The European Heritage Days are an annual event, launched in 1984 by the French Ministry of Culture and expanded across Europe in 1991. They take place each year during the third weekend of September, offering the public the chance to discover historic and cultural sites that are often inaccessible for the rest of the year. During these days, visitors can explore monuments, museums, gardens, castles, archives, artist studios and other exceptional heritage sites.
In Paris, the Heritage Days are especially rich and varied: from the Élysée Palace to the Senate, via the Bank of France, and the various ministries, a huge number of sites are opened specially for this culture-forward weekend. But real gems can also be found outside the capital!
In Provins, a medieval town in the Seine-et-Marne department, the Heritage Days take on a special dimension with a tour of this historic city or, moreover, the discovery of the archaeological dig. Provins, renowned for its medieval remains listed as UNESCO World Heritage, seizes this moment to highlight its rich historical past.
The excavation site, exceptionally open to the public on September 19 and 20, 2026, lets visitors step into the archaeologists' shoes and discover fieldwork methods through demonstrations and activities.
Archaeological dig — the former Benedictine Abbey of Champbenoist
Exceptional opening of the site of the former Benedictine abbey of Champbenoist (12th–16th centuries), owned by the Department.
An overview of the archaeological site, with activities and guided tours, as part of the project to highlight the ruins, led by DRAC Île-de-France, the Seine-et-Marne Department, and the City of Provins.
Participation terms: Access subject to availability. - Free | No reservation required
Hours: Saturday, September 19, 2026 - 10:00 ⤏ 18:00 | Sunday, September 20, 2026 - 10:00 ⤏ 17:00
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Dates and Opening Time
From September 19, 2026 to September 20, 2026
Location
Provins
77160 Provins
77160 Provins
Route planner
Accessibility info
Prices
Free
