Heritage Days 2026 at the Maison des Italiens in Versailles: a little-known monument in the Yvelines (78)

Want to uncover the secrets of France’s heritage without spending a dime? On September 19 and 20, 2026, the European Heritage Days will throw open the doors to the country’s most unusual and iconic sites. This year, in Yvelines (78), treat yourself to the Maison des Italiens in Versailles, an elegant private mansion listed as a Historic Monument.

Looking for a good excuse to ditch your screens and give your weekend a boost? The European Heritage Days are landing on September 19 and 20, 2026 for two days when museums, embassies and major institutions open their doors for free! On the menu: secrets or iconic sites to visit, plunging you straight into history and awing you like never before. Bye-bye routine, hello France-made cultural adventure!

Journées du Patrimoine 2026 à Versailles (78) : the full slate of activities
The Heritage Days are back this weekend, September 19–20, 2026, offering a chance to discover the riches of our heritage. We’re heading to Versailles in Yvelines to sample the edition’s highlights, through tours of the Château de Versailles, and also other engaging institutions on the program. [Read more]

This year, the Maison des Italiens in Versailles is a must-see on the event's itinerary in the Yvelines. This charming little rocaille jewel, built in 1752 by Jacques Hardouin-Mansart de Sagonne for the Countess d'Argenson, has a much richer history than its slightly misleading nickname - Maison des musiciens italiens. Yes, five Italian singers settled here under Louis XIV, but this pavilion is above all a real historical treasure , classified as a Monument since 1950. Since 1986, it has housed the headquarters and museum of the Union compagnonnique des compagnons du Tour de France. The house was also home to Madame de Marsan, governess to the royal children under Louis XV, before becoming the botanical playground of the scientist Le Monnier.

Heritage Days 2026 program at the Maison des Italiens in Versailles:

Guided tour: the House of Italian Musicians and the Compagnon’s Masterpiece
An immersion in the atmosphere of an 18th‑century house, through the masterpieces of the Compagnons du Tour de France.
Participation terms: 40 spots available during the visit – Free | No booking required
Hours: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 2:30 PM to 6:00 PM | Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM

You now know what you still have to do September 19 and 20, 2026!