Do you love offbeat places, still largely off the radar for most people, whose meaning can be hard to pin down? For the 43rd edition of the Heritage Days, returning to Paris and the Île-de-France region on September 19–20, 2026, dive into these monuments or sites that are quirky, odd, or simply astonishing—whether on a guided tour or at your own pace—for a weekend you’ll never forget in the heart of the city.
Hundreds of museums, castles, monuments, churches, concert halls, gardens and other venues open their doors, sometimes exceptionally, for this annual heritage event. It's a jam-packed program, with so many fun things to discover that it can be hard to sort through them all! We offer treasure seekers and Sunday adventurers a small selection of man-made and natural finds not to be missed!
Use this guide to visit some of the region's most unsuspected and unusual places! Between gardens, caves, ancient monuments and other places you'd never think of visiting in the first place, the Journées du Patrimoine (Heritage Days) are waiting for you to enjoy some lovely surprises, often free of charge, in our départements.
Heritage Days 2026: This museum whisks you back to the heart of the 1930s!
On the occasion of the 2026 Heritage Days, dive into the captivating world of the 1930s at the Museum of the 1930s in Boulogne-Billancourt. Between Art Deco, sculpture and iconic paintings, this museum invites you on a time-travel journey to the heart of the 20th-century art scene. Here is the program. [Read more]
Heritage Days 2026: The Nymphée Nymphée, a shell grotto in Viry-Châtillon (91)
Heritage Days are back for the weekend of September 19–20, 2026 in Paris and the Île-de-France region. It’s a chance to explore the Nymphée Nymphée, a mysterious shell-covered grotto waiting for you in Viry-Châtillon, Essonne. An offbeat discovery awaits! [Read more]
Heritage Days 2026: discover Saint-Georges Chapel, a little-known 16th-century site
La Chapelle Saint-Georges opens its doors in Paris for Heritage Days, on 19 and 20 September 2026. A rare opportunity to explore its history, its architecture, and a little-known facet of the capital's heritage. [Read more]
Heritage Days 2026: Open the doors to La Hublotière, Guimard's little-known masterpiece
On September 19 and 20, 2026, the Heritage Days invite you to La Hublotière in Le Vésinet. This villa, conceived by Hector Guimard, is one of the early masterpieces of Art Nouveau in Île-de-France. [Read more]
Heritage Days 2026: this offbeat dairy in the Paris region is opening its doors to you!
On the occasion of the 2026 Heritage Days, the Avon Dairy opens its doors in Seine-et-Marne on Saturday, September 19. Discover the history and distinctive features of this unusual site in Île-de-France's heritage. [Read more]
This manor in the Paris region opens its doors for Heritage Days 2026.
What if we set out to discover the grand houses for Heritage Days 2026? In Seine-et-Marne, this splendid manor will throw open its doors on the weekend of September 19–20, 2026. [Read more]
Discover the astonishing Absinthe Museum for Heritage Days 2026.
