How to enjoy European Heritage Days 2025 in Paris?

Category : Hotel Corona Rodier

How to enjoy European Heritage Days 2025 in Paris?

As every year, European Heritage Days are returning to France. This year, they will take place on 20 and 21 September 2025.

This is a very popular event in Paris, and it is important to plan your visits in advance. Many exceptional venues are open to the public free of charge, but there are often queues or reservations are required.

 

Photo credit: Amandine Goetz (Bank of France)

 

To get the most out of it, here is a simple and effective guide:

 

Step 1: Choose the places you want to visit

During this weekend, you can access:

  • Historic monuments: Palais Royal, City Hall, Senate, National Assembly, Élysée Palace, etc.
  • Public institutions: Banque de France, police headquarters, Ministry of Justice, etc.
  • Unusual places: behind the scenes at the RATP, artists' homes, secret archives, restoration workshops, etc.
  • Construction sites open to the public on an exceptional basis: e.g. Notre-Dame de Paris.

[Tip] Check out the programme as soon as it is published at: journeesdupatrimoine.culture.gouv.fr or paris.fr

 

Step 2: Make reservations

Some prestigious venues require advance booking, often online in early September or even late August (e.g. the Élysée Palace or Hôtel de Matignon).
Tip: activate alerts on official websites or subscribe to museum/institution newsletters so you don't miss out.

 

Step 3: Plan your itinerary

Consider:

  • Group visits by neighbourhood (e.g. Marais: National Archives, Carnavalet Museum, Hôtel de Soubise)
  • Plan breaks: cafés, gardens, quiet squares
  • Start early in the morning: fewer crowds

Use Google Maps or Citymapper to optimise your journeys on foot, by metro or by bus.

 

Step 4: Prepare for your visit

  • Wear comfortable shoes.
  • Bring a bottle of water and a small snack.
  • Keep your ID with you: some places require ID checks at the entrance.
  • Bring a portable charger for your phone.
  • Bring a notebook or note-taking app if you like to keep a record of what you learn.

Step 5: Enjoy to the fullest

  • Arrive early at popular sites.
  • Ask if guided tours are available on site.
  • Share your discoveries on social media using the official hashtag: #JEP2025 or #JournéesDuPatrimoine.​

 

Photo credit: Amandine Goetz (Palais de Iéna)

 

Some suggestions for popular places in Paris:

Location / Interest / Booking
Élysée Palace / Tour of the official reception rooms, garden / By booking
City Hall / Banquet hall, grand staircase / No reservation required
Senate (Luxembourg) / Hemicycle, library, gardens / No reservation required
Bank of France / Vaults and Boardroom / By reservation only
Notre-Dame construction site / View of the restoration work in progress / By reservation only
RATP (Workshops or stations) / Exclusive technical tours / By reservation only

 

Let's go, get your diaries out and enjoy your visits!

 

Featured image: Amandine Goetz