Heritage Days 2026: places and activities to explore linked to the event’s theme

It's one of the major cultural events of the autumn : a weekend of strolls, discoveries and games. Throughout Paris and theÎle-de-France region, thousands of official, historical, cultural, artistic and religious sites open their doors to the general public - and most often, free of charge!

But what is this extraordinary event that lets you tour in a single day the Élysée Palace, the Grand Rex, the Bank of France, and the backstage of Galeries Lafayette? It’s the Journées du Patrimoine, back for its 42nd edition this weekend, September 19 and 20, 2026.

Each year, the Journées du Patrimoine are organized around one or more specific themes, highlighting the behind-the-scenes trades, little-known monuments and technical infrastructures that are part of our heritage, or help to keep it alive.

• To be read
• Paris Tropical Carnival 2026: Date, Theme and Program

Sustainable heritage, arts and entertainment, heritage and nature, heritage and education... The themes vary and appeal to a wide range of audiences and interests, for a constantly renewed program.

On September 19 and 20, 2026, the Heritage Days will center on the themes "Heritage of Photography" and "Heritage at Risk". Discover the venues and activities to explore over the weekend, tied to this year's themes.

Places to visit tied to this year’s themes:

Heritage Days 2026: Behind the scenes at the Grand Rex, Paris's iconic cinema
On the occasion of Heritage Days 2026, the Grand Rex invites us to explore its backstage areas this coming weekend, Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 September. Behind the scenes and anecdotes, you’ll discover everything there is to know about this mythical Paris cinema, located on the Grands Boulevards. [Read more]

Heritage Days 2026 at Sorbonne University - Pierre and Marie Curie Campus, the programme
For the 2026 Heritage Days, Sorbonne University reveals its secrets at the Pierre and Marie Curie Campus through a special program planned for the weekend of September 19–20, 2026. [Read more]

Do you already know all these places in Paris and the Ile-de-France region? If not, you know what to visit during the Journées du Patrimoine!