Journées du Patrimoine 2025 at the Palais de l'Elysée in Paris - dates and program

TheHôtel d'Évreux, better known asthe "Palais de l'Élysée", is one of the most popular sites for the Journées du Patrimoine. For the 42nd edition of the event, the emblematic address in Paris's 8th arrondissement opens its doors on Saturday September 20 and Sunday September 21, inviting you to take a behind-the-scenes look at power and the golds of the Republic.

Already considered"the most beautiful pleasure house in the vicinity of Paris" in the 18th century, the Hôtel d'Évreux was successively owned by the Count of Évreux, Louis XV and Napoleon, before being definitively destined to become the residence of the Presidents of the Republic, following a decree in 1848.

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Les Journées du Patrimoine 2026 à Paris, c’est aussi l’occasion de découvrir des lieux habituellement fermés au public. Here’s the list of sites that will open their doors to the public specially for this weekend of September 19–20, 2026. [Read more]

A self-guided tour of the buildings plunges you into the history of the Élysée and its 1889 layout - virtually unchanged since then, apart from the arrival of electricity and running water. From the Salon des Ambassadeurs( ), where the Council of Ministers meets every Wednesday, to the majestic Salle des Fêtes, designed for state dinners at the 1889 Universal Exhibition, you'll take a behind-the-scenes look at power.

The tour continues into the heart of presidential intimacy, including the President's office in the Salon Doré, decorated in 1861 by Jean-Louis Godon for Empress Eugénie. Visitors can also explore the courtyard and gardens. Please note that reservations are required, via the Élysée website, from this Friday, September 5 at 7pm.

• To be read
• Heritage Days 2026: Must-visit institutions in Paris and Île-de-France — book your tickets!
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• Heritage Days 2026: Tour Paris's Historic Townhouses

Program for the Journées du Patrimoine 2025 at the Élysée Palace in Paris :

• The art of photography
  9photographers from the main media or photographic agencies following the President of the Republic will exhibit their work around the theme "Regards sur l'Élysée". A vote will be open to all, and the most popular photograph will be awarded the Prix du Public.
  Jeanne Accorsini , photographer for the SIPA PRESS agency, was chosen by the public in 2024, and will exhibit a selection of her work.
  
  
• The July 14th parade as you've never seen it before!
  The Présidence de la République and the French start-up Immersive Flashback offer a unique immersive experience.
  Embark with the President of the Republic to witness the highlights of the July 14th ceremony, from the Palais de l'Élysée to Place de la Concorde, including a trip down the Champs-Élysées in the Command-car.

• A journey back in time
  Following the success of the immersive experiences offered in previous years, the Présidence de la République will be offering visitors the chance to discover the evolution of the palace's interiors using virtual reality headsets and terminals installed in the gardens and Cour d'Honneur.
  
  
• Other exhibitions include
  • A staging of tableware and a collection of presidential menus on the theme of architecture.
  • An animated presentation on the theme of the Second World War, to mark the 80th anniversary of the 1945 Armistice
  • An immersive film on the July 14, 2025 parade
  • An architectural paper model of the Palais de l'Élysée by Hannah Levesque will be unveiled for the occasion.
  • Presidential vehicles on display in the Cour d'Honneur

• Opportunity to talk to the staff of the Presidency of the Republic, who work to promote the Palace's expertise.
  
  
• Music by the Republican Guard Orchestra.
  
  
• Official boutique in the Cour d'Honneur
  Porcelain mugs, marinieres, key rings, snow globes and much more: when you buy from the official boutique, you're supporting the "Made in France" concept and the promotion of the Élysée's heritage 300 years after its construction.

To give you a flavour of the visit, the Élysée presents the itinerary in a video :

Take the opportunity to discover the Maison Élysée (just opposite):

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The European Heritage Days return on September 19–20, 2026, and they still have more surprises in store! Just a stone’s throw from the Presidential Palace, the Élysée House opens its doors for an inside look at the workings of power. [Read more]