European Heritage days are taking place this weekend throughout France, an opportunity to discover certain places usually closed to the public.

12 million visitors of all ages

Created in 1984 under the name “Open Days of Historic Monuments” by the Ministry of Culture, they aim to show as many people as possible the extraordinary richness of our heritage through unique events, unusual visits, and exceptional openings. These local events now take place in more than 50 countries around the world, in principle free of charge in public monuments, and at reduced rates for the vast majority of private establishments participating in the event. The historical heritage of civil or religious monuments is then revealed, but also the agricultural and industrial heritage, and through them the know-how. In 2018, more than 17,000 places in France opened up in a new light to some 12 million visitors of all ages who were able to enjoy nearly 26,000 events of all kinds. In this privileged moment of exceptional visits and outings, heritage presents very diverse forms. It can be civil, religious, commemorative, hospital, judicial, school, military, urban, rural, industrial, natural, etc. To highlight this heritage in a new light, a whole range of very varied activities are organized: guided tours, demonstrations of know-how, concerts and musical walks, theatrical performances or even walking tours. theme.

Dozens of activities can be discovered around you in each edition

We then discover, from Marseille to Versailles and from Strasbourg to Bordeaux, the hidden history of churches, theaters, castles, operas, catacombs but also private homes, banks, courts, prefectures, courthouses, city halls, or even chambers of commerce, while having fun and learning! We will spend a medieval day at the Château de Pontivy in Brittany (2019) where we will take advantage of the exceptional opening of the Grenier d’abundance in Lyon, now housing the Regional Directorate of Cultural Affairs of Rhône-Alpes, as well as studios of dance from the National Superior Conservatory of Music and Dance of Lyon. (2015) You can still board Icelandic schooners in Fécamp in Normandy (2012) to visit the surrounding area and stroll on the water to the sound of concerts. You can still visit the Saint Nicolas mine in Steinbach, near Mulhouse, located in a valley which once had 20 mines. (2014). Dozens of activities can be discovered around you in each edition. This year, we are celebrating the 40th edition of the European Heritage Days. And as is usual, we will be entitled to exceptional and free visits, sometimes revealing well-kept secrets and opening the doors to the most unusual establishments in the capital. https://www.culture.gouv.fr/Nous-connaitre/Evenements-nationaux/Journees-Europeennes-du-Patrimoine