The Journées du Patrimoine 2026 land in the capital over the weekend of 19 to 20 September! First held in France in 1984, the initiative now spans around fifty European countries under the umbrella of the European Heritage Days. Born from the Ministry of Culture, it invites the public to discover or rediscover the country’s cultural, architectural, and historical heritage. This year, the Romanian Embassy opens its doors for guided tours of its premises.
Heritage Days 2026: our pick of strolls to discover in Paris
Heritage Days 2026 are a chance to discover Paris from a different angle, to explore its every corner through cultural, quirky, or romantic strolls! Here is our best-of guide to our top walks to do in Paris this weekend of September 19–20, 2026. [Read more]
What if you took a little cultural trip during Heritage Days? On September 19 and 20, 2026, discover Paris’s institutes and cultural centers and dive into cultures from around the world! [Read more]
For the Heritage Days 2026, the Embassy of Romania, housed in the Palais de Béhague, is organizing a guided tour on Saturday, September 19. Located in the 7th arrondissement, at 123 Rue Saint-Dominique, the embassy occupies a neoclassical townhouse. This historic building, dating from the 19th century, reflects the architectural elegance of the era.
The embassy plays a pivotal role in Franco-Romanian relations, overseeing diplomatic matters, consular services, and promoting cultural and economic exchanges between the two countries. It regularly invites Parisians to take part in a range of cultural events, highlighting Romanian culture and strengthening the links between Romania and France.
Living Heritage: Open House at the Palais du Béhague
Join us for an unforgettable journey into the heart of the cultural heritage of the Hôtel de Béhague!
A masterpiece of Louis XV style, lauded by writer Henri de Régnier as “one of the most beautiful palaces in Paris,” the Hôtel de Béhague offers visitors a rare chance to explore a venue usually closed to the public, where more than a century of history, art, and Franco-Romanian diplomacy intersect.
A bought by the Romanian state in 1939 from the heirs of Countess Martine de Béhague, the palace has since served as the seat of the Romanian Embassy and was classified as a French Historic Monument in 2003.
On the occasion of our new participation in the Journées du Patrimoine this year, we are honored to welcome Stefan Manciulescu, Chief Architect for the Historic Monuments of France and supervisor of the initial restoration phases of the Hôtel de Béhague in 2023–2024. He will share with our visitors the details of these large-scale works — which have allowed us to host numerous events, including the House of Romania during the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
As a prominent venue for literary and artistic gatherings during the Belle Époque, hosted by Countess Martine de Béhague and visited by figures such as Paul Valéry, Marcel Proust, Auguste Rodin, Isadora Duncan, and Gabriel Fauré, the palace has continued its tradition of excellence as a Romanian diplomatic residence, serving as a space for dialogue and inspiration. It has welcomed major cultural figures such as Constantin Brâncuși, George Enescu, and Tristan Tzara, and today continues to host renowned contemporary artists and intellectuals in France such as Cristian Mungiu, Vladimir Cosma, Anca Vasiliu, Mircea Cantor, Matei Visniec, and Mircea Cărtărescu.
Visitors will have the chance to admire the artistic and architectural feats of the Hôtel de Béhague, including:
• The grand polychrome marble staircase, inspired by the Queen’s Staircase at Versailles
• The grand white marble bas-relief The Time Carrying Away Love by Jean Dampt, which was presented at the 1898 Salon
• The oval library opening through a double carved door, adorned with a remarkable dragon-decorated lock
• The Golden Salon, with its Baroque interiors and elegant crystal chandeliers
• The Marble Salon, home to François Boucher’s magnificent painting The Birth of Venus, studied by Alastair Laing
• The Byzantine Hall, the largest private theater and concert room of its kind in Paris
Through the restoration and enhancement of the Hôtel de Béhague, Romania reaffirms its commitment to preserving this exceptional heritage, a testament to the rich historical and cultural ties between France and Romania.
We invite you to discover this real hidden treasure — Paris’s living heritage!
Registration required.
Participation requirements: Free to participate, but prior registration required - Free | Booking required - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd6oICTUp5FWmp37okuDtK22OJccftMLIJJnV4aCjyvJtxOlQ/viewform
Hours: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Dates and Opening Time
On September 19, 2026
Location
Romanian Embassy
123 rue saint dominique
75007 Paris 7
Route planner
Prices
Free
Heritage Days 2026: our pick of strolls to discover in Paris
Heritage Days 2026 in Paris: the program of institutes and cultural centers
