European Heritage Days 2022 in Paris: discover the incredible Bank of France

For the Journées du Patrimoine 2023, on September 16 and 17, the Banque de France, based at the Hôtel de Toulouse in the 1st arrondissement of Paris, is opening its doors to you. It's an opportunity to visit its gilded gallery and ceremonial rooms, and to discover the history and activities of this French institution.

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, once belonged to 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 September 16-17, 2023, the Journées du Patrimoine (Heritage Days) weekend, you can visit this magnificent mansion free of charge. Don't forget to book your visit!