Archaeology is a fascinating scientific discipline, which enables us to find and study the remains left by those who came before us. Constructions and buildings, burials, everyday objects, human and animal skeletons, works of art: each discovery offers new insights into human beings and societies of the past.
For more than 10 years, the European Archaeology Days, organized by Inrap under the aegis of the French Ministry of Culture, have been inviting young and old alike to go behind the scenes of archaeology through educational activities, meetings and visits in the company of researchers. The event is an opportunity not only to discover the archaeology profession, but also to find out more about the richness of our local heritage!
The famous Journées are back for their 16th edition, from June 13 to 15, 2025! During these three days, you'll be able to take part in as manyfun activities as possible, in Paris and Île-de-France. To help you choose from this rich program, here's a selection of family outings to enjoy this weekend.
Blandy Castle - 77
The "Archaeozoologist" participatory workshop enables participants to discover how archaeologists study animal bones found on archaeological sites, and to understand the relationship between humans and animals over the course of time. Workshop participants discover different animal materials and then study one or more bones from a fictitious site. They are also introduced to the principles of comparative anatomy (identification of bone and anatomical part) and the identification of specific traces visible on the surface of the bone linked to human activity or to the life of the bone after it has been buried in the ground.
Musée des Plans-Reliefs
Follow the guide to discover the world's only collection of plan-reliefs, historic models of fortified sites built between the reigns of Louis XIV and Napoleon III. From Mont Saint-Michel to Toulon, via Bayonne and the Ile de Ré, visitors will see how these very special objects have served (and still serve!) as archaeological tools and historical witnesses to the evolution of towns. Meet on the day at the museum reception desk, on the 4th floor of the Orient entrance.
Sanctuary of Saclas - 91
In this workshop, you'll use a die and brass wire to create a fibula, the ancestor of our brooches and safety pins.
Saclas sanctuary archaeological site open from 3pm to 6pm. Explanations of the site by members of the Société Historique et Archéologique du Canton de Méréville (SHACM).
Catacombs of Paris
The Port-Mahon underground quarry, which is protected as a Monument Historique, resembles a virtually intact medieval quarry. Adjacent to the Catacombes de Paris, it was acquired by the City in 2021, but is not open to the public. This exceptional opening is organized by the Catacombes de Paris and OCRA (Organisation pour la Connaissance et la Restauration d'Au-dessous-terre).
Arab World Institute
Echoing the works in the "Treasures Rescued from Gaza" and "The Cleopatra Mystery" exhibitions, come and discover an ancestral art form. A family workshop where you can manipulate colored fragments, touch by touch, and create a motif by playing with colors, shapes and materials. Engraving-sculpting-stamping workshop with Magali SatgéWhat do the faces from the depths of time sculpted in stone and discovered in Gaza tell us? Create a collective work to engrave these large eyes open to the universe and asking us questions.
In this workshop, little archaeologists learn about prehistoric fauna and create their own clay animal using objects from nature. Reindeer, ibex, saber-toothed tiger, woolly rhinoceros or mammoth, they're spoilt for choice.
Museum of the Royal Estate of Marly - 78
Discover the remains of the Domaine's various archaeological digs in the museum's collections. The guided tour continues in the park, where you'll discover the sites of the excavations carried out by the Domaine's archaeologists. The guided tour ends with a visit to the fountains.
Several materials found during the Domaine's archaeological excavations are available to visitors. This is your chance to get hands-on with
marble or pieces of earthenware decorating Louis XIV's basins. Find out where these relics were discovered on the map of the estate, and set off in search of these places in the heart of the park.
Val d'Oise archaeological museum - 95
Come and enjoy a fun-filled afternoon of discovery with your family: a family show, an interactive educational area, an excavation site, board games and a training course will turn you into a real archaeologist in the field.
The City Factory - 93
Archéo'Fab: craft workshops and archaeological discoveries in Saint-Denis (93)
Archéo'Fab is a free archaeological event combining crafts and heritage from June 13 to 15, 2025. With workshops, concerts, screenings and meetings, local heritage can be discovered in a festive and participatory way! [Read more]
Museum of Jewish Art and History
The Palais-musée des Archevêques de Narbonne houses one of the oldest Jewish inscriptions in France, the funerary stele of Justus, Matrona and Dulciorella, dated 688-689. Written in Latin like many ancient Jewish stelae in Western Europe, it begins with a five-branched candlestick and concludes with the Hebrew inscription "Peace be upon Israel". Extremely rare for a Jew, the title of dominus, borne by Paragorus, their father, denotes a high social status, which sheds light on the condition of Narbonne's Jews in the early Middle Ages.
On display at the Musée d'art et d'histoire du Judaïsme until October 9, 2025, Paul Salmona, director of the mahJ, will discuss the history of interpretations of the stele and the comparisons made possible by archaeological excavations of a mass burial site in Catalonia and a plague cemetery in Provence.
Dates and Opening Time
From June 13, 2025 to June 15, 2025
Prices
Free
Official website
journees-archeologie.eu
