Journées du Patrimoine 2026: In the Footsteps of the Nouvelle Vague at Jean-Claude Brialy's Domaine

Published by Rizhlaine de Sortiraparis · Photos by Laurent de Sortiraparis · Updated on August 25, 2026 at 02:40 p.m.
Step into Jean-Claude Brialy’s retreat in Monthyon for the 2026 Heritage Days. A dive into the memories of French cinema in Seine-et-Marne.

Did you know that a small corner of the Île-de-France countryside hides one of the film world’s best-kept secrets? For the Heritage Days 2026, taking place on the September 19 and 20, 2026, the doors to historic treasures swing open free of charge or at a discounted rate across the region. The event spotlights the architectural and cultural wealth of Île-de-France, inviting everyone to step behind doors that are usually closed. In Seine-et-Marne, the Domaine de Jean-Claude Brialy in Monthyon stands out as one of these singular gems where the story of French cinema echoes through the walls of a grand bourgeois house.

Acquired in the late 1950s by the actor, director and writer Jean-Claude Brialy, this Briarde property quickly outgrew its status as a mere second home. A central figure of the Nouvelle Vague — the film movement of the 1950s–60s famed for on-location shooting, loose storytelling and a break with academic conventions — Brialy transformed Monthyon into a major crossroads of the arts.

Domaine de Jean-Claude Brialy à MonthyonDomaine de Jean-Claude Brialy à MonthyonDomaine de Jean-Claude Brialy à MonthyonDomaine de Jean-Claude Brialy à Monthyon Jean-Claude Brialy's estate in Monthyon: a piece of French cinema heritage
A wonderful visit for all lovers of heritage and cinema... Jean-Claude Brialy's Monthyon estate, owned by the City of Meaux, opens its doors for guided tours in fine weather. From Romy Schneider to François Truffaut, discover the history of this place, which has welcomed some of the biggest names in cinema! [Read more]

Names like François Truffaut, Jean-Luc Godard, Romy Schneider, Barbara, and even Jean Marais are said to have stayed there, turning the salons and gardens into informal rehearsal rooms and hot-blooded exchanges. Legend has it that some cult scripts were sketched out there during long summer nights by the pool.

Owned by the city of Meaux since the artist's passing, the estate stretches across a vast leafy park and includes a main house steeped in memory, a green-theatre, and a heterogeneous collection of art objects, signed photographs, and movie posters. The site seeks to preserve the actor's memory while showcasing theatrical and cinematic creation to the wider Île-de-France public. Each room reflects the former owner's eclectic taste, blending classic furniture, baroque touches, and constant tributes to the world of show business. Discover below the detailed program of activities and tours planned for this special weekend at the domain.

The 2026 Heritage Days program at the Jean-Claude Brialy estate in Monthyon

  • Small Creative Workshops

    To shine a light on cinema, a few hands-on workshops are on offer to create a keepsake from your visit during this weekend dedicated to the seventh art.

    Participation terms: Free | No reservation required

    Hours: Saturday, September 19, 2026 – 10:00 ⤏ 17:30 | Sunday, September 20, 2026 – 10:00 ⤏ 17:30

  • Remake of Melville's Le Cercle Rouge

    Scenes "Remake of the Red Circle"

    Did you know that the final scenes of Jean-Pierre Melville's film The Red Circle were shot at the Brialy estate? In homage to the movie, the Compagnie l'Éscale Filante offers short scenes tied to the film.

    Imagine a film crew deciding to shoot a remake of the film in the estate’s park. They might need you!

    Scenes in different areas of the park, about 20 minutes long.

    Participation requirements: Free | No reservation required

    Hours: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 10:30 AM to 5:30 PM | Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 10:30 AM to 5:30 PM

  • Guided tour of the exhibition devoted to Alain Delon

    From the ground floor to the first floor, explore Jean-Claude Brialy’s country house and follow the shared memories and intertwined stories of Brialy and Alain Delon.

    Participation requirements: Free of charge, limited to 15 attendees. Reservation required — https://www.meaux-marne-ourcq.com/billetterie, 01 64 33 02 26

    Schedule: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 10:30–11:30 a.m. | Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 10:30–11:30 a.m.

  • Mini-Visit Brialy/Delon: Fates Intertwined

    After a year of juxtaposing the stories of Jean-Claude Brialy and Alain Delon, the public is invited to discover the early days of these two film icons by walking through the ground floor of the house with a guide.

    A tour of about 20 minutes.

    Participation conditions: On-site registration at the reception desk, limited to 15 participants — Free | No reservation required

    Times: Saturday, September 19, 2026 – 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM, 1:30 PM to 2:00 PM, 2:00 PM to 2:30 PM, 2:30 PM to 3:00 PM, 3:00 PM to 3:30 PM, 3:30 PM to 4:00 PM, 4:00 PM to 4:30 PM, 4:30 PM to 5:00 PM, 5:00 PM to 5:30 PM, 5:30 PM to 6:00 PM | Sunday, September 20, 2026 – 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM, 1:30 PM to 2:00 PM, 2:00 PM to 2:30 PM, 2:30 PM to 3:00 PM, 3:00 PM to 3:30 PM, 3:30 PM to 4:00 PM, 4:00 PM to 4:30 PM, 4:30 PM to 5:00 PM, 5:00 PM to 5:30 PM, 5:30 PM to 6:00 PM

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Practical information

Dates and Opening Time
From September 19, 2026 to September 20, 2026

× Approximate opening times: to confirm opening times, please contact the establishment.

    Location

    Rue Thiers
    77122 Monthyon

    Route planner

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