Heritage Day

Heritage Day is a highly anticipated annual event that gives the public the chance to explore cultural sites—which are often closed the rest of the year—for free. At Paris and in France's major cities, this event offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the history and culture of the France. This article explores the many tour options, the history of this event, and Heritage Days in other major French cities.

Heritage Day in Paris and France

What are 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.

Heritage Days originated as a result of the efforts 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 open up places that are often closed to the public, to tell the stories of our towns and villages, and to spark a renewed interest in our past.

Opening up to Europe and then the rest of the world

The success of this initiative in France quickly spread beyond the country’s borders. As early as 1991, the event expanded to include Europe, giving rise to the European Heritage Days. Today, dozens of countries around the world participate in this event, each showcasing its 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 : Immerse yourself in 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.
Behind the Scenes 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: Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Saône riverbanks are a must-see spot for a stroll, lined with cave dwellings 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 trace the history of Lyon, from its Gallo-Roman origins to the present day.
Museum of Fine Arts: One of the largest museums in France, it houses an exceptional collection of artworks ranging from antiquity to contemporary art.
The Lumière Museum: Dedicated to the Lumière brothers, the inventors of cinema, this museum offers a deep dive 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

Marseille, the city of Marseille, offers a rich and varied program every year during European Heritage Days. Its millennia-old history, unique architecture, and Mediterranean atmosphere make it an ideal destination for heritage enthusiasts.

An exceptional maritime and historical heritage

The Old Port: The Old Port, the beating heart of the city, is a must-see destination. Heritage Days offer a chance to discover its rocky coves, 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.
The Château d’If: A symbol of the city, 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, the Marseille Fine Arts Museums are a must-see for art lovers.
The Regards de Provence museum: This museum features a collection of artworks dedicated to Provence.
The MuCEM: Located on Deck 4, the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations offers a breathtaking view of the sea and features a variety of temporary exhibitions.

Montpellier Heritage Day

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

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.

Montpellier Heritage Day - arc de triomphe

Saint Peter's Cathedral: This masterpiece of Southern Gothic architecture features magnificent stained-glass windows and sculptures.
Le Peyrou: This monumental esplanade, one of the largest squares in Europe, offers an exceptional view of the city.
The Crest: 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 artworks ranging from antiquity to contemporary art.
The Atger Museum: This museum features a collection of folk art and ethnographic objects.
The Hôtel de Montcalm: This magnificent mansion houses the François-Eugène Museum of Fine Arts.

Nantes

Nantes offers tours of the Castle of the Dukes of Brittany, the Machines de l’île, and the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul. The city is full of historic sites and themed walking tours.

An exceptional industrial and maritime heritage

The Machines of the Island: A true technical marvel, the Machines of the Island are a must-see in the city. These giant mechanisms, inspired by the worlds of Jules Verne, offer a unique experience.
The old shipyards: As a testament to Nantes’ industrial history, the former shipyards have been converted into a cultural and recreational space.
The castle of the Dukes of Brittany: This medieval castle, listed as a historic monument, offers a panoramic view of the city.

chateau des ducs de bretagne nantes - heritage — château des ducs de bretagne Nantes - heritage

A varied architectural heritage

The Creation district: This vibrant neighborhood, born out of the redevelopment of former industrial buildings, is a true hub 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, be sure to visit the Basilica of Saint-Sernin, the Capitole, and the Cité de l’espace. Heritage Days also offer the opportunity to tour the city’s many historic 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, explore the Château d’Angers, the Apocalypse Tapestry, and the half-timbered houses in the city center. Themed guided tours are especially 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. Heritage Days offer a chance to discover the city’s Roman and Provençal heritage.

A remarkable architectural heritage

Cours Mirabeau: This majestic avenue, lined with plane trees and mansions, is the beating heart of Aix-en-Provence.
The Fountain of the Four Dolphins: This masterpiece of Provençal Baroque architecture is one of the city's landmarks.
Saint-Sauveur Cathedral: This historic monument, built on the ruins 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: This museum features a collection of contemporary art and regularly hosts temporary exhibitions.
The Vasarely Foundation: Dedicated to the work of Victor Vasarely, this museum offers an immersive experience 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?

The main attractions include the Louvre, the Musée d’Orsay, the Palace of Versailles, the Élysée Palace, 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 unique features of Heritage Days. Many sites that are usually closed 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 which places are open and what their hours are?

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

Do I need to make a reservation in advance?

For some very popular venues, it is recommended that you make reservations in advance. Information on reservations is available on the organizers' websites.

Conclusion

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