The Heritage Days are returning to Paris and the Île-de-France region on the weekend of 19 and 20 September 2026. To mark the occasion, the Paris region opens the doors to its finest treasures and invites us to discover our heritage in a new light. So, what do you say to a unique tour at the heart of a military institution parisienne.
During the 43rd edition of the Heritage Days, the Ecole Militaire, located in the 7th arrondissement of the capital, will open its doors to Parisians and Île-de-France residents on Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20, 2026.
Founded in 1751, the 12-hectare École Militaire was established by Louis XV. Since then, the school has seen the likes of Napoleon I, who was also a pupil, Queen Victoria, Napoleon III, General De Gaulle and Pope John Paul II. It was even listed as a historic monument in 1990.
Today,the École Militaire is home to the world's leading colleges of higher military education: the Army, Air Force, Navy and Gendarmerie, including the prestigious École de Guerre. It also includes the Armed Forces Research and Strategy Center.
Open house at the École militaire in Paris
The Military School sits in the very heart of Paris, at one end of the Champ-de-Mars (7th arrondissement), facing the Eiffel Tower.
Founded in 1751 during the reign of Louis XV, it has welcomed some of history’s most renowned figures: Napoleon I, who even studied there; Queen Victoria; Napoleon III; marshals Foch and Joffre; General de Gaulle; and Pope John Paul II. It was designated a historic monument in 1990.
More than 270 years after its creation, the École militaire continues to fulfill its mission: advanced military education for officers.
Highlights to discover include the Saint-Louis chapel, the heritage library, the Cour d’Honneur, and the space dedicated to exhibitors (history and heritage).
ATTENTION: due to extensive restoration work, the Gabriel Rotunda and the Marshal’s Salon are exceptionally closed this year. Only groups on guided tours will have access to the Gabriel Rotunda.
There is the option to lunch on site at the Cercle mess. Explore the menus by clicking this link...
There is also the possibility to pre-register online to benefit from
Participation conditions: Admission upon presentation of a valid ID from age 16 (ID card, passport or new driver's license). On-site registration. Lunch available on site at the Cercle mess. - Free | No reservations
Hours: Saturday, September 19, 2026 – 10:00–18:30 | Sunday, September 20, 2026 – 10:00–18:30
A playful circuit at the Paris Military School
Founded in 1751 under Louis XV, the Military School (7th arrondissement) sits in the heart of Paris at one end of the Champ-de-Mars (7th arrondissement), facing the Eiffel Tower.
This historic site has welcomed figures such as Napoleon I, who even studied there, Queen Victoria, Napoleon III, the marshals Foch and Joffre, General de Gaulle, and Pope John Paul II.
On the occasion of European Heritage Days, children can not only visit the Military School but also try out a sporty, playful parcours. An activity tailored just for them!
Chance to pre-register online to enjoy faster entry to the Military School by clicking this link...
Chance to have lunch on site. Discover the menus by following this link: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1-4AyWULcKkxuD3NtuqwnpjojuKzipKvU
Participation requirements: Free | Reservation required - https://www.paris-ecole-militaire.fr/fr/forms/journeeeuropeennesdupatrimoine2025alecolemilitaire
Hours: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 10:00–18:15 | Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 10:00–18:15
Guided tour of the Paris École Militaire
The Military School sits in the heart of Paris at one end of the Champ-de-Mars (7th arrondissement), facing the Eiffel Tower.
Founded in 1751 under the reign of Louis XV, it has welcomed many notable figures, including Napoleon I (who even trained there), Queen Victoria, Napoleon III, the marshals Foch and Joffre, General De Gaulle, and Pope John Paul II. It was designated a historic monument in 1990.
More than 270 years after its founding, the Military School continues to fulfill its mission: the higher military education of officers.
Highlights include: the Saint-Louis Chapel, the patrimonial library, the Cour d'Honneur, and the space dedicated to exhibitors (history and heritage).
ATTENTION: due to major restoration work, the Gabriel Rotunda and the Marshal's Salon are exceptionally closed this year.
Because of the Sunday Mass, access to the chapel is forbidden to visitors on Sunday 20/09 from 11:00 a.m. for the duration of the Office.
