The Journées du Patrimoine, an emblematic annual event created in 1984 by the French Ministry of Culture, offers everyone the chance to discover historical and cultural treasures often inaccessible to the general public. Every third weekend in September, Paris and the rest of France open their doors to celebrate a rich and varied heritage, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in history through guided tours, workshops and exhibitions. In Paris, the event is a veritable feast, attracting thousands of curious visitors to museums, historic monuments, gardens and even sites usually closed to the public.
For this 2026 edition, the Paris and Île-de-France Heritage Days program once again promises to be exceptional. Among the must-visit sites are gems such as the Palais Garnier, the Panthéon, and the Sainte-Chapelle. Also not to be missed are the numerous themed tours that highlight the region’s industrial history and railway heritage. History and culture enthusiasts can look forward to a full immersion in the architectural and artistic legacy of the capital and its surrounding area.
At the heart of this exceptional program, the Chemin de fer du parc des Chanteraines in Gennevilliers is a true gem for the railway heritage enthusiasts. This small tourist train, which runs on a 5-kilometer track through the heart of the park, whisks you back to a bygone era aboard its historic carriages. On the occasion of Heritage Days, September 19-20, 2026, the site offers guided tours, exhibitions of rail equipment, and a steam train rides. Note that several of these activities are payable.
Unusual: board a vintage train on the Chanteraines park railroad (92)
Parc des Chanteraines, located in the towns of Villeneuve-la-Garenne and Gennevilliers, is one of the largest green spaces in the Hauts-de-Seine department. As an added bonus, the park also boasts a railroad, where you can board an old-fashioned train on certain days of the month. [Read more]
Activities at the Railway Workshop
Starting at 10 a.m., you can watch the inspection, start‑up, warming up, and preparation of the steam locomotives.
Guided by volunteers from the association, you can tour the workshop and the rolling stock collection, several of which are listed as historic monuments, and see our ongoing projects (rebuilding, restoration, maintenance of locomotives, carriages, or wagons).
You can observe the yard movements in the station or hop aboard one of the passenger trains hauled by electric or diesel locomotives that run through the park from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with steam traction in the afternoon up to 6 p.m.
One or two freight trains will also be brought into service for the amusement of enthusiasts.
Participation Requirements: Access to the activities is free and open to all, but train travel will require purchasing a special flat-rate ticket for these days. A visit to the workshop must be accompanied by a volunteer who will ensure visitors' safety. - No reservation required | Free
Hours: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. | Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Train traffic on the sixty-kilometre line
On these special days, trains run along the entire line from 10 a.m. onwards. Service is intensified compared with normal operations, with several diesel shunters and steam locomotives brought into service.
Freight trains are also put into service for the enjoyment of rail enthusiasts.
Participation terms: Special, one-time price of 4 euros per person over 3 years old (free for under 3). Ticket valid all day. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Train access subject to availability. - Preferential rate | No reservation required
Hours: Saturday, 19 September 2026 — 10:00 to 18:00 | Sunday, 20 September 2026 — 10:00 to 18:00
The Little Train on the Fiancés' Prairie
The model railway enthusiasts of the Chemin de Fer des Chanteraines (CFC) have created a miniature CFC and, with the help of the Hauts-de-Seine General Council, built a gauge network at 5 inches (127 mm) and 7¼ inches (184 mm) that hosts scale trains (ranging from 1/3 to 1/8). These trains run on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of every month from March to October, with an exceptional run on Saturday the 19th and Sunday the 20th of September 2026 for the European Heritage Days.
Let yourself be whisked along the edge of the grasses and wildflowers of the Fiancés meadow in Parc des Chanteraines.
The little train, driven by a volunteer from the association, will take you at a maximum speed of 8 km/h on a circuit of nearly one kilometer.
Last-minute details on the C.F.C. website.
Participation requirements: Adults and children over 3 years old pay 2.50 euros (free for under 3 when accompanied by an adult). The tour lasts about six minutes. - No reservations required | Special rate
Hours: Saturday, September 19, 2026, 2:00 PM–6:00 PM | Sunday, September 20, 2026, 2:00 PM–6:00 PM
Dates and Opening Time
From September 19, 2026 to September 20, 2026
Location
Chemin de fer des Chanteraines - little train
42 Avenue du 8 Mai 1945
92390 Villeneuve la Garenne
Route planner
Unusual: board a vintage train on the Chanteraines park railroad (92)
