As is customary at the start of the school year, Heritage Days is the most exciting cultural event of the year in Paris. During this special weekend, a wide variety of institutions open their doors to the public, offering special—and often free—tours. For the 2026 edition, many venues in the Île-de-France region have joined in. Here’s the program!
Visit the place where Louis Braille invented the alphabet that revolutionized access to reading for the blind. Among the must-see attractions during European Heritage Days, head to the National Institute for Young Blind People (INJA). Founded in 1785, it was at this institution that Louis Braille developed his tactile alphabet. For European Heritage Days 2026, the INJA will open its doors to the public on a special basis during the weekend of September 19–20.
Discover thousands of photos of a Paris long gone during free guided tours on September 18, 2026. For a more off-the-beaten-path experience during Heritage Days 2026, head to the archives of the Commission du Vieux Paris, which will exceptionally open its photographic collections to the public during guided tours on Friday, September 18, 2026. Two two-hour time slots (10 a.m. and 2 p.m.) are available; these tours are free but limited to 15 people and require reservations.
Free guided tours led by École Polytechnique students during the 2026 European Heritage Days. Among the exceptional sites to explore during the 2026 European Heritage Days, the École Polytechnique campus in Palaiseau will open to the public on Saturday, September 19, 2026, offering several free tours led by students. Tours take place from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. by reservation; participants must be at least 13 years old and present a valid ID.
Free admission on September 19 and 20 to the world’s oldest rose garden, open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.! For European Heritage Days, the historic rose garden in L’Haÿ-les-Roses is opening its paths to the public free of charge on September 19 and 20: a chance to admire more than 11,000 rose bushes and approximately 3,000 varieties, open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
A Special Event: The Sorbonne’s Secret Library Opens to the Public for Free for One Weekend! For Heritage Days, theSorbonne’sinteruniversity library—a heritage gem dating back more than 200 years—is opening its doors to thepublicfor a special event. Guided tours are free on September 19 and 20, 2026, at 47 rue des Écoles.
Get free behind-the-scenes access to the Accor Arena on September 20, 2026. For European Heritage Days, the Accor Arena will open its doors to the public for a special behind-the-scenes tour on Sunday, September 20, 2026, with free guided tours (reservations required). The program includes a 45- to 60-minute tour in groups of 15 to 20 people, with tours departing between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.
The Labrouste Room at the INHA will be open to the public free of charge on September 19 and 20, 2026. Among the exceptional sites to visit during European Heritage Days, the library of the National Institute of Art History (Labrouste Room) will open its doors to the public free of chargeonSeptember 19, 2026, featuring guided tours, lectures, and workshops.
The Loto studios are opening their doors exceptionally for the 2026 European Heritage Days. Looking for a truly unique experience during the 2026 EuropeanHeritageDays? The FDJ is opening its FDJ United studios on Rue d’Aguesseau in Boulogne-Billancourt on September 19 and 20. The tours, lasting about 1 hour and 30 minutes, will be conducted in groups of 25 and will include a behind-the-scenes tour and interactive activities. Registration opens on September 1, 2026, at noon.