20 and 21 September 2008
What a splendid initiative! When the Ministry of Culture in 1984, had the idea of allowing the public to pay tribute to its heritage sites…it could hardly have imagined what a tremendous success it was to be! Each year, several million visitors flock to the Heritage Days event.

The Journées du patrimoine are one of the major happenings of the new cultural season and its success shows the French people’s interest in their history, their heritage sites and their art.
The European Heritage Days are the opportunity for many people to discover public buildings like the Elysée Palace, the Senate, ministries, embassies, town halls… and also private buildings such as villas, chateaux, factories etc. that open — often exceptionally.

Taking place every third weekend in September, the event offers visits of literary, fluvial and military heritage, parks and gardens as well as major architectural sites (old and new). For this 25th edition, the theme will be « Heritage and Creation» — an opportunity to discover architectural works and cultural projects that flourish in the midst of heritage sites.

And to show just what an important event this is, note that since 1991, Heritage Days have taken on a European dimension with 47 countries organising a similar event this year!

Photo D.R.

A few event ideas from the European Heritage Days programme