Paris, September 12 – On September 19 and 20, 2026, the European Heritage Days will celebrate French history and heritage with numerous visits, walks, and activities. Among the visits exclusively offered during this weekend are those to major Parisian high schools and higher education institutions, providing a glimpse into the history of the capital’s most prestigious academic establishments.
A Unique Opportunity to Explore Educational Heritage
Every September, the European Heritage Days are an unmissable event in Paris and Île-de-France. This year, the event falls on Saturday, September 19, and Sunday, September 20, 2026, offering hundreds of visits, animations, and activities to discover heritage from a new perspective. For this occasion, many places normally closed to the public will open their doors, offering exclusive and sometimes unprecedented guided tours. This includes several major Parisian high schools and higher education institutions, which, while usually accessible only to their students, teachers, and staff, will allow visitors to explore their architecture, history, and rich heritage during an exceptional visit on September 19 and 20.
With their immense buildings, richly decorated rooms, and the unique atmosphere found in these highly prestigious higher education institutions, Paris’s largest high schools and university campuses will open their doors during these Heritage Days 2026. Visitors will have the chance to admire classrooms, halls, and staircases usually reserved for those fortunate enough to study there.
Featured Institutions and Programs:
- National Institute of Public Service (former ENA): Visit this major Parisian school during the Heritage Days on September 19 and 20, 2026.
- Sorbonne University – Pierre and Marie Curie Campus: Explore behind the scenes of this Parisian institution on September 19 and 20, 2026.
- Lycée Henri IV: Discover its medieval treasures during the Heritage Days weekend on September 19 and 20, 2026, in Paris.
- École Alsacienne: Located in the 6th arrondissement, this school will highlight its architectural heritage on September 19 and 20, 2026.
- Collège Condorcet: Open its doors to visitors on Saturday, September 19, 2026, offering a historical experience.
- Lycée Voltaire: Offers free guided tours on Saturday, September 19, 2026.
- National Superior School of Architecture of Paris-Malaquais: Reveals its program for September 19 and 20, 2026.
- Collège de France: Invites visitors to explore two millennia of history during visits on September 19 and 20, 2026.
- Paris National Opera Dance School in Nanterre: Visit on Saturday, September 19, 2026. Reservations open on September 10.
- Lycée Janson-de-Sailly (16th arrondissement): Known for its preparatory classes, it will open its doors on September 19 and 20, 2026.
- Adolphe-Chérioux Estate in Vitry-sur-Seine (Val-de-Marne): This former orphanage, now dedicated to education, will reveal its history.
- Sorbonne University: Offers various events around this historical and cultural monument on September 19 and 20, 2026.
- Lycée Jacques Decour (9th arrondissement): Discover the heritage of this higher education institution on September 19 and 20.
- National Institute of Heritage in Aubervilliers (93): Open house on September 19, 2026, for the 43rd Heritage Days.
- Lycée Chaptal (8th arrondissement): Free visit on Saturday, September 19, and Sunday, September 20, 2026.
These exceptional openings provide a rare chance to delve into the rich academic and architectural history of Paris and its surrounding region.
Practical Information:
Dates and Times: From September 19, 2026, to September 20, 2026. Indicative times; please contact the establishments to confirm opening hours.
Admission: Free.
Keywords: higher education, universities, European Heritage Days, JEP institution guide, JEP high school guide, what to do in September.
Source: sortiraparis.com
