The Musée de Préhistoire d’Île-de-France, located in Nemours in Seine-et-Marne, safeguards more than two million prehistoric artefacts. It houses 2,500 objects on display, spanning from the Early Paleolithic to the Second Iron Age. The Heritage Days 2026 offer a unique chance to (re)discover this natural heritage.
Most of the collection comes from archaeological discoveries made by local archaeologists since the 19th century. The first archaeological discoveries in Île-de-France were made by Edmond Doigneau in the Beauregards massif (Nemours). It was not until the inter-war years that Abbé André Nouel, Raoul Daniel and Édouard Soudan found numerous signs of life in these massifs.
It was therefore decided to build a museum in the geological setting of Nemours, in the Stampian sandstone massifs that have been home to peoples since prehistoric times. The several-hectare site, planted with coniferous and oak trees, is typical of a late Palaeolithic ecosystem.
For this special weekend, the museum opens its doors to the public free of charge on Sunday September 20, 2026. Young and old can take advantage of the open doors to admire these exceptional collections and enjoy the special activities.
The archaeologist's grand laboratory
Peek behind the scenes of an archaeologist’s work! Learn to piece together a flint core or pottery fragments like a puzzle, lead the investigation to identify the skulls of our ancestors, and try your hand at using flint tools or a fire-making bow drill…
The archaeologist’s big lab is a hands-on space for demonstrations and a range of experiments, set up and run by the museum team for Heritage Days. It will be open continuously from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Participation conditions: Walk-in access, subject to availability - Open to everyone aged 5 and up - Free
Hours : Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Guided tour of the exhibition "That’s impressive! When archaeology takes an interest in our waste"
Follow the guide and discover that archaeology isn’t just about treasure. Every fragment of material culture matters to archaeologists, and waste is no exception. They, too, carry valuable insights into how our ancestors lived.
This exhibition, by tracing the story of our refuse, highlights often-unseen collections drawn from major digs conducted in Seine-et-Marne.
Participation requirements: No advance booking is required, subject to availability - Open to everyone 9 years and older - Free
Schedule: Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 11:00 to 11:45, 13:00 to 13:45, 14:30 to 15:15, 15:30 to 16:15, 17:00 to 17:45
Guided architectural tour of the building
Since 1979, the Préhistoire Museum of Île-de-France has stood at the heart of a woodland. Designed by architect Roland Simounet, the museum plays with the land’s lines and multiplies the frames between inside and forest. Constructive modernity resonates with the permanence of archaic forms, evoking shelters and dug-out spaces. Listed as a Monument Historique, the museum is now recognized as a masterpiece of France’s second modernity.
A guided tour led by Hugo Trutt (@croquebrique), a tour guide specialized in architecture, invites visitors to rediscover this singular dialogue between architecture, forest, and the long temporalities of prehistory.
Participation conditions: Limited spots — registration required, enrollments will open at a later date — open to everyone 14 and older — free of charge
Schedule: Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM
A program to whet your appetite!
Dates and Opening Time
On September 20, 2026
Location
Ile de France Prehistory Museum
48 Avenue Etienne Dailly
77140 Nemours
Route planner
Accessibility info
Prices
Free
Recommended age
From 5 to 100 years old
Average duration
2 h
Official website
www.musee-prehistoire-idf.fr
