Journées