Heritage Day

Heritage Day is an eagerly-awaited annual event that allows the public to discover cultural sites that are often closed during the rest of the year, free of charge. À Paris and in major French cities, this event offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the history and culture of the France. This article explores the many possibilities for visits, the history of this event, and the Journées du patrimoine in other major French cities.

Heritage Day in Paris and France

What are the Heritage Days?

The Heritage Days, instituted in 1984 by the French Ministry of Culturehave become a not-to-be-missed celebration. Held on the third weekend in September, this annual event gives visitors the chance to discover cultural sites that are often closed to the public, either free of charge or at a reduced rate.

The Journées du Patrimoine (Heritage Days) are the brainchild of Jack Langthen Minister of Culture, this event aims to help as many people as possible discover France's rich architectural, historical and cultural heritage.

The idea was to make places that are often closed to the public accessible, to tell the story of our towns and villages, and to arouse new interest in our past.

Opening up to Europe and then the rest of the world

The success of this initiative in France soon spread beyond its borders. In 1991, the event was extended to Europe, giving birth to the European Heritage Days. Today, dozens of countries around the world take part in this event, each highlighting their own heritage.

The objectives of the Heritage Days

These days have multiple objectives:

• Raising public awareness to the richness and diversity of our heritage.
• Discover unusual and little-known places.
• Highlight the work of heritage professionals.
• Promoting exchanges between the various heritage players.
• Promote safeguarding and promoting our heritage.

Paris Heritage Day highlights

Paris, with its rich cultural heritage, offers a multitude of sites to visit on these special days.

Museums open for Heritage Days

Many Paris museums are taking part in the Heritage Days, opening their doors for free or at reduced rates. Among the most noteworthy are :

• Visit Louvre Discover the treasures of Western art and ancient civilizations.
• Musée d'Orsay Dive into the world of the Impressionists.
• Rodin Museum Admire Rodin's iconic sculptures in a historic setting.

Castles and palaces to discover

Take advantage of this opportunity to visit castles and palaces usually closed to the public:

• Palace of Versailles Explore the sumptuous royal apartments and magnificent gardens.
• Élysée Palace A rare opportunity to visit the official residence of the President of the Republic.
• Paris City Hall Discover the historic rooms of this emblematic building.

Historic monuments and unusual places

Among the unusual places to discover during the Heritage Days in Paris, don't miss :

• The Catacombs of Paris A fascinating and macabre tour of the Parisian underground.
• La Conciergerie Explore this former prison where Marie-Antoinette was once held.
• Backstage at the Opéra Garnier Discover the secrets of this majestic building.

Heritage Day in Lyon

LyonThe city of Lyon, rich in history and culture, offers exceptional visits to the Fourvière Basilica, the traboules of Vieux Lyon, and museums such as the Musée des Beaux-Arts and the Musée des Confluences.

An exceptional architectural heritage

• The traboules: These covered passageways, unique in the world, are a veritable underground labyrinth linking the inner courtyards of the buildings.
  
   
• Notre-Dame de Fourvière basilica: Overlooking the city, this neo-Byzantine basilica offers an exceptional panoramic view of Lyon.
  
   
• The quays of the Saône: Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the quays of the Saône are a great place to stroll, lined with troglodyte houses and historic buildings.
  
   
• The old town: With its narrow streets, lively squares and private mansions, Lyon's old town is a veritable open-air museum.
  
   

Museums for all tastes

• Gadagne museums: These museums retrace the history of Lyon, from its Gallo-Roman origins to the present day.
  
   
• Museum of Fine Arts: One of France's largest museums, it houses an exceptional collection of works of art ranging from Antiquity to contemporary art.
  
   
• The Lumière Museum: Dedicated to the Lumière brothers, the inventors of cinema, this museum offers a fascinating insight into the history of the seventh art.
  
   
• The Musée des Tissus: This unique museum presents an exceptional collection of fabrics and silks.
  
   

Heritage Day in Marseille: A journey through time

MarseilleEvery year, the city of Marseille offers a rich and varied program for the European Heritage Days. Its thousand-year-old history, unique architecture and Mediterranean ambience make it an ideal playground for heritage enthusiasts.

An exceptional maritime and historical heritage

• The Old Port: The beating heart of the city, the Old Port is a must-see. The Journées du Patrimoine (Heritage Days) are an opportunity to discover its creeks, forts and maritime museums in a whole new light.
  
   
• Le Panier: Marseille's oldest district, with its narrow streets and colorful houses, is a veritable labyrinth to explore.
  
   
• Notre-Dame de la Garde: Dominating the city, the Bonne Mère offers an exceptional panoramic view.
  
   
• Château d'If: A symbol of the town, the Château d'If inspired Alexandre Dumas to write his famous novel "The Count of Monte Cristo".
  
   

Museums for all tastes

• Fine arts museums: Home to a rich collection of works ranging from Antiquity to contemporary art, Marseille's Beaux-Arts museums are a must-see for art lovers.
  
   
• The Regards de Provence museum: This museum presents a collection of works of art dedicated to Provence.
  
   
• The MuCEM: Located on the J4, the Musée des Civilisations de l'Europe et de la Méditerranée offers a breathtaking view of the sea and a wide variety of temporary exhibitions.
  
