Paris Heritage Days 2026: explore the history of the Sainte-Geneviève Library

The Journées du Patrimoine are a not-to-be-missed event in September in Paris. Over the course of a weekend, famous and little-known treasures await us to reveal their secrets through a program that combines free visits, original events andexceptional openings. Each year, the program is so vast that it's hard not to find an idea for an outing to match your passion.

Museums, monuments, castles, embassies, ministries, fashion houses, churches and many other fascinating places are all part of the game, making for a weekend full of discoveries.

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

Heritage Days 2026 at Paris's libraries and archives
During the 2026 Heritage Days in Paris, libraries and archives will reveal their secrets to you this weekend of September 19–20, 2026. We’re off to discover these architectural jewels and their treasures! [Read more]

Libraries are also part of the program and this 43rd edition anticipated for the weekend of September 19–20, 2026 invites us to seek out one of the treasures of the Latin Quarter: the Sainte-Geneviève Library. Located on the site of the former College of Montaigu, it was founded in 1851 and is today listed as a Historic Monument. It is an iconic venue in this university district, just a short walk from the Sorbonne.

Heritage Days 2026 at the Sainte-Geneviève Library in Paris, the program

• Discover the Sainte-Geneviève Library

  Open to the public: a first-hand look at the Sainte-Geneviève Library building, designed by Henri Labrouste and designated as a historic monument.

  Access to the director’s office and the museum rooms it houses, including the world’s oldest astronomical desk clock.

  Librarians will be on hand all day to welcome you and discuss the building and their craft.

  Participation requirements: Free | No booking required

  Hours: Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM