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.
Heritage Days 2026 at Jean Cocteau's House in Essonne (91): program
Heritage Days 2026 kick off this weekend, September 19–20, 2026, in Paris and the Île-de-France region. In Milly-la-Forêt, Essonne, the Maison Jean Cocteau invites you to a rich program of tours. [Read more]
Special openings and a performance at Domaine de Chamarande for Heritage Days 2026
Looking for a great family outing during Heritage Days 2026? Then head to the Domaine de Chamarande in Essonne: the château and its grounds reveal their schedule for the weekend of September 19–20, 2026. [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 at Villeconin's medieval castle (91): the program!
The Château de Villeconin, located in Essonne, invites us to make the most of Heritage Days by highlighting its treasures through a weekend program of tours on 19 and 20 September 2026. [Read more]
Bierville Castle to Open Its Doors for Heritage Days 2026
The European Heritage Days return on 19 and 20 September 2026. On this occasion, Château de Bierville, in Boissy-la-Rivière, Essonne, will open its doors to visitors for an exceptional showing. A rare opportunity to discover a site steeped in history, closely tied to Île-de-France heritage and the social commitments of the 20th century. [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: visit the École Polytechnique in Palaiseau (91)
The École Polytechnique is also taking part in Heritage Days 2026, offering guided tours on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 September 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]
Giant shows and games at the Château de Saint-Jean de Beauregard for Heritage Days
On the occasion of the 43rd edition of Heritage Days, Château Saint-Jean de Beauregard invites you to visit on September 19 and 20, 2026. As part of these discovery-focused days, guided tours of the castle and its gardens will be offered. [Read more]
Heritage Days 2026 at the Château and Courances Park (91): what’s on
Take advantage of the 2026 Heritage Days to discover a haven of peace: the Château and Parc de Courances, in Essonne (department 91), will open their doors on 19 and 20 September 2026 for paid guided tours. [Read more]
Montagu Castle in Essonne reveals its lineup for the 2026 European Heritage Days.
This Essonne treasure reveals its secrets for the 43rd edition of Heritage Days: Montagu Castle invites you to join in and unveils its program for the weekend of September 19–20, 2026. [Read more]
Treasure hunt and music at Victor Hugo's literary house for Heritage Days
Victor Hugo's literary house, in Bièvres, Essonne, will open its doors free to the public on September 19 and 20, 2026, for Heritage Days. [Read more]
Heritage Days 2026: a mouthwatering open-house at Kubli Confectionery in Morangis (91)
For the 43rd edition of Heritage Days, Kubli Confectionery in Morangis invites you behind the scenes of its factory on Saturday, September 19, 2026. A chance to combine history with a touch of sweetness... Make sure to reserve your place. [Read more]
Market, vintage cars and sheepdogs: Heritage Days 2026 at Mesnil-Voysin Castle
The Château de Mesnil-Voysin, situated in Bouray-sur-Juine, awaits you this weekend, September 19–20, 2026, for Heritage Days. Discover this special program. [Read more]
Heritage Days 2026 in Palaiseau (91): discover the city’s gems
The weekend of September 19–20, 2026, the Heritage Days return for their 43rd edition with a superb lineup across Paris and the Île-de-France region, including here in the town of Palaiseau in Essonne. [Read more]
Heritage Days 2026 in Étampes (91): the lineup of special guided tours.
On Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20, 2026, the European Heritage Days invite you to explore the riches of local heritage, as here in Étampes, in the Essonne department. [Read more]
Heritage Days 2026: Tours and activities to check out in Corbeil-Essonnes (Essonne 91)
There’s no shortage of cultural highlights in Corbeil-Essonnes during this Heritage Days weekend! Discover the places to visit on September 19 and 20, 2026. [Read more]
Heritage Days 2026 in Orsay (91): the city’s visiting programme
On the weekend of September 19–20, 2026, head to Orsay in Essonne for the European Heritage Days. It’s the perfect chance to discover this small town, but above all to go behind the scenes and explore the hidden corners of its scientific and patrimonial treasures. [Read more]
Heritage Days 2026 in Gif-sur-Yvette (Essonne): discover the town’s many gems.
The 2026 edition of the European Heritage Days unfolds over the weekend of September 19–20: a chance to uncover regional heritage gems, whether close to home or farther afield in the region, as here in Gif-sur-Yvette, in Essonne. [Read more]
Heritage Days 2026 in Sainte-Geneviève-des-Bois (91): the town’s schedule of visits
In Essonne, the town of Sainte-Geneviève-des-Bois unveils a rich lineup for Heritage Days 2026. Save the dates: September 19 and 20 to discover the many treasures of this spot easily reachable with a Navigo pass! Here are the tours on the program for this weekend of culture! [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
