European Heritage Days Offer Unique Visits Throughout France!
In France, European Heritage Days, or ‘Journees Patrimoines’, occur annually on the third weekend of September. During this weekend, many monuments and museums are free, and government and private buildings, which are not open to the public, are accessible.
But first, a bit of history
Started in 1984 by France’s Ministry of Culture, Heritage Days were originally called, ‘Open Days for Historic Monuments’. Now, in its 34th year, the event has expanded to thousands of sites throughout France and the European Union.
How do I know which sites are participating?
There are a couple of ways:
The French Ministry of Culture has an interactive map like this one, so be sure to check it out to find out what’s available where you’ll be.
If you’re in Paris, you can check out Sortir a Paris website. It gives you a breakdown of all the participating sites, by neighborhood, or arrondissement.
Why visit during Heritage Days?
Because you’ll have access to unique experiences and to places that are rarely accessible to the public. Some examples include free admission at some parts of the Louvre, entry into the Elysee Palace -the official residence and office of the President of France, access to the control center of the French National Railway - the SNCF. You may even have a chance to enter a chateau that isn’t typically open to the public or to visit an art restoration studio.
Good to know tips
Not every site participates, so check before you go.
You may need to make reservations well in advance.
Because sites are free probably means it’s more crowded.
Look for lesser know museums or museums you might not normally think to visit.
Every year has a theme. The theme for 2026 was ’Photographic Heritage’.
Is it worth it?
Yep! Heritage Days are a great way to save money on museum admission, or simply to have a different experience while visiting France. I mean really, when are most of us ever going to get the chance to visit the official residence of the French President?
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