As every year, European Heritage Days are an opportunity to discover sites steeped in history that are not normally open to the public. Join us on 19 and 20 September throughout France for special openings, guided tours and original events on the theme of endangered heritage.
Heritage Days in brief
Every year, during the third weekend of September, France, like the rest of Europe, celebrates its heritage. Guided and unusual tours, special openings of sites usually closed to the public such as the Élysée Palace, events... Lovers of beautiful buildings, art and craftsmanship can enjoy a programme combining iconic monuments, exclusive events and discoveries.
2025: an Art Deco anniversary
For their 42nd edition, European Heritage Days highlighted a theme that surrounds us every day, often without us paying attention to it: architectural heritage.
From majestic castles to small rural buildings, from interior décor to period furniture, architecture tells the story of our cities, our countryside and even our identity. Much more than just decoration, it embodies unique skills, reflects changes in society and shapes the landscapes we are familiar with.
The 2025 edition of Heritage Days was an opportunity to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the 1925 International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts, the true cradle of Art Deco. Throughout France, a series of exhibitions, meetings and symposiums allowed visitors to (re)discover this movement that revolutionised our living environment.
Heritage preservation in the spotlight in 2026
Following on from Art Deco heritage, the next edition of European Heritage Days will shine a spotlight on preserving our heritage with the theme of ‘endangered heritage’. In this era of climate change, the transformation of certain urban neighbourhoods and the gradual disappearance of certain skills, monuments, landscapes and traditions require more attention and transmission than ever before. Visits, meetings and activities will invite the public to discover these threatened treasures and the initiatives put in place to protect them, so that they can continue to tell the story of France's regions, towns and villages to future generations.
The programme for the 2026 edition of European Heritage Days will be available soon.
An ecological perspective
Because tomorrow's heritage is also viewed through the prism of ecology, the Ministry of Culture is once again joining forces with the 2tonnes association. The aim is to offer fun and educational workshops on ecological transition at participating venues.
In September, whether you are passionate about history, an Art Deco enthusiast or simply curious, these European Heritage Days are an invitation to open your eyes wide to the past... to better imagine the future.
This year again, the day before the event will be a day dedicated to schoolchildren, with the "Raise your eyes! Coordinated by both the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of National Education, Youth and Sports, this event will give pupils the opportunity to (re)discover the heritage that surrounds them thanks to their teacher. This is an opportunity to raise awareness of the need to protect it and to teach them to be amazed.
As for the unusual events, you can take advantage of the exceptional opening of the backstage areas of the Lyon auditorium and the Gare Saint-Lazare, visit the Lille Opera, the Imperial Theatre of the Château de Fontainebleau and the Beaux Arts de Paris!
Find all information on the open doors during the Heritage Days on this website
Tips and recommendations
Whether this is your first time or you are a regular visitor to European Heritage Days, here are a few tips to make this weekend a memorable one. Find out which sites are accessible on the event's website. Be sure to check whether reservations are required and the conditions for accessing the monument. Finally, when travelling to your destinations, consider using sustainable modes of transport. This is an excellent way to help preserve our cultural and natural heritage. We wish you all a wonderful discovery!
By The editor
The editorial staff of France.fr follows the trends and news of destinations to bring you stories from France that reveal its innovations and traditions that make you long to (re) discover its territories.
