Every year, we dust off the Journées du Patrimoine with a pocketful of anecdotes and a better grasp of our region’s history. On 19 and 20 September 2026, take advantage of the weekend to wander through the capital’s museums, institutions and unusual sites in the capital and its neighboring départements, during guided tours and activities often free. Head to the Hauts-de-Seine, home to a treasure trove of exceptional spots to discover.
As the capital and its surrounding area were the scene of the Second World War, many relics are still accessible to the general public, particularly during the Journées du Patrimoine (Heritage Days). In Bois-Colombes, there's a former air-raid shelter reserved for civilians during the bombardments. A passive defense shelter in 1940, 97m long and located under the Place de la République, it could hold 388 adults.
These shelter trenches are designed to accommodate civilians for a few tens of minutes, not over the long term, which is why there are only fold-down concrete benches. There are no kitchens, food stores or bedrooms, just four small toilets. Between 1939 and 1944, the inhabitants experienced 421 alerts and three bombings on Bois-Colombes businesses, resulting in a total of almost 80 deaths.
Touring show “All to the Shelters!”
The theatre company Les Compagnons d'Ulysse will bring to life the experiences of Bois-Colombiens who witnessed the alerts during World War II and the bombings of 1943, inside the air-raid shelter.
Participation conditions: For safety reasons, visitors must be in good physical condition and wear appropriate clothing and footwear. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Access is by reservation only and limited to 19 people per visit. Reservations open on 07/09/2026. - Free | Booking required - https://www.bois-colombes.fr/ville-attractive/patrimoine-et-histoire/actualites/, 0141198348
Hours: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 10:00–10:45, 11:40–12:25, 14:50–15:35, 16:30–17:15 | Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 10:00–10:45, 11:40–12:25, 14:50–15:35, 16:30–17:15
A tour of the Bois-Colombes air-raid shelter
As the 1930s drew to a close and war loomed, Bois-Colombes began fortifying itself with passive defense measures to shield residents from potential bombardments. An air shelter was dug beneath Republic Square around 1938. It stretches 97 meters, had three stair-access entrances, and could shelter 388 adults or 485 children.
Its value as a historical record is immense, capturing life on the home front during World War II and the bombardments that struck the town. Bois-Colombes endured more than 400 air-raid alerts between 1939 and 1944 and experienced three bombing episodes in September and December 1943.
The guided tour of the shelter (45 minutes) will be enriched by readings from contemporary testimonies of that era.
Participation conditions: For safety, participants must be in good physical condition and wear appropriate clothing and footwear. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Access is by reservation only and limited to 19 people per visit. Reservations open from 07/09/2026. - Free | Booking required - 01.41.19.83.48., https://www.bois-colombes.fr/ville-attractive/patrimoine-et-histoire/actualites/
Timings : Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 10:50–11:35, 14:00–14:45, 15:40–16:25, 17:20–18:05 | Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 10:50–11:35, 14:00–14:45, 15:40–16:25, 17:20–18:05
Dates and Opening Time
From September 19, 2026 to September 20, 2026
Location
Bois-Colombes air-raid shelter
Place de la République
92270 Bois Colombes
Route planner
Prices
Free
