Creation of the European Heritage Days
The European Heritage Days is a cultural event celebrated in 50 countries that are signatories to the European Cultural Convention, with the aim of promoting and celebrating Europe’s rich heritage.
Launched in France in 1984 as Journées Portes Ouvertes (Open Doors Days), this initiative was subsequently extended to all Europe at the instigation of the French Minister of Culture and with the support of the European Council and the European Commission. Over the years, other countries joined this initiative: the Netherlands in 1987, followed by Sweden, Ireland, Belgium, and Scotland in subsequent years.
The event was officially renamed European Heritage Days in 2000 and is now organised by the Council of Europe in cooperation with the European Union. Since its inception, the European Heritage Days have grown considerably, with 50 states having signed the European Cultural Convention by 2010. These cultural events generally take place from late August to early November, depending on the country and region. Since 1995, each edition of this event has focused on a specific theme designed to highlight different aspects of European heritage.
European Heritage Days in France
The Directorate of Cultural Heritage, in collaboration with the various regional directorates of cultural affairs, all under the aegis of the Ministry of Culture, is responsible for organising the European Heritage Days in France. These days take place every year on the third weekend of September. They offer the public a unique opportunity to discover national and regional heritage by visiting buildings and sites that are usually closed to the public. Among the many places open to visitors are monuments, government ministries, state residences, private homes, castles, banks, courthouses, prefectures, churches, theatres, and museums. Public monuments and museums bearing the Musée de France label are free of charge during these days. Private sites and monuments, as well as those belonging to local authorities or public institutions, often offer visitors reduced rates.
The Parisian Monuments we visited for you on European Heritage Days
The most visited Parisian monuments are, unsurprisingly, the Elysée Palace and gardens (the official residence of the French president), the National Assembly – Palais Bourbon, the Palais du Luxembourg (seat of the French Senate) and the various ministries, as circles of power fascinate visitors!
We also visited the Académie de Médecine and the prestigious Ecole des Beaux-Arts, next door; the Institut de France (seat of the French Academy), Hôtel-de-Ville of Paris, Mairie de 1er Arrondissement (1st district townhall), Tour Saint-Jacques, Sorbonne, Petit Palais (Musée des Beaux-Arts de Paris), Ecole Militaire, Le Petit Cimetière du Calvaire in Montmartre which is also open on All Saints‘ Day, Museum of Art and History of Judaism, Musée Pasteur and Crypt where Louis Pasteur is buried and the Manufacture des Gobelins…
