Did you know a labyrinth of rock-carved galleries lies quietly beneath the slopes of the Seine? On September 19 and 20, 2026, Heritage Days return to Paris and throughout Île-de-France. Each autumn, this flagship event invites the curious to push open the doors of hidden gems or sites usually closed to the public. Among the unusual tours of this 43rd edition, the Caves du Roi à Sèvres invite you to embark on an underground journey through the centuries.
Near Paris, unusual tours unveil a hidden maze of lesser-known historic cellars
Beneath the streets of Sèvres in the Hauts-de-Seine, an unexpected network of tunnels uncovers a forgotten heritage. The Caves of the King now provide guided tours that take visitors on a journey through history, catering to curious explorers eager to uncover unusual treasures in Île-de-France. [Read more]
The site's story starts in the Middle Ages with intensive extraction of the Moyen Âge and the soft materials known as Meudon white and chalk, which were used to build and whiten many Île-de-France homes. But the site's legend takes a royal turn in the 18th century: local memory recalls that King Louis XV had these vast, cool, shadowy caverns laid out to store fine wines destined for the banquets at the Château de Versailles and the nearby Bellevue estate.
In the Paris region, many secrets still lie buried beneath our feet. In Hauts-de-Seine, the network of underground cellars that runs beneath the town of Sèvres unveils a host of mysteries, including a peculiar chamber nicknamed the cathedral, about which we still know almost nothing. [Read more]
Structurally, the Caves du Roi sit within troglodyte architecture and underground extraction engineering. This type of layout is defined by semicircular vaults carved directly into the limestone, a network of turned pillars left rough to support the vault, and a constant humidity level year-round. These impressive spaces even shifted用途 in the 19th century, becoming a renowned industrial brewery and a storeroom for wine and foodstuffs, drawing on a natural temperature of about 12°C.
Today kept alive by local enthusiasts and the town, these galleries offer a precious window into the quarrying and industrial past along the banks of the Seine. Discover below the full schedule of tours and activities planned for this exceptional weekend.
Guided tour of the King of Sèvres Caves
Guided Tours of the King of Sèvres Caves on September 19 and 20, 2026
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### European Heritage Days 2026
The Société d’Archéologie et d’Histoire de Sèvres, a non-profit association, has long held exclusive rights to guide visits of the Caves of the King, granted by the City Hall of Sèvres.
On the occasion of the European Heritage Days 2026, we are pleased to invite you to discover them on Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20 (three time slots).
📚 Booking details :
- Reservations open Friday, September 4 (no requests will be considered before this date)
- Online booking only HERE. No phone or email requests.
- Visits are not accessible to children under 8 or to anyone with difficulty climbing stairs (equivalent to three floors).
- Duplicate requests made to secure a spot on either day will be automatically removed. Only the first submission will be considered and confirmed by email.
- Reservations are in the name of the attendee. No additional people will be admitted on the day.
- Each tour group is limited to 18 participants.
- Meeting point: the association’s premises, 2 Place du Colombier, 92310 Sèvres. Arrive at least 15 minutes before the departure time: the guide will not wait for late arrivals.
- Duration: about 1 hour 30 minutes.
- Language: French
📝 Practical tips :
- Wear sturdy footwear suitable for uneven surfaces (sneakers are fine).
- A flashlight is recommended, as some passages are not well lit and the floor can be irregular; a phone flashlight works well.
- Dress in clothes that won’t chafe against walls (dust or humidity may be present).
For your information, the temperature inside remains around 14°C year-round.
Conditions de participation : 18 people max per visit. Wear sneakers. A flashlight or a charged mobile phone is recommended. Dress for rough wear. Meet at 2 Place du Colombier, 92310 Sèvres. Arrive 15 minutes before departure. - Free | Reservation required - https://sevres-associatif.fr/sahs/visites-guidees-des-caves-du-roi-de-sevres-pour-les-journees-europeennes-du-patrimoine-2026/
Schedule: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 11:00–12:30, 14:00–15:30, 16:00–17:30 | Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 10:30–12:00, 14:00–15:30, 16:00–17:30
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Dates and Opening Time
From September 19, 2026 to September 20, 2026
Location
Caves du Roi
6 Rue des Caves du Roi
92310 Sevres
Route planner
Near Paris, unusual tours unveil a hidden maze of lesser-known historic cellars
Near Paris, the mystery surrounding this underground "cathedral" remains intact — you can visit it.
