On the occasion of the Journées du patrimoine 2026, staged over the weekend of September 19 and 20, many houses that are normally closed to the public open their doors for extraordinary visits in Paris and Île-de-France. Far from the grand monuments, this event is also a chance to discover a more discreet heritage, made up of distinctive villas, picturesque houses, and residences steeped in history.
Behind their sometimes astonishing façades lie places that tell the story of the evolution of architecture, decorative arts, and the art of living through the centuries. Some mansions bear witness to the rise of movements such as the Art Nouveau or the Art Deco, while others illustrate the craft of great architects or reflect the tastes of their patrons. Many have also welcomed personalities, artists, or families who left their mark on the history of the Île-de-France region.
These tours are all the more valuable as they remain exceptional. Most of these properties are now privately owned or repurposed, which makes them rarely accessible outside of the Heritage Days. The event thus offers a unique chance to discover their interiors, their gardens or their architectural details, often invisible from the street.
Whether you're a history enthusiast, an architecture buff, or simply curious to discover another face of Île-de-France's heritage, these houses hold a wealth of surprises. From villas imagined by renowned architects to quirky homes tucked away in little-known neighborhoods, along with former aristocratic residences and remarkable properties with real character, each place tells its own story. Here’s a curated selection of villas and atypical mansions not to be missed during the 2026 Heritage Days in Paris and Île-de-France. And for the castles, go this way!
Discover the Montmanoir estate, a hidden gem in the Val d'Oise during the 2026 Heritage Days.
Nestled in the heart of Val-d’Oise, in Montlignon, the Montmanoir estate reveals its leafy grounds and 19th‑century architecture for the 2026 Heritage Days. An Île-de-France escape off the beaten path. [Read more]
Explore the story of Villa "La Grimpette" during Heritage Days 2026
For the Heritage Days 2026, set off to discover the villa « La Grimpette » in Monthyon in Seine-et-Marne (77). A haven for Impressionist artists and a 1914 military command post, explore this little-known corner of Île-de-France. [Read more]
This pavilion, with an oriental-palace flair, invites you to the 2026 Heritage Days.
A relic of the 1878 World’s Fair, the Pavilion of the Indies stands out as an unconventional building in Courbevoie. Discover this hybrid oriental palace during Heritage Days 2026, on the weekend of September 19–20! [Read more]
Journées du Patrimoine 2026: Step inside the Villa des Roses in Asnières-sur-Seine
On 19 and 20 September 2026, take part in the Journées du Patrimoine to discover Villa des Roses, an elegant 19th‑century residence where the worlds of the circus, artists, and Île-de-France heritage converge. [Read more]
This remarkable cottage, with its witch’s-house vibe, is open for tours during Heritage Days 2026.
On the occasion of the 2026 European Heritage Days, discover Wood Cottage, a true architectural gem of Le Vésinet, an uncanny residence that evokes the universe of a fantasy film. The program is here. [Read more]
Discover Joséphine Baker’s villa during Heritage Days 2026!
European Heritage Days mark their 43rd edition this year, and for music-hall fans it's the perfect moment! You’ll be able to step through the doors of the villa of an iconic figure: Joséphine Baker! See you on the weekend of September 19 and 20, 2026. [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: the program at Poissy's Maison de Fer (78)
What to do for Heritage Days 2025 in Yvelines? In Poissy, this is your chance to (re)discover the Iron House on September 19, 2026. Discover this astonishing and one-of-a-kind building, whose visit should delight lovers of architectural gems. [Read more]
Heritage Days 2026 at Château des Tourelles in Bois-Colombes (92): Reservations open
Château des Tourelles invites you to the 2026 Heritage Days in Hauts-de-Seine. Note that guided tours require advance booking! Here are the details! [Read more]
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Dates and Opening Time
From September 19, 2026 to September 20, 2026
