Can you imagine taking a tour of the Paris Opera costume warehouse? Or, how about a backstage tour of the Comédie-Française theater? Or, maybe you would like to visit Elysée Palace, home to the president of France.
Well, if you’re in Paris on the third weekend of September, you’re in luck. Heritage Days, also known as Journées du Patrimoine, take place every year on the third weekend of September and offer a wonderful opportunity to tour sites that are not usually open to the public. This annual event was introduced to inspire an appreciation for French history and culture – it’s a lot of fun and extremely popular.
But, the celebration is not limited to Paris. Special events take place throughout France – even the smallest of villages tend to get involved in some manner. The occasion attracts thousands of visitors and, depending on the venue, lines can be long. This year’s theme is “Living Heritage” and “Sports Heritage” – a highly topical subject as France is hosting the 2024 Olympic games.
Heritage Days kick off early Friday morning with programs reserved for school children – offering them an opportunity to explore venues and interact with experts and professionals in the field of the establishment they’re visiting. Heritage Days continue through the weekend with reduced fee or free events. The French Ministry of Culture website has a nifty interactive map, searchable by location, date, and type of venue.
I can’t think of a better time to learn more about the unique history and culture of an incredibly beautiful country. Profitez bien!
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