Heritage Days 2026: an exceptional chance to visit the Constitutional Council at the Palais-Royal

On 19 and 20 September 2026, the European Heritage Days offer an exceptional chance to discover the Constitutional Council, housed in the Palais-Royal in Paris. A rare opportunity to step inside this Republic institution, explore its historic salons, and gain a deeper understanding of its role at the heart of French democracy.

Every year, the European Heritage Days open doors to places normally off-limits to the public. On 19 and 20 September 2026, this major cultural event returns across France with thousands of visits, some of them highly anticipated inside the institutions of the Republic. In Paris, the Constitutional Council participates, as it does every year, by offering a tour of the Palais-Royal, shared with the Conseil d'État. This year, the visits will revolve around the theme of the Rule of Law. A rare opportunity to glimpse behind the scenes of a key institution of French democratic life, in a setting steeped in history.

Since 1958 housed in the Montpensier wing of the Palais-Royal, the Constitutional Council safeguards the Constitution and reviews the compatibility of laws before they are promulgated. Its seat occupies a portion of this iconic architectural complex, once the palace of Cardinal Richelieu and later a royal residence before housing several major state institutions. On the occasion of the Heritage Days, visitors are led on a fully guided tour that starts in the Conseil d'État and continues to the Constitutional Council. They can explore the deliberation chamber, the historic salons, and several spaces normally off-limits, while reflecting on the role this institution plays in the functioning of the Republic.

The Constitutional Council often intrigues, with little idea of what lies behind its doors, and these Heritage Days offer precisely the chance to find out. The visit brings you close to a place where decisions shape the country’s political and legal life, all while admiring a remarkable architectural heritage in the heart of Paris. Between historic interiors, anecdotes about the Palais-Royal, and a glimpse into how the “Sages” operate, the tour makes the institution feel tangible and accessible. An ideal outing to satisfy curiosity, to better understand how the Republic works, and to take part in an exceptional opening that only happens on rare occasions.

The 2026 Heritage Days program at the Constitutional Council:

A 90-minute guided tour to explore the Council of State and the Constitutional Council
What is the role of the Conseil d'État? And what does the Constitutional Council do?

If you’re curious about the answers to these questions, sign up for a 90-minute guided tour that blends history, heritage and the rule of law.
Participation terms: Free of charge | Booking required - https://my.weezevent.com/visite-guidee-patrimoine-et-etat-de-droit
Hours: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM | Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM

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