Heritage Days 2026: a tour of the Salvation Army's Refuge City

Published by Laurent de Sortiraparis · Updated on September 18, 2026 at 01:19 p.m.
For Heritage Days, the Salvation Army is opening its City of Refuge to visitors for a limited time on 19 and 20 September 2026. Discover this striking building, designed by Le Corbusier, and learn more about its history!

The Journées du Patrimoine return on September 19-20, 2026, a perfect opportunity to discover (or re-discover) extraordinary places in Paris! This annual event invites curious minds and history enthusiasts to dive into the capital’s architectural and cultural treasures, often closed to the public for the rest of the year. Among the sites not to miss this year is the Cité du Refuge, a true modernist masterpiece designed by Le Corbusier, which is throwing its doors wide open.

The Cité du Refuge, built in 1933 in the 13th arrondissement of Paris, is a landmark of modern architecture. This remarkable building, commissioned by theSalvation Army, reflects both Le Corbusier's bold aesthetic and social ideals. The building is designed to offer shelter to the most disadvantaged, combining functionality and natural light, with its impressive glass facade and spaces designed to enhance residents' quality of life. A real architectural gem to discover or rediscover!

For Heritage Days, you’re invited to dive into a visionary work that helped define twentieth‑century architecture. Let the site’s historical and social richness captivate you, while you explore spaces that are usually closed to the public. An inspiring visit for architecture enthusiasts and heritage buffs alike!

The Heritage Days program at Cité de Refuge:

  • Visits to the Refuge City

    Open visits to the Cité de Refuge on September 19 and 20 (Porch and Hall only)

    Guided tours of the Cité de Refuge on September 19:

    - 11:00 to 12:00

    - 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

    Participation conditions: Free | No reservation required

    Hours: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM | Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Practical information

Dates and Opening Time
From September 19, 2026 to September 20, 2026

× Approximate opening times: to confirm opening times, please contact the establishment.

    Location

    12 Rue Cantagrel
    75013 Paris 13

    Route planner
    Access
    Metro line 14 "Bibliothèque François Mitterrand" station

    Prices
    Free

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