On-site lunch options are available. Discover the menus by following this link: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1-4AyWULcKkxuD3NtuqwnpjojuKzipKvU
It is possible to pre-register online to benefit from quicker entry to the Military School by clicking on this link...
Participation requirements: Access upon presenting a valid ID from the age of 16 (ID card, passport or new driving license). On-site registrations. Lunch available on-site at the Cercle mess. - Free | No reservation
Hours: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 10:00 AM to 6:15 PM | Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 10:00 AM to 6:15 PM
The Lepaute Clock at the École Militaire in Paris
Come discover the exhibition dedicated to the history of the four-dial clock perched on the dome of the central pavilion at the Military School. It is the work of Jean-André Lepaute, the King’s clockmaker. Its construction began in October 1771 and concluded 21 months later. It drew on the expertise of six skilled workers, in addition to locksmiths, adjusters and founders. The clock was installed at the end of 1773.
It is one of the few that have withstood the ravages of time. The exhibition is presented by direct descendants of clockmaker Lepaute.
You can pre-register online to gain faster access to the Military School by clicking on this link...
You can eat lunch on site. Discover the menus by following this link: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1-4AyWULcKkxuD3NtuqwnpjojuKzipKvU
Participation terms: Free | No reservation required
Hours: Saturday, 19 September 2026 — 10:00 to 18:15 | Sunday, 20 September 2026 — 10:00 to 18:15
The Marquise de Pompadour at Paris's École Militaire
The Paris Military School owes much of its creation to the Marquise de Pompadour*. The former favorite of Louis XV pressed the king to back the project for the royal school’s edification.
That is why, on the occasion of European Heritage Days, the Military School is offering to pay homage to her with a historical costume reenactment (Association Le Bosquet).
* Born Jeanne-Antoinette Poisson (1721-1764), the Marquise de Pompadour was at one time Louis XV’s favorite before becoming a trusted friend and a listened-to adviser of the monarch.
You can pre-register online to enjoy faster entry to the Military School by clicking this link…
On-site lunch is available. Discover the menus by following this link: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1-4AyWULcKkxuD3NtuqwnpjojuKzipKvU
Participation conditions: Free admission - No reservation required
Hours: Saturday, September 19, 2026 – 10:00–18:15 | Sunday, September 20, 2026 – 10:00–18:15
Interactive educational workshop at the Military School
In a space entirely dedicated to a young audience, a renowned children's publisher known for its expertise offers kids a playful, educational approach to history and heritage. Atelier Unique Héritage - Quelle Histoire: coloring and badge-making in the colors of historical figures tied to the Military School.
There is an option to pre-register online to enjoy faster entry to the Military School by clicking on this link...
Lunch on site is available. Discover the menus by following this link: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1-4AyWULcKkxuD3NtuqwnpjojuKzipKvU
Participation requirements: Free | No reservation required
Hours: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 10:00–18:15 | Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 10:00–18:15
Virtual tours of the École militaire
Every year, around 10,000 visitors honor us with a tour of the Military School, to explore its architecture, its heritage, thematic exhibitions, activities, and historical reenactments, among other highlights.
If you’re unable to travel, the visit to this exceptional place and the discovery of its unique historical heritage remain possible through several short videos and posts to be explored on Instagram® and YouTube®.
° Find us on Instagram®: https://www.instagram.com/ecole.militaire.paris/
° Find us on YouTube® and watch a sequence of videos...
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBgAnTT4wb9qgnYBFV6snijfJBqLAUgmF&feature=shared
Participation requirements: No reservation required
Schedule: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 10:00–18:15 | Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 10:00–18:15
Join us for lunch at the École Militaire in Paris
The Military School sits in the heart of Paris, at one end of the Champ de Mars (7th district), opposite the Eiffel Tower.
Founded in 1751 under the reign of Louis XV, the institution has hosted towering figures within its walls, from Napoleon I—who even studied there—to Queen Victoria, Napoleon III, the marshals Foch and Joffre, General de Gaulle, and Pope John Paul II. It was designated a historic monument in 1990.
