For these Journées du Patrimoine 2026, the Essonne department is spotlighting its standout sites that testify to a rich and captivating history. Mark your calendars for the weekend of September 19 and 20, 2026 to discover these remarkable places, many of which are open to the public free of charge.
This department, one of the largest in the Paris region, boasts no fewer than 76 monuments listed as Monuments Historiques, 193 buildings listed on the Inventaire Supplémentaire des Monuments Historiques and 21 gardens protected as Monuments Historiques! From forgotten châteaux to exceptional churches, each site plunges us into the past, while revealing sometimes little-known aspects of our local heritage. It's a chance to see in a new light sites that are not always accessible to the general public.
This weekend, September 19–20, 2026, Essonne becomes a genuine hub of cultural discovery. For Journées du Patrimoine, visitors can wander through remarkable gardens, tour period houses, or uncover industrial sites repurposed as artworks. Each site tells its own story, and guests are invited to follow these captivating narratives that still echo through the stones and landscapes of the department.
Free tours, workshops, events, walks, discoveries, secrets revealed, shows... The events organized during the Journées du Patrimoine take many forms! It's worth noting that this European and cultural event is very special: for one weekend, the most beautiful heritage sites in our region open their doors to us for free or at a reduced cost. You can even visit places that are usually closed to the public. Which just goes to show how much we look forward to these Days!
During this exceptional weekend, guided tours, walks and workshops will reveal the secrets of Essonne, with a focus on heritage and education.
European Heritage Days 2026: The Art Deco heritage of Parc Boussard to explore in the Paris region
Designed by architect Joseph Marrast, the historic garden of Lardy reveals its distinctive layout for Heritage Days 2026. Meet us on September 19 and 20 in Essonne. [Read more]
Heritage Days 2026: visit the secret estate of Sillery in Essonne
Fancy a unique outing in Île-de-France for the 2026 Heritage Days? Head to Épinay-sur-Orge to discover Sillery Park and its château. [Read more]
Journées du Patrimoine 2026 à Bouray-sur-Juine : dive into the world of vanished trades
Off to Essonne for Heritage Days 2026! The Bouray-sur-Juine Museum is reopening its former workshops for an immersive weekend at the heart of Francilien craftsmanship. [Read more]
Journées du Patrimoine 2026: Free tour of Paris-Saclay University's Mineralogy Museum
Rare crystals and meteorites await you in Bures-sur-Yvette. Take advantage of Heritage Days 2026 to visit the Paris-Saclay mineralogy collection for free. [Read more]
Journées du Patrimoine 2026 : a historic cyanotype workshop at the Departmental Archives (91)
Immerse yourself in the secrets of early photography in Essonne. The departmental archives invite you to a vibrant cyanotype workshop for Heritage Days 2026. [Read more]
Heritage Days 2026 at the François Le Comte ice rink, listed as a remarkable example of contemporary architecture.
For Heritage Days 2026, the François Le Comte ice rink in Évry-Courcouronnes lifts the veil on its secrets. Discover this 1970s gem, designated as Remarkable Contemporary Architecture in Essonne. [Read more]
Heritage Days 2026: Discovering the Safran Campus and Vilgénis Castle
Safran, the group specializing in aerospace, space, defense and security, will open its Massy campus on September 19, 2026, to mark Heritage Days. [Read more]
Domaine de Montauger: Heritage Days 2026 at the heart of Essonne’s House of the Environment
Celebrate Île-de-France’s natural heritage on September 19–20, 2026 at Domaine de Montauger. Discover the history of this remarkable site in Essonne and its 15 hectares of protected spaces open to everyone. [Read more]
Uncover the secrets of medicinal herbs at the Plant Conservatory during Heritage Days 2026.
Step into the footsteps of bygone herbalists on September 19 and 20, 2026. The National Conservatory of Plants invites you to rediscover the wonders of the plant world in Essonne (department 91). [Read more]
Shows and games at the Château de Saint-Jean de Beauregard: the Heritage Days program
On the occasion of the 43rd edition of Heritage Days, Château Saint-Jean de Beauregard invites you to join us on 19 and 20 September 2026. As part of these discovery-focused days, guided tours of the château and its gardens will be offered, along with a few surprise activities... [Read more]
This privately owned medieval castle opens its doors to visitors for Heritage Days 2026.
Situated in Essonne, the Château de Villeconin invites the public to discover the Journées du Patrimoine by revealing its treasures through a weekend program of tours on September 19 and 20, 2026. [Read more]
Heritage Days 2026: explore the Saint-Blaise des Simples chapel, Jean Cocteau’s final resting place
On the occasion of Heritage Days 2026, journey to Milly-la-Forêt in Essonne to discover the Saint-Blaise des Simples chapel, decorated by Jean Cocteau. A poetic and unconventional getaway in Île-de-France! [Read more]
Heritage Days 2026: Free tour of the private arboretum at Château de Vilmorin (91)
A little stroll into the heart of nature for Heritage Days 2026—are you in? On September 19, head to Essonne and the Château de Vilmorin to discover the family's private arboretum! [Read more]
European Heritage Days 2026: activities at the Jean Cocteau House in Essonne (91)
Heritage Days arrive this weekend, September 19-20, 2026, in Paris and Île-de-France. In Milly-la-Forêt, Essonne, the Maison de Jean Cocteau presents a family-friendly, musical lineup. [Read more]
Special tours and a free performance at the Domaine de Chamarande for the 2026 European Heritage Days
Looking for a great family outing during the 42nd Heritage Days? Then head to the Domaine de Chamarande in Essonne to enjoy the château and its park’s special program on September 19–20, 2026. [Read more]
In Forges-les-Bains, a castle opens its doors for the 2026 Heritage Days.
