Calling all lovers of fine books and other bibliophiles... For the Heritage Days, the libraries and archives of Paris open their doors on the 19 and 20 September 2026, to reveal the secrets of these remarkable places, as well as their finest volumes. An opportunity to dive into the world of books and their backstage like never before.
Do you think of libraries and archives as dusty, boring places? It's time to change your mind! Let yourself be surprised and discover these places of knowledge, on the occasion of the Journées du Patrimoine. Guided tours, exhibitions, rummage sales, quizzes and games, workshops, meetings... The capital's libraries and archives are much livelier than you might think!
For this 43rd edition of the Heritage Days, the theme of architectural heritage takes center stage. Come discover what this concept means for these spaces dedicated to preservation and to the sharing of culture and History.
Here's a curated selection of sites to explore during this year’s Heritage Days 2026—don’t forget to check whether reservations are required.
Art, History and the Sciences: Heritage Days 2026 in Nanterre (92)
Heritage Days are making a triumphant return on the weekend of September 19–20, 2026. The city of Nanterre, in the Hauts-de-Seine department, unveils its lineup of tours and activities for this event, a hallmark of great cultural bargains. [Read more]
Heritage Days 2026 in Saint-Germain-en-Laye (78), a royal town that has inspired artists
Heritage Days are back on 19 and 20 September 2026 in Paris and Île-de-France for new cultural adventures! In Yvelines, Saint-Germain-en-Laye stays true to the rule and has whipped up a "royal" program to discover during this exceptional weekend. Mark your calendars... Take note! [Read more]
Heritage Days 2026: Ivry-sur-Seine (94) unveils its discovery programme.
A stroll, a church, an art center, a theater, an observatory... Ivry-sur-Seine has no shortage of points of interest! Take advantage of Heritage Days, September 19–20, 2026, to discover this Val-de-Marne town near Paris. [Read more]
Heritage Days 2026 at the Paris School of Mines and its museum, housed in the Hôtel de Vendôme
On the occasion of the 43rd edition of Heritage Days, the Mines Paris – PSL engineering school invites the curious to discover its campus, housed in the Hôtel de Vendôme, as well as its Mineralogy Museum, on Saturday, September 19, 2026. [Read more]
Journées du Patrimoine 2026 à Paris : visit the Polish Library and its hidden museums
The Polish Library in Paris participates in Heritage Days on Saturday, September 19, 2026. It's an opportunity to discover this little-known corner of the capital, as well as its three hidden museums: the Adam Mickiewicz Museum, the Biegas Museum, and the Frédéric Chopin Salon. [Read more]
Explore a renowned couturier's library for the 2026 Heritage Days
On the occasion of European Heritage Days, September 19–20, 2026, many places usually closed to the public will open their doors to visitors in Paris and Île-de-France. Among them, the Jacques Doucet Library invites curious readers to discover a little-known site, born from a renowned fashion designer’s passion for books, the arts, and knowledge. [Read more]
Heritage Days 2026 at the National Institute of Art History and in its library (INHA)
For the 43rd edition of Heritage Days, the National Institute of Art History invites you to explore a range of free tours and activities for the whole family on September 19 and 20, 2026. It's a chance to step inside a building typically reserved for students and researchers. [Read more]
European Heritage Days 2026: the program at the BnF's various sites in Paris
For Heritage Days, the Bibliothèque nationale de France opens its doors on the weekend of September 19–20, 2026. On the agenda: tours of the various sites, visits to the restoration workshops, and demonstrations of a wealth of documents. [Read more]
Heritage Days 2026: explore the Bibliothèque nationale de France’s Richelieu site in Paris.
The Richelieu site of the National Library of France is opening its doors free of charge for Heritage Days, on September 19 and 20, 2026. [Read more]
Paris Heritage Days 2026: explore the history of the Sainte-Geneviève Library
For Heritage Days 2026 in Paris, the Sainte-Geneviève Library invites you to dive into its history. Discover the secrets of this treasure of the Latin Quarter this Sunday, September 20, 2026. [Read more]
What to do for the 2026 Heritage Days at the Jardin des Plantes and the National Museum of Natural History? The program
Heritage Days take over the Jardin des Plantes and the National Museum of Natural History in Paris this weekend, September 19–20, 2026, with a lineup of activities for young and old. [Read more]
Heritage Days 2026 at the Institut de France in Paris: a special opening
The Institut de France is taking part in the 43rd edition of Heritage Days, held on Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20, 2026. It’s an opportunity to discover one of Paris’s most little-known institutions, steeped in history and tradition, through exceptional tours. Here is the schedule for these open days. [Read more]
Heritage Days 2026: self-guided tour of the Forney Library – Hôtel de Sens
On the occasion of the 2026 Heritage Days in Paris, the Hôtel de Sens, home to the Forney Library, will open its doors to the public free of charge on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 September 2026. [Read more]
The monks' refectory opens up for Paris's Heritage Days 2026.
It's a genuine hidden gem that's been unfairly overlooked: during Heritage Days on September 19–20, 2026, come discover the Central Library of the Conservatoire national des arts et métiers. [Read more]
Heritage Days 2026 at the National Archives of Paris: the weekend program.
For this 43rd edition of Heritage Days, the National Archives of Paris will throw open its doors on Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20, 2026, offering tours of its grand townhouse and its exhibitions. [Read more]
Heritage Days 2026: games and behind-the-scenes tours at the Paris Archives
The Paris Archives take part in Heritage Days on Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20, 2026, inviting visitors to discover the institution’s behind-the-scenes workings, as well as Paris’s history from a fresh angle. [Read more]
These places of knowledge and culture await you! Didn't find what you were looking for in this selection? Take a look at the great Parisian institutions and temples of fashion.
Heritage Days 2026: Must-visit institutions in Paris and Île-de-France — book your tickets!
On the occasion of Paris’s 2026 Journées du Patrimoine, the city’s major institutions are exceptionally opening their doors this weekend of September 19–20, 2026. From the Bank of France to the Court of Auditors and the ministries, they’ll reveal all their inner workings. Don’t wait to book your tickets. [Read more]
Paris Heritage Days are this weekend, September 19–20, 2026. To mark the occasion, we invite you to discover Paris’s fashion temples. The secrets of the couture houses and department stores are waiting for you! [Read more]
Dates and Opening Time
From September 19, 2026 to September 20, 2026
Heritage Days 2026 in Paris: in the temples of fashion, luxury and beauty
