The Grandes Heures de Sceaux 2026 run from June 19 to 21, centered on “The Empire in the Female.” Due to the intense heat, the Napoleonic bivouac planned in the park has been cancelled.
Note: the Grandes Heures de Sceaux 2026 schedule has been revised. Due to the extreme heat, the historical reenactment of a Napoleonic military camp, planned throughout the weekend in the park of the Domaine départemental de Sceaux, is cancelled. The other announced events, notably the talks, the grand ball, the dance workshops, the tours and the concert in the château, remain on the program. Refreshments will be provided during the Friday night concert and cold water will be made available to participants in the Orangerie.
A vast pocket of nature in the Hauts-de-Seine, listed as a Historic Monument, the Domaine départemental de Sceaux draws many Île-de-France residents in search of calm and greenery. More than 180 hectares of parkland, basins, cascades and canals, flowering trees, a château turned into a museum... The domain offers numerous attractions for Parisians and other Île-de-France residents.
The venue also draws visitors in with its events and regular fixtures. Exhibitions, parties, games, and walks: people of all ages enjoy this varied lineup throughout the year. Among the regular offerings on the estate are the Grandes Heures de Sceaux, a festive cultural occasion that takes place three times a year.
Each edition, the Domaine de Sceaux showcases cultural activities built around a theme from the era of one of its former owners. The event is staged as a nod to the fêtes organized by the Duchess of Maine in the 17th century.
During the weekend of June 19–21, 2026, the Sceaux estate shifts into festive mode with The Grand Hours of Sceaux: The Empire in Female Hands. For its 15th edition, the iconic women of the Napoleonic era, led by Caroline Murat, Napoleon’s sister, a power broker and symbol of refinement, are highlighted through a program that blends history, music, dance, tours and workshops. Be sure to book ahead the activities that interest you.
The lineup of activities for this new edition
Friday, June 19
- At 5 p.m.: a rapid tour “In the Heart of the Collections”
Caroline Murat at the Château de Neuilly: exceptional furniture.
Discover the spotlight on Caroline Murat’s furnishings for her Neuilly Château.
All audiences - Included with admission - In the Château - No booking required.
- At 8:30 p.m.: Women’s music, salon tunes from the First Empire
Concert by La Nouvelle Athènes with Coline Dutilleul, mezzo-soprano, and Luca Montebugnoli, piano.
This concert recreates the refined atmosphere of the early 19th‑century salons, in particular Caroline Murat’s, queen of Naples, whose musical and artistic tastes left a mark on her era. Program: French romances, arias from Italian and French operas, and piano pieces by composers connected to the Napoleonic period.
All audiences - Full price: €16 / reduced: €12 / under-26: €6 - In the Grand Salon of the Château - Booking required.
Weekend of June 20–21
The Château de Sceaux and the Pavillon de l’Aurore will exceptionally open from 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., with last entry at 6:00 p.m..
All day long: a historical reenactment of a Napoleonic military camp with reenactors from the 10th Squadron and the Grenadiers of Île-de-France.
Event canceled due to the extreme heat.
Saturday, June 20
Three lectures on women under the First Empire
For each lecture: 5 €, reduced rate 4 €, children's rate 4 € - In the Orangery - Booking recommended.
- At 2:30 PM: Napoleon, Women, and Power
By Charles-Éloi Vial, PhD in history and curator at the Bibliothèque nationale de France. The lecture revisits Napoleon’s relationships with women beyond his love affairs or family ties, and the role some of them played in his political and military career.
- At 3:45 PM: Caroline Murat, born Bonaparte
By Jehanne Lazaj, chief heritage conservator and director of the Château de Sceaux. This talk focuses on Caroline Bonaparte, Napoleon’s sister, wife of Joachim Murat, Queen of Naples, and a political figure long undervalued.
- At 5:30 PM: conference and dance demonstrations
By the Carnet de Bals association, which recreates, preserves, and teaches dances from Parisian salons.
- From 7:30 PM: grand ball in the Orangery
An evening dedicated to Caroline Murat and the salons of the early 19th century. Costumed dancers, in First Empire attire or stylish outfits with accessories, are welcome. Initiations, lively dances, contra dances, quadrilles, and choreographed dances are on the program.
Note: there is no cloakroom or on-site costume rental.
All audiences – Full price: €16 / Reduced: €12 / Under 26: €6 – In the Orangery – Booking recommended.
Sunday, June 21
- At 10:30 a.m.: family workshop “Making imperial silhouette bookmarks”
Participants craft a bookmark using iconic figures from the First Empire: Napoleon Bonaparte, Joséphine de Beauharnais, Marie-Louise of Austria, or a Grenadier.
Family audiences from age 7 and up - Full price: €8 / Reduced: €5 / Solidarity: €4 / Child: €4 - At the Workshops, the Old Stables - Reservations recommended.
- At 2:30 p.m.: family dance workshop with the Carnet de Bals association
Young and old learn together the dances of the First Empire in the Orangery, guided by dancers in period costume. Program: Malbroug, La Chasse, Contredanse de la Turck.
Family-friendly for ages 6 and up - Price: €5 / Solidarity: €4 / Child: €4 - In the Orangery - Reservations recommended.
- At 3:30 p.m.: dance workshop with the Carnet de Bals association
Step up to the more complex dances from the First Empire repertoire, including Contredanse à l’anglaise and the Duke of Kent Waltz.
Teenagers and adults from 12 years old - Price: €5 / Solidarity: €4 / Child: €4 - In the Orangery - Reservations recommended.
- At 4 p.m.: guided tour “The First and Second Empires at the Domaine de Sceaux”
This tour highlights artworks and furniture in the Château de Sceaux dating from the First and Second Empires, with particular attention to furniture once owned by Caroline Murat.
All audiences - Full price: €8 / Reduced: €5 / Solidarity: €4 / Child: €4 - In the Château - Reservations recommended.
- At 5 p.m.: “In the Heart of the Collections” flash tour
Caroline Murat at the Château de Neuilly: an exceptional furniture collection.
All publics - Included with admission - In the Château - No reservation required.
Beautiful moments await you at the Departmental Domain of Sceaux, even though the outdoor historical reenactment has been canceled. For conferences, workshops, tours, dances and concerts, please check availability and book in advance.
