Heritage Days 2026: Discovering the finest castles in Paris and the Île-de-France region

Published by La rédaction de Sortiraparis · Photos by Cécile de Sortiraparis · Updated on July 2, 2026 at 10:04 p.m.
During Heritage Days 2026, you won’t miss a thing! It’s a prime chance to tour the castles of Île-de-France, often free of charge. Kings and queens, princes, emperors, nobles of every kind… Follow in the footsteps of these great figures in French history and discover their grand residences, on September 19 and 20, 2026.

It's a date we eagerly anticipate each year: the Heritage Days let us discover and tour France and Europe’s finest cultural and historical sites! On this occasion, in Île-de-France, more than 1,500 venues open their doors for free on the weekend of September 19-20, 2026.

If you're a lover of architecture and history, now's your chance to find out more about the châteaux of the Île-de-France region! These majestic monuments are among the must-see attractions during the Journées du Patrimoine, with guided tours, activities and games to help you delve into the history of these exceptional sites.

And there's no shortage of châteaux in the Paris region! Almost every département in the region boasts one or two palaces and royal estates. From medieval fortresses to Renaissance palaces and imperial residences, these witnesses toFrench history are true works of art waiting to be explored! What's more, the majority of these châteaux are adorned with magnificent gardens, making for a delightful stroll in the September sunshine...

With family, friends or even on your own, discover the monuments for which the region is famous. To find out which châteaux to visit during the JEP, choose from our selection of participating châteaux.

Visuel Paris 1er - Palais RoyalVisuel Paris 1er - Palais RoyalVisuel Paris 1er - Palais RoyalVisuel Paris 1er - Palais Royal Heritage Days 2026: Paris's Castles and Palaces
Yes, Paris also hides a wealth of castles and palaces! It’s time to go and discover them through a special program designed for Heritage Days, this weekend of September 19–20, 2026. [Read more]

Château de Fontainebleau - Napoléon III et EugénieChâteau de Fontainebleau - Napoléon III et EugénieChâteau de Fontainebleau - Napoléon III et EugénieChâteau de Fontainebleau - Napoléon III et Eugénie Heritage Days 2026 at the castles of Seine-et-Marne (77)
The European Heritage Days invite us to discover castles. In Seine-et-Marne, a wonderful lineup awaits you at these royal residences: explore top outing ideas for the weekend of September 19–20, 2026. [Read more]

Photos : Le Château de Monte-CristoPhotos : Le Château de Monte-CristoPhotos : Le Château de Monte-CristoPhotos : Le Château de Monte-Cristo Heritage Days 2026 at the Yvelines' castles, the program for the 78.
And what if Heritage Days 2026 were the moment to go on a quest for the Île-de-France castles? This time, we set course for the Yvelines to uncover the magnificent residences that will open their doors this weekend, September 19–20, 2026. [Read more]

Parc et Domaine du Château de CourancesParc et Domaine du Château de CourancesParc et Domaine du Château de CourancesParc et Domaine du Château de Courances Heritage Days 2026 in Essonne: on the trail of the castles of the 91
Essonne's castles reveal their secrets during Heritage Days 2026. Here's what's on offer in Essonne this weekend, September 19–20, 2026. [Read more]

Le Château de Malmaison, de la demeure au muséeLe Château de Malmaison, de la demeure au muséeLe Château de Malmaison, de la demeure au muséeLe Château de Malmaison, de la demeure au musée Heritage Days 2026 in Hauts-de-Seine: tours at the heart of the region's castles
For Heritage Days, the castles and estates of Hauts-de-Seine throw open their doors to reveal their secrets. Here’s the lineup for the weekend of September 19–20, 2026. [Read more]




Le château de Vincennes : une forteresse royale à ParisLe château de Vincennes : une forteresse royale à ParisLe château de Vincennes : une forteresse royale à ParisLe château de Vincennes : une forteresse royale à Paris European Heritage Days 2026: the castles and their programming in Val-de-Marne (94)
The castles of Val-de-Marne are waiting for you for the next edition of Heritage Days this weekend, September 19–20, 2026. Gear up for a weekend of strolls! [Read more]

Le Château d'Auvers sur Oise  - et sa collection permanente sur les ImpressionnistesLe Château d'Auvers sur Oise  - et sa collection permanente sur les ImpressionnistesLe Château d'Auvers sur Oise  - et sa collection permanente sur les ImpressionnistesLe Château d'Auvers sur Oise  - et sa collection permanente sur les Impressionnistes Heritage Days 2026: Discover Val d'Oise's stunning castles (95)
For Heritage Days, head to Val d'Oise to explore its castles. These castles are unveiling a special program for this weekend of September 19–20, 2026. [Read more]

Do you already know all these castles? Discover other monuments and institutions in the region.

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.

    Prices
    Free

    Recommended age
    For all

    Comments