Mark your calendars—the big cultural kick-off of the season is back: on September 19 and 20, 2026, the Heritage Days celebrate their 43rd edition in Paris and the Île-de-France. As every year, this event gives the public access to thousands of famous or little‑known sites across towns and cities nationwide.
Museums and castles, factories, backstage department stores, prestigious schools, theaters and gardens, as well as train station technical centers, historic monuments and hidden townhouses: French history and heritage come to life in these exceptional places, which open their doors to all visitors.
In Paris, the Heritage Days are an opportunity to discover some amazing sites, including a historic monument built by Gustave Eiffel himself... No, it's not the famous Tower! But an industrial laboratory designed to test the aerodynamic properties of aircraft and cars. This Eiffel wind tunnel, inaugurated in 1912, is still in operation today. The site rarely opens its doors to the public, so don't miss this opportunity to visit!
Guided tour of the Eiffel wind tunnel
The Eiffel Wind Tunnel: how this jewel of our scientific heritage is still in operation after more than 110 years of service!
Gustave Eiffel is widely known for his impressive structures, but few people are familiar with his second, lesser-known career—the development of a nascent science at the dawn of the 20th century: aerodynamics.
From that second career sprang the "Eiffel" Wind Tunnel, founded in 1912, right in the heart of Paris, in the 16th arrondissement, and still active today!
Through this tour, we invite you to revisit the birth of this jewel of our scientific heritage and its evolution up to the present day, which, after 114 years, continues to support scientists and industry in advancing innovation and ensuring product reliability.
Participation conditions: Pay-what-you-can pricing based on your means and your appreciation - No reservation required | Special rate
Schedule: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 09:00–12:00, 14:00–17:00 | Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 09:00–12:00, 14:00–16:30
And, of course, don't miss the special tours of the Eiffel Tower during these Paris Heritage Days.
Heritage Days 2025 at the Eiffel Tower: visit the machinery of the historic elevator
The Journées du Patrimoine (Heritage Days) take place this weekend, September 20 and 21, 2025, in Paris and the Île-de-France region. It's an opportunity to discover the secrets of the capital's most emblematic monument: the Eiffel Tower. We reveal the program! [Read more]
Dates and Opening Time
From September 19, 2026 to September 20, 2026
Location
Eiffel wind tunnel - Aerodynamics laboratory
67 Rue Boileau
75116 Paris 16
Heritage Days 2025 at the Eiffel Tower: visit the machinery of the historic elevator
