Heritage Days 2025: discover the musée de la batellerie in Conflans-Sainte-Honorine (78)

The Journées du Patrimoine, created in 1984 by the French Ministry of Culture, have become a not-to-be-missed event for history and culture lovers. Held every year on the third weekend in September, they provide an opportunity to discover places that are usually closed to the public, or to rediscover local heritage from a new angle. In Paris and the Île-de-France region, this event attracts millions of visitors, curious to explore emblematic sites such as the Pantheon, the Palais de l'Élysée, or hidden treasures in the capital's historic, artistic or bohemian districts.

• To be read
• This week’s best deals in Paris and Île-de-France, July 13–19, 2026

In 2025, the Journées du Patrimoine program promises to be varied, particularly in the Île-de-France and Yvelines departments. Places not to be missed include the great Parisian monuments, but also unusual sites such as artisan workshops, secret gardens and specialized museums.

The Musée de la Batellerie et des Voies Navigables in Conflans-Sainte-Honorine (78) has a unique history and collection based on the theme of water. Founded in 1965, the museum's mission is to preserve and promote the history of inland navigation in France. Housed in the Château du Prieuré, it boasts a rich collection of objects, models, paintings and documents recounting the evolution of inland waterways and the life of boatmen.

On the program for Heritage Days 2025:

• Open visit to the Museum of Barge Transport and Inland Waterways

  A chance to explore the Museum's collections, with free admission this weekend only.

  Conditions de participation : Free admission - No reservation required

  Hours: Saturday, September 19, 2026 – 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM | Sunday, September 20, 2026 – 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM

• Guided tour of the Museum of Barging and the Inland Waterways

  The entire team at the Museum of Inland Waterways and Navigation is gearing up to welcome you and introduce the museum and its surroundings as part of guided tours.

  Participation requirements: Reservations by phone at 01 34 90 39 50 or by email: musee@mairie-conflans.fr - Free | Advance booking required - 01 34 90 39 50, musee@mairie-conflans.fr

  Schedule: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 11:00–12:15, 15:00–16:15, 17:00–18:15 | Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 11:00–12:15, 15:00–16:15, 17:00–18:15

• Radio-controlled small boats in action

  Workshop for all ages

  Kids and adults, come try your hand at piloting small radio-controlled boats (ten tugboats and barges) in a basin specially laid out in front of the museum.

  Participation requirements: Free admission for ages 5 to 11 — Free | No reservation required

  Hours: Saturday, September 19, 2026 - 11:00 ⤏ 13:00, 14:00 ⤏ 18:00 | Sunday, September 20, 2026 - 11:00 ⤏ 13:00, 14:00 ⤏ 18:00

• The old 11th‑century Benedictine priory and Montjoie Tower: models and videos

  Patrice Dupuy will present a 3D model he created of the church, showing both the overall view and a cross-section, accompanied by a video. A reconstruction of the Montjoie Tower will also be presented in video and in model form.

  Participation requirements: Free entry - No reservation required

  Schedule: Saturday, September 19, 2026 – 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM | Sunday, September 20, 2026 – 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM