Created in 1984 by the French Ministry of Culture, the European Heritage Days are an annual event celebrated in some 50 European countries. The aim? To raise public awareness of the richness and diversity of our cultural heritage, by opening the doors of monuments, museums and other historic sites that are often inaccessible to the public during the rest of the year. Traditionally held on the third weekend of September, these days are an opportunity for citizens to discover or rediscover the treasures of their heritage through guided tours, conferences, exhibitions and other events.
In Paris, the European Heritage Days are a special opportunity to explore the city from a whole new angle. Prestigious institutions such as the Palais de l'Élysée, the Senate and the Banque de France open their doors for special events. Numerous museums, monuments and unusual sites also offer free or reduced-rate tours, enabling the public to discover the capital's history and architecture.
The Institut national des Jeunes aveugles (INJA) is a historic institution founded in 1784 by Valentin Haüy, a pioneer in education for the blind. The institute was the first in the world to offer specialized education for visually impaired young people, with innovative methods that gave these children access to reading, writing and learning in general. Located in the 7tharrondissement of Paris, the INJA has occupied an emblematic building since 1843, where it continues to provide its students with an adapted education. The history of this institute bears witness to a major advance in the inclusion of disabled people in society, and its heritage is a living testimony to developments in the field of special education in France.
For over 35 years, the Paris Guide Dog School has been raising, training and handing out free guide dogs to visually impaired people. Free guide dogs are made possible thanks to public and private generosity.
Awareness-raising, exchanges and testimonials.
- Feelobject, which has developed Virtuoz: a solution featuring tactile and voice maps that enable users to understand their environment and move around independently.
- Handipulse, which has developed Déri: a device designed to improve the accessibility of documents in relief. It consists of a tactile surface on which rests an interchangeable embossed document.
For the European Heritage Days 2025, the apiDV association, Université Paris 1 Panthéon Sorbonne, Campus Louis Braille, Ecole des Chiens Guides de Paris and Institut National des Jeunes Aveugles (INJA-Louis Braille) welcome you on Saturday September 20, from 10am to 5pm, at 56 boulevard des Invalides, Paris 7e.
Come and admire the historic heritage of a listed building, discover tactile models of Parisian monuments for the visually impaired, 3D works of famous monuments from all over France, meet start-ups specializing in heritage and cultural graphics for the blind and visually impaired, and learn about the career and full training of a guide dog.
You'll also have the opportunity to see a photo exhibition of Dorina Nowill, a famous woman who has worked for the education of the visually impaired in Brazil.
Both guided and self-guided tours are available in these historic premises, where Louis Braille, the inventor of the universal writing and reading system for the world's blind, lived.
Throughout the day, you'll also be able to enjoy a variety of concerts (jazz, variety) and refreshments in the Helen Keller sensory garden.
We look forward to seeing many of you at the event.
On the occasion of the European Heritage Days 2025, the apiDV association, Université Paris 1 Panthéon Sorbonne, Campus Louis Braille and the Institut National des Jeunes Aveugles (INJA-Louis Braille) welcome you on Saturday September 20, from 10am to 5pm, at 56 boulevard des Invalides Paris 7e.
Come and admire the historic heritage of a listed building, discover tactile models of Parisian monuments for the visually impaired, 3D works of famous monuments from all over France, and meet start-ups specializing in heritage and cultural graphics for the blind and visually impaired.
You'll also have the opportunity to see a photo exhibition of Dorina Nowill, a famous woman who has worked for the education of the visually impaired in Brazil.
Both guided and self-guided tours are available in these historic buildings, where Louis Braille, the inventor of the universal writing and reading system for the world's blind, lived.
Guided tours depart at 10:30, 11:30, 14:30 and 15:30.
Throughout the day, you can also enjoy a variety of concerts (jazz, variety) and refreshments in the Helen Keller sensory garden.
We look forward to seeing many of you on this day of discovery.
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Dates and Opening Time
On September 20, 2025
Location
National Institute for Young Blind People
56 Boulevard des Invalides
75007 Paris 7
Access
Metro 10 or 13 Duroc
