Behind the scenes of the famous Loto drawing, the preparation involves sets, crews, and a whole series of checks that are usually invisible to the public. For the 2026 European Heritage Days, the FDJ will open its Boulogne-Billancourt studios to the public for the very first time.
The Loto studios are opening their doors to the public for a special event
The tours will take place on Saturday, September 19, and Sunday, September 20, at the FDJ United studios on Rue d’Aguesseau. Lasting about 1 hour and 30 minutes, the tour will cover the production of a lottery drawing, from preparation to the live broadcast on set. Visitors will have access to areas normally off-limits and will be able to observe the technical equipment used during the broadcasts.
At the heart of this mini-exhibition, objects that have become familiar over the decades, set pieces, and various interactive activities will provide a better understanding of the work involved in producing the draws. The teams on site will explain their roles and the different steps that precede the broadcast of the results. On the sets, participants will be able to step into the shoes of a host and try out several interactive activities, with a few prizes announced along the way.
A tour organized to celebrate the Loto’s 50th anniversary
This open house coincides with the game’s 50th anniversary. The first French Loto drawing took place on May 19, 1976, with only 73,690 tickets sold. Fifty years later, the game remains firmly entrenched in people’s routines: nearly 16 million people played it in 2025.
Tours will be organized in groups of up to 25 people, and the studios will be open to the public on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Registration opens on September 1, 2026, at noon, and space is limited. Be sure to book early to secure a spot in these studios, which do not normally welcome visitors.