You can have lunch on site thanks to the dining options offered by the Mess Circle, inside the enclosed garden of the courtyards Leclerc-Almandet. Self-service is open from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.. Musical accompaniment by a military band (weather permitting).
There is an option to pre-register online to benefit from faster access to the Military School entrance by clicking on this link...
Lunch on site is also possible. Discover the menus by following this link: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1-4AyWULcKkxuD3NtuqwnpjojuKzipKvU
Participation terms: Special rate | No reservation required
Timings: Saturday 19 September 2026 – 10:00 to 18:15 | Sunday 20 September 2026 – 10:00 to 18:15
WarGame at the Paris Military School
How is cultural heritage protected on a battlefield? Answer this question by taking part in the "Strategic War Game" (WarGame), a simulation focused on integrating military constraints with the contemporary issues of protecting cultural property.
This Wargaming space is offered by the Delegation for Heritage of the Army (DELPAT) and the Command of Future Combat (CCF).
There is an option to pre-register online to enjoy faster entry to the École militaire by clicking on this link...
On-site lunch is available. Discover the menus by following this link: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1-4AyWULcKkxuD3NtuqwnpjojuKzipKvU
Participation conditions: Free | No reservation required
Schedule: Saturday, September 19, 2026, 10:00–18:15 | Sunday, September 20, 2026, 10:00–18:15
The École Militaire’s patrimonial library in Paris
The Heritage Library (BIBPAT) comprises the historic collection of the Documentation Center at the École militaire.
It occupies the four salons of the former intendant’s quarters of the Royal School, located on the ground floor of the central pavilion, nicknamed "the castle." The collection includes 80,000 documents from the 16th to the 20th centuries. Among them is a handwritten treatise by Vauban and courses written by Lieutenant Colonel Ferdinand Foch, who would become the Allied commander-in-chief on the Western Front in 1918.
Visitors can also admire a fireplace plaque dating from the founding of the École royale militaire, bearing a depiction of a pupil from the era.
During the Second World War, the Germans stacked books to cover the windows facing the Champ de Mars. Following the liberation of Paris, on August 25, 1944, the façade was riddled with bullets and some projectiles pierced the volumes and struck a mirror. You can still see the marks of that period today.
Option to pre-register online to enjoy faster access to the École militaire entrance by clicking on this link...
Possibility to lunch on site. Discover the menus by following this link: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1-4AyWULcKkxuD3NtuqwnpjojuKzipKvU
Participation requirements: Free | No reservation required
Hours: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 10:00–18:15 | Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 10:00–18:15
Visit to the Paris Military School
The Military School is located in the heart of Paris at one end of the Champ de Mars (7th arrondissement), facing the Eiffel Tower.
Founded in 1751 under Louis XV, it has welcomed many notable figures, including Napoleon I, who even studied there, Queen Victoria, Napoleon III, Marshals Foch and Joffre, General De Gaulle, and Pope John Paul II. It was designated a historic monument in 1990.
More than 270 years after its founding, the Military School continues its mission: the advanced military education of officers.
Highlights to discover include: Saint-Louis Chapel, the heritage library, the Cour d'Honneur, and the space dedicated to exhibitors (history and heritage).
ATTENTION: due to major restoration work, the Gabriel Rotunda and the Marshals' Salon are exceptionally closed this year.
Because of Sunday Mass, access to the chapel is forbidden to visitors on Sunday 20/09 from 11:00 a.m. for the duration of the Office.
On-site lunch is available. Discover the menus by following this link: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1-4AyWULcKkxuD3NtuqwnpjojuKzipKvU
There is an option to pre-register online to benefit from faster entry to the Military School by clicking on this link...
Eligibility to participate: Access with a valid ID from age 16 (ID card, passport or new driver’s license). On-site lunch available at the Cercle Mess. Free | No reservation required
Hours: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 10:00 AM to 6:15 PM | Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 10:00 AM to 6:15 PM
With Napoleon I's soldiers at the École Militaire in Paris
The history of the Paris Military School is closely linked to the path of Emperor Napoleon I.*
That’s why, on the occasion of Europe’s Heritage Days, the Military School is offering two events:
- an exhibition dedicated to the life of the young Bonaparte, a student at the Royal Military School.
