And if, for the Journées du Patrimoine 2026, we chose a single city to discover all the culture it has to offer? On the 19 et 20 septembre prochains, the department of the Yvelines, and all of Île-de-France, invite you to free, enriching and playful outings tracing the footsteps of history. Head to Rambouillet, easily reachable by train from Paris, about 45 kilometers away, for a visit of monuments historiques!
Known for its château and dense forest, which covers 200 km², the town is also home to a major museum dedicated to model railways, the Rambolitrain, as well as the Palais du Roi de Rome, the national sheepfold and the church of Saint-Lubin-et-Saint-Jean-Baptiste, listed as a historic monument. Numerous sovereigns, emperors and presidents have taken up residence here over the centuries, each leaving their mark on the town of Rambouillet.
A beautiful heritage not to be missed, with family or friends! Please note that some activities may require registration.
Heritage Days 2026: a fantastic program to discover in Yvelines (78)
There’s plenty to do for Heritage Days 2026 in Yvelines! On Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20, 2026, head to the numerous castles and museums in the 78 that will open their doors for guided tours, workshops, and memorable moments to share. [Read more]
Heritage Days 2026 at Rambolitrain Museum: a visit and a family train ride
Do you know Rambolitrain? This quirky miniature-train museum is opening its doors on the weekend of September 19–20, 2026, for Heritage Days. Bring family or friends and discover this playful venue and its fascinating collections, free of charge. [Read more]
Heritage Days 2026: what’s on at the Château de Rambouillet (78)
In September, Heritage Days make their grand comeback: discover the program planned at Château de Rambouillet (78) for September 19 and 20, 2026. [Read more]
Heritage Days 2026 at the Palace of the King of Rome: exhibition and tours in Rambouillet (78)
In Rambouillet, a wealth of cultural outings awaits us for Heritage Days. The Palace of the King of Rome and its garden will open their doors free of charge this weekend of September 19–20, 2026. [Read more]
Church of Saint-Lubin and Saint-Jean Baptiste
Guided tours of Saint-Lubin Church
Built from 1868 at the behest of its residents, the parish, and its priest, the new Saint-Lubin Church of Rambouillet was designed by Anatole de Baudot, a favored pupil of Viollet-le-Duc. Gradually embellished over the years and in response to changing circumstances, the building forges a symbolic link with communal life. It is a living place open to everyone and to every stage of life, weathering the years and the elements. A new Neo-Romanesque Christ, carved in 2025 by the Wattier workshop (Aisne) and donated by the parishioners, now dominates the choir. On-site, bespoke tours are offered by the parish Commission for Sacred Art.
Participation requirements: Free | No reservation required
Times: Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM
City Hall
Open House at City Hall
The Rambouillet town hall is housed in a former royal bailliage—part courthouse, part grain hall—built at the request of Louis XVI. A living emblem of Rambouillet’s heritage, visitors are free to admire its grand ceremonial staircase and the stunning Council Chamber, decorated with portraits from the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries and featuring a large hunting map commissioned by Louis XV.
Conditions of participation: Free
Schedule: Saturday, September 19, 2026 – 14:30 ⤏ 17:30 | Sunday, September 20, 2026 – 14:30 ⤏ 17:30
From the old bailiwick to City Hall
Come enjoy an exterior tour of the town hall, led by a guide-lecturer who will trace the building’s history through the many events that have taken place there. It’s a chance to discover its architecture, a testament to the various uses it has served since its construction in 1785 by architect Jacques-Jean Thévenin.
Participation requirements: Free | No reservation required
Schedule: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 2:30–3:15 PM, 3:30–4:15 PM, 4:30–5:15 PM | Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 2:30–3:15 PM, 3:30–4:15 PM, 4:30–5:15 PM
National Sheep Farm
Agriculture and Heritage Days: celebrating 240 years of Rambouillet Merino sheep!
Celebrating 240 years since the Mérinos sheep arrived at the National Rambouillet Sheep Farm!
On its 240th anniversary, the National Rambouillet Sheep Farm offers a rich, varied program of activities to trace the arrival of the Mérinos flock.
What’s on the agenda?
Relive the arrival of the sheep at the Bergerie through a scripted performance
Participate in themed tours:
- Discover Rambouillet's Mérinos sheep,
- The history and heritage of the Bergerie since 1786
Watch sheepdog demonstrations
Step aboard a carriage to explore the Rambouillet National Estate
Place your bets on the sheep weighing
Get a preview of the second volume of the Bergerie graphic novel
Try felting wool
And many other activities throughout the day!
On-site catering with Made in Bergerie products: ice cream, barbecue, ...
Free entry, no reservation required
Participation requirements: Free of charge
Schedule: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 11:00–18:30 | Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 11:00–18:30
Rambouillet Sub-Prefecture
European Heritage Days 2026 | An exceptional tour of the Rambouillet sub-prefect’s residence
On the occasion of European Heritage Days, the Rambouillet sub-prefect’s residence will exceptionally open its doors to the public on Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20, 2026.
In partnership with the Rambouillet Historical and Archaeological Society (SHARY), guided tours of the historic building will be offered, by registration, at the following times:
Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20, 2026
9:00
10:00
11:00
14:00
* 15:00
Guided by a SHARY lecturer-guide, visitors will discover the history of this emblematic residence, from the Motte fief to its current role as a sub-prefectural residence.
The tour will notably include:
* a portion of the sub-prefect’s residence;
the sub-prefect’s office;
the park located behind the residence.
This visit will also be an opportunity to better understand the missions currently carried out by sub-prefectures and their role in serving the local authorities, elected officials, and residents of the area.
-> Practical information
📍 Rambouillet Sub-Prefecture
82, rue du Général-de-Gaulle
78120 Rambouillet
-> Duration of the visit: 50 minutes
Visits by appointment only
-> Registration and information:
sp-ramb-secretariat@yvelines.gouv.fr
Participation requirements: Visit duration: 50 minutes - Free | Booking required - sp-ramb-secretariat@yvelines.gouv.fr
Hours: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM | Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Dates and Opening Time
From September 19, 2026 to September 20, 2026
Location
Rambouillet
rambouillet, 78120 france
78120 Rambouillet
Route planner
Prices
Free
Official website
www.rambouillet.fr
Heritage Days 2026: a fantastic program to discover in Yvelines (78)
