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!
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
Self-guided tour of the Bank of France's headquarters (Hôtel de Toulouse)
Come discover the Banque de France's mission, the careers it offers, and its heritage.
At the start of your visit, you can explore the exhibition dedicated to iconic banknotes and trace a historical timeline recounting the Bank of France’s history since its creation in 1800.
Throughout the tour, different career areas will let you meet Bank of France staff, chat with them, and ask all your questions. You will learn, in particular, how banknotes are produced, what the Institution’s main missions are, and how it serves the economy and citizens.
You will also have the chance to learn more about the Bank of France’s gold reserves, housed in “la Souterraine.”
For the first time, the Climate and Biodiversity Tour is scheduled as part of the European Heritage Days, invited by the Bank of France, the project’s new sponsor. Presented in a light format in the Governor’s Garden, this traveling scientific exhibition invites visitors to explore the issues of climate and biodiversity, two closely linked challenges.
Designed by a collective of scientists who developed its content, the exhibition offers an educational and interactive route to understand the mechanisms at work, discuss possible solutions, and imagine a sustainable future for our planet. The Bank of France’s involvement also serves to remind us that heritage goes beyond monuments and collections: it also encompasses living beings, whose preservation is essential for future generations. A family-friendly exhibition, suitable for ages 9 and up.
The tour will also offer a chance to discover or rediscover the Bank of France’s exceptional heritage: the Golden Gallery, the ceremonial rooms—home to a remarkable 18th-century furniture collection—along with the governor’s office.
More surprises await you throughout your visit…
Participation terms: Registrations will open on Thursday, September 3 at 2:00 PM — Free | Booking required - https://banque-france-jep2026.fr/
Hours: Saturday, September 19, 2026 – 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM | Sunday, September 20, 2026 – 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Experiences as beautiful as they are unusual - that's what should make this visit unforgettable! Shall we go to the Banque de France, folks?
Please note that it's been over 4 years since our last visit, so the place and experience may have changed.
Dates and Opening Time
On September 19, 2026
Location
Banque de France - Hôtel de Toulouse
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.
