During the Heritage Days 2026, staged over the weekend of September 19–20, many religious sites will open their doors in Paris and Île-de-France. While cathedrals and grand churches naturally attract attention, abbeys, convents and monasteries also constitute a remarkable heritage, often more understated but just as rich in history. This event offers the opportunity to discover these places of life, prayer and transmission that have deeply marked the Île-de-France region over the centuries.
Behind their sometimes austere facades lie architectural ensembles with a wide range of fates. Some abbeys have withstood the Middle Ages, only to be reshaped over the centuries, while former convents have reinvented themselves as cultural venues, public buildings, or private properties. Other sites continue to serve their original purpose, hosting religious communities and preserving traditions that are sometimes centuries old.
These places also tell a turbulent story. The French Revolution profoundly disrupted monastic life: many congregations were dissolved, the buildings sold off as national property or repurposed for new uses. Yet a portion of this heritage survived, sometimes at the cost of significant transformations, allowing today a better understanding of how these religious ensembles evolved and their place in the History of Île-de-France.
Beyond their spiritual dimension, these abbeys, convents and monasteries also captivate with the diversity of their architecture. Cloisters ideal for a stroll, monastic gardens, chapter houses, old libraries, chapels or medieval ruins bear witness to the builders’ craftsmanship and centuries of history. Many of these spaces are usually closed to the public, which makes their opening during the Heritage Days particularly precious.
Explore the ruins of Port-Royal-des-Champs Abbey during the 2026 Heritage Days.
Step inside the Port-Royal des Champs Abbey in Magny-les-Hameaux for Heritage Days 2026. From hidden ruins and historic gardens to free strolls through the Yvelines, discover a landmark of Île-de-France's history on September 19 and 20, 2026. [Read more]
Heritage Days 2026 at the Notre-Dame-de-la-Roche Abbey in the heart of the Yvelines: the program.
Immerse yourself in the medieval treasures of the Abbey of Notre-Dame-de-la-Roche in Lévis-Saint-Nom for Heritage Days 2026. Discover a preserved jewel from the Yvelines in the heart of the Chevreuse Valley. [Read more]
Schedule of tours for the 2026 Heritage Days at Maubuisson Abbey
For Heritage Days, Maubuisson Abbey will open its doors on Saturday, September 19, and Sunday, September 20, 2026. Stay tuned for more details! [Read more]
Heritage Days 2026: The Carmes Convent of Avon Opens Its Doors
On September 19 and 20, 2026, discover the Carmelite Monastery of Avon, a 17th‑century former convent located near Fontainebleau in Seine-et-Marne. [Read more]
Heritage Days 2026 in Paris: family-friendly, hands-on workshops at the Musée des Arts et Métiers
The Musée des Arts et Métiers is taking part in Heritage Days on Saturday, 19 and Sunday, 20 September 2026, offering a free family-friendly visit and a range of activities. Discover the program! [Read more]
Hidden beneath a Pontoise convent, a crypt centuries old will be unveiled in September.
On the occasion of the 2026 Heritage Days, set off to discover the crypt of the English Benedictine convent, a discreet place that tells a chapter of Pontoise's history. [Read more]
Heritage Days 2026: Exceptional tours of Royaumont Abbey in Val d'Oise
For Heritage Days 2026, on September 19 and 20, the Royaumont estate opens its doors for guided tours of the Abbey and its gardens. Reservations are mandatory. [Read more]
This convent in the heart of Paris will open its doors for an exceptional edition of the 2026 Heritage Days.
The Heritage Days are also a smart way to discover places normally closed to the public, such as this historic convent in the heart of Paris. See you on September 19 and 20, 2026. [Read more]
This page may contain AI-assisted elements, more information here.
Dates and Opening Time
From September 19, 2026 to September 20, 2026
