Do we need to book ahead?

It depends on the site. Each venue sets its own rules, so check the listing in the official program for every place you want to visit before you go.

Is there anything planned just for kids?

Yes. Many sites run family tours, games and workshops, and in 2026 kids made pinhole cameras and played archaeologist at sites around France. The Friday before is kept for school groups, with programs like Les Enfants du patrimoine.

No. It runs across France, with nearly 19,000 sites open in 2026, and around 50 European countries hold their own Heritage Days, so you can join in elsewhere if you travel.

Upcoming

UpcomingFestival

European Heritage Days (Journées du Patrimoine)

Name: European Heritage Days (Journées du Patrimoine)
Start: 2027-09-18
End: 2027-09-19T23:59:59
Location: Sites across Paris

Various venues

When: Sat-Sun Sep 18-19, 2027
Ages: All ages
Price: Free or reduced, varies by…

European Heritage Days (Journées du Patrimoine) photo 1

European Heritage Days (Journées du Patrimoine) photo 2

Festival7th Arrondissement

Where

Various venues

Ages

All ages

Setting

Mostly indoors

What you need to know

Plan from the official program, since opening hours and any booking differ from one site to the next
Pick a few sites, not ten, because each visit takes time and the buildings are spread across the city
Family activities at many sites, from guided tours to hands-on workshops and craft demonstrations

About

For one weekend a year, France opens buildings that are usually closed to the public: government ministries, courts, military sites, churches, artisan workshops and private mansions. In Paris that means a long list of doors at once, with guided tours, craft demonstrations, small plays and concerts alongside. Kids get to walk into rooms most adults never see, and many sites run games or workshops just for them.

Free or reduced, varies by site

Dates & times

Sat 18 – Sun 19 Sep 2027

Opening hours vary by site; check each listing in the official program.

Get Tickets

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Where it is

Various venues

Resources

Official website
Program, themes and site listings from the French Ministry of Culture

Common questions

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