Journées du Patrimoine 2026
Festival

Journées du Patrimoine 2026

Saturday, September 19, 2026 – Sunday, September 20, 2026
Various locations across Paris
Journées du Patrimoine 2026, held on September 19 across Paris, is an annual event celebrating the city's rich cultural and historical heritage. For this special day, numerous monuments, museums, and private buildings open their doors to the public, allowing visitors to enter places typically inaccessible. Guided tours, exhibitions, and special activities are organized to share insights into Paris's architectural, artistic, and historical significance. From grand landmarks to lesser-known sites, the event provides a wonderful opportunity to appreciate the depth of Parisian heritage. Whether interested in medieval churches, elegant mansions, or government buildings, attendees can enjoy a wide range of locations throughout the city. The festival is free or low-cost, attracting locals and tourists alike. Its educational and cultural focus makes it an excellent occasion for families, history enthusiasts, and curious visitors to gain a deeper understanding of Paris beyond the usual sightseeing spots.

Tips for Attending

  • Arrive early to avoid long lines at popular sites.
  • Check the official program in advance to plan your day efficiently.
  • Some locations require timed entry tickets—book online if possible.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as you’ll likely be walking between venues.
  • Carry a map or use a mobile app to navigate between multiple sites.

Practical Information

Budget: Mostly free, but budget for occasional admission fees, transport, and meals.. Duration: Plan for several hours to a full day depending on how many places you want to visit.. Food Drink: Bring snacks or take breaks at nearby cafes; some venues may have limited food options.. What To Wear: Comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing; layers recommended for varying indoor and outdoor temperatures.. Getting There: Accessible by metro, bus, and train. Use public transport to avoid traffic and parking challenges.. Booking Advice: Many events are free but some require advance reservation via the official website; popular sites fill up quickly.

Best For

history loversfamiliesculture seekersarchitecture enthusiasts

Venue

Various locations across Paris

Paris, France

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Activities During the Festival

Attending Journées du Patrimoine 2026? Make the most of your visit with these recommended activities.

Paris Le Marais Walking Tour: An Incredible History - Small Group tour image
Walking & Bike Tours
Viator
10.0/10
(30 reviews)

Explore the rich history and modern charm of Le Marais, Paris’s trendiest neighborhood. Join a small group (max 8) for a 2-hour guided tour and discover hidden gems with your local guide. Embark Paris’s most stylish neighborhood is known for its rich history and unique blend of old and new. With an intimate group, you’ll enjoy a personal experience led by a knowledgeable local guide. Discover the centuries-old architecture, including hidden hôtels particuliers, and explore the vibrant Jewish Quarter. Stroll through historic spots like Place des Vosges and the Marché des Enfants Rouges while learning how Le Marais evolved from its medieval roots to its current status as a cultural hotspot. Your guide will reveal hidden treasures and fascinating stories about Le Marais’s past, from the Templar Order to its modern-day art galleries and boutiques.

From
€55.00
per person
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Île de la Cité: Guided Walking Tour tour image
Walking & Bike Tours
Tiqets
(3 reviews)

Begin at the equestrian statue of Henri IV on Île de la Cité in Paris. Visit Place Dauphine, Tour de l’Horloge, and the Conciergerie, known for its royal and revolutionary history. Learn about local culture, including the legal history of the Palais de Justice and the Marché aux Fleurs. See Sainte-Chapelle and Notre-Dame Cathedral, focusing on the Gothic facades and interesting details.

From
€30.00
per person
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Paris: Semi-Private Walking Tour + Notre-Dame Cathedral Entry tour image
Walking & Bike Tours
Tiqets
(3 reviews)

Thomas Jefferson once said, "A walk about Paris will provide lessons in history, beauty, and the point of life." Join a 2.5-hour stroll with certified guides excited to share the stories, history, and culture of Paris. Each group has no more than eight people. You'll hear stories about famous figures like Napoleon Bonaparte and Henri IV. See Notre Dame Cathedral, explore the Tuileries, and view the Champs Elysées, which was once the site of the guillotine. The guides will share local secrets, favorite spots, and insider tips. By the end of the tour, you'll be ready to explore Paris on your own.

