The Heritage Days take place each year on the third weekend of September: in 2026, it falls on September 19 and 20, inviting the public to discover or rediscover cultural, historical, or architectural sites that are usually closed or hard to access. In Paris, the event unfolds as a genuine free-or-reduced‑price heritage journey, with or without reservation, punctuated by guided tours, activities, conferences, or concerts. Dozens of iconic yet surprising sites throw open their doors, from the Palais de l’Élysée to hidden gems in the 3ᵉ arrondissement, such as the Bibliothèque du Conservatoire des Arts et Métiers or the Institut Suédois.
At the Couvent de la Merci, the JEP weekend offers a rare opportunity to enter the former edifice built between 1727 and 1731 by Pierre-François Godot(Wikipedia). Classified as a historic monument since 1984, this convent retained elements from the XVIIᵉ century such as two sundials - one visible from the courtyard, the other from the façade at the back of the courtyard ( according to Wikipedia). The visit also traces the history of the Order of Notre-Dame-de-la-Merci, founded in 1218, dedicated to the redemption of captives, and whose Parisian convent was a place of piety, before being confiscated during the Revolution(Wikipedia). In short, a wonderful immersion in the spiritual and architectural soul of Paris in the heart of the Marais!
Guided tour of the Couvent de la Merci
Former religious establishment that, before the French Revolution, belonged to the Order of Our Lady of Mercy, or the Mercedarians, whose monks were tasked with redeeming Christians captured and enslaved by the Barbary pirates.
Built in the early 17th century on a plot granted to the Mercedarians by Marie de Médicis, the convent was rebuilt from 1727 to 1737 by architect Pierre-François Godeau. The church was demolished during the French Revolution, but the convent buildings remain.
Designed in a U-shaped plan around a rectangular courtyard, the buildings feature pale limestone façades punctuated by rectangular windows. A molded cornice runs along the entire sober structure.
The rear building houses a staircase arranged around a central void, preserving the original 1687 layout but with an 18th-century-style railing.
Two sundials decorate the façades: one on the north face, marking the morning hours, and the other on the west face, indicating the afternoon.
A pedimented portal, reminiscent of those found on grand townhouses, opens onto rue des Archives. Its tympanum is adorned with a black marble cartouche.
The portal, the sundials, the central staircase, and part of the buildings are listed as historic monuments.
Access: Métro Hôtel de Ville
Participation terms: Free | No reservation required
Hours: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM | Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM
This page may contain AI-assisted elements, more information here.
Dates and Opening Time
From September 19, 2026 to September 20, 2026
Location
Convent of La Merci
45 Rue des Archives
75003 Paris 3
