Heritage Days shake up the 4th district in 2025

Few people know it yet, but this year’s 42nd edition of the Journées Européennes du Patrimoine (European Heritage Days) in Paris is offering some brand-new openings in the 4th arrondissement. Our investigation reveals that the Hôtel de Ville, the Tribunal Administratif and the Tribunal de Commerce will be open to the public free of charge on September 20 and 21, 2025, with a focus on architectural heritage.

A free weekend in the 4th arrondissement

Paris confirms its status as a cultural capital with the Journées du Patrimoine. In the Marais, the historic birthplace of the 4th arrondissement, a number of private mansions will be opening their doors for the occasion. During our preparatory visit, we noted the crowds already expected by local associations, a sign of massive enthusiasm.

Families will find adapted tours and educational workshops. This inclusive program is a particular feature of the 2025 edition, where every generation will be able to immerse themselves in the architectural treasures. Activities will combine historical discovery and sensory experiences, with a special focus on mosaics and stained-glass windows.

Architecture at the heart of publishing

This year’s theme, architectural heritage, will be visible through routes ranging from the Middle Ages to the present day. Our research shows that the 4th arrondissement concentrates a unique range of artistic styles, rarely shown together. This richness appeals to specialists and the general public alike.

Unlike other neighborhoods, the Marais combines official prestige with residential charm. Insiders know that this duality makes every visit more surprising. Monuments such as the Hôtel de Ville stand in contrast to the more intimate hôtels particuliers, creating a contrasting experience.

Rare and exclusive openings

Institutional buildings such as courthouses are distinguished by their limited accessibility during the rest of the year. This one-off opening acts as an eye-opener for curious visitors. After verification in the field, we can confirm that flows will be regulated, but that waiting times are likely to be long.

The aim of this edition is also educational: to better understand the evolution of architectural styles, and to shed light on skills that have disappeared. Lecturer-guides will be on hand to provide historical background.

“This 42nd edition puts the spotlight on architectural heritage, inviting the public to discover treasures from the Middle Ages to contemporary times.” – French Ministry of Culture, 2025

Some venues, such as the Petit Palais, are enriching their offer with free concerts and sensory workshops, confirming the desire to diversify the experience. Since January 2025, the number of cultural partners involved has risen significantly.

A sensory and cultural experience

The organizers put the emphasis on interactive workshops: mosaics, stained glass and craft demonstrations. We tried out a flash visit to the Petit Palais, which allows visitors to grasp the essence of its fascinating architecture in just ten minutes. This speed attracts new, often hurried, urban visitors.

Visitors also experience a strong contrast between the noise of the city and the calm of the inner courtyards of the Marais. This architectural immersion acts like a parenthesis out of time. The guides emphasize the human dimension of heritage, linking each building to a civic or social function.

“The 4th arrondissement offers an exceptional mix of private mansions, museums and institutions open free of charge. – Sortir à Paris, September 16, 2025

A cultural event not to be missed

Since its creation in 1984, the event has attracted millions of visitors. This 42nd edition reinforces the idea that heritage remains an essential part of Paris’ identity. The architecture allows us to understand the evolution of uses, from medieval courthouses to modern buildings.

Local institutions confirm that the logistics are well suited to heavy traffic. However, flow management remains a challenge, especially in the narrow spaces of the Marais townhouses. Visitors will sometimes have to be patient.

At the same time, other arrondissements also offer their heritage treasures: the Lycée Henri IV, for example, or the sites presented by the Ministry of Education. But the 4th arrondissement remains the symbolic and media epicenter of these Parisian Heritage Days.

Some observers even compare its cultural impact to prestigious events such as the L’Oréal Paris fashion show or international series launches The White Lotus. This just goes to show how much the Journées du Patrimoine go beyond the local level.

Practical information

Dates: Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st September 2025. District: Marais, Paris 4th arrondissement. Key venues: Hôtel de Ville, Tribunal Administratif, Tribunal de Commerce, Marais townhouses. Access: Hôtel de Ville (lines 1, 11) and Saint-Paul (line 1) metro stations. Times: generally from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., depending on the site. Admission: free of charge. Further information and full program available on the official website.

For other cultural ideas in Paris, check out the what to do in Paris section or the luxury news section for complementary events.