Castles, libraries, historic sites, churches, architectural curiosities, towers or commemorative buildings: monuments are a concentrate of history, culture and know-how, which make up the wealth of a country. Unfortunately, these monuments are sometimes left to deteriorate or fall into disrepair as a result of events or climate change. To preserve this precious heritage,UNESCO created the International Day for Monuments and Sites in 1982.
Every year, on April 18, the worldwide organization invites us to take an interest in the monuments near us, to contribute to their preservation and to share in the greatness of these places. It's a good excuse to visit the cultural treasures of Paris and the Île-de-France region, to fill up on history and beauty, while supporting these important places in France.
It's settled — on Saturday, April 18, 2026, we'll take the time to explore or re-explore the historic monuments nearby. In the Île-de-France region, options are plentiful: here are a few recommended sites to visit on this international day of heritage.
Grand Palais: opening hours, prices... everything you need to know about this architectural gem on the Champs-Elysées
Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of the Grand Palais, an architectural gem in the heart of Paris. Discover its captivating history since the 1900 Universal Exhibition and explore its architecture, which blends classicism and Art Nouveau. With over 2 million visitors a year, this iconic building is a landmark of French art and culture. Opening hours, prices, practical information... we've got it all! [Read more]
The Eiffel Tower: opening hours, access, prices... Discover Paris's most iconic monument
The Eiffel Tower has established itself as the most emblematic monument in Paris. Since 1889, it has watched over Paris and its inhabitants, astonishing visitors and those who see it from afar. Want to find out more? Click here! [Read more]
The Pantheon in Paris: prices, opening hours, tour and history of this emblematic monument
The Paris Pantheon, an emblematic monument in the heart of the capital, reveals the history of France's great personalities. Originally a church dedicated to Sainte Geneviève, the Panthéon is open all year round, giving you the chance to discover its rich heritage and architectural secrets. [Read more]
All you need to know about Notre-Dame de Paris: opening hours, tours, reservations, events
With its thirteen million visitors a year, Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral is one of the capital's must-sees. A place of worship as well as a monument, it has witnessed the history of Paris since its construction. Since December 8, 2024, the monument is once again accessible. With reservations, year-round concerts and suggested tours, discover all the information you need to prepare your visit to this emblem of Paris, ready to welcome the world. [Read more]
The Conciergerie in Paris: a monument symbolic of the French Revolution
The Conciergerie is a historic building on the Ile de la Cité in Paris. Since its construction in the 10th century, this monument has been the seat of the Palais de Justice and a prison in turn. It was here that Marie-Antoinette was imprisoned. [Read more]
The Sainte-Chapelle and its 1113 stained-glass windows, a true Gothic jewel in Paris
The Sainte-Chapelle is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful buildings in Paris, with its 1113 colorful stained-glass windows depicting scenes from the Old and New Testaments. This 800-year-old Gothic gem becomes a magical place under the sun. [Read more]
L'Obélisque de la Concorde: discover a historic treasure donated by Egypt just a stone's throw from the Louvre
The Obélisque de la Concorde is probably one of the most popular monuments in Paris, along with the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, the Champs-Élysées and the Louvre. In any case, it has been enthroned on Place de la Concorde since 1836, donated by the Egyptian government as a sign of goodwill towards France, and is a source of wonder to visitors passing through, whether they're heading for the Champs-Élysées or the Louvre. Want to know everything there is to know about the monument? We've got you covered! [Read more]
Did you know? The shapes of the Salle Labrouste, INHA's library, are inspired by dresses.
The Salle Labrouste, home to the Bibliothèque de l'Institut Nationale de l'Histoire de l'Art, is undoubtedly one of the prettiest libraries in Paris, if not the most beautiful. With its unusual architecture, we tell you all about its history and inspiration. [Read more]
The Tour Montparnasse, a 360° view of Paris
The rooftop of the Tour Montparnasse and its open-air terrace offer an impressive view of Paris and its monuments from 210 meters above ground. [Read more]
The Arc de Triomphe, the emblematic monument at the top of the Champs-Élysées
The Arc de Triomphe, the emblematic monument on the Champs-Élysées that sits at the center of the Place de l'Étoile, is a must-see on your visit to Paris! [Read more]
BnF Richelieu, the historic home of the Bibliothèque nationale de France and its museum
The Richelieu site, located in the 2nd arrondissement of Paris, is the historic birthplace of the Bibliothèque nationale de France, which has housed collections of royal documents since 1721. A historic site, recently modernized, accessible to all! [Read more]
The Bibliothèque Sainte-Geneviève, in the heart of the Latin Quarter
The Bibliothèque Sainte-Geneviève is a landmark in the Latin Quarter. Discover its history! [Read more]
The Merovingian Crypt of Jouarre: A Must-Visit Treasure in Seine-et-Marne (77)
