Heritage Days 2026 in Paris and Île-de-France: what’s on at museums and military institutions

In Paris and the Ile-de-France region, a number of museums and institutions focus on thearmy, its role, its history, its players, its evolution... These themes fascinate the curious, from 7 to 77 years old. If you too are fascinated by this universe, don't miss the next edition of the Journées du Patrimoine: on the occasion of this cultural weekend, many military museums and institutions open their doors to us.

On September 19 and 20, 2026, we return with great pleasure to the Journées du Patrimoine. This annual event aims to highlight historic and cultural sites, as well as local curiosities. For the occasion, thousands of venues open their doors to the public for a week-end, inviting everyone to take part in popular activities — often gratuites!

As you'll have gathered, it's an unmissable event in the cultural calendar, giving us the chance to see many unsuspected wonders close to home, and to indulge our passions. If yours revolves around the military world, here are some suggestions for outings during this special weekend.

Heritage Days in museums and military institutions:

Heritage Days 2026: discover the Cartoucherie ecomuseum and its workers' housing estate (95)
The 2026 Heritage Days, staged on 19 and 20 September, open the doors to the Écomusée de la Cartoucherie in Survilliers. Take the opportunity to discover its rich industrial and working-class heritage. [Read more]

In Étampes, the Guinette Tower marks its inauguration during the 2026 Heritage Days.
After several years of restoration, the Guinette Tower is ready to welcome the public again on September 19 and 20, 2026, for Heritage Days. An event that will shine a spotlight on one of the principal witnesses to Étampes' medieval history. [Read more]

Heritage Days 2026 at the National Gendarmerie Museum in Melun (77)
The National Gendarmerie Museum is taking part in the European Heritage Days 2026 and is offering a fun, artistic program for families on September 19 and 20, 2026. [Read more]

Heritage Days 2026: a visit to the Bois-Colombes air-raid shelter (92)
History and World War II enthusiasts will be able to enjoy Heritage Days on September 19 and 20, 2026, by visiting the Bois-Colombes air-raid shelter, open to visitors for this occasion. [Read more]

Heritage Days 2026: Explore the Ministry of the Armed Forces — Hôtel de Brienne in Paris
What if we paid a visit to the Ministry of the Armed Forces for Heritage Days? As part of the 43rd edition of the event, the Hôtel de Brienne opens its doors for exceptional tours on Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20, 2026. [Read more]

European Heritage Days 2026: the Museum of the Liberation of Paris unveils its program
For the new edition of Heritage Days, the Museum of the Liberation of Paris — General Leclerc Museum — Jean Moulin Museum invites you to free tours and activities over the weekend of September 19–20, 2026. [Read more]

Heritage Days 2026: The weekend program at the Meaux Museum of the Great War
For Heritage Days, the Musée de la Grande Guerre will throw open its doors on Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20, 2026, inviting visitors to discover its collections. Be sure to book your visit. [Read more]

Heritage Days 2026 at the Police Prefecture Museum, into the world of investigators
For the 2026 Heritage Days, we’re heading to the Musée de la Préfecture de Police in Paris’s 5th arrondissement. Far from the TV crime dramas, you’ll see real artifacts and hear experts speak in a conference format. Bring the family for Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20, 2026, with a special program! [Read more]

An interactive trail, hands-on workshop and tours of the École Militaire in Paris for Heritage Days
L’École Militaire in Paris opens its doors to the public in an exceptional manner for the 43rd edition of the Heritage Days, this weekend of September 19–20, 2026. This year, a full lineup centered on the Marquise de Pompadour awaits: here’s what’s in the works. [Read more]

Discover the hidden museum at Paris's Val-de-Grâce Military Hospital for the 2026 Heritage Days.
The Val-de-Grâce Hospital invites you to explore its Army Health Service Museum during the European Heritage Days 2026, scheduled for the weekend of September 19–20, 2026. [Read more]

Heritage Days 2026: Guided tour of the Sarcelles Naval Museum (95)
On 19 and 20 September 2026, discover the story of French maritime history for free at the Naval Museum of Sarcelles, with guided tours and activities for everyone. [Read more]

Heritage Days 2026 in Paris at the Army Museum — Hôtel des Invalides
Heritage Days come to the Hôtel des Invalides on September 19 and 20, 2026! Not only will the Army Museum be free for those two days, but there will also be exclusive tours and a multitude of workshops for history enthusiasts. Here’s the program! [Read more]

Heritage Days 2026 at the Hôtel de Salm, Grand Chancellery of the Légion d’Honneur, and museum
For the 2026 Heritage Days, why not visit the Grand Chancellery? On Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20, 2026, the Hôtel de Salm, Grand Chancellery of the Légion d’honneur, opens its doors for a special tour as part of this 43rd edition. [Read more]

You've already been to all these places? Discover new ones with our special selection.

Heritage Days 2026: Historic monuments to visit in Paris and Île-de-France
The historic monuments of Paris and the Île-de-France region open their doors for the 43rd European Heritage Days. On 19 and 20 September 2026, come discover these history-steeped treasures through a lineup of family-friendly programs. [Read more]

Heritage Days 2026: Secret, Little-Known, and Hidden Places to Explore in Paris
The European Heritage Days return this year with an exceptional edition, taking place on Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20, 2026. This essential cultural event offers the chance to visit more than 1,500 sites in Paris and the Île-de-France region. While the major museums and iconic monuments are on the program, it’s also the perfect opportunity to explore secret, little-known, or even hidden locations. [Read more]