   

Montpellier Heritage Day

In Montpellier, visitors can explore the Arc de Triomphe, the Place de la Comédie, and the Jardin des Plantes, one of Europe's oldest botanical gardens.

An exceptional architectural heritage

• The Arc de Triomphe: A symbol of the city, this neoclassical triumphal arch offers a breathtaking view over the Place de la Comédie.
  
   

• Saint Peter's Cathedral: This masterpiece of Southern Gothic architecture features magnificent stained glass windows and sculptures.
  
   
• Le Peyrou: One of the largest squares in Europe, this monumental esplanade offers an exceptional panoramic view of the city.
  
   
• L'Écusson: The historic heart of Montpellier, with its narrow streets and mansions, is a veritable open-air museum.
  
   

Museums for all tastes

• The Fabre Museum: This internationally renowned museum houses a rich collection of works of art ranging from Antiquity to contemporary art.
  
   
• The Atger Museum: This museum features a collection of folk art and ethnographic objects.
  
   
• Hôtel de Montcalm: This magnificent mansion houses the François-Eugène Museum of Fine Arts.
  
   

Nantes

Nantes offers tours of the Château des Ducs de Bretagne, the Machines de l'Île, and Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul Cathedral. The city is packed with historic sites and themed tours.

An exceptional industrial and maritime heritage

• Les Machines de l'Île: A true feat of engineering, the Machines de l'Île is one of the city's must-see attractions. These giant mechanisms, inspired by the worlds of Jules Verne, offer a unique experience.
  
   
• The old shipyards: Witness to Nantes' industrial history, the former shipyards have been converted into a cultural and leisure area.
  
   
• The castle of the Dukes of Brittany: This medieval castle, listed as a historic monument, offers a panoramic view of the city.
  
   

A varied architectural heritage

• The Creation district: This dynamic district, born of the conversion of former industrial buildings, is a veritable laboratory of art and culture.
  
   
• Saint Peter and Saint Paul Cathedral: This Gothic cathedral, located in the heart of the city, is a masterpiece of medieval architecture.
  
   
• Covered passageways: These secret passages, hidden in the streets of Nantes, are an invitation to discover.
  
   

Toulouse

In Toulouse, don't miss the Saint-Sernin basilica, the Capitole, and the Cité de l'espace. The Heritage Days are also an opportunity to visit the city's many private mansions.

Bordeaux

In Bordeaux, explore the Place de la Bourse, the Grand Théâtre and the Cité du Vin. The city, known for its architecture and wines, offers tours of wineries and surrounding vineyards.

Lille

Lille welcomes visitors to its old town, the Citadelle, and the Palais des Beaux-Arts. The city is renowned for its Flemish buildings and friendly atmosphere.

Angers

In Angers, discover the Château d'Angers, the tapestry of the Apocalypse, and the half-timbered houses of the city center. Thematic guided tours are particularly popular.

Dijon

Dijon, famous for its medieval heritage, offers tours of the Dukes' Palace, the Chartreuse de Champmol, and the Burgundy wine route.

Aix-en-Provence

In Aix-en-Provence, explore Saint-Sauveur Cathedral, the Pavillon Vendôme and the Roman baths. The Heritage Days are an opportunity to discover the city's Roman and Provencal heritage.

A remarkable architectural heritage

• Cours Mirabeau: This majestic avenue, lined with plane trees and private mansions, is the beating heart of Aix-en-Provence.
  
   
• The Fountain of the Four Dolphins: This Provencal Baroque masterpiece is one of the town's symbols.
  
   
• Saint-Sauveur Cathedral: This historic monument, built on the remains of a Romanesque cathedral, bears witness to the city's religious history.
  
   
• Private mansions: Aix-en-Provence boasts a number of private mansions, true architectural gems that bear witness to the city's wealth.

Museums for all tastes

• Granet Museum: This art museum houses a rich collection of works ranging from Antiquity to contemporary art.
  
   
• Pavillon Vendôme: The museum features a collection of contemporary art and regularly organizes temporary exhibitions.
  
   
• The Vasarely Foundation: Dedicated to the work of Victor Vasarely, this museum offers an immersion in optical and kinetic art.
  
   

Heritage Days FAQ

What are the dates for Heritage Days 2024?

Heritage Days to be held on September 21 and 22, 2024

The themes will be: "Heritage of routes, networks and connections" and "Maritime heritage".

What are the main sites open during the Heritage Days in Paris?

Major sites include the Louvre, Musée d'Orsay, Château de Versailles, Palais de l'Élysée and many others.

Are the Heritage Days free?

Yes, most sites are accessible free of charge or at a reduced rate.

Can I visit places that are usually closed to the public?

Yes, that's one of the special features of the Heritage Days. Many places that are usually closed to the public open their doors for the occasion.

Are there any special activities for children?

Yes, many of our sites offer child-friendly activities such as workshops and guided tours.

How can I find out about open locations and opening times?

The detailed program is generally available on the official Heritage Days website and on the websites of local tourist offices.

Do I need to book in advance?

For some popular venues, advance booking is recommended. Booking information is available on the organizers' websites.

Conclusion

Heritage Days at Paris and other French cities are a unique opportunity to discover or rediscover cultural and historical treasures. Whether you're a local or a tourist, don't miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in France's fascinating history.