- a reenactment of a Napoleonic bivouac (1st Regiment of Grenadiers of Île-de-France).
* The young Bonaparte walked through the gates of the prestigious Royal Military School in 1784, at the age of 15, as a cadet-gentleman, i.e., a student officer. In 1785, after only one year, he earned his brevet as sous-lieutenant. Ten years later, already a brigadier general and a chief architect of the Revolution, he set up his headquarters at the Military School and billeted his troops there. From 1804 to 1815, the Military School and the Champ de Mars served as a backdrop to celebrate the Emperor, pay homage to his valiant Grognards, and mark the pivotal moments of his personal life. Even today, most of the Military School’s classrooms bear the names of soldiers killed at the battles of Austerlitz and Marengo.
There is online pre-registration available to benefit from faster entry to the Military School by clicking on this link...
There is also the option to eat on site. Discover the menus by following this link: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1-4AyWULcKkxuD3NtuqwnpjojuKzipKvU
Participation conditions: Free admission - No booking required
Opening hours: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 10:00 to 18:15 | Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 10:00 to 18:15
The Saint-Louis Chapel at the École Militaire in Paris
Dedicated to Saint Louis, the chapel of the École militaire houses a remarkable collection of nine giant canvases (some currently undergoing restoration) tracing the life of Louis IX. The altar, decorated by Caffieri, is laid out like a tomb. The communion grille was crafted by Fayet.
In this chapel, the young Napoleon Bonaparte received the sacrament of confirmation in 1785. Open to worship until the Revolution, it later served as a storehouse and did not return to its usual function until 1951. Pope John Paul II came to pray here on June 2, 1980, during his first visit to France. One can still see the kneeler on which he knelt.
Note :
- Mass on Sunday the 20th from 11:00 a.m.: access to the chapel is forbidden to visitors for the duration of the service.
- Recital by the chapel choir at 2:45 p.m. on Sundays only.
There is the option to pre-register online to enjoy faster entry to the École militaire by clicking this link...
On-site lunch is available. Discover the menus by following this link: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1-4AyWULcKkxuD3NtuqwnpjojuKzipKvU
Participation terms: Free | No reservation required
Schedule: Saturday, 19 September 2026 — 10:00 to 18:15 | Sunday, 20 September 2026 — 10:00 to 18:15
The Equestrian Section of the École Militaire in Paris: Self-Guided Tours
The equestrian section has stood since the founding of the Military School in the 18th century. Today it houses 80 horses and remains true to the tradition of military horsemanship.
The Equestrian Section of the Military School opens its stables and saddlery to the public. It offers demonstrations: riding sessions, farrier work, grooming, dressage, and an introduction to the world of equestrianism...
Free visits: Saturdays from 1:30 p.m. and Sundays from 10:00 a.m.
There is the possibility to pre-register online to benefit from quicker access to the Military School by clicking on this link...
Participation requirements: Free | No reservation required
Hours: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 1:30 PM to 6:30 PM | Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 10:00 AM to 6:30 PM
The equestrian section at Paris's École Militaire: demonstrations
The equestrian section has existed since the founding of the Military School in the 18th century. Today it counts 80 horses and continues to uphold the tradition of military horsemanship.
The equestrian section of the Military School opens its stables and its saddlery to the public. It offers demonstrations: riding, farriery, grooming, dressage, and an introduction to the world of horses...
Demonstrations: Saturdays and Sundays at 3:00 p.m.
You can pre-register online to benefit from faster entry to the Military School by clicking on this link...
There is also the option to have lunch on site. See the menus by following this link: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1-4AyWULcKkxuD3NtuqwnpjojuKzipKvU
Participation conditions: Free | No reservation required
Schedule: Saturday 19 September 2026, 14:00–18:15 | Sunday 20 September 2026, 10:00–18:15
Dates and Opening Time
From September 19, 2026 to September 20, 2026
Location
Military School
1 Place Joffre
75007 Paris 7
Route planner
Accessibility info
Prices
Free
Official website
www.paris-ecole-militaire.fr
