The European Heritage Days are back on September 19 and 20, 2026, with one promise: to make history pulse to the rhythm of discovery. Île-de-France turns into a cultural playground, where curiosity and wonder become your best guides. Two open-door days to touch—the word is literal at times—the soulful essence of the most iconic places, and some that are more unusual, or even more secret. Châteaux, museums, gardens, curiosities... Heritage is experienced, heard, felt and savored in a different way. The perfect opportunity to explore History with a capital H, in a sensory, freely accessible format!
Did you know? There's an unusual troglodyte church in the Val d'Oise, just waiting to be discovered.
Did you know that in the Val d'Oise, the Church of the Annunciation at Haute-Isle is the only troglodyte church in the entire region? Carved directly into a chalk cliff and listed as a historic monument, it's an unusual nugget to discover. [Read more]
Why not dig a little deeper? Let's head for the Val-d'Oise (95), more precisely Haute-Isle, for a divine visit in both the literal and figurative sense: that of thetroglodyte church of the Annunciation. Carved out of the chalk rock between 1670 and 1673 at the request of Nicolas Dongois, the King's secretary, this church, the only one of its kind in Île-de-France, is the envy of the finest architectural gems. Entirely excavated from the cliff, only its masonry bell tower proudly protrudes from the hillside. At 26 metres long, 8 metres wide and 8 metres high, the nave is austerely mineral. Listed on the Inventaire Supplémentaire des Monuments Historiques since 1926, it continues to host services and ceremonies. As an added bonus, it's just a stone's throw from the troglodyte château of La Roche-Guyon!
Exhibition “Behind the Scenes with Bonnard, Pierre and Marthe — When the Vexin Reclaims the Atmosphere of the Impressionist Painters”
This photography exhibition pulls back the curtain on the making of Martin Provost's film Bonnard, Pierre et Marthe. Through a selection of images captured on the sets at Haute-Isle, La Roche-Guyon and Vétheuil, it highlights the teamwork of the crews, the recreation of landscapes, and the atmosphere of the late 19th century. These three villages—fans of Claude Monet and chosen for filming to match the historical periods depicted in the film—become the living backdrop for a meeting of heritage, cinema, and painting.
Participation requirements: Free | No reservation required
Hours: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 10:00 am to 6:00 pm | Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Opening of the region's only troglodyte church in Île-de-France
Carved into the chalk cliff, Haute-Isle’s troglodyte church stands out as a singular site in Île-de-France. Erected in the 17th century, it impresses with architecture carved entirely from rock and a serene, timeless atmosphere. For European Heritage Days, come and discover this exceptional monument, a testament to a heritage as rare as it is fascinating.
Participation requirements: Free | No reservation required
Hours: Saturday, September 19, 2026 – 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Sunday, September 20, 2026 – 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Embark on a journey to uncover the captivating history of photography
This event will revisit a fundamental question: what is this image whose bicentennial we are celebrating? It will trace the origins of photography, from Nicéphore Niépce, the inventor of the first practical method of reproduction, through the work of Daguerre, Bayard and Talbot, to answer the enduring and fascinating question: who really invented photography?
The lecture will close with a nod to two major figures in the history of photography who are linked to La Roche Guyon, offering a local perspective on this scientific and artistic journey.
Participation requirements: Free of charge
Timings: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 10:15–11:00 AM | Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 10:15–11:00 AM
The Invention of Photography
What is this image whose 200th anniversary we’re celebrating?
If Nicéphore Niépce is the undisputed pioneer of the still image, who really invented photography? Amid the parallel breakthroughs of Daguerre, Bayard, and Talbot, this piece traces the intertwined story of these genius inventors who gave birth to the eighth art.
Participation requirements: Limited to 40 participants - Free | No reservation required
Schedule: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 10:30 ⤏ 11:15, 14:30 ⤏ 15:30 | Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 11:00 ⤏ 11:30
Conference "The Life of a Photographer"
Over the course of his career as a portrait photographer, Guy Vivien will pull back the curtain on a profession built on encounters, creativity, and passion. He’ll recount his work with a host of figures from the artistic world, the trust that forms between subject and photographer, and the highs and lows of a life spent behind the lens. Expect a talk rich in anecdotes and reflections on the photographer’s gaze and the enduring power of the portrait.
Participation requirements: Free | No reservation required
Schedule: Saturday, 19 September 2026, 11:15–12:00 | Sunday, 20 September 2026, 11:15–12:00
Dates and Opening Time
From September 19, 2026 to September 20, 2026
Location
Church of the Annunciation in Haute-Isle
144 Route de la Vallée
95780 Haute Isle
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More information
Saturday, September 20, 2025 - 10:00 ⤏ 13:00, 14:00 ⤏ 19:00 Sunday, September 21, 2025 - 10:00 ⤏ 13:00, 14:00 ⤏ 19:00
Did you know? There's an unusual troglodyte church in the Val d'Oise, just waiting to be discovered.
