This year, the European Heritage Days will take place on September 16 and 17. In 2023, for this 40th edition, you’ll be able to enjoy exceptional tours, most of them free of charge. And for those who like something a little out of the ordinary, here’s our non-exhaustive list of the most unusual Heritage Day visits in Paris. A unique opportunity to discover the capital in a different way.
Heritage Days at France Télévisions headquarters
Have you always dreamed of moving to the other side of the small screen? It’s all possible during this year’s Journées du Patrimoine. Take part in a free 45-minute guided tour of France Télévisions headquarters. From backstage to the studio, via the control room, you’ll get to know the inner workings of one of France’s biggest audiovisual groups. The best part? Star presenters from France 2, France 3, France 4, France 5 and Culturebox will be on hand to meet you.
Free, on registration – Find out more here
Heritage days at the Musée des Arts Forains
It’s an essential part of the Heritage Days: explore the fascinating Musée des Arts Forains in Paris! On September 16 and 17, treat yourself to a guided tour and immerse yourself in the world of 19th-century funfairs! An interactive and unusual visit!
Preferential rate of 12 euros instead of 18 euros on September 16 and 17 – By reservation only – Location: France Tickets
Heritage Days at La Samaritaine
“You can find everything at the Samaritaine! Yes, and even more so during the Journées du Patrimoine in Paris. On September 16 and 17, if you’re looking for the unusual, head for the Parisian department store! What’s on the program? Exceptional free guided tours to discover all the secrets of La Samaritaine!
Free – reservations at La Samaritaine Conciergerie or 01 88 88 60 00
Heritage Days at the Galerie Dior
In March 2022, Dior reopened 30 Avenue Montaigne, unveiling a fashion museum breathtaking. On the occasion of the Heritage Days, treat yourself to a plunge into the world of the famous luxury House. A haute couture tour as unusual as it is exciting!
September 16 and 17, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. – Reservations required, single ticket price 5 euros
Heritage Days backstage at Crazy Horse
It’s one of the capital’s most famous cabarets: the Crazy Horse! For the Journées du Patrimoine, take a glimpse behind the scenes of the glamorous Parisian revue, for an ultra-private moment. History of the cabaret, well-kept secrets, stage outfits, preparation for the Crazy Horse show… Here’s a free tour that’s unusual, elegant and totally crazy!
September 16 and 17, 2023 – More information
Heritage Days in the Catacombs
You don’t have to wait for Halloween to get scared! This weekend, visit the Catacombs of Paris, for a free and highly unusual guided tour. Open to the public since 1809, the Catacombs are the world’s largest ossuary. A veritable maze for exploring the underground world of the City of Light!
Free – September 16 and 17
An unusual visit to the sewers of Paris
What could be more unusual than a visit to the sewers of Paris for Heritage Days? On Saturday and Sunday, visit this immersive museum and discover everything you never knew before about the capital’s sewers. Cleaning and maintenance processes, water treatment, sanitation issues in Paris yesterday and today…. A free and atypical visit takes shape. And I promise no unpleasant odors!
September 16 and 17 at Paris Sewer Museum
Exceptional visit to the Gare de Lyon clock tower
Whether in a hurry or in admiration, everyone has seen the majestic clock at Paris’s Gare de Lyon between two journeys. But what about entering the clock tower? On September 16 and 17, you’ll have the opportunity to climb the 370 steps of the tower, to reach the top of the clock that has been enthroned in Paris for 125 years. For the Journées du Patrimoine, take to the skies, 61 metres high to be precise! On the day, you’ll discover the history and secrets of this illustrious clock, which in 1900 was the 2nd largest in the world!
September 16 and 17, free – registration required