The weekend of September 19 and 20, 2026, the Heritage Days invite curious visitors to step through the doors of monuments, institutions and public buildings to better understand their history and missions. While the châteaux and the musées figure among the must-sees, these days also offer a chance to discover venues where administrative and civic life is organized.
Located in Bobigny, the city that became the capital of the new département de la Seine-Saint-Denis upon its creation in 1968, the prefecture sits at the heart of the territory’s history. Its establishment was part of the broad development project that accompanied the birth of the department, with the construction of a new administrative center designed to host the state’s services.
On a day-to-day basis, the prefecture carries out a wide range of essential duties. It represents the State in Seine-Saint-Denis, ensures the implementation of public policies, coordinates state services, manages a multitude of administrative files, and plays a pivotal role in security, citizenship, and the organization of elections. It is also a hub where many procedures that shape the daily lives of residents of the department are handled.
The prefecture’s architecture embodies the urban planning spirit of the 1960s and 1970s, a era defined by the rollout of new public facilities to support the growth of the Paris suburbs. And you’ll soon have the chance to go behind the scenes for this special occasion!
The Seine-Saint-Denis prefecture marks its 55th anniversary
Inaugurated in 1971 by Georges Pompidou, the Seine-Saint-Denis prefecture marks a pivotal moment in the creation of the department in 1964. Designed by architects Michel Folliasson and Jacques Binoux and developed under the guidance of Robert Anxionnat, it stands as a testament to the State’s commitment to modernizing this territory and bringing administration closer to residents.
Through this visit, discover the story of a program and an architecture emblematic of the 1970s: from the building’s interior (grand hall, stairs and reception salon, prefect’s office) to its surroundings, not to mention the artistic interventions (Marta Pan). A tour at the heart of Bobigny, city and prefecture, to understand how architecture also tells the political, social, and urban transformations of Seine-Saint-Denis.
Suitable for ages 12 and up
Guided tours on Saturdays by Hélène Caroux, heritage inventory officer for the Department of Seine-Saint-Denis, and on Sundays by Sébastien Radouan, tour guide.
A joint initiative of the Prefecture and the Department of Seine-Saint-Denis.
• Metro Line 5, Bobigny – Pablo Picasso station (terminus)
• Tram T1, Bobigny – Pablo Picasso station
• Bus 134, 143, 146, 147, 148, 151, 234, 251, 301, 303, 322, 615, 620
Participation requirements: Registration is required. A front-and-back copy of your identity document (CNI or passport) must be provided when you register and shown on the day of the visit. - Free | Booking required - https://exploreparis.com/fr/6518-les-55-ans-de-la-prefecture-de-la-seine-saint-denis-journees-du-patrimoine.html
Schedule: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM; 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM | Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM; 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM
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Dates and Opening Time
From September 19, 2026 to September 20, 2026
Location
Prefecture of Seine-Saint-Denis
1 esplanade Jean Moulin
Route planner
Access
Bobigny–Pablo Picasso Metro: line 5
