As you may know, there is one weekend each year when admission to museums and public buildings is free throughout France. It’s an opportunity to discover French heritage in a new light and visit places you wouldn’t normally think of visiting. Heritage Days are very popular with locals, as they showcase the richness of our country and offer a fun experience for the whole family. But do you know where this now well-established tradition comes from? Come with us and discover the story behind France’s heritage celebration.
The creation of Heritage Days
The first edition of what was then called ‘Open Day in Historic Monuments’ took place in 1984. The initiator of this project was the then Minister of Culture, Jack Lang. This defender of French heritage has always promoted our cultural wealth, and it is also to him that we owe the famous Fête de la Musique. Initially, Heritage Days did not last a whole weekend, but only one day. It was an immediate success, and several European countries adopted the concept. In 1992, in response to popular demand, the name was officially changed to ‘European Heritage Days’ and the event was extended to two full days. Over the years, more and more countries around the world have imitated this brilliant idea and also offer open days at cultural centres. Today, no fewer than 50 countries actively participate in this initiative, to the delight of millions of visitors.
Practical information about European Heritage Days
Heritage Days take place every year during the third weekend of September. Most museums are open, as well as private estates and public buildings of interest. Admission is usually free, but this is not the case for all attractions. It is therefore advisable to check in advance for full details of the place you are interested in. The event is organised by the Ministry of Culture, with the support of the regions and all tourism stakeholders.
Sometimes, the tours are different from those usually offered. For example, they may take place at night or feature previously unseen collections. Sometimes there are also additional activities for children, or rooms that are usually closed to the public are opened. During Heritage Days, you will even have the opportunity to visit the Élysée Palace, embassies, the Academy of Medicine, the Maison de la Radio, private mansions, ministries and châteaux. In Paris alone, there are around 2,500 places to discover.
But the provinces are not to be outdone! Events are taking place all over France, and you are bound to find one of the 15,000 sites on offer near you. What’s more, they are all listed on the official government website and on a mobile app. You can, of course, ask for information at your tourist office or go to the town hall.
For more than twenty years now, it has been decided that Heritage Days will have a different theme each year. This encourages renewal and highlights a specific issue. In recent years, the themes have included youth, creativity and travel. Each establishment is then free to interpret the initial idea and offer visitors a tour on the subject.
Some ideas for places to visit during these days
If you’ve already visited all the museums and other cultural sites in your local area, why not take a weekend break? Find the places you’ve always dreamed of visiting and head off to a region of France you don’t know. It’ll be a chance to get a change of scenery after the busy start to the new school year and take the whole family to discover new things. In terms of budget, free visits will allow you to reduce your expenses or invest in other areas such as local cuisine.
The most popular places for visitors are, of course, the presidential palace and the famous Eiffel Tower in the heart of the capital. But there are many other places that are worth a visit. How about visiting the châteaux of the Loire Valley, for example? Or the Lascaux caves? And why not the arenas of Nîmes, the fortified town of Aigues-Mortes, or the most beautiful lighthouses in Brittany?
See the official Heritage Days website: https://journeesdupatrimoine.culture.gouv.fr/
