Heritage Days 2026: self-guided tour of the Élysée Palace, the museum at the Presidential Palace

The European Heritage Days are back on 19 and 20 September 2026 for a new edition, even more offbeat. And this year, just steps from the presidential palace, the Élysée House invites you to go behind the scenes of the republic, among iconic rooms and diplomatic curiosities. Discover the program.

The September 19 and 20, 2026, the European Heritage Days return with a single mission: unbridled curiosity and open access to the extraordinary. No more fixed itineraries—embrace the unexpected! This European event turns every corner of heritage into a playground for exploration, with emblematic museums, elite institutions, historic hôtels particuliers, and offbeat venues open for free for two days. The goal? Reconnect the public with its cultural heritage, sparking genuinely real emotions.

Heritage Days 2026 in Paris and Île-de-France: tours available without reservation
Heritage Days are back this weekend, September 19–20, 2026, in Paris and the Île-de-France region. Still not mapped out your plan? Here are sites that are open without prior booking for free, self-guided visits you can drop in on at the last minute. [Read more]

Among the highlights of this year’s edition, the Maison Élysée returns to the Heritage Days lineup, right in the heart of Paris’s 8th arrondissement. Located directly opposite the presidential palace, the Musée de l'Élysée spans 600 m2 over two levels in a chic, immersive atmosphere.

There you’ll discover, notably, the Golden Salon, a faithful reproduction of the presidential office since 1958, where General de Gaulle’s desk presides. A detour through the cabinet of curiosities is well worth it: among a lute from the Indies, a statue from Mozambique, and a One Piece sketch gifted during the Tokyo 2021 Olympics, quirky objects abound! And to snack between discoveries, the Café on the upper floor offers pastries crafted by the Élysée’s pastry chefs.

Heritage Days 2026 program at the Élysée Palace:

Self-guided Tour of the Élysée Palace
On the occasion of the 43rd edition of European Heritage Days, the Élysée House will open its doors on September 19 and 20. Visitors can explore the venue from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., with no prior reservation required.

Discover the history of the Hôtel d’Evreux, the building that now houses the Élysée Palace, along with iconic rooms such as the Cressent desk, the Paulin chair, and a selection of diplomatic gifts.

For this event, the Élysée House cafe, offering an exceptional view of the palace, will also be open.
Participation requirements: Free | No reservation required
Hours : Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 10:00 AM ⤏ 7:00 PM | Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 10:00 AM ⤏ 7:00 PM