On September 19–20, 2026, Heritage Days invites you to discover the Absinthe Museum in Auvers-sur-Oise. An unusual venue that tells the story of this legendary drink, closely tied to artists and Parisian life in the 19th century. [Read more]
Heritage Days 2026: explore the room where Vincent van Gogh lived
Almost preserved almost intact since 1890, Vincent van Gogh's room can be visited at the Auberge Ravoux in Auvers-sur-Oise, as part of the 2026 European Heritage Days. [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 Troglodyte Church of the Annunciation, an unusual stopover in the 95
On 19 and 20 September 2026, the European Heritage Days uncover the hidden treasures of Paris and Île-de-France. What's on the agenda in Val-d'Oise (95)? A gripping dive into history, right to the heart of the rock, to the region's only troglodyte church, tucked away in Haute-Isle. [Read more]
Heritage Days 2026: Free tours at the Museum of the History of Medicine in Paris
European Heritage Days are back in Paris on the weekend of September 19–20, 2026. For the occasion, the History of Medicine Museum will open its doors to the general public for free on Saturday (booking required). On the program: an unusual and fascinating place to discover in the heart of the former Faculty of Medicine. [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 at Hôtel de Massa, the jewel in the crown of the Society of Men of Letters
Heritage Days are back in Paris. This Saturday, September 19, 2026, the Hôtel de Massa, home to the Society of the Men of Letters, invites us to visit this historic monument. [Read more]
Heritage Days 2026 at the Royal Château of Montceaux: a glimpse into the Château of the Three Queens
How about we head off to discover the ruins of the Royal Château of Montceaux? This historic site in Seine-et-Marne opens its doors for the Heritage Days weekend on September 19–20, 2026. [Read more]
Heritage Days 2026 at Trajan Tower (91): a tour of the ancient column of Méréville
Did you know that a Roman monument overlooks the Essonne? We’re taking advantage of Heritage Days on September 19 and 20, 2026 to discover Trajan’s Tower, this curiosity of the town of Méréville! [Read more]
Heritage Days 2026 at Maison Ferrari (92): the Duchess of Galliera's legacy.
Heading to the Hauts-de-Seine for the 2026 Heritage Days, and to Maison Ferrari in Clamart, built by the Duchess of Galliera, which today houses a retirement home, in a sublime setting. [Read more]
Heritage Days 2026 in Paris: a tour of Cochin Hospital and the Port-Royal Cloister
Take advantage of Heritage Days on September 19, 2026, to roam the Port-Royal Cloister, in the heart of Hôpital Cochin. An edition packed with discoveries awaits! [Read more]
Heritage Days 2026 at the Maison du Fontainier, a deep dive into Paris's water history
Are you ready to dive into Paris’s history during Heritage Days 2026? What better way to do it than a tour of the Maison du Fontainier, a cornerstone in the capital’s water history. Join us this weekend, September 19–20, 2026. [Read more]
Journées du Patrimoine 2026 à l'École nationale vétérinaire de Maisons-Alfort (94)
Heritage Days 2026 at the National Veterinary School of Maisons-Alfort (94)
On the occasion of the 43rd European Heritage Days, the National Veterinary School of Maisons-Alfort and its museum invite you to join free guided tours on 19 and 20 September 2026. A perfect opportunity to discover the history of this unusual site. Warning: not for the faint of heart. [Read more]
European Heritage Days 2026 at the Pathology Wax Museum of Saint-Louis Hospital in Paris
For Heritage Days 2026, Saint-Louis Hospital invites you to discover its moulage museum on Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20, 2026. With more than 4,800 pieces, it is the world's largest collection of pathological wax figures. Warning: the faint of heart should abstain. [Read more]
Heritage Days 2026: guided tours and an escape game at the Paris Faculty of Pharmacy
Are you passionate about science and medicine? Don’t miss the chance to visit the Faculty of Pharmacy this Saturday, September 19, 2026, as part of Heritage Days. [Read more]
Discover the Niemeyer Space at Heritage Days 2026, a jewel of modern architecture in Paris!
On the occasion of the 2026 Heritage Days, embark on a visit to the emblematic Espace Niemeyer, headquarters of the French Communist Party. Designed by Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer, this building, with its bold, distinctly futuristic design, is opening its doors for an exceptional occasion. A must-see for art and architecture enthusiasts. [Read more]
So, which curiosity will you be exploring first this weekend?
Journées du Patrimoine 2026: offbeat and original outings in Paris and Île-de-France
You think you know Paris inside and out? Think again. This Saturday, September 19, and Sunday, September 20, 2026, you’ll be wowed by the Journées du Patrimoine. We’re sharing our offbeat picks not to miss during the 43rd edition of Heritage Days in Paris and Île-de-France. [Read more]
Dates and Opening Time
From September 19, 2026 to September 20, 2026
Prices
Free
Journées du Patrimoine 2026: offbeat and original outings in Paris and Île-de-France
