The Journées du Patrimoine, is the flagship landmark of the cultural season. Each year this European event invites us to rediscover the treasures of our heritage through a stellar program rich in new openings, in free tours and in unusual animations. In Paris and the Île-de-France region, there’s no way to miss this opportunity! Next dates: the weekend of September 19 and 20, 2026.
If you're keen to take advantage of the exceptional openings that await us at each edition of the Journées du Patrimoine, then how about setting off to conquer the ministries? This time, we're taking you to the heart of the Ministry of Agriculture, in Paris's 7th arrondissement, at theHôtel de Villeroy.
Built in 1724 byarchitect François Debias-Aubry, this mansion was assigned to various government departments in 1805, and became home to the Ministry of Agriculture in 1870. Among its treasures is the Salle Sully, or Salle des Commissions, featuring frescoes by the painter Sinibaldi depicting allegories of commerce and agriculture. Well worth the detour, don't you think? So wait until you see the program:
Ministry of Agriculture: heritage, flavors and culture open to all
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Sovereignty invites you to step inside on Saturday from 12:00 to 19:00 and Sunday from 10:00 to 18:00. Come discover the riches of our architectural, culinary, and photographic heritage!
An architectural heritage rich in history
Set off to explore places steeped in history that are usually closed to the public.
- The Hôtel de Villeroy: a remarkable building that has housed the Ministry of Agriculture since 1881.
- The Sully Hall: marvel at Paul Sinibaldin’s frescoes, by Canabel’s pupil, celebrating commerce and industry (1898) and agriculture (1901).
- Parmentier’s statue: a tribute to Antoine Augustin Parmentier, pioneer of food chemistry and agrobiology, famed for promoting the nutritional virtues of the potato.
A living garden in the heart of Paris
Take a breather in a green oasis right in the 7th arrondissement!
- The kitchen garden: discover a variety of vegetables and aromatic herbs (tomatoes, cabbages, squashes, lettuce, chives, basil, oregano, verbena). Pierre, the ministry’s chief gardener, will share tips for natural city gardening—whether in town or rural settings.
- Paris’s tallest tree: a centuries‑old oriental plane tree, over 30 meters tall, watching over the Hôtel de Villeroy’s park.
- Musical activities: Sunday morning features horn players from the National Forests Office, and in the afternoon a 15‑piece clarinet ensemble from the Paris Inter Musical Academy will perform major works from the classical repertoire (Brahms, Borodin, Bach, etc.).
A regional products market
Take the opportunity to shop at the ministry’s market! Agricultural high schools’ producers offer a varied array of terroir goods: charcuterie, wines, cheeses, pâtés, foie gras, and champagnes.
Don’t miss this essential event for discovering, tasting, and sharing the treasures of our culinary heritage.
Crossed perspectives: 5 experts, 20 photos, 1 heritage to discover
Dive into the ministry’s photo collection, where history, emotion, and beauty intersect in 20 striking images. The three photographers, the art director, and the ministry’s head of creation lift the veil on their favorite images—those that moved them by their narrative power, aesthetics, or the emotion they transmit. Each photo, carefully captioned, will tell a story: a gesture, a landscape, or a moment in agricultural life. A unique chance to view this visual heritage through the eyes of the people who preserve and enrich it daily.
Conditions of participation: Free
Hours: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 12:00 PM–7:00 PM | Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 10:00 AM–6:00 PM
Dates and Opening Time
From September 19, 2026 to September 20, 2026
Location
Ministry of Agriculture
78 Rue de Varenne
75007 Paris 7
Route planner
Access
Varenne M°7
Prices
Free
