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Every September, Paris opens the doors to some of its most fascinating places for the Journées Européennes du Patrimoine, or European Heritage Days. For one weekend only, you can step inside historic government buildings, discover hidden courtyards and gardens, visit normally inaccessible rooms, and get behind the scenes of some of the city’s most iconic landmarks.

In 2026, the Heritage Days will take place on Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20, with this year’s theme focusing on endangered heritage and the importance of preserving historic buildings, collections, monuments, and savoir-faire.

Many visits are completely free, although some of the most popular locations require advance reservations.

If you’re planning to spend the weekend in the French capital, these are 10 of the best places to put on your list for the 2026 European Heritage Days in Paris. And for even more ideas on how to spend September in the city, don’t miss my guide to the best things to do in Paris in September.

1. Élysée Palace

Ever wondered what lies behind the gates of the French president’s official residence? The Journées du Patrimoine are one of the only times you’ll ever find out.

The Palais de l’Élysée is, unsurprisingly, one of the most coveted visits of the weekend. Tucked along the Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, the palace occupies the Hôtel d’Évreux, an elegant 18th-century mansion that has served as the seat of the French presidency since 1873.

Through a self-guided visit, you can wander at your own pace through the ceremonial rooms, taking in details like the Cressent desk and the Paulin chair, along with an array of diplomatic gifts gathered over decades of French presidencies.

And there’s more to see just across the street. The Maison Élysée, the Élysée’s museum, café, and shop, will also be open. The museum offers a closer look at the history of the presidency, including a recreation of the Golden Salon, the presidential office since 1958, complete with General de Gaulle’s desk. There’s also a cabinet of curiosities filled with objects connected to France’s diplomatic and cultural history.

Good to Know: The Élysée Palace will be open on Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The visit is completely free and no reservation is required. The Élysée House café will also be open.

2. Hôtel de Ville de Paris

Most Parisians walk past this building every day without a second thought. But once a year, the Hôtel de Ville welcomes visitors for special tours and programming that are worth stopping for.

Inside, you can explore the Mayor of Paris’s office, the Council Chamber, the heritage library, and the beautifully decorated ceremonial rooms. Along the way, you’ll also discover exhibitions celebrating Parisian heritage, including a special display marking the 200th anniversary of photography.

The visit also highlights the people who work to preserve the building, from stonemasons and marble workers to upholsterers, clockmakers, and other traditional craftspeople. Louvre-trained guides will be present throughout the route to share more about the hôtel and its history.

Good to Know: The Hôtel de Ville is open on Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The visit is free, but advance registration is required. Reservations open Wednesday, September 9, so this is one to book as soon as possible.

3. Palais du Luxembourg

The Palais du Luxembourg, home of the French Senate, sits at the perimeter of the Luxembourg Gardens. Built for Marie de Médicis and inspired by Florence’s Palazzo Pitti, the palace has served as a royal residence, a revolutionary prison, and eventually the seat of the French Senate.

For this special weekend, visitors can tour both the Palais du Luxembourg and the Petit Luxembourg, where the President of the Senate works. Highlights include the Senate chamber, the library with its beautiful Delacroix-painted ceiling, the grand staircase, the Queen’s Chamber, and the Salle des Conférences. At the Petit Luxembourg, you can also see the historic Boffrand salons, the President of the Senate’s office, and the Queen’s Chapel.

The experience also extends into the Jardin du Luxembourg, where the Senate’s greenhouses will open to the public. Inside, you’ll find tropical plants and an impressive orchid collection, along with workshops and an exhibition focused on preserving the garden’s botanical heritage.

Good to Know: The Palais du Luxembourg and Petit Luxembourg are open on Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. The visit is free, self-guided, and does not require a reservation. However, the Senate attracts thousands of visitors during Heritage Days, so expect a long line and arrive early.

4. Hôtel de Sully

Built beginning in 1625, the Hôtel de Sully was purchased by Maximilien de Béthune, Duke of Sully, in 1634. The hôtel particulier is constructed around a courtyard and garden and has received notable figures including Madame de Sévigné and Voltaire.

Over the centuries, the building has had many different lives. It was home to the Sully family before being occupied by craftsmen and various businesses in the 19th century. The Duchess’s former apartment even became home to a piano workshop. Today, the Hôtel de Sully is the headquarters of the Centre des monuments nationaux, which manages many of France’s historic monuments.

For the event, visitors can take a guided tour of the Duchess’s apartment, a part of the building that is not often accessible to the public. You can also roam the courtyard, gardens, and orangery, where a sculpture installation by Joseph Walsh will be on display as part of Paris Design Week.

Good to Know: The Hôtel de Sully is open on Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is free and no reservation is required. Visits are organized in groups of 18, so arriving early is a good idea, especially if you want to join the guided visit of the Duchess’s apartment.

5. Banque de France

The Banque de France’s Hôtel de Toulouse is another Parisian gem that’s seldom open to the public. Located in the 1st arrondissement, this dignified mansion has been home to the Banque de France since 1811. Originally built in the 17th century for Louis Phélypeaux de La Vrillière, it later became the residence of the Count of Toulouse before eventually being acquired by the bank.

