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: go behind the scenes at the Chatou dam in Yvelines
For Heritage Days 2026, set out to explore the Chatou Dam in Yvelines. Discover how this little-known river structure operates on the Île des Impressionnistes. [Read more]
Guided tours to the heart of Monsieur's Farm, Louis XVI's brother, for Heritage Days 2026.
For the 2026 Heritage Days, set off to explore Monsieur's Farm in Mandres-les-Roses. Dive into the history of this Val-de-Marne agricultural estate linked to the brother of Louis XVI. [Read more]
Heritage Days 2026: explore the remarkable art village of Chomo in Seine-et-Marne
Heading to the Fontainebleau forest for Heritage Days 2026! Make your way to Achères-la-Forêt in Seine-et-Marne to discover Chomo’s art village, an offbeat open-air sanctuary of outsider art. [Read more]
Journées du Patrimoine 2026: unusual tour of Villenoy's cone-shaped anti-aircraft shelter (77)
Are you familiar with the Villenoy conical anti-aircraft shelter? Don’t miss the 2026 edition of Heritage Days to discover this nationally unique monument, located in Seine-et-Marne. [Read more]
Heritage Days 2026 in Paris, at the heart of the Cité Montmartre-aux-artistes
Not far from Montmartre’s hill lies a genuine artists’ city, the largest in Europe! During Heritage Days, we go to discover this astonishing, inspiration-filled place in the heart of Paris’s 18th arrondissement, this weekend of September 19–20, 2026. Here’s what’s in store for you. [Read more]
Heritage Days 2026: This museum takes you right into the heart of the 1930s!
As part of the European Heritage Days 2026, dive into the fascinating world of the 1930s at the Musée des Années 30 in Boulogne-Billancourt. From Art Deco to sculptures and iconic paintings, the museum invites you on a time-travel journey into the heart of 20th‑century artistic life. Here’s the program. [Read more]
Inauguration of the Vanves ice houses and their unusual chapel for Heritage Days 2026
During the 2026 Heritage Days, set off to discover Vanves’ restored ice houses and their surprising neo-Romanesque chapel at the heart of Parc Frédéric Pic. A fascinating plunge into the quirky heritage of Hauts-de-Seine, on the doorstep of Paris! [Read more]
This stunning troglodyte church is worth discovering during the 2026 Heritage Days in the Paris region.
A church carved into a cliff in the Paris region? It’s one of Île-de-France’s most unusual treasures you’ll be able to discover during the 2026 Heritage Days, on September 19 and 20. [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: A tour of the Saint-Georges Chapel in Paris
La Chapelle Saint-Georges opens to the public in Paris for Heritage Days, on 19 and 20 September 2026. A rare chance to explore its history, its architecture, and a discreet corner of Parisian heritage. [Read more]
This villa by Hector Guimard opens its doors for Heritage Days 2026.
In Le Vésinet, La Hublotière unveils the world of Hector Guimard, a pioneer of Art Nouveau, during the Heritage Days on September 19–20, 2026. [Read more]
This former dairy near Paris is open to visitors only in September.
