Heritage Days 2026: Guided tours to explore the history of Paris's Hôtel-Dieu

TheHôtel-Dieu hospital is the oldest hospital in Paris, founded in 651 as a charitable foundation for the poor, infirm and sick. The hospital as we know it today was largely rebuilt between 1867 and 1878, between Place du Parvis and Rue de la Cité. Hôtel-Dieu is part of the Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris group.

This historic building in the capital is taking part in the new edition of the Heritage Days. This Saturday, September 19, 2026, the Hôtel-Dieu opens its doors to the curious and history enthusiasts of all kinds. Step into the heart of this indispensable Paris landmark, and discover its history and secrets.

• To be read
• Best bets for the week of September 14–20, 2026 in Paris and Île-de-France

Every year, the Journées du Patrimoine (Heritage Days) offer us the opportunity to discover or rediscover the capital's monuments, museums, places of power and culture, over the course of an exceptional weekend. More than 1,500 sites take part in this event in Paris and the Île-de-France region: enough to satisfy all tastes and passions.

The Heritage Days program at Hôtel-Dieu:

• Guided tours through the Hôtel-Dieu

  On the occasion of European Heritage Days, the Hôtel-Dieu opens its doors and invites you to hear the thousand-year history of Paris's oldest hospital. Emanating from the cathedral, the hospice for the poor was born of charity. Its missions? Welcoming the most vulnerable and caring for all. From the Middle Ages to the 19th century, Hôtel-Dieu kept expanding, taking on more patients struck by plagues, wars and famines. Neighboring the Faculty of Medicine, this sanctuary of care soon became a hub for teaching and research. Its fate pivots under the Second Empire. It was razed and rebuilt on its current site. Its rational, hygienist architecture will impress with its colossal order. Today, as we'll see, the august hospital so cherished by Parisians no longer meets standards. It must reinvent itself and adapt to the challenges of our contemporary era. Its metamorphosis is underway, and so is its gigantic construction project. What will the Hôtel-Dieu of tomorrow look like?

  Meet in the Hôtel-Dieu hall for the start of the tours

  Participation requirements: Limited to 25 places - REGISTRATION REQUIRED: https://www.linscription.com/pro/activite-253142 - Free | Registration required - https://www.linscription.com/pro/activite-253142

  Schedule: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 2:00 PM–3:30 PM, 4:30 PM–6:00 PM

• Conference "Hôtel-Dieu, from its origins to today, around Notre-Dame" presented by the association "Historical Society La Cité"

  “L’Hôtel-Dieu, from origins to today, around Notre-Dame’s forecourt,” hosted by Yves Bru, president of the Société La Cité, these lectures will offer a chance to trace the fascinating history of this landmark—from its architecture and the many transformations it has undergone to its pivotal role in Paris’s medical and social landscape. Yves Bru will bring to life the major chapters of this emblematic site, illustrating its evolution through the ages.

  Participation conditions: REGISTRATION REQUIRED: https://www.linscription.com/pro/activite-253142 - Limited to 50 participants - Free | Registration required - https://www.linscription.com/pro/activite-253142

  Schedule: Saturday, September 19, 2026 – 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM

While you're in the area, take a look at the other Heritage Days events taking place in central Paris.

Heritage Days 2026: the schedule and places to visit in the 4th arrondissement
What visits are on the schedule for the 2026 Heritage Days in Paris’s 4th arrondissement? Here’s what’s being lined up for this weekend of September 19–20, 2026. [Read more]