The European Heritage Days are back again this weekend! It's the perfect opportunity to visit some of France's most emblematic heritage sites for free! But if you live in Paris, you'll have to be quick to book your place, as the available slots go quickly. And now, with the Journées du Patrimoine just a few days away, most of the monuments are fully booked... But don't worry, we've found 5 tours that are well worth a visit and don't require booking!
L’université de la Sorbonne ouvre ses portes pour les Journées Européennes du Patrimoine.
- © Catarina Belova / ShutterstockIn the heart of the Latin Quarter, the Sorbonne, a centre of learning and knowledge, has inspired students past and present. If you weren't lucky enough to study there, you can visit the institution during the European Heritage Days! During your visit, you'll discover its lecture theatres, its majestic library, its lounges and even Richelieu's tomb in the university chapel!
The themes of this year's Heritage Days are "sporting heritage" and "living heritage". And what organisation better illustrates the latter than UNESCO? This weekend, you can visit its emblematic headquarters, its collection of works of art and its Japanese garden, and also discover cultural expressions from all over the world. On the programme: an Arabic calligraphy course, a Congolese Rumba demonstration or a meeting with the women divers of Jeju Island!
Le siège de l’UNESCO ouvre ses portes pour les Journées Européennes du Patrimoine.
- © Christian Mueller / ShutterstockThe European Heritage Days are also an opportunity to discover the French government in a new light, directly from the inside. While the Elysée Palace has long been fully booked, the Hôtel de Noirmoutier, the residence of the Prefect of Île-de-France and Paris, is accessible without reservation! Guided tours will tell you more about the building and its function within the Republic.
Le Mobilier national ouvre ses portes pour les Journées Européennes du Patrimoine.
- © HJBC / ShutterstockHave you ever wondered where the sumptuous furniture that adorns the official buildings of the French Republic, such as the Elysée Palace and the Hôtel de Matignon, comes from? No ? Well, we're going to tell you anyway: it comes from the Mobilier national! This weekend, its various factories are opening their doors to you, including the magnificent Gobelins factory. There will be several routes to discover furniture, tapestries and other furnishings dating from the 17th century to the present day.