Not to be missed is the spectacular Galerie Dorée, a 40-meter-long gilded gallery designed by François Mansart. You can also get a look at the ceremonial salons and historic 18th-century furniture and artwork. Plus, discover more about the Banque de France and its role in French society.

For 2026, the visit also includes an exhibition about iconic French banknotes, insights into the bank’s history and missions, and a new Climate and Biodiversity exhibition in the Governor’s Garden. There are also opportunities to learn about everything from banknote production to the bank’s gold reserves.

Good to Know: The Hôtel de Toulouse is open on Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free, but advance booking is required. Registration opens Thursday, September 3 at 2 p.m. The visit is self-guided, and you’ll need to bring a valid ID.

6. The Louvre

You can’t visit Paris without seeing the Louvre. But this weekend, you can go beyond its famous galleries and see a side of the museum that most visitors never experience. Its art workshops are pulling back the curtain for a rare look at the specialists who preserve and display the museum’s collections.

The Louvre’s workshop department includes around 13 specialized workshops, where craftspeople work in areas such as framing, gilding, decorative painting, tapestry, woodworking, marble, and the installation of artworks. The Heritage Days tours offer a unique look at this highly specialized work and the people who keep the museum’s collections in excellent condition.

There are also several other special tours on the architecture of the Louvre, Mollien Pavilion, Cabinet of Drawings, and Carrousel Garden.

Good to Know: The Louvre’s special Heritage Days tours take place on Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20, 2026. The tours are free, but reservations are required, with group sizes varying by activity.

7. Sorbonne University

The Sorbonne has been part of Paris’s academic life for centuries, and it’s giving the public a rare chance to admire its grand academic spaces, including the Great Amphitheater, historic salons, lecture halls, and library spaces.

The Sorbonne Chapel is a particularly interesting stop on the route. Built in the 17th century, it contains the tomb of Cardinal Richelieu and a collection of historic paintings and decorations. With restoration work taking place in 2026, Heritage Days also offer an opportunity to learn more about the ongoing efforts to preserve this remarkable part of the Sorbonne.

The weekend program also includes a photography exhibition featuring historic images of the university, as well as contemporary photographs by Sorbonne staff member Thierry Le Veuzit. Throughout the building, you’ll also find work created by students from Paris’s vocational and art schools, including fashion, jewelry, woodworking, and design.

Good to Know: The Sorbonne is open on Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. General admission is free and no reservation is required. A separate guided tour of the Sorbonne Chapel is also available at 10 a.m. on both days, but this requires advance booking and is limited to 35 participants. The chapel can also be visited as part of the general Heritage Days route without a reservation.

8. École Militaire

At the edge of the Champ-de-Mars, opposite the Eiffel Tower, the École Militaire offers a peek into a side of Paris that most visitors never get to see. Founded by Louis XV in 1751, this vast military complex has played an important role in French history and has welcomed figures including Napoleon Bonaparte, Queen Victoria, Charles de Gaulle, and Pope John Paul II.

Throughout the weekend, you can explore the Cour d’Honneur, Saint-Louis Chapel, historic library, and exhibition spaces. The program also includes a display about the Lepaute clock, a Napoleonic exhibition and reenactment, and activities for children. One of the more unusual highlights is the equestrian section, where visitors can see the stables and watch demonstrations of riding, dressage, grooming, and traditional farriery.

The Saint-Louis Chapel is particularly worth seeing. It contains nine large paintings depicting the life of Saint Louis and has its own connection to Napoleon, who received his confirmation there as a young cadet. There is also a chapel choir recital on Sunday afternoon.

Good to Know: The École Militaire is open on Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Admission is free and no reservation is required, although you must present a valid ID and be at least 16 years old. Online pre-registration is available for faster entry.

9. Hôtel de Matignon

Located in the 7th arrondissement, the Hôtel de Matignon is the official residence and workplace of the French Prime Minister. The 18th-century mansion was built in 1722 by architect Jean Courtonne and is surrounded by a remarkable two-hectare garden designed by Claude Desgot, a great-nephew of André Le Nôtre.

Mostly closed to the public, the Hôtel de Matignon makes an exception once a year, offering visitors the chance to rove the Cour d’Honneur, the Prime Minister’s office, the ground-floor reception rooms, and the gardens. The visit also offers a glance into the people and traditions behind the institution, with stands highlighting the work of the General Secretariat of the Government, Matignon’s teams, and the Republican Guard.

This year’s program also ties into the Heritage Days themes of photographic heritage and heritage at risk. You can discover a photographic exhibition in the garden, learn how historic textiles are restored, and find out how cultural objects are protected in the event of a disaster. The garden is also home to Matignon’s beehives, with beekeepers offering demonstrations and honey tastings.

Good to Know: The Hôtel de Matignon is open on Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is free, but advance booking is required. If the weather permits, visitors can also enjoy performances by the Republican Guard in the garden.

