Heritage Days 2026: The European House in Paris unveils its program

In Paris, the European Heritage Days transform the French capital into a vast playground of discovery each September, on the 19th and 20th of September 2026. Created in 1984 by the Ministry of Culture, this event invites visitors to enter monuments, museums, institutions and venues that are often closed to the public. Guided tours, special openings, and activities offer a different way to explore Parisian heritage, from iconic landmarks to lesser-known, more intimate sites.

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For this 2026 edition, numerous venues across Paris and the Île-de-France region are offering guided tours, temporary exhibitions, and activities for all ages. Among the highlights, be sure to visit the Élysée Palace, enjoy the exceptional tour of the Senate, and uncover the hidden treasures of the Bibliothèque Nationale de France. Beyond Paris, sites such as the Château de Versailles or the Basilique de Saint-Denis also invite visitors to dive into France’s history.

Among the places to visit is the Maison de l'Europe de Paris, in the 4th arrondissement. This institution tells the story of the European Union, its member countries... Founded in 1956, the Maison de l'Europe's mission is to promote the European ideal and encourage dialogue between European citizens. During the Heritage Days, it offers conferences, exhibitions and meetings to help you better understand today's European issues.

The programme for the 2026 Heritage Days at the House of Europe:

• Café de l'Europe

  A major participatory cultural event across Europe, the European Heritage Days invite millions of people from all over the continent to celebrate and safeguard our shared European heritage. The participating countries choose a theme each year that links local activities to a broader European story. In 2026, the theme is “Heritage at Risk – Revive, Resist, Reimagine.”

  As every year, the Maison de l’Europe in Paris opens its doors on Sunday, September 20, for the European Heritage Days. We invite you to a Europe Café gathering and a surprise exhibition!

  Registration required, subject to availability.

  Public welcome from 14:00.

  This event is organized as part of the activities of Europe Direct Paris.

  Participation requirements: Registration required | Free - https://www.eventbrite.fr/e/billets-journee-europeenne-du-patrimoine-cafe-de-leurope-1995661864358?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true

  Schedule: Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM