The Journées du Patrimoine is one of the highlights of September. This cultural event, which takes place all over Europe, invites us to enjoy a wide range of original visits and activities for all ages. In many cases, the program is free of charge, making it an unmissable event. For the occasion, many monuments and institutions lend themselves to the game: museums, castles, gardens, churches, and even places usually closed to the public. An original way to rediscover our cultural heritage in a different way!
The event has something to captivate art and history lovers, as well as the curious craving for discovery. In its 43rd edition, scheduled for September 19–20, 2026, Paris and the entire Île-de-France region become the playground for explorers hungry for new experiences. Why not take the opportunity to travel back in time while immersing yourself in the treasures of the Francilien heritage?
Provins, Île-de-France's largest medieval city, with many treasures to discover
In Seine-et-Marne, just a few kilometers from the capital, lies the medieval town of Provins, a testimony to its trading past and lively fairs. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this town straight out of the Middle Ages is brimming with historical treasures, from the Tour César to its rose-based culinary specialties, not to mention its imposing ramparts! [Read more]
The city of Provins, nestled in Seine-et-Marne, is well worth a detour. Here, a medieval time warp awaits on the medieval city, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Behind the towering ramparts, you step back in time as you wander these cobbled lanes where monuments, shops, and foodie stops line up. For the Heritage Days 2026, Provins unveils a program packed with captivating visits for all ages! Whether you’re with family, friends, a partner, or flying solo, this remarkable medieval town promises a weekend… historical!
Heritage Days 2026 at the Saint-Esprit cellar in Provins
Self-guided tour of the Caveau du Saint-Esprit
Self-guided tour of the vaulted ground-floor hall (12th century) of the former Holy Spirit Hospital, founded in 1177 by Henry the Liberal, Count of Champagne.
Participation terms: Free admission - No reservation required
Hours: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM | Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Heritage Days 2026 at the Saint-Quiriace Collegiate Church in Provins
Self-guided tour of Saint-Quiriace Collegiate Church
Public access to this ancient collegiate church (12th–17th centuries). Its original plan was highly ambitious, continued in the 13th century but never completed, and it was given a dome in the 17th century. Until the Revolution it housed a large and influential chapter. Joan of Arc passed through here on her return from the coronation of Charles VII. Restored in 2021, the former chapter house has just regained its original volume and its medieval painted decorations.
Participation requirements : Visit outside religious services - Free | No reservation needed
Hours: Saturday, September 19, 2026 – 10:00–18:00 | Sunday, September 20, 2026 – 10:00–18:00
Heritage Days 2026 at the Grange aux Dimes in Provins
Audio-guided tours of the Grange aux Dîmes
Audio-guided tours of this 12th-century merchant house, among the best preserved in Provins. Marvel at the refined architecture of the chambers with carved capitals and ribbed vaults. The building served as a covered market during the fairs until the end of the 13th century, then as a warehouse for tithes from the 14th century. Today, this dwelling presents a themed display, "Provins in the Time of the Champagne Fairs," featuring reconstructions that evoke the merchants and the trades guilds of the era.
Participation terms: Free admission - No reservation required
Hours: Saturday, September 19, 2026 from 10:00 to 18:00 | Sunday, September 20, 2026 from 10:00 to 18:00
Heritage Days 2026 at the Provins Museum and the Provinois
Self-guided tour of the permanent collections of the Provins Museum and the Provinois
The Provins and Provinois Museum is housed in the Romanesque House (a listed historic monument), one of the town’s oldest civil buildings. Its façade, built with regular small stones, and the ground-floor hall date back to the 12th century. Spanning four levels and about ten rooms, the collections of the City and the Society for History and Archaeology of the Provins district chart the history of Provins and its region from prehistory to the eve of World War I.
Conditions of participation : Free entry, subject to the venue's capacity - Free | No reservation
Hours: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM | Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Heritage Days 2026 at the Benedictine Priory of Saint-Ayoul in Provins
Self-guided tour of Saint-Ayoul Church
Free tours of the nave and side aisles (12th–16th centuries) fully restored; the high altar, side altars, and 17th-century woodwork are listed as historic monuments; stained glass by painter-glazier Gilles Rousvoal.
Participation rules: Visit outside of religious services – Free | No booking required
Hours : Saturday, September 19, 2026 – 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM | Sunday, September 20, 2026 – 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Dates and Opening Time
From September 19, 2026 to September 20, 2026
Location
Provins
77160 Provins
77160 Provins
Route planner
Accessibility info
Official website
www.provins.net
Provins, Île-de-France's largest medieval city, with many treasures to discover
