European Heritage Days 2026: Historic Monuments to Discover in Paris and Île-de-France
The 43rd European Heritage Days are fast approaching, inviting you to explore the rich history and cultural treasures of Paris and the Île-de-France region. On Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20, 2026, over 1,500 sites will open their doors, offering unique programs for the entire family. This is an unmissable opportunity to delve into the past and discover monuments that are usually inaccessible to the public.
Key Information for Your Visit:
- Dates: Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20, 2026
- Edition: 43rd European Heritage Days
- Access: Free or low-cost entry to participating sites
- Region: Paris and Île-de-France
Featured Historic Sites in Paris by Arrondissement:
1st Arrondissement
- Domaine du Palais-Royal: Visit the Ministry of Culture with a special program for the weekend.
2nd Arrondissement
- BNF Richelieu historic site: Explore the historic premises of the National Library of France.
3rd Arrondissement
- Central Library of the Conservatoire National des Arts et Métiers: Discover this hidden gem, including the monks’ refectory.
4th Arrondissement
- Temple du Marais: Explore its architecture and rich history.
- Maison de Victor Hugo: Free visits to the famous writer’s house.
- Hôtel de Ville – Mairie de Paris: Exceptional free tours of the Mayor’s office, Council room, and state rooms.
- Forney Library – Hôtel de Sens: Free access to this historic building.
5th Arrondissement
- Sorbonne University: Various events centered around this prestigious historical and cultural monument.
- Sainte-Geneviève Library: Discover the history and secrets of this Latin Quarter treasure.
- Collège de France: Explore 2,000 years of history through guided tours.
- Musée de Cluny: Immerse yourself in the Middle Ages with its unique collections.
- Lycée Henri IV: Exceptional opening of this mythical high school, a classified historic monument with medieval treasures.
6th Arrondissement
- Maison Saint-Sulpice: Exceptional visit to this 17th-century former seminary.
- Sénat – Palais du Luxembourg: Discover the Luxembourg Palace, Petit Luxembourg, and the Luxembourg Garden greenhouses.
- Faculté de Pharmacie de Paris: Guided tours and an escape game for science and medicine enthusiasts.
- Saint-Sulpice Church: Uncover the secrets of this Left Bank treasure through special tours.
7th Arrondissement
- Hôtel de Noirmoutier: Visit the official residence of the Prefect of Île-de-France.
- Hôtel d’Avaray: Explore the residence of the Ambassador of the Netherlands.
- Hôtel de Salm, Grande Chancellerie de la Légion d’honneur and museum: Special visit to this prestigious institution.
- Séminaire des Missions Étrangères de Paris and its secret museum: Discover this hidden gem.
- Musée de l’Armée – Hôtel des Invalides: Free access, unique tours, and workshops for history buffs.
- Quai d’Orsay, Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Exceptional program with behind-the-scenes access.
- Assemblée Nationale: Free guided tours of the Palais Bourbon and Hôtel de Lassay (registration required).
- American Church in Paris: Guided tours of the religious building.
8th Arrondissement
- Grand Palais: Family visits and games.
- Musée de la Pharmacie: Guided tours of the National Order of Pharmacists’ headquarters.
- Hôtel de la Marine: Discover this emblematic monument on Place de la Concorde.
- Hôtel Pereire – Fondation Del Duca: Exceptional opening to explore this historic building.
- Saint-Philippe du Roule Church: Discover the program for this church.
- La Chapelle Expiatoire: Uncover the secrets of this little-known monument dedicated to Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette.
9th Arrondissement
- Église de la Sainte-Trinité: Visit the church currently undergoing restoration.
- Notre-Dame-de-Lorette Church: Discover this historic gem.
10th Arrondissement
- Saint-Vincent-de-Paul Church: Free guided tours.
- Hôpital Saint-Louis: Explore its amazing cast museum and sublime chapel.
- Bourse du Travail de Paris: Organized tours.
11th Arrondissement
- Église Sainte-Marguerite: Discover the treasures of this discreet church.
- Lycée Voltaire: Free guided tours.
12th Arrondissement
- Gare de Lyon: Explore the secrets of its restoration.
13th Arrondissement
- Gare d’Austerlitz: Discover the program (online reservations from early September).
- Château de la Reine Blanche: Special program at this astonishing residence.
14th Arrondissement
- Maison du Fontainier: Delve into the history of water in Paris.
17th Arrondissement
- Grande Loge de France: Exceptional visit to this mysterious institution.
- Citéco, the City of Economy: Explore the treasures of this museum within the Hôtel Gaillard.
18th Arrondissement
- Sacré-Cœur: Discover the secrets of the Montmartre basilica.
19th Arrondissement
- Regard de la Lanterne: Visit a secret place off the beaten path.
- Saint-Serge de Radonège Orthodox Church: Discover the secrets of this unusual treasure.
20th Arrondissement
- Père Lachaise Cemetery: An unusual walk to discover the personalities buried there.
Sites in Île-de-France:
Seine-et-Marne (77)
- Caveau du Saint-Esprit (Provins): Discover this mysterious vault.
- Château de Bourron: Special program at this
