Heritage Days 2024 at Fort de Romainville (93) in the footsteps of the Second World War

Published by Graziella de Sortiraparis · Photos by Graziella de Sortiraparis · Updated on April 18, 2025 at 05:54 p.m.
As part of the Journées du Patrimoine 2024 (Heritage Days 2024), Seine-Saint-Denis is inviting you to explore four places of World War II history and remembrance, including the Fort de Romainville, on September 22.

If there's one weekend of the year when you need to get out and about in Paris and the Ile-de-France region, it's the Journées du Patrimoine (Heritage Days) on September 21 and 22, 2024! Museums, unusual places, parks and gardens - these are just some of the historic spots to visit duringfree events to learn a whole host of anecdotes about our beautiful heritage. Just a short metro ride from Paris, Seine-Saint-Denis offers a wealth of curiosities to discover!

Fort de Romainville is a case in point, although its history is more tragic than anything else. A Vauban-type military defense fort located in the town of Les Lilas since 1867, it is best known for its role during the Second World War, from the autumn of 1940 onwards, when it served as an internment camp for 7,000 people, mostly women resistance fighters. Originally built to protect Paris at the request of Adolphe Thiers, it served as a refuge for the city's inhabitants during the Franco-German war of 1870.

Since 1984, the Fort has been home to the TDF tower, designed by architect Claude Vasconi and built in a decommissioned part of the enclosure. The 141-meter tower serves the whole of France, transmitting radio and television programs. For six years, the site was also a non-visitable annex of the Musée National de la Marine, housing the museum's reserves. Since 2017, a new project has been underway to transform part of the Fort into a memorial site.

The 2024 Heritage Days program

Aucun événement annoncé à ce jour, le programme est mis à jour en fonction des annonces officielles.

Practical information

Dates and Opening Time
On September 22, 2024

× Approximate opening times: to confirm opening times, please contact the establishment.

    Location

    10 Avenue du Président Robert Schuman
    93260 Lilas (Les)

    Route planner

    Prices
    Free

    Official website
    journeesdupatrimoine.culture.gouv.fr

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