On September 19, 2026, push open the doors of the Laiterie d’Avon, a little-known gem in Seine-et-Marne that tells the story of an 18th‑century way of life. [Read more]
Near Fontainebleau, this musical manor is open to visitors only in September
At the edge of the Fontainebleau forest, this mansion steeped in the history of French music will open its doors for an exceptional weekend on September 19–20, 2026. [Read more]
Heritage Days 2026: In the Footsteps of the 'Green Fairy' in Auvers-sur-Oise
The Absinthe Museum recounts the history of this iconic drink that shaped the Parisian café scene and inspired a generation of 19th-century artists. [Read more]
Heritage Days 2026: step inside Auberge Ravoux, where Van Gogh spent his final days
In Auvers-sur-Oise, the Ravoux Inn opens its doors on September 19 and 20, 2026. It’s here that Vincent van Gogh spent the final months of his life and created some of his most famous works. [Read more]
Heritage Days 2026: Fencing taster, archery workshops, and a medieval show for the inauguration of this ancient keep
In Étampes, the Tour de Guinette is set to celebrate its public inauguration in grand style during the Heritage Days weekend 2026, on September 19–20, 2026. A wide lineup of historical activities awaits visitors—here’s everything you need to know! [Read more]
Heritage Days 2026 in Paris: Free tours at the Museum of the History of Medicine
Heritage Days are back in Paris this weekend, September 19–20, 2026. For the occasion, the History of Medicine Museum will open its doors to the public for free this Saturday (reservation required). On the programme: an unusual and captivating site to discover in the heart of the former Faculty of Medicine. Here’s more about this fascinating venue! [Read more]
European Heritage Days: an exceptional tour of the Bois-Colombes air-raid shelter (92)
Attention history enthusiasts: a remarkable World War II relic awaits, offering exclusive tours. The Bois-Colombes air-raid shelter will host a special program for the 2026 Heritage Days on September 19 and 20. [Read more]
Heritage Days 2026: tours of the Hôtel de Massa, the jewel of the Society of Men of Letters
Heritage Days return to Paris. This Saturday, September 19, 2026, the Hôtel de Massa, home to the Society of Men of Letters, invites us to visit this historic monument. Reservations open on August 31, 2026. [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 Tour Trajane (91): Discover the ancient column of Méréville
Did you know that a Roman monument overlooks the Essonne? As Heritage Days arrive on 19 and 20 September 2026, we invite you to discover the Trajan Tower, a local curiosity in the town of Méréville! Booking is mandatory—secure your tickets without delay. [Read more]
Heritage Days 2026 at Maison Ferrari (92): discover the program in Clamart
Off to the Hauts-de-Seine for this year’s Journées du Patrimoine 2025: the Maison Ferrari in Clamart, built by the duchess of Galliera, today housing a retirement home, set in a sublime setting. A chance to discover, like never before, this gem of Hauts-de-Seine heritage, this weekend of 19 and 20 September 2026. [Read more]
Heritage Days 2026 in Paris: Cochin Hospital and the Port-Royal Cloister open their doors
Take advantage of Heritage Days on Saturday, September 19, 2026, to explore the Port-Royal Cloister, in the heart of Hôpital Cochin. It promises an edition full of discoveries! [Read more]
Heritage Days 2026 at the Maison du Fontainier, at the heart of Paris’s water history
Are you ready to dive into Paris’s history during Heritage Days 2026? What better way to do it than with a tour of the Maison du Fontainier, a flagship site in the city’s water history. Join us this weekend, September 19–20, 2026, to discover this unusual place. [Read more]
Journées du Patrimoine 2026 : discover the National Veterinary School of Maisons-Alfort (94)
On the occasion of the new edition of Heritage Days, the École nationale vétérinaire de Maisons-Alfort and its museum invite you to join free guided tours on 19 and 20 September 2026. A perfect moment to discover the history of this unusual place. Heads up, the faint of heart should abstain! [Read more]
The Musée des Moulages opens its doors for the 2026 Heritage Days in Paris.
Sensitive souls, beware: the Museum of wax moulages, tucked in the heart of Saint-Louis Hospital, invites you to the Heritage Days on the weekend of September 19–20, 2026. A chance to discover the world’s largest collection of pathological wax figures. [Read more]
For Heritage Days 2026, the Paris Faculty of Pharmacy is offering guided tours and an escape game.
Are you fascinated by science and medicine? Take advantage of Heritage Days to visit the Faculty of Pharmacy on 19 and 20 September 2026. [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?
Heritage Days 2026: Offbeat & original outings to explore in Paris and Île-de-France
Think you know Paris inside out? Well, you’re in for a surprise. On Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20, 2026, you’ll be blown away by the Heritage Days. We’re sharing our quirky must-sees to discover during these 43rd Heritage Days, in Paris and the Île-de-France region. [Read more]
Dates and Opening Time
From September 19, 2026 to September 20, 2026
Prices
Free
Heritage Days 2026: Offbeat & original outings to explore in Paris and Île-de-France
