The Journées du Patrimoine (Heritage Days ) take place every year on the third weekend in September. For two days, numerous cultural, artistic, historical and unusual sites open their doors to the public, to showcase their history and special features. The Domaine de Chamarande, inEssonne, is taking part in this major cultural event!
On September 19 and 20, 2026, Château de Chamarande and its park open to everyone. This stunning 98-hectare estate, accessible by the RER C from Paris, has a rich history dating back to the Gallo-Roman era! The grounds feature a Jardin remarquable label, a contemporary art center, the Essonne Departmental Archives, and a facility for hosting school groups.
Here's a good plan just the way we like it! It's an opportunity to discover a place rich in culture, while taking advantage of what we hope will be mild weather and family activities organized over the two days. To find out more about the activities on offer, see the program below.
Art Workshop
Art lovers, nature enthusiasts, or simply in search of fresh inspiration—join us for a creative workshop.
The hands-on art session runs from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM, no registration required.
Meet at Chamaland
Participation requirements: Free of charge | No reservation required
Schedule: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM | Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Hidden corners of Chamarande: Special opening of the icehouse and the belvedere pavilion
For European Heritage Days, step through the doors of places that are usually off-limits to the public! Discover the Belvedere Pavilion and its graffiti, and explore the enigmatic icehouse dating back to the 18th century. A chance to dive into the history of the estate and its illustrious owners.
Participation requirements: Free | No reservation required
Hours : Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 2:00 PM–4:00 PM | Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 2:00 PM–4:00 PM
Opening of the exhibition "If This Is Its Time, When Will It Come If Not In Its Own Time?" by Renaud Auguste-Dormeuil
Renaud Auguste-Dormeuil’s work stands as a particularly timely touchstone for probing notions of reuse and re-creation: How can we transform objects from artistic heritage without diluting their original impact, while giving them a renewed meaning?
At the Orangerie, the artist will present a series of works crafted from Aubusson tapestries gathered during his research. Dating from the 17th and 18th centuries, these pieces showcase the exceptional craftsmanship of their era and embody one of the major expressions in art history. By directly intervening on these ancient tapestries, Auguste-Dormeuil offers them a new reading. Each work is linked to a significant historical event from the time of its origin. The exact night-sky map visible during the event has been reconstructed and embedded directly into the tapestry itself. These interventions, akin to contemporary palimpsests, layer time and invite dialogue between heritage and creation, prompting reflection on History and the passage of time.
The exhibition’s title draws its inspiration from a line in Fernando Pessoa’s poem When Spring Will Come.
* In partnership with the Centre Pompidou.
On the occasion of European Heritage Days, the Domaine départemental de Chamarande inaugurates this new monographic exhibition at 3:00 PM, with a meeting point at the Orangerie.
The opening reception will be followed by the activation of the installation I Will Keep A Light Burning on the prairie at nightfall.
Participation requirements: Free | No reservation required
Timings: Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Show: 95% lethal
95 % Mortal, from Cie du Coin
Narrative, moving musical composition
Desires, successes, disappointments and defeats of a generation that wanted to change the world. 95% mortal explores constant change, the anxiety it can trigger, the loneliness it sometimes brings, and the ways we try to respond. It’s an energetic show that speaks of momentum, desire, and motion—a joyful sprint toward the unknown.
With a smile.
Do you think it’s possible?
Free show with no reservations required; check on-site for the meeting point.
Participation requirements: Free | No booking required
Schedule: Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Le programme est mis à jour en fonction des annonces officielles.
A wonderful family weekend awaits you, in an absolutely magnificent setting! And by the way, have you taken a look at the other events planned in the châteaux during this exceptional weekend?
Heritage Days 2026 in Essonne: on the trail of the castles of the 91
Essonne's castles reveal their secrets during Heritage Days 2026. Here's what's on offer in Essonne this weekend, September 19–20, 2026. [Read more]
Dates and Opening Time
From September 19, 2026 to September 20, 2026
Location
Domaine de Chamarande
Château de Chamarande
91730 Chamarande
Route planner
Prices
Free
Official website
chamarande.essonne.fr
More information
2 to 6 p.m.
Heritage Days 2026 in Essonne: on the trail of the castles of the 91
