Once a year, nearly all historical and cultural monuments in Paris open their doors to the public, for free. In 2025, the event runs from Saturday, September 20th to Sunday, September 21st, so we’re sharing a bit about its history and a few interesting places you might like to check out for the occasion.
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For one weekend a year, historical and cultural sites around Paris welcome the public for the European Heritage Days, known as the Journées européennes du patrimoine in France. This year, the special event is taking place September 20–21, 2025.
Here’s a quick roundup of some of the most popular places to visit as well as a few suggestions that are lesser known.
Fans of Politics & History
Sénat
For the 2025 edition of the European Heritage Days, the Palais du Luxembourg — home of the French Senate — is opening its doors to the public. Visitors can step inside the impressive Hemicycle, stroll through the grand library with its Delacroix-painted ceilings, and admire the elegant salons designed by architect Germain Boffrand. The neighboring Petit Luxembourg, seat of the Senate Presidency, will also be open, including the presidential offices and the ornate Chapelle de la Reine.
Free entry, no reservations required.
Sénat – Palais du Luxembourg
Sat–Sun, Sept 20–21, 2025 | 9:00am–7:30pm (last entry 6:00pm)
Entrance via Porte Odéon, Place Paul Claudel, 75006 Paris
Assemblée Nationale, French House of Parliament
During the European Heritage Days, the French National Assembly (the country’s lower legislative body, equivalent to the House of Representatives in the United States) welcomes visitors into its home, the historic 18th-century Palais-Bourbon, as well as into its gardens and the residence of the Speaker of the House, the Hôtel de Lassay.
In addition to seeing the ‘hemi-cycle,’ the impressive chamber where voting takes place, visitors will also enjoy an exhibition on the French Revolution.
Tickets are free but reservations are required.
Reserve your spot to visit the Assemblée Nationale for the 2025 European Heritage Days.
Assemblée Nationale
Sat–Sun, Sept 20–21, 2025 | 9:30am–5:30pm
126 Rue de l’Université, 75007 Paris
Archives Nationales
Located in Le Marais, the beautiful Hôtel de Soubise and Hôtel de Rohan are home to the national French archives. Offering guided tours, conferences, demonstrations, and even a few kid-friendly activities, get a peek into the elegant, but usually closed cabinets.
Find the full schedule here (in French).
Archives Nationales de Paris
Sat–Sun, Sept 20–21, 2025 | 11:00am–6:30pm
60 Rue des Francs-Bourgeois, 75003 Paris
Movie Buffs:
Le Grand Rex
Visit Europe’s largest movie theater to enjoy the impressive Art Deco architecture and get a sneak peek behind the scenes of the film industry. Le Grand Rex has a stock of movie memorabilia, including costumes, posters, props, and more, with 5€ VIP guided tours on the occasion of the Journées du patrimoine. Tours only available in French.
Tickets are required. Reserve your spot on the official Grand Rex website.
Le Grand Rex
Sat–Sun, Sept 20–21, 2025
1 Boulevard Poissonnière, 75002 Paris
Fondation Jérôme Seydoux-Pathé
The little-known Jérôme Seydoux-Pathé Foundation works to preserve and promote the historical heritage of the famous Pathé film company. For the 2025 edition of the Journées européennes du patrimoine, the foundation opens its doors for screenings of silent movies, guided tours of its temporary exhibitions, and visits of the collection’s beautiful five-story home.
No reservations required!
Discover the weekend’s program (in French).
Fondation Jérôme Seydoux-Pathé
Sat–Sun, Sept 20–21, 2025 | 10:00am–6:30pm
73 Avenue des Gobelins, 75013 Paris
Architecture Lovers:
Théâtre National de l’Opéra-Comique
For the 2025 edition of the European Heritage Days, the Opéra-Comique hosts several special events, including singing lessons, open rehearsals, and guided tours. It’s also a great opportunity to visit this beautiful Paris theater for free.
Click here for a full list of events.
Reservations required.
L’Opéra-comique
Fri–Sun, Sept 19–21, 2025 | 9:30am–6:00pm
1 Place Boieldieu, 75002 Paris
Banque de France
We know, a trip to the bank might not sound very exciting, but the gorgeous galleries and opulent interiors of the headquarters of the Bank of France in the Hôtel de Toulouse are exceptional. Along with other special activities and surprises in store for the 2025 European Heritage Days, you’ll also be able to explore the underground gold reserves.
Click here to get your free ticket (in French).
Banque de France
Sat–Sun, Sept 20–21, 2025 | 10:00am–6:00pm (last entry at 5:00pm)
31 Rue Croix des Petits Champs, 75001 Paris
Language & Literature Lovers:
Institut de France
Home of the famous Académie Française — the prestigious and fierce protector of the French language — as well as the four other academies of this important public institution, the Palais de l’Institut de France welcomes visitors into its hallowed hallways again for the 2025 edition of the European Heritage Days.
Discover the Cour d’Honneur, admire the beautiful dome, visit the beautiful Bibliothèque Mazarine, or even meet some of the académiciens who will be signing their works.
Free entry and no reservations required!
Find a list of all the events here (in absolutely perfect French — after all, that’s what they do!)
L’Institut de France
Sat–Sun, Sept 20–21, 2025 | 9:00am–6:00pm
23 Quai de Conti, 75006 Paris
Bibliothèque Mazarine
Within the Institut de France, you’ll find the oldest public library in France, with interiors relatively unchanged since the mid-17th century. Although portions of this magnificent library are always open to the public, during the Journées européennes du patrimoine, you’ll be able to visit the Grande Galerie and also enjoy an exhibition of selected manuscripts and ancient books.
Bibliothèque Mazarine
Sat–Sun, Sept 20–21, 2025 | 9:00am–6:00pm
23 Quai de Conti, 75006 Paris
Budding Botanists:
Greenhouses of the Jardin du Luxembourg
Open exceptionally for the occasion, the greenhouses of the Luxembourg Gardens hold important collections of tropical plants, fruit trees, and also orchids. Gardeners will greet visitors, who will also enjoy installations on the theme of mosaïculture or bedding, the art of creating colorful, temporary flower beds.
Serres des Jardins du Luxembourg
Sat–Sun, Sept 20–21, 2025 | 9:00am–6:00pm
4 Rue Auguste-Comte, 75006 Paris
Serious Students:
La Sorbonne
On this special weekend, the world-famous French university opens its doors to more than just students. Discover the college’s history as well as its impressive amphitheaters and notable artworks. It’s also a unique opportunity to see inside the chapel, home to Richelieu’s tomb. Kids are welcome and will receive an activity booklet, although it might be in French.
No reservations required.
La Sorbonne
Sat–Sun, Sept 20–21, 2025 | 10:00am–5:00pm
45-47 Rue des Écoles, 75005 Paris
Wondering what else is on this month? Check out our highlights of what’s happening this September in Paris.
Editor’s note: Article originally published September 17, 2019. Last updated September 11, 2025.
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