10. National Assembly

For a glimpse inside one of France’s most important institutions, head to the National Assembly on September 19 and 20. The Palais Bourbon is home to the Assemblée Nationale, the lower house of France’s Parliament, while the neighboring Hôtel de Lassay serves as the official residence of the President of the National Assembly.

Built in the 1720s, the Palais Bourbon was originally constructed for the Duchess of Bourbon and later passed through the hands of several members of the French royal family. During the French Revolution, the building took on a new role as the meeting place of the Council of the Five Hundred, one of the legislative bodies created under the French Constitution of 1795.

Today, the Palais Bourbon is a mix of political history and grand architecture. The Heritage Days visit includes the famous Hemicycle, where deputies meet, as well as the recently restored library, with its magnificent ceilings painted by Eugène Delacroix. You can also step inside the sophisticated salons of the Hôtel de Lassay, usually closed to the public.

Good to Know: The National Assembly is open on Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Admission is free, but advance registration is required. Registration for the 2026 visits will open at a later date through the National Assembly’s website.

More Places to See on Paris Heritage Days

Of course, these 10 are only a tiny fraction of what’s happening around the city. One of the best things about European Heritage Days is that you can find incredible experiences far beyond the major monuments.

If you’re looking for a few more ideas, here are some of my favorite finds from this year’s program. These visits don’t require a reservation, making them especially easy to add to your itinerary:

Le19M. Discover the workshops and craftsmanship behind some of France’s most famous fashion houses.
Frank Horvat’s Studio. Step inside the former Boulogne-Billancourt studio of renowned fashion photographer Frank Horvat.
Maison Bucherer. Go behind the scenes at the Frédérique Constant watch manufacture and discover how luxury timepieces are made.
Tuileries Garden. Join a walking tour through one of Paris’s most historic and beautiful gardens.
Maison de Balzac. Visit the former home of novelist Honoré de Balzac and learn more about his life and work.
Mobilier National. Explore the institution responsible for preserving and maintaining some of France’s most important furniture, textiles, and decorative arts.

How to Make the Most of European Heritage Days in Paris

European Heritage Days can be a little overwhelming in Paris. With hundreds of sites, tours, and special events taking place across the city over one weekend, it helps to have a bit of a strategy. Here are my tips for making the most of Heritage Days without spending hours waiting in line.

1. Look beyond the big museums

Although I’ve included some of the biggest and most impressive sites in Paris in this guide, keep in mind that they’re also likely to be some of the busiest. If you don’t want to spend your weekend standing in long lines, I recommend looking beyond the usual big-name museums and monuments.

Use it as an opportunity to discover places that are more off the beaten path. There are so many private mansions, government buildings, historic workshops, libraries, schools, and lesser-known spaces that are just as compelling (and often much less crowded).

I’d also recommend you browse the official Heritage Days program to see what’s happening around Paris. You can see everything on a map, which makes it easy to zoom in on a particular neighborhood and discover what’s nearby.

2. Book early

Heritage Days visits can take several different forms. Some places have an open-house format, where you can simply show up during the designated hours. Others offer self-guided visits, while many of the more specialized experiences are organized as guided tours.

As a general rule, open houses and self-guided visits often don’t require reservations, but guided tours usually do. Of course, there are plenty of exceptions, so always check the details of the specific event before you go.

If a reservation is required, book as soon as registration opens. Popular tours can fill up incredibly quickly, sometimes within minutes. Many 2026 reservations open around September 2, although the exact date varies from one location to another. I’ve noted the booking dates throughout this guide whenever they’re available.

3. Be prepared for French

If you don’t speak French, pay close attention to the language of each tour before booking. Many guided visits are offered only in French, particularly at smaller historic sites and institutions.

Even when a tour is in French, however, it can still be worth attending if you’re primarily interested in the architecture and interiors. For more history-heavy tours, you may want to prioritize events that offer English-language options or stick to self-guided visits.

4. Plan for a car-free Sunday

One important thing to keep in mind for 2026 is that Sunday, September 20 is also Paris’s annual Car-Free Day (Journée sans voiture). Traffic restrictions will affect much of the city, particularly in central Paris. In other words, Sunday is an especially good day to walk, bike, or take the Métro rather than relying on taxis or driving.

5. Don’t try to see everything

Finally, don’t try to cram ten different visits into one day. Some Heritage Days tours last an hour or more, and even reserved visits can involve queues or security checks.

Instead, I recommend choosing two or three places that genuinely interest you, ideally in the same area, and leaving some flexibility in your schedule. Part of the fun of Heritage Days is wandering between sites and discovering something unexpected along the way.

If you’re visiting Paris during September 19–20, 2026, European Heritage Days are one of the best opportunities of the year to experience a side of the city that most tourists never see.

Official European Heritage Days program 2026 (French)

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What’s at the top of your list for European Heritage Days this year? Let me know in the comments below.

10 Unmissable Spots for European Heritage Days in Paris