From
€55.00
per person
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Père Lachaise Cemetery: Guided Walking Tour tour image
Walking & Bike Tours
Tiqets
(3 reviews)

Learn all about Père Lachaise with tickets for this 2.5-hour walking tour and find out why this is one of the city's most remarkable landmarks. There is perhaps no cemetery in the world as beautiful and emblematic of a city’s history as Père Lachaise in eastern Paris. Join a certified guide for a personalized and in-depth journey through the iconic figures buried in Père Lachaise. With a small group, you’ll have plenty of time to ask questions about how each person lived – and died. During your visit to this captivating site, your guide will share stories about some of its most famous inhabitants, including Jim Morrison (whose grave is always covered with flowers), Edith Piaf, Chopin, and Oscar Wilde. You’ll also learn about the cemetery’s Holocaust memorials and the Paris Commune Uprising, whose last battle took place within its walls.

From
€55.00
per person
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Montmartre Paris: Street Art Walking Tour tour image
Walking & Bike Tours
Tiqets
(3 reviews)

Discover Paris with an art enthusiast who knows the city and has a street art background from the 80s. E Stroll through Montmartre's charming streets, discovering where legendary artists like Picasso, Van Gogh, and Renoir lived and created. Your guide, well-versed in classic and street art, brings these stories to life. Walk in the footsteps of these artists and learn about both their ateliers and today's local artists. Montmartre was once a hub for 19th-century artists and is now a hotspot for urban art in Paris.

From
€39.90
per person
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Paris: Saint Germain Sweet & Savory Food Tour tour image
Food & Wine
Tiqets
(3 reviews)

Considered the soul of the City of Light, Saint-Germain des Prés is a stunning mix of history, charming little streets, unique art shops, cute cafes and restaurants. It's also a renowned hot spot for foodies from all over the world. From the oldest Abbey of Paris to the wonders of the Luxembourg Garden, you’ll be amazed by the diversity of the French food artisans on this 3-hour walking tour with plenty of stops for tasting both food and wine. Witness with your own eyes - and mouths - how passionate Parisians are about their work, and walk in their shoes through the romantic left bank.

From
€130.00
per person
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Paris: Latin Quarter Guided Walking Tour + Pantheon Entry tour image
Editor's Pick
Walking & Bike Tours
Tiqets
(3 reviews)

Take a guided walking tour through the Latin Quarter, one of Paris’s oldest neighborhoods. See Roman ruins and Renaissance gardens. Follow your guide to monuments that reveal the story of Paris through the centuries. Visit Église Saint‑Étienne‑du‑Mont, known for the shrine of Saint Geneviève, and step into the Arènes de Lutèce, a Roman amphitheater. Walk through Luxembourg Gardens. Finish the tour at the Panthéon with tickets that ensure entry.

From
€59.00
per person
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Paris: Hidden Gems of Montmartre Walking Tour tour image
Walking & Bike Tours
Tiqets
(3 reviews)

Escape the crowds and discover one of Paris' hidden gems with a local guide. Explore Montmartre's squares, churches, and winding streets that have inspired artists for generations. Go off the beaten path to see the homes of Van Gogh and Picasso. Walk through hidden passages that reveal scenic views. Hear stories about the district's vibrant characters and try a famous French pastry.

From
€39.00
per person
View →

Where to Stay

Places to stay near Various locations across Paris

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Stays near the venue

Accommodation around Various locations across Paris — sorted by walking distance

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Paris, France

Plan your visit

Make a day of it — what's within walking distance of Various locations across Paris

Staying for it?

The venue sits in Île de la Cité & Île Saint-Louis — see the Île de la Cité & Île Saint-Louis neighborhood guide for where to eat and what else is close.

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