided tours will enable visitors to discover the restoration work carried out on the reconstructed wooden structures during the 2025 campaign, as well as the latest developments to enhance understanding of the site.
Guided tours open to the whole family, accompanied by an ARCHÉA mediator. A treasure hunt for children with prizes to be won.
Come and meet the nature spirits hiding in Orville! Prankster goblins, water and air fairies take you on a storytelling journey to the sound of gongs, drums, flute and cello: an enchanting afternoon for the whole family.
A new way to discover the Château d'Orville archaeological site.
By the Xenos mask theater company and storyteller Julia Alimasi.
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Dates and Opening Time
From September 20, 2025 to September 21, 2025
Location
Orville archaeological site
Chemin d'Orville
95380 Louvres
Prices
Free
Official website
www.ot-cergypontoise.fr
