This Saturday and Sunday, culture lovers can look forward to one of their favorite events of the year, the Journées du Patrimoine! To mark the occasion, many institutions will be opening their doors and organizing unusual and often free activities. However, some venues are already fully booked for the weekend. So for those of you who are a little late, here are a few tours you can take without booking!
The Pantheon
From the top of Mont Sainte-Geneviève, the majestic Pantheon will be open all weekend from 10am to 6.30pm. It’s an opportunity to discover this neoclassical masterpiece free of charge. You can admire its impressive dome, monumental frescoes and descend into the crypt, where great figures from French history such as Voltaire, Hugo and Marie Curie are laid to rest.
The Arc de Triomphe
A major symbol of Paris, the Arc de Triomphe can be visited without a ticket at weekends. As well as climbing up to the terrace for a panoramic view of the Champs-Élysées and the Étoile, families can enjoy a range of activities including creative workshops, fun activities and mini-conferences on the history of the monument. Access is free, but it’s best to come early, as queues can grow long in the afternoon.
The Liberation Museum
This year-round free museum is doubling its activities for the Journées du Patrimoine. In addition to permanent collections on the Second World War and the Liberation of Paris, guided tours are organized on site, some led by the director herself. Visitors can also descend into Colonel Rol-Tanguy’s command post, housed in a former underground shelter.
The Court of Auditors
Usually closed to the public, the Cour des Comptes opens its doors for a free tour of its prestigious mansion. Visitors can admire the main gallery, the hearing room and monumental staircases. The tour provides a better understanding of the role played by this institution in the management of public finances. Entry is continuous, but come early to avoid the queue.
Saint-Denis Basilica
The world’s first Gothic cathedral, the Basilica of Saint-Denis offers a fascinating immersion in French history. The royal necropolis, where 43 kings and 32 queens are laid to rest, is free to visit. Its stained glass windows and Gothic architecture foreshadow those of Notre-Dame de Paris. An ideal outing for history and religious art enthusiasts, just a few metro stops from central Paris.