It's the must-attend cultural-spot of September. The Journées du Patrimoine brings at every edition numerous free tours, unusual experiences, and exceptional openings inside the fascinating treasures that surround us.
In Paris and the Île-de-France region, a rich lineup awaits to take us behind the scenes and reveal the treasures at the heart of museums, monuments, castles, grand institutions, ministries, embassies, and much more. This event, which brings together passions of all kinds, awaits us this weekend of September 19 and 20, 2026 to deliver a promising 43rd edition!
In the Yvelines, the city of Rambouillet and its fabulous heritage obviously rise to the occasion! And among the treasures highlighted for the Heritage Days 2026, you’ll find the Palace of the King of Rome and its garden. This residence, intended to become the home of Napoleon I’s son, was built using the plans of the Hôtel du Gouvernement de Rambouillet, erected by order of Louis XVI between 1784 and 1785, which once stood there. Today, the site houses, among other things, a museum and its garden now open to the public.
La Shary: nearly two centuries old, time to celebrate!
The Rambouillet and Yvelines Historical and Archaeological Society (Shary) is the successor to the Archaeology Society of the Rambouillet district, founded in 1836. As Rambouillet’s oldest association, it ranks among France’s historic societies that have kept their work alive since their inception.
The exhibition staged at the King of Rome Palace – Rambouillet’s museum of art and history – traces Shary’s story through documents from its rich archival collection, as well as through loans from its members and from institutional bodies.
The year 2026, marking the 190th anniversary of this venerable society, will be an opportunity to commemorate this milestone in Rambouillet and in several municipalities of its district, with a range of events and activities organized with the support of the City of Rambouillet.
Participation requirements: Free | No reservation required
Schedule: Saturday, September 19, 2026 – 10:30–12:30, 14:30–18:00 | Sunday, September 20, 2026 – 14:30–18:00
"Self" your heritage
Alone or in a group, come discover the city center with just your phone in hand. Your mission: take selfies and have fun… but remember: not with just anything!
The aim of the game is to locate a gilded wooden oak leaf, spot a meulière stone, or a ceramic lion… all while solving riddles and doing a bit of walking.
Participation requirements: Free of charge at the reception desk of the Palace of the King of Rome - Free | No reservation required
Hours: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m.–6:00 p.m. | Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 2:30 p.m.–6:00 p.m.
The King of Rome’s Palace Through the Lens
A precious witness to the past and a tool for preservation, photography is a medium that helps us trace the history of a monument. Through this example, using vintage photographs, aerial shots, and postcards, discover the palace as you’ve never seen it before!
Participation requirements: Free | No reservation required
Schedule : Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 2:30 PM–3:30 PM, 4:00 PM–5:00 PM | Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 2:30 PM–3:30 PM, 4:00 PM–5:00 PM
Visit to the Verger Pavilion
Built starting in 1807, this townhouse was quickly allocated to the King of Rome, son of Napoleon I and Marie-Louise of Austria. In the 1830s it was divided among several owners and lost its central section. In the garden adjoining the portion that became public now stands the Pavilion of the Orchard. This small garden pavilion, recently restored, dates from the early 1770s.
Participation requirements: Free of charge | No booking required
Schedule: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 2:30 PM to 3:15 PM, 3:30 PM to 4:15 PM
Dates and Opening Time
From September 19, 2026 to September 20, 2026
Location
Palace of the King of Rome
Place du Roi de Rome
78120 Rambouillet
Route planner
Prices
Free
Official website
rambouillet.fr
