Heritage Days 2026: exclusive tours of the Bank of France in Paris

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Published by Cécile de Sortiraparis, Laurent de Sortiraparis · Photos by Cécile de Sortiraparis · Updated on July 22, 2026 at 09:03 p.m.
On the occasion of the 2026 Heritage Days, the Bank of France — housed in the Hôtel de Toulouse in the 1st arrondissement of Paris — will exceptionally open its doors on Saturday, September 19. It’s a chance to tour its gilded gallery and grand salons, and to explore the bank’s history and activities through a playful, engaging visit.

The Banque de France rarely opens its doors to visitors. Yet this institution is home to one of the capital's most beautiful galleries - a must-see! So, when the Journées du Patrimoine come round again , don't hesitate for a second: book your place, and head off to discover this exceptional building and its gilding during this XXL event.

The Hôtel de Toulouse has housed the Banque de France since 1811. This private mansion, designed by François Mansart, was once the property of the Count of Toulouse, Louis-Alexandre de Bourbon. During the French Revolution, the building was seized, and a few years later bought back by the Banque de France. The hotel still retains some vestiges of this monarchical era.

We can discover the Galerie dorée, redecorated in the early 18th century in the Regency style and restored in 2015. We can also admire the salons d'apparat, which house a collection of 18th-century furniture and Jean-Honoré Fragonard's painting "La fête à Saint-Cloud". Built between 1635 and 1640 by François Mansart for Louis XIII's Secretary of State, Louis Phélypeaux de La Vrillière, the Galerie dorée is 40 meters long, 6.5 meters wide and 8 meters high.

This Saturday, September 19, 2026, during the Heritage Days weekend, you can visit this magnificent grand townhouse for free. Be sure to book your tour slot!

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Heritage Days 2026 program at the Bank of France in Paris:

  • Together, let’s talk — Visit to the Banque de France in Paris’ Bastille district

    Come explore the Bank of France’s heritage and its mission.

    A 1h30 guided tour with 5 workshops. No free exploration option.

    You’ll be guided from workshop to workshop by our staff.

    1. Missions for individuals

    2. Authentication of a banknote – the TRI method

    3. Missions for businesses

    4. Heritage: a tour of the Directorate offices

    5. Heritage: a tour of the former vault

    Activities for children in a dedicated space include a financial workbook (from age 6), a colorable mural, and games.

    You can ask questions of Bank of France staff.

    The former vault and the Directorate offices are not accessible to people with reduced mobility.

    registration opens on September 1

    Participation requirements: Registration opens on September 1. Free to participate, but booking is mandatory. Please bring a valid ID. No luggage concierge available. - Free | Reservation required - https://my.weezevent.com/ensemble-dialoguons-visite-banque-de-france-paris-bastille-1

    Schedule: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 09:00–10:30, 10:45–12:15, 13:30–15:00, 15:15–16:45

Experiences as beautiful as they are unusual - that's what should make this visit unforgettable! Shall we go to the Banque de France, folks?

Practical information

Dates and Opening Time
On September 19, 2026

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

    Location

    31 Rue Croix des Petits Champs
    75001 Paris 1

    Route planner

    Prices
    Free

    Average duration
    1 h 30 min

    Official website
    www.banque-france.fr

    More information
    Open from 10am to 5pm.

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