20 June 2024
Discover French heritage with Teritoria at the 2025 European Heritage Days
On September 19th, 20th and 21st discover the Teritoria houses open for Heritage Days 2025. Explore exceptional historical sites!
The European Heritage Days 2025 mark their 42nd edition on September 20th and 21st. Across France, open days and special openings invite visitors to discover craft workshops, mansions, museums, town halls, libraries, remarkable gardens and sites usually closed to the public. It’s a chance to travel differently, experiencing local skills, landscapes and history up close.
When are the 2025 Heritage Days?
In France, the event takes place on Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 September 2025. Some sites offer pre-openings or evening visits on Friday.
How do I register or book for Heritage Days?
Many visits are free of charge, while others require advance booking, also free. Check the programmes on the websites of cultural institutions, town halls and the dedicated regional pages. Slots fill up quickly, so plan ahead if you want to access special openings such as archives, behind-the-scenes tours, rooftops or workshops.
What to do during Heritage Days?
- Guided tours, craft demonstrations, lectures and intimate concerts
- Themed tours on architecture, gardens, industrial or maritime heritage
- Encounters with conservation teams, gardeners and art restorers
- Urban walks and cycling tours to discover several sites in a single day
Which monuments should you visit first?
Depending on the city, you can often discover places such as Paris City Hall, the Hôtel de la Marine, prefecture courtyards and salons, courthouses, opera house backstage areas, historic banks like the Banque de France, Les Invalides and the Musée de l’Armée, or iconic places of worship such as Notre-Dame Cathedral. Many of these sites open only once a year, so now is the time to take advantage.
Heritage Days 2025: spotlight on…
Paris / Île-de-France Heritage Days
From major landmarks such as City Hall and national institutions to neighbourhood surprises like artists’ studios, heritage libraries, RATP Heritage Day sites (depots, control rooms) and hidden gardens. Add a stop in a remarkable garden to take a breather between visits.
Lyon Heritage Days
A journey through the traboules, archives, town hall and museums, with panoramic views of Fourvière. Artistic craftsmanship and industrial heritage take centre stage.
Toulouse Heritage Days
Pink brick façades, private mansions and hidden courtyards; visits to institutions and encounters with master craftsmen and artisans.
Heritage Days: Lille, Montpellier, Nice, Strasbourg, Dijon, Angers, Brest, Nancy
Each city highlights a common theme: maritime heritage in Brest, Art Nouveau in Nancy, museums and gardens in Dijon and Angers, colourful façades and behind-the-scenes tours in Nice and Montpellier, and regional institutions in Strasbourg. Keep an eye out for special openings and private residences announced at the last minute.
Carnac: megaliths, festivals and holidays with a view
In Carnac, the megalithic alignments and sites take the spotlight all weekend long. From September 19th to 21st, the destination celebrates the international recognition of its megaliths with a festive, family-friendly programme, culminating in a show with 500 drones.
To extend the experience, book a stay at the Hôtel Tumulus: an iconic hotel overlooking the bay, ideal for exploring the archaeological sites, coastline and ports of Morbihan. Fresh seafood, sweeping sea views and tranquil evenings combined create an inspiring escape.
Find out more: hotel-tumulus.com and local programme.
Jardins de La Ballue: vistas, topiary and music
Between Saint-Malo and Mont-Saint-Michel, the Jardins de La Ballue (labelled Jardin Remarquable) are taking part in the Heritage Days on 20 and 21 September 2025.”
Here you’ll discover unique vistas and topiaries, enhanced by guided tours and cultural events in the grounds of a Breton château. A poetic interlude, perfect for blending heritage and nature.
Programme : laballuejardin.com.
Loire Valley: stroll through the grounds of Jallanges Castle
Near Vouvray, the Parc du Château de Jallanges opens its gates for a visit among remarkable species, orchards and views of Renaissance architecture, offering a peaceful retreat in the heart of the Loire Valley.
A wonderful way to explore both the landscape and architectural heritage with family or friends.
Calendar: jardins-de-france.com.
Grand Est: Château d’Étoges
Located in Champagne, in the Grand Est region, the Château d’Étoges is listed in the supplementary inventory of historic monuments. This 17th-century château, surrounded by moats and French gardens, invites you to explore its heritage and discover the stories of its past.
Heritage Days in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Château de Villars
Listed as a historic monument, the Château de Villars in La Chapelle-Villars, on the Rhône side of the Pilat Regional Park, opens its doors for special tours during Heritage Days. Discover its majestic architecture and step back into its past during the open house organised for the occasion.
Domaine du Gouverneur
In the heart of the Lyon region, the Domaine du Gouverneur, once the residence of the Governors of Dombes in the Middle Ages, now houses the Château du Breuil, a listed building. Explore this exceptional site and discover its fascinating history.
Abbaye de Talloires
With over 1,000 years of history, the Abbaye de Talloires is a true jewel of French heritage. Located on the shores of Lake Annecy in Haute-Savoie, this former abbey invites you to explore its centuries-old legacy.
Origines
Nestled in the ruins of a listed castle near Issoire, Origines restaurant offers a unique experience. Discover how this historic site has been transformed into a modern venue while preserving its rich past.
Heritage Days in Nouvelle-Aquitaine: La Baronnie Hotel
La Baronnie Hôtel & Spa**, an 18th-century mansion listed in the Supplementary Inventory of Historic Monuments, is just a stone’s throw from the port of Saint-Martin-de-Ré and its fortifications, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For the European Heritage Days, this Teritoria house opens its doors to share its rich history. Reservations required.
Heritage Days in PACA: La Magdeleine
Located in Provence, La Magdeleine invites you to immerse yourself in the history of this exceptional residence. Take the opportunity to uncover the secrets of this enchanting place.
Practical tips for a great weekend away
- – Check the conditions of access (ID, limited capacity, safety instructions).
- – Choose sustainable transport: train + bicycle, local shuttles, walking in town.
- – Combine several formats: a guided tour in the morning, a remarkable garden in the afternoon, a night-time event at the end of the day.
FAQ — Your most frequently asked questions
When are Heritage Days 2025?
20th and 21th September 2025 in France (42nd edition).
How do I register or book?
On the websites of the venues, town halls and regions. Many activities are free; book early for special openings.
Where to go for Heritage Days?
Choose a theme: a neighbourhood (Paris, Lyon, Toulouse), a subject (gardens, industrial heritage, maritime heritage), or a region (Brittany, Loire Valley, Île-de-France).
How long do the visits last?
From 30 minutes to 1.5 hours on average. Allow for time slots and a bit of walking between locations; opt for train + bicycle or public transport.
Which places are most popular each year?
State institutions (certain rooms in the Palais de l’Élysée, subject to conditions), the Hôtel de la Marine, the Invalides, the Banque de France, town halls, large libraries, archives, private residences and remarkable gardens.
The Teritoria spirit
Heritage Days 2025 is an opportunity to support the places that bring our regions to life: village museums, archives, libraries, workshops and heritage farms. Wherever you are, you’ll find an itinerary to suit you — from architectural discoveries and special openings to encounters with those who safeguard our shared heritage.
Stay up to date with our heritage events and receive our best suggestions for visits by signing up for our newsletter. To give your loved ones an unforgettable experience, visit our gift shop, where you will find gift cards valid at all our Teritoria establishments and gift boxes, ideal for heritage and history lovers.
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