Paris, the City of Lights, is not just a place of breathtaking beauty and historical grandeur, but also a city brimming with hidden stories and secrets. Behind its elegant facades and sturdy doors lie tales whispered through the centuries, waiting to be discovered. Parisians, known for their discretion, guard their private worlds, offering only fleeting glimpses into their lives. But during the annual Journées du Patrimoine, a weekend dedicated to heritage, these doors swing open, inviting us to step into the city’s most treasured and often overlooked gems.
A Heritage Treasure Hunt
This year’s program promises a captivating journey through Paris’s hidden corners, revealing a wealth of historical and architectural wonders. While many events are already fully booked, numerous other stunning locations will be open to all, without requiring a reservation. So, if you find yourself in Paris this weekend, embark on a heritage treasure hunt, exploring the city’s hidden gems. To make the inevitable queues more bearable, pack a good book, perhaps John Baxter’s Untold Paris: The Secret History of the City of Light, a fitting companion for this journey into the heart of Parisian history.
And if you’re not lucky enough to be in Paris this year, mark your calendars for the third weekend of September next year. Keep an eye out for the unveiling of the 2025 program and the opening of reservations, so you don’t miss out on this exceptional experience.
Behind Closed Doors: Unveiling Hidden Jewels
From grand mansions to historic institutions, Journées du Patrimoine unlocks a world of hidden treasures.
A Peek into Parisian Grandeur
Step into the opulent Hôtel de Sully, a magnificent Baroque townhouse dating back to the 1620s. Explore the immaculately preserved apartments of the second Duchess of Sully, and marvel at the exquisite orangerie, the city’s oldest standing greenhouse. The Hôtel de Sully, with its charming front courtyard, even starred in the iconic film Dangerous Liaisons, adding to its allure.
Throughout the weekend, guided tours will be offered every hour, allowing a maximum of 25 guests to experience the grandeur of this historic gem.
The Heart of Parisian Justice: The Palais de Justice
Have you ever wondered what lies beneath the ornate dome that graces the Île de la Cité? This weekend, you can discover the secrets of the Palais de Justice, the city’s Commercial Court. A magnificent example of Second Empire architecture, the court is inspired by the Palazzo della Loggia in Brescia and boasts a breathtaking monumental staircase leading to the dome. Throughout the weekend, judges will lead visitors on fascinating 45-minute tours of the court’s most elaborate rooms, revealing the grandeur of this institution.
The Guardians of the French Language: The French Institute
Journey into the heart of French culture at the French Institute, home to the prestigious Académie Française, the guardians of the French language. Venture beneath the cupola, where academicians have debated for centuries, and explore the institute’s beautiful spaces. This year, you’ll have the unique opportunity to meet and greet some of these esteemed academicians, making for an unforgettable Parisian experience.
Climbing to the Summit: The Tour Saint-Jacques
The Tour Saint-Jacques, the remaining belltower of a sixteenth-century church, offers breathtaking panoramic views of Paris from its Gothic summit. But be warned, the 300-step climb is not for the faint of heart, and those with claustrophobia or mobility issues should proceed with caution.
From Royal Palaces to Artistic Hubs
Journées du Patrimoine offers a chance to explore some of the city’s most iconic buildings and uncover their hidden stories.
Marie de Medici’s Legacy: The Luxembourg Palace
The Luxembourg Palace, now home to the French Senate, was once the opulent residence of Marie de Medici. Though much of the queen’s original vision has been lost, the palace remains a testament to grandeur, boasting a stunning library painted by Delacroix and the opulent Salle des Conférences. Wander through the neighbouring Petit Luxembourg, a townhouse dating back to 1550, and discover remnants of a convent established by Marie de Medici, including the cloister, now a Winter Garden, and the Queen’s Chapel. You’ll also be able to admire the exquisite rooms of Gabriel Germain Boffrand, one of France’s most lauded Rococo designers.
A Haven of Light and Iron: The Bibliothèque Sainte-Geneviève
Step into the Bibliothèque Sainte-Geneviève, a stunning library constructed in the 1840s, a pioneering example of the use of ironwork in architecture. Architect Henri Labrouste’s innovative design, with its intricate lattice framing, creates a breathtaking atmosphere of light and airiness. This weekend, librarians will guide visitors through this historically classified space, revealing the library’s unique beauty and significance.
The Heart of Artistic Creation: The École des Beaux-Arts
Delve into the world of art at the École des Beaux-Arts, a two-hectare site that is usually off-limits to the public. This weekend, students and staff will lead visitors on fascinating tours, offering a rare glimpse into the inner workings of this prestigious institution. Explore the Chapelle des Petits Augustins, a church within the convent established by Queen Marguerite de Valois, and wander through the serene Cour du Mûrier, with its central mulberry tree and tranquil fountain.
Treasures of the Past: The Musée des Monuments Français
Discover the fascinating story of the Musée des Monuments Français, housed within the École des Beaux-Arts. This museum was created to preserve architectural fragments from vandalized châteaux and churches, rescuing them from destruction. While most of these treasures have been returned to their original locations, some remain within the École des Beaux-Arts, a testament to the museum’s important role in preserving France’s cultural heritage. Explore the grounds and appreciate how this site evolved from a convent into a prestigious art school, marveling at the elegant Palais des Études and its glass-covered courtyard, and the grand Ampithéatre d’Honneur.
Journées du Patrimoine offers a unique opportunity to experience Paris in a whole new light, unlocking hidden stories and revealing the city’s fascinating history and architectural treasures. So, grab a map, your curiosity, and your walking shoes, and prepare to be amazed.
