This important site in the judiciary system sits on the Île de la Cité, in the Paris courthouse: the Paris Court of Appeal opens its doors to visitors and the curious as part of the new edition of the Heritage Days. On September 19, 2026, come discover it through guided tours held all afternoon inside the building.
The role of the Court of Appeal (not to be confused with the Paris Administrative Court of Appeal, which also participates in the JEP) is to re-examine a first-instance judgment, and to validate or modify the legal decision. The Paris Court of Appeal covers the departments of Paris, Seine-et-Marne, Yonne, Essonne, Seine-Saint-Denis and Val-de-Marne, and handles some 65,000 cases a year.
This site, located in the heart of the capital, can therefore be visited exceptionally during the Journées du Patrimoine (Heritage Days). Each year, this event offers us the opportunity to discover little-known places or those closed to the public, such as ministries, courts, backstage areas of department stores or theaters, hidden historical curiosities...
To mark the occasion, the various sites are organizing special events and tours. Find out what's in store at the Paris Court of Appeal.
Self-guided tour with audio guide
The Paris Court of Appeal opens its doors with a full-day program designed for all audiences.
On inclusivity:
* An audioguide downloadable to smartphones to let everyone tour at their own pace.
* The route text transcribed to enable automatic, multilingual translations on smartphones.
On interactivity:
* Judges, police officers, and staff available to talk with visitors and share their experiences
* QR codes to scan for testimonies from judges or additional information
* A virtual tour of the former courtroom for extraordinary trials
* A treasure hunt to spot architectural details of the building
Big moments:
* 11 a.m. – a talk by historian Henry Rousso on "The Terrorism Museum and Memorial, a new patrimonial space".
Discoveries:
* The route will feature exhibitions, including a new one in partnership with the MNT "Facing terrorism, a patrimony to invent".
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Once you have booked a time slot, you will receive by email the link to the audioguide and the booklet for the self-guided visit of the Palais de justice, the treasure hunt, the virtual tour, ... You may also attend the 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. conference, subject to availability.
The tour is not accessible to wheelchair users.
Participation requirements: Free event, registration required (mandatory). Registrations open on September 1, 2026 at 8:00 PM. - Free | Registration required - https://www.billetweb.fr/la-cour-dappel-de-paris-vous-ouvre-ses-portes-pour-les-journees-europeennes-du-patrimoine-2025
Hours: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM
Brand-new exhibition in partnership with the MNT: "Facing Terrorism, a Heritage to Invent"
The Paris Court of Appeal opens its doors to you, offering throughout the day a rich program for all audiences.
Of inclusivity:
* A smartphone-downloadable audioguide to allow everyone to visit at their own pace.
* The route text transcribed to enable automatic translation on smartphones into all languages.
Of interactivity:
* Judges, police officers, and staff available to chat with visitors and share their experiences
* QR codes to scan for access to testimonies from magistrates or additional information
* A virtual tour of the former "out-of-norm" courtroom
* A puzzle trail to spot architectural details of the building
Major highlights:
* 11am - a lecture by historian Henry Rousso on "The Museum-Memorial of Terrorism, a new heritage site".
Discoveries:
* The route will feature exhibitions, including an inédit in partnership with the MNT "Face to Terrorism, a heritage to invent".
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Once you have signed up for a time slot, you will receive by email the link to the audioguide and the booklet for the self-guided visit of the Palais de justice, the puzzle trail, the virtual tour, ... You may also attend the 11am–12:30pm conference, subject to seating availability.
The tour is not wheelchair accessible.
Participation conditions: Free event, registration required. Reservations open on September 1, 2026 at 8:00 PM. - Free | Registration mandatory - https://www.billetweb.fr/la-cour-dappel-de-paris-vous-ouvre-ses-portes-pour-les-journees-europeennes-du-patrimoine-2025
Timings: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM
Conference: "The Terrorism Museum-Memorial, a New Heritage Site"
The Paris Court of Appeal throws open its doors and invites you to a packed, all-day program designed for every audience.
Inclusive by design :
* A smartphone-downloadable audio guide so everyone can explore at their own pace.
* The tour text transcribed to enable automatic translations on your phone in all languages.
Interactivity :
* Judges, police officers, and staff available to chat with visitors and share their experiences
* QR codes to scan for magistrates’ testimonies or additional information
* A virtual tour of the former “non-standard” courtroom
* A treasure hunt inviting you to spot architectural details of the building
Grand moments :
* 11:00 — an address by historian Henry Rousso on “The Terrorism Museum Memorial: a new patrimonial space.”
Discoveries :
* The route will feature exhibitions, including an exclusive collaboration with MNT: “Facing Terrorism, a Patrimony to Invent.”
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Once you’ve booked a time slot, you’ll receive by email the link to the audio guide and the booklet for self-guided visit of the Palais de Justice, the treasure hunt, the virtual tour, and more. You’ll also be able to attend the 11:00–12:30 conference, subject to availability.
The guided route is not wheelchair accessible.
Participation conditions: Free event, advance registration required. Booking opens on September 1, 2026 at 8:00 PM. - Free | Booking required - https://www.billetweb.fr/la-cour-dappel-de-paris-vous-ouvre-ses-portes-pour-les-journees-europeennes-du-patrimoine-2025
Schedule: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 11:00–12:30
Are you interested in the world of justice? Discover the other institutions opening their doors to the public during the Journées du Patrimoine in Paris and the Île-de-France region.
Heritage Days 2026 at Paris's courts and judicial institutions
Are you fascinated by the world of justice? Discover the 43rd Heritage Days at the courts and judicial institutions of Paris and Île-de-France, on September 19 and 20, 2026. [Read more]
Dates and Opening Time
On September 19, 2026
Location
Courthouse
08 Boulevard du Palais
75001 Paris 1
Route planner
Prices
Free
Official website
www.cours-appel.justice.fr
Heritage Days 2026 at Paris's courts and judicial institutions
