European Heritage days: seven places to visit for free in Paris

Thousands of sites are participating in the European Heritage days this coming weekend (September 21 and 22), including over 1,500 in Paris alone. We look at seven key historical sites that are opening their doors in the French capital so you can reserve a free visit.

The European Heritage days, or les Journées du Patrimoine, are an annual Europe-wide cultural celebration organised by the European Union around a common theme. This year the theme is ‘routes, networks and connections’.

Many of the sites participating in the event are typically closed to visitors, but are made free to visit during the weekend.

Nonetheless, due to the high demand, reservation is required. Visitors will also need to show identification in the form of their passport, identity card or carte de séjour to be let in.

Here are seven prestigious sites that are open to visitors in Paris for the event.

L'Hôtel de Ville - Mairie de Paris

Visitors will be granted access to the office of the mayor of Paris, the library, the Council Chamber and the ceremonial rooms.

A team of architects, historians and curators will be on hand in the courtyard to present the restoration work of the neo-Renaissance building, which dates from 1871.

Reservation is required via the mairie’s official website here.

Domaine du Palais-Royal

The former palace of the French Kings, granted to Louis XIV by Cardinal Richelieu, is open to visitors, but will allow extra access and host special events during the Heritage Days.

These events include a parade by the Republican Guard, fencing workshops (for young musketeers) and a workshop around the 14 cats of Cardinal Richelieu.

The Ministry of Culture, which is housed in the palace, will also open its doors for the weekend.

Reservation is required via the official website of the Palais-Royal, here

Palais de l'Elysée 

The presidential palace has confirmed that it will participate in this year’s Heritage Days, allowing visitors access to the gardens, the reception rooms, the Murat room and Mr Macron’s office.

Visitors will  also be given a guided virtual reality tour through the history of the building via a headset.

The palace will host a special exhibition by the presidential photojournalists during the  Heritage Days.

Reservation is required via the Elysée’s official website, here.

Quai d'Orsay

Built under the Second Empire, the 19th-Century home of the French Foreign Ministry, will open its doors, with workshops on diplomatic protocol, music from the Republican Guard and presentations on France’s diplomatic efforts past and present.

Reservation is required via the Quai d'Orsay’s official website, here.

L'hôtel de Matignon

The 18th-Century building that was home to Napoleon Bonaparte before becoming the official residence of French prime ministers in 1935 is open to the public along with its three hectare gardens.

Planned events include collecting honey (for children), presentations by curators

Reservation is required, available here.

L’Assemblée nationale 

Visitors will have access to the chamber of France’s parliament and the courtyard, where they will see the statues of illustrious women from history that were highlighted during the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games. 

The Republican Guard will parade outside the building at regular intervals over the weekend.

Reservation is required, available here.

L'Observatoire de Paris

The 17th-Century observatory that has played a key role in astronomical history will be open, allowing visitors to access:

• The panoramic terrace with its breathtaking views over the capital,

• The Arago dome, visible only from the outside,

• The monumental Cassini room, engraved with the Paris meridian,

• The grand gallery and its antique astronomical instruments,

• The Council Chamber, with its painted ceiling and portraits.

Reservation is required, available here