Journées Marteau 2026: Free appraisals of your valuables, workshops and auctions

Published by Graziella de Sortiraparis · Updated on April 13, 2026 at 02:06 p.m.
Hammer Days return from May 26 to 31, 2026, inviting you to explore the auction rooms and every facet of the auctioneer’s craft. Take this opportunity to have your valuable items valued for free!

Since 2005, the National Union of Voluntary Auction Houses (Symev) has been hosting the Hammer Days to introduce the public to the auctioneer profession and to promote public auctions, often accessible for just a few tens of euros. For the occasion, auction houses in Paris and the Yvelines invite you to have your most valuable items professionally appraised for free, so you can take part in the event, from May 26 to 31, 2026!

Whether you're an art lover or simply curious, auctions are a real experience. Whether it's jewelry, watches, coins, collectibles, antique furniture, curiosities or paintings, potential buyers are spoilt for choice, and have the opportunity to take home some incredible pieces, often one-of-a-kind! What treasure will you unearth today? Some bids are affordable for the average person, but the final amount can quickly soar!

Come explore the auction houses and the buzz of bidding during journées portes ouvertes, with workshops, talks and engaging activities, this year themed around the color red.

The program

  • Tajan - 26 May: a workshop and talk on restoring rare books, documents, and old volumes, with auctioneer Alexia Taiclet and restorer Claire-Joëlle Hullin de Boischevalier
  • Bonhams Cornette de Saint Cyr - 26 May: a summer sale dedicated to Fashion and Handbags, with pieces from various collections evoking the quintessence of fashion refinement. Items signed Chanel, Christian Dior, Gucci, Hermès, Louis Vuitton.
  • Millon at the Maison Émile Zola in Médan (78) - 26–30 May: a week of free, confidential expert appraisals
  • Mesencheres.fr auction house at the Vésinet sales room (78) - 29 May: a day of expert appraisals followed by a workshop on jewelry appraisal
  • Drouot Estimations - 30 May: exhibition of « Une collection française » featuring, among others, two works by Miró, ahead of their dispersal.
  • Christie’s - 30 and 31 May: preview of the online sale exhibitions “Impressionism” and “Post-War and Contemporary Art”
Practical information

Dates and Opening Time
From May 26, 2026 to May 31, 2026

× Approximate opening times: to confirm opening times, please contact the establishment.

    Prices
    Free

    Official website
    symev.org

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