This Sunday, September 20, 2026, the Château de Forges-les-Bains will welcome the public for a special open day organized for Heritage Days. Here’s the program! [Read more]
Discover this astonishing shell-filled cave for the 2026 Heritage Days.
The Heritage Days are back for the weekend of September 19–20, 2026, in Paris and Île-de-France. It’s a chance to meet the Nymphée Nymphée, a mysterious shell-covered grotto waiting for you in Viry-Châtillon, in the Essonne department. An unusual discovery on the horizon! [Read more]
This little-known château in Essonne will open to the public on an exceptional basis for the 2026 Heritage Days.
This Sunday, September 20, 2026, the Château de Bierville will exceptionally open its doors to the public on the occasion of the European Heritage Days. A chance to discover a place steeped in nearly a thousand years of history and a unique social commitment in Île-de-France. [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: guided tours of École Polytechnique in Palaiseau (91)
L'École Polytechnique invites you to the 2026 Heritage Days, with guided tours available on Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20, 2026. Here’s what to expect from this special weekend in Essonne. [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]
European Heritage Days 2026: Tour the Château and Courances Park (91)
Looking for a Heritage Days outing in Essonne? The Château and Park of Courances, in the 91, open their doors to visitors on the weekend of September 19–20, 2026. Admission remains payable. [Read more]
Heritage Days 2026 at Montagu Castle (91), at the heart of the ruins and the Henri IV Tower: program
Heritage Days 2026 take over Château de Montagu (91). Here’s what to expect for the weekend of September 19–20, 2026. A great plan for the weekend! [Read more]
Treasure hunt and activities at Victor Hugo’s literary home for Heritage Days 2026
Victor Hugo’s literary house in Bièvres, in the Essonne department, will open its doors free of charge to the public on the weekend of September 19–20, 2026, for Heritage Days. [Read more]
Heritage Days 2026: family-friendly food-tasting tours at Kubli Confectionery in Morangis (91)
For the 43rd edition of Heritage Days, Kubli Confectionery in Morangis invites you to step inside its factory on Saturday, September 19, 2026. A chance to combine heritage and indulgence during an unusual, behind-the-scenes visit... [Read more]
Gourmet market, vintage cars and guided tours: Heritage Days 2026 at the Château de Mesnil-Voysin
The Château de Mesnil-Voysin, located in Bouray-sur-Juine, is set to welcome visitors this weekend, September 19–20, 2026, with a rich lineup prepared for Heritage Days. [Read more]
Heritage Days 2025 in Saclay (91): The program in the town
The Journées du Patrimoine will be held in the town of Saclay in the Essonne region on the weekend of September 20 and 21, 2025. Discover the program of events and visits awaiting us in this commune of the 91 département for this 42nd edition. So, are you ready for a weekend of exceptional visits and cultural highlights? [Read more]
Heritage Days 2026 in Palaiseau (91): discover the visiting program
The weekend of September 19–20, 2026, Heritage Days are back for their 43rd edition, with a superb lineup to experience in the town of Palaiseau, in Essonne. Find out what awaits you there! [Read more]
Heritage Days 2026 in Forges-les-Bains: the outings schedule
The weekend of September 19–20, 2026, head to the commune of Forges-les-Bains in Essonne to make the most of Heritage Days. [Read more]
Heritage Days 2026 in Île-de-France: discover the historic treasures of Milly-la-Forêt
Join us on September 19 and 20, 2026 in Milly-la-Forêt to explore a heritage of exceptional character, where Essonne’s natural landscapes meet the history of art. [Read more]
Heritage Days 2026: free treasure hunt and concert at the château in Soisy-sur-Seine (91)
Heading to Essonne and the town of Soisy-sur-Seine for the new edition of Heritage Days 2026! On September 19 and 20, explore the town with a family-friendly treasure hunt and enjoy the castle through a range of activities. [Read more]
Discover the treasures of Etampes during the 2026 Heritage Days weekend
On Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20, 2026, the European Heritage Days invite you to explore the richness of local heritage—here in Étampes, in the Essonne department. Here’s what awaits you this weekend. [Read more]
What to do in Corbeil-Essonne for Heritage Days 2026: the lineup of activities
Corbeil-Essonnes rolls out a rich cultural lineup for this Heritage Days weekend; browse the sites to visit on September 19–20, 2026. [Read more]
Journées du Patrimoine 2026 : explorez le programme d'Orsay (91), entre culture scientifique et patrimoine millénaire
The weekend of September 19–20, 2026, heads for Orsay in the Essonne department to unveil the program for the 43rd edition of the Heritage Days. A draw for the curious eager to discover its scientific and cultural riches. [Read more]
A discovery-filled stroll through Gif-sur-Yvette (91) for Heritage Days
The new edition of the European Heritage Days will be held the weekend of September 19–20, 2026: a chance to discover local heritage treasures, whether close to home or further afield in the region—like here in Gif-sur-Yvette, in Essonne. [Read more]
Heritage Days 2026 in Sainte-Geneviève-des-Bois (91): This weekend’s program
In Essonne, the town of Sainte-Geneviève-des-Bois unveils a rich program for the 2026 Heritage Days. Save the dates: September 19 and 20, 2026, to discover the town’s many treasures, all within easy reach with a Navigo pass! [Read more]
Heritage Days 2026 in Essonne: on the trail of the castles of the 91
Essonne's castles reveal their secrets during Heritage Days 2026. Here's what's on offer in Essonne this weekend, September 19–20, 2026. [Read more]
Can't find what you're looking for in Essonne? Then come and discover the treasures hidden in other parts of the Île-de-France region.
Dates and Opening Time
From September 19, 2026 to September 20, 2026
Prices
Free
