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.
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.
Café de l'Europe
A major participatory cultural event across Europe, the European Heritage Days invite millions of people each year to celebrate and safeguard our shared European heritage. Participating countries pick a theme that ties local activities to a broader European story. In 2026, the theme is “Heritage at Risk – Revive, Resist, Reinvent.”
As every year, the Maison de l’Europe in Paris opens its doors on Sunday, September 20, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., for European Heritage Days. We invite you to an Europe Café gathering, to join engaging discussions with fellow citizens about the European Union and its iconic sites and monuments. On this occasion, we will also host an exhibition titled “Portrait of Europe” organized by the Czech Embassy in France and the Eur’Art Endowment Fund.
The exhibition “Portrait of Europe” highlights Europe’s cultural diversity and invites the public to travel through paintings by contemporary artists from various European countries. This portrait, comprising about thirty works, is slated to travel to other cities and countries, including within the European Capitals of Culture framework.
Curator of the exhibition: Marie Kopecká Verhoeven
From 20 September to 30 October 2026
www.eurart.eu
Registration required, subject to available places.
Public welcome from 2:00 p.m.
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
Dates and Opening Time
On September 20, 2026
Location
House of Europe in Paris
77 Avenue de Versailles
75116 Paris 16
Route planner
Prices
Free
Official website
paris-europe.eu
