European Heritage Days 2026 in Paris: our programme
On 19 and 20 September 2026, the European Heritage Days open Paris buildings that are usually closed or ticketed. Our pick: the Panthéon, the Hôtel de Ville, the Sorbonne chapel, behind the scenes at the Jardin des Plantes, the treasures of the Cinémathèque — nearly all free.
European Heritage Days 2026 in Paris
On Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 September 2026, the European Heritage Days open buildings that are usually closed, ticketed or off-limits: libraries, churches, museums, archives and the backstage of institutions. Entry is free in most places.
Friday 18 September is reserved for school groups. This selection gathers Paris openings for the weekend published in the City of Paris events listing.
Places not to miss
The Panthéon and the Hôtel de Ville open their doors for free. The Sorbonne chapel opens exceptionally all weekend. At the Jardin des Plantes, the Muséum, celebrating its 400th anniversary, shows its backstage, and the Cinémathèque française marks its 90th anniversary by opening up its treasures.
At Les Invalides, the theatrical tours are exceptionally free. Among the churches, Saint-Sulpice shows its restored chapels, Saint-Roch presents its restored Ark of the Covenant, and stonemasons demonstrate their craft at La Madeleine.
Planning your weekend
Opening hours and access conditions vary from one place to another. Each event in the selection links to its organiser's page, which gives the details. For the best-known places, it is wise to arrive early.
Frequently asked questions
When are the European Heritage Days 2026?
On Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 September 2026. Friday 18 September is reserved for school groups.
Are the visits free?
Most openings in this selection are free. A few places, such as Maison de Balzac or the Palais de la Porte Dorée, are free under conditions: check the event page.
Do I need to book?
It depends on the place. Some tours and activities require registration: each event page links to the organiser, who gives the details.
Which places open exceptionally in Paris?
In this selection: the Sorbonne chapel, behind the scenes at the Jardin des Plantes, the Musée national de la Marine and the Archives de Paris, and the Bibliothèque Sainte-Geneviève, Henri Labrouste's building listed as a historic monument.