In Saint-Rémy-lès-Chevreuse in Yvelines, the Fondation de Coubertin is taking part in the Journées du Patrimoine 2026 on Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20. This remarkable 30-hectare estate reveals its Bronze Garden and a tribute trail to discover.
Heritage Days 2026 offer us the chance to uncover one of the Yvelines’ best-kept secrets. Nestled in Saint-Rémy-lès-Chevreuse, in department 78, the grounds of the Fondation Coubertin are unusually opening to the public for this must-attend cultural event. This workers’ university—the only one of its kind in France—reveals its many faces: historic heritage, artistic collections and exceptional artisanal craftsmanship.
Dive into five centuries of history by discovering this estate that was owned by the Fredy de Coubertin family for four centuries. The Château de Coubertin, built at the end of the 17th century and listed as a Historic Monument since 1945, now houses a renowned museum, Musée de France. This elegant classical residence, accessible by a majestic lime-tree-lined driveway, preserves and displays an exceptional collection of sculptures and drawings dating from the late 19th century to the present day.
In 1974, Yvonne de Coubertin, niece of Pierre de Coubertin, creator of the modern Olympic Games, bequeathed this "privileged piece of Creation" to the Foundation she had created in 1950 with Jean Bernard, son of sculptor Joseph Bernard. This encounter gave birth to a unique institution dedicated to training young craftsmen in heritage and art trades.
The highlight of the visit is the bronze garden. This former walled flower garden has become an exceptional permanent exhibition space dedicated to sculpture. We stroll along this unique artistic trail, where works of art interact with the surrounding natural environment. Sculptures by Joseph Bernard, a central figure in the collections, stand side by side with contemporary creations in a constant dialogue between tradition and modernity.
The 30-hectare park extends far beyond this privileged garden. The Grandes Sculptures are scattered along the shady paths, creating an exceptional cultural promenade. This landscaped setting transforms artistic discovery into a true sensory experience, particularly appreciated on fine September days.
Closing event for the exhibition "Facts and Gestures"
On the occasion of the final weekend of the "Faits et gestes" exhibition, the Parc naturel régional de la Haute Vallée de Chevreuse and the Fondation de Coubertin are staging a closing event for the show.
Set up in front of the domain’s Orangery, the exhibition brings together photographs by Bernard Sustrac and texts by Pascale Petit. It shines a light on the region’s artisanal know-how and the transmission of the gestures and practices that accompany it.
A photographic display focused on the park’s orchards will complete the route.
The detailed schedule for the evening will be announced soon on the website: https://www.parc-naturel-chevreuse.fr/exposition-faits-et-gestes
Participation requirements: Free | No reservation required
Hours: Friday, September 18, 2026 — 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Closing event for the park’s artist residency on the heritage of traditional trades. Exhibition, educational mediations, and an accompanying concert.
Closing event of the Parc de l'année artist-in-residence program, dedicated to the intangible heritage of traditional crafts. An exhibition at the Fondation de Coubertin showcasing Bernard Sustrac's photographs and Pascale Petit's texts. The event will feature a brief musical interlude.
Participation requirements: Free | Reservation required - r.molliere@parc-naturel-chevreuse.fr
Timings: Friday, September 18, 2026 — 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Conference on the Coubertin Foundation
On the occasion of European Heritage Days, the Fondation de Coubertin Museum opens its doors.
This year, come and discover or rediscover the museum’s permanent collections, the estate grounds, and its Jardin des Bronzes. The selection of drawings by Joseph Bernard, displayed in the château’s rooms, will be refreshed.
This weekend will also mark the final days of the exhibition Faits et Gestes, organized by the Haute Vallée de Chevreuse Regional Natural Park, bringing together photographs by Bernard Sustrac and texts by Pascale Petit exploring the region’s trades.
A conference will outline the history and missions of the Fondation de Coubertin, the training it provides each year to young professionals in the field, and the work of its ateliers. Further information will be announced soon on the museum’s website.
Participation requirements: Free, no booking required - Free | No booking required
Hours: Saturday, 19 September 2026 — 10:00–18:00 | Sunday, 20 September 2026 — 10:00–18:00
Self-guided tour of the Coubertin Foundation Museum
On the occasion of European Heritage Days, the museum of the Fondation de Coubertin opens its doors.
This year, come and discover or rediscover the museum's permanent collections, the estate grounds, and its Jardin des Bronzes. The selection of drawings by Joseph Bernard, displayed in the château's rooms, will be refreshed.
This weekend will also mark the final days of the exhibition Faits et Gestes, organized by the Parc naturel régional de la Haute Vallée de Chevreuse, pairing Bernard Sustrac's photographs with Pascale Petit's texts about the region's crafts.
Free exploration of the Jardin des Bronzes, the estate grounds, and the route showcased in the château's rooms.
Participation terms: Free, no booking required - Free | No reservation
Hours: Saturday, September 19, 2026, 10:00 AM ⤏ 6:00 PM | Sunday, September 20, 2026, 10:00 AM ⤏ 6:00 PM
Guided tour of the Coubertin Foundation Museum
On the occasion of European Heritage Days, the museum of the Fondation de Coubertin opens its doors.
This year, come and see or rediscover the museum’s permanent collections, the estate’s park, and its Bronze Garden. The selection of drawings by Joseph Bernard, displayed in the château’s galleries, will be refreshed.
This weekend will also mark the final days of the exhibition Faits et Gestes, organized by the Haute Vallée de Chevreuse Regional Natural Park, bringing together Bernard Sustrac’s photographs and Pascale Petit’s texts focused on local trades.
Guided tours by reservation, open to adults. More information to be announced soon on the museum’s website.
Participation requirements: Reservation required, special rate - special rate | Reservation required - 0130856989, 0642387934
Schedule: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 10:00–18:00 | Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 10:00–18:00
Guided tours, led by collection specialists, shed light on the history of the estate and the artistic richness of the works on display. They provide an insight into the links between the Coubertin family heritage, the art of sculpture and the transmission of art crafts.
The Fondation de Coubertin is located at the Domaine de Coubertin in Saint-Rémy-lès-Chevreuse. From Paris, this exceptional site is easily reached by RER line B to Saint-Rémy-lès-Chevreuse, then a short walk through the charming Chevreuse Valley commune.
The estate benefits from an unspoilt natural setting in the heart of the Haute Vallée de Chevreuse Regional Nature Park. This privileged location, close to Rambouillet and the famous Château de Versailles, makes it an ideal stopover for a cultural getaway in the Yvelines.
Admission is free during the Heritage Days, allowing everyone to discover this exceptional place. This immersion into the world of the Fondation Coubertin promises an enriching discovery, blending history, art and craftsmanship in an exceptional natural setting. A not-to-be-missed event for lovers of French heritage and traditional know-how.
Dates and Opening Time
From September 19, 2026 to September 20, 2026
Prices
Free
Recommended age
For all
