Journées du Patrimoine 2025: visit the City of Paris' archaeological reserves

Ready to dig into history? For their 42nd edition, the Journées du Patrimoine are back in the Île-de-France region with a rare visit: the City of Paris' archaeological reserves open their doors to the public on Friday, September 19, 2025 (by reservation only). A unique dive into the well-kept secrets of the Parisian underground!

Looking for a break from routine and a chance to discover new things? On September 20 and 21, 2025, set course for the 42nd Heritage Days! For a whole weekend, history comes out of its walls and opens its arms to you: museums, castles, monuments, institutions... places sometimes closed to the public open exceptionally, free of charge, for a life-size exploration. The perfect opportunity to see the region differently!

Journées du Patrimoine 2025 in Paris: must-see openings and exceptional tours
The Journées du Patrimoine 2025 in Paris is also an opportunity to discover places that are usually closed to the public. We've put together a list of places that will be opening their doors to the public on the weekend of September 20 and 21, 2025. [Read more]

As a preview to the event, the City of Paris' archaeological reserves, hidden away in the 18th arrondissement, are exceptionally unveiling their backstage areas to the public on Friday, September 19. Located near the Porte de la Chapelle, these 800 m² contain a veritable war treasure - or rather, excavation treasure: several thousand objects, classified according to material (stone, glass, metal, ceramics, bone).
Behind this meticulous organization is a team of enthusiasts: five archaeologists, an archaeogeographer and a restorer, who continue the mission of the Commission du Vieux Paris, founded in 1897 to watch over the capital's heritage. The shelves are overflowing with 6,000 numbered boxes containing bronze coins, ceramic fragments, human remains (the majority), animal bones... straight from the bowels of Paris.

Programme of the Journées du Patrimoine 2025 at the archaeological reserves of the City of Paris :

Visit to the archaeological reserves of the City of Paris (18th arrondissement)
Friday, September 19, 2025 - 10:00 ⤏ 11:00, 11:00 ⤏ 12:00, 14:00 ⤏ 15:00, 15:00 ⤏ 16:00
Nestled in the 18th arrondissement, the archaeological storerooms cover 800 m² and hold several thousand objects, stored according to size and material: stone, ceramics, bone, metal, glass, and so on.

During a guided tour, discover the work carried out by the researchers after the excavation and get to know Paris' archaeological heritage.

Event on reservation.

Places are limited, so please unsubscribe if you are unable to attend.

The exact meeting place will be communicated to you when you register online. Please arrive 10 minutes early.

The registration link will be activated on September 10, 2025.

A dive into the past not to be missed!