Did you notice unusually long queues across town this weekend and didn’t know why? It may have been related to the annual event of les Journées Européennes du Patrimoine.
History
Les Journées Européennes du Patrimoine, known as European Heritage Days or Doors Open Days, first established in France in 1984. Organized by the French Ministry of Culture, it is held in partnership with various cultural organizations, museums, and local authorities.
The event takes place every year on the third weekend of September. It is a celebration of the cultural heritage of Europe, with a focus on architecture, history, and the arts. For one day a year, the Ministry of Culture opened the doors to historical monuments across the country. Everyone could come and visit, and discover things they had not been able to access before. Unsurprisingly, it was a big success and repeated the following year.
In 1985, the French Minister of Culture proposed to the European Council, to duplicate the project across all of Europe. After this, every year, more countries joined. Since 2010, all 50 signatory states of the European Cultural Convention have joined and host their own European Heritage Days. During this time, various cultural sites and monuments across France open to the public, offering guided tours, workshops, and other events. These sites include historic castles, churches, museums, and other cultural landmarks.
It is a great opportunity for the general public to discover some fascinating and historic places in France and Europe.
How can you participate?
The Journées Européennes du Patrimoine are free for all. They take place on the third weekend of September each year. In 2021, the event took place on September 18th and 19th. In 2022, on September 17th and 18th, and in 2023, it will take place on September 16th and 17th.
Find the program of your city and see what they have on offer!
Most French cities participate, simple search for “journées du patrimoine+your city+year” and you should find the program.
Alternatively, you can visit the government website who have an interactive map of all events in the country.
Paris: Les Journées du Patrimoine à Paris
In Paris, some of the most popular sites to visit during European Heritage Days include the Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Sainte-Chapelle, and the Musée d’Orsay. Visitors can also explore the historic neighborhood of the Marais, with its narrow streets and historic buildings, or visit the Musée de Cluny, which houses a collection of medieval artifacts and art.
Marseille: Les Journées du Patrimoine à Marseille
In Marseille, visitors can explore the historic fortifications of the city, including the Fort Saint-Nicolas, Fort Saint-Nicolas, and Fort Saint-Nicolas. Visitors can also go to the MuCEM, the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations. They all offer a fascinating insight into the history and culture of the Mediterranean region.
Lyon: Le Journées du Patrimoine à Lyon
In Lyon, visitors can explore the historic districts of Vieux-Lyon and Croix-Rousse, which are famous for their Renaissance architecture. They also visit the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon, which has a collection of works by some of the most famous artists of all time, including Monet, Degas, and Cézanne.
Nice: Les Journées du Patrimoine à Nice
In Nice, visitors can explore the historic old town of Vieille Ville, which is famous for its narrow streets, historic buildings, and vibrant atmosphere. Also open is the Musée d’Art Moderne et d’Art Contemporain, which has a collection of works by some of the most famous modern and contemporary artists.
Toulouse: Les Journées du Patrimoine à Toulouse. `
In Toulouse, visitors can explore the historic district of the Old Quarter, which is famous for its beautiful architecture, and visit the Musée des Augustins, which has a collection of works by some of the most famous artists of all time, including El Greco and Caravaggio.