Are you eager to uncover the treasures of Seine-et-Marne? Experience a step back in time with a visit to the Merovingian crypt at Notre-Dame de Jouarre Abbey, one of the few remaining monuments of its kind that’s open to the public. [Read more]
The Château de Dourdan, an ancient fortified castle to discover in Essonne (91)
In the Essonne department, near Dourdan, you'll find a 13th-century fortified castle. Although you can't visit the interior, you can visit the ramparts on a walking tour! [Read more]
The Tower of Figures in Île Saint-Germain Park: A Unique Landmark in Hauts-de-Seine
Do you know Jean Dubuffet's Tour aux figures in the Parc Départemental de l'Île Saint-Germain? Come and visit this monumental work of art, open to the public at weekends from March to October. [Read more]
A visit to the Château de Versailles and its program
The Château de Versailles, its gardens and grounds, are a world heritage site. The official residence of the kings of France, the Château de Versailles holds the record as the largest château in the world, and of course the most visited in France. [Read more]
(Re)discover Royaumont Abbey, the largest Cistercian abbey in Ile-de-France
Just north of Paris, in the Val d'Oise, stands the Abbaye de Royaumont, founded in 1228 by Saint Louis and his mother Blanche de Castille. This royal abbey, the largest Cistercian abbey in the Île-de-France region, is a magnificent example of Gothic architecture. With its listed buildings, Royaumont offers a fascinating insight into French medieval history. Many events now take place on the premises, and we take you on a journey of rediscovery. [Read more]
Discover the Château d'Écouen, a Renaissance jewel and national museum
Explore the Château d'Écouen, home to the National Renaissance Museum, located 20 km from Paris. Immerse yourself in the history of this exceptional site and admire its unique collections. [Read more]
The Château de Malmaison, from residence to museum
The Château de Malmaison, located in Rueil-Malmaison in the Hauts-de-Seine region of France, is now home to the Napoleonic National Museum. During the French Revolution, Josephine Bonaparte acquired the property and it became the Palais Impérial de Malmaison, transforming it into the seat of government for a time. [Read more]
The Château de Vaux le Vicomte and its gardens, a fabulous estate in Seine-et-Marne
The Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte, 50 km from Paris, is one of the jewels of the Île-de-France region: its beauty even inspired the Château de Versailles. Come and visit this French heritage treasure, and its gardens, which offer great walks and activities for children. [Read more]
In Seine-et-Marne, discover the Gothic remains of a royal abbey (77)
In Dammarie-lès-Lys, in the heart of a tranquil park, the Gothic ruins of a Cistercian abbey founded by Blanche de Castille and Saint Louis in 1244 offer a romantic getaway for lovers of old stones and heritage to explore or photograph. [Read more]
Château de la Madeleine in Chevreuse, a Medieval Treasure in Ile-de-France
Available all year round, the Château de la Madeleine in Chevreuse, a medieval jewel in the Ile-de-France region, invites you to immerse yourself in history. [Read more]
The Tour de Jouarre and its Abbey, a Seine-et-Marne heritage treasure (77)
It's a piece of Île-de-France's religious heritage that deserves to be better known. Located within the walls of the still active Abbey of Notre-Dame de Jouarre, the Romanesque tower invites us to immerse ourselves in the town's history. [Read more]
Château de Bourron, stay in a truly historic château in the Ile-de-France region
We're off to Seine-et-Marne to discover a hidden treasure: Château de Bourron, a historic 17th-century residence near Fontainebleau, a haven of peace well worth the detour. Stay in this listed monument, lulled by the authenticity and beauty of its 40-hectare park. [Read more]
The Château d'Auvers-sur-Oise, the Impressionist treasure and its program
Discover the Château d'Auvers-sur-Oise and its sublime English gardens. Throughout the year, exhibitions and events focusing on Impressionism await you. [Read more]
Le Skit du Saint-Esprit, the unusual treasure hidden in the Mesnil-Saint-Denis forest in the Yvelines department
Have you heard of the Skit du Saint-Esprit, a small Orthodox monastery nestling in the Bois de Fay at Mesnil-Saint-Denis in the Yvelines? This small edifice, which in fact forms 3 churches, reveals a veritable treasure trove hidden within, a must-see for lovers of the unusual and art history. [Read more]
The Château de Monte-Cristo, Alexandre Dumas' hidden and unusual home
Discover the Château de Monte-Cristo, the residence imagined by the writer Alexandre Dumas. Set in an English garden on the Saint-Germain-en-Laye side of the Yvelines region, this exuberantly styled 19th-century château and its small Château d'If (Yew Castle) are waiting to be discovered. We take you on a tour of this hidden heritage, listed as a historic monument. [Read more]
The Mont Valérien crypt (92): free visits to the memorial to fighting France
Located on the summit of Mont-Valérien, the Mémorial de la France Combattante houses a crypt containing the remains of 16 Second World War combatants and ashes collected from concentration camps. Free guided tours invite you to (re)discover the history of this place where many hostages and resistance fighters were executed. [Read more]
Domaine de Grosbois: guided tours of the château and trotting horse training center (94)
In the Val-de-Marne region of France, the Domaine de Grosbois is a veritable historical and equestrian treasure trove. This 17th-century château, surrounded by a vast park, is now a museum and a mecca for trotting horse training, with guided tours available. [Read more]
Which monument will you choose this April 18?
Dates and Opening Time
On April 18, 2026
