Heritage Days 2026: a journey back to the Middle Ages at Blandy-les-Tours Castle (77)

Are you familiar with the Blandy Castle? This medieval monument, which has withstood the test of time and enjoyed a rich history, graces the village of Blandy-les-Tours, in Seine-et-Marne. This fortress has played a pivotal role in French history and culture: uncover all its secrets on September 19 and 20, 2026, during the new edition of the Heritage Days.

The historic monument opens its doors to the general public free of charge over the weekend, and offers a range of activities for visitors of all ages. It's the perfect time to learn more about this vestige of Ile-de-France heritage, while enjoying a lovely stroll through the ru d'Ancœur valley.

A fortified manor house, then a fortified castle worthy of the name, Château de Blandy served as a place of defense and residence for the noble families of France during the Hundred Years' War. It passed in turn into the hands of the Tancarville, Orléans-Longueville, Bourbon-Soissons, Savoie and Nemours families. In the 18th century, the monument became too expensive to maintain, and was gradually abandoned. In the 1980s, when the château was in a state of complete ruin, the Seine-et-Marne departmental council decided to buy it, renovate it and open it to visitors.

• To be read
• This week's top picks in Paris and Île-de-France, September 7–13, 2026

To discover all the details of this rich history, Château de Blandy is encouraging visitors to come along during the Journées du Patrimoine (Heritage Days). This annual event aims to raise awareness of the riches that surround us, by offering the general public the opportunity to visit historic sites free of charge over the course of a weekend.

Churches, museums, châteaux, places of power, department stores, gardens, sports halls, cemeteries, railway stations... Heritage takes many forms, and the country's history is hidden in every nook and cranny of Paris and theÎle-de-France region! But before you visit all these places, why not drop in at Château de Blandy.

The 2026 Heritage Days program at Blandy Castle:

• Heritage Days 2026
  Hours: 1:00 PM to 6:30 PM, continuous
  Free admission with no booking required, except for the all-ages illumination workshop
  
  For this 43rd edition of the European Heritage Days, Blandy Castle invites you to step into the heart of the Middle Ages. Over one weekend, discover the techniques and crafts that helped shape the era’s greatest medieval monuments. Recreated construction machines, demonstrations of ancient know-how, creative workshops, and unexpected encounters will punctuate your visit.
  Along the winding paths, colorful characters will humorously share anecdotes, beliefs, and little secrets of life in days past, offering an experience that is as enriching as it is entertaining. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply curious, come share a warm moment in an exceptional setting and rediscover heritage through the people who bring it back to life. 
  
  
• "Bertille and Garance" by Les Colporteurs de Couleurs
  Bertille and Garance are professional gossip-mongers. These dye-housewomen take you on a lively, colorful stroll, revealing the secrets and gossip of everyday medieval life. Inspired by the famous "Évangiles des Quenouilles," our gossip-mongers will show you:
  • The mysteries of woolworking
  • The juicy gossip of the artisans’ quarter
  • The traditions and female superstitions of the era

Roaming performance
Schedule: 1:45 PM, 3:45 PM and 5:45 PM on both days
Duration: 30 minutes
For ages 3 and up

• Medieval Builders
  “Medieval Builders” is a troupe born from the association “From the Middle Ages to Our Days.” They are skilled craftsmen who have gained a very particular kind of expertise. They have recreated medieval construction machines such as drum winches (or “squirrel cage” hoists), ratchet wheels, baskets, a column-lifting device, a stone-thrower, a small crane, and more.
  For this edition, the association will offer a wood-turning workshop and an explanation of the master builder trade in the Middle Ages. 

Ongoing programming
Hours: 1:00 PM to 6:15 PM
All ages 

• The Manor of Stories
  Workshop - Intro to Illuminated Manuscripts
  The Manor of Stories highlights tales, legends and narratives through artistic projects, performances and hands-on workshops that spark creativity and share cultural heritage. In this session, participants craft a personalized medieval parchment featuring calligraphed text, illuminated initials and decorative motifs. Through drawing, painting and calligraphy, they explore layout and ornamentation techniques inspired by the Middle Ages.

Free
1:15 PM, 2:15 PM, 3:15 PM, 4:15 PM and 5:15 PM
Workshop by reservation (available from August 19)

Le programme est mis à jour en fonction des annonces officielles.

Do you love castles? Discover the other historic sites taking part in this national event.

European Heritage Days 2026: the most beautiful castles to discover in Paris and Île-de-France
Heritage Days also offer the chance to visit the castles of Île-de-France, often for free. Kings and queens, princes, emperors, nobles of every stripe... Step in the footsteps of these great figures in French history and discover their grand residences on the weekend of September 19–20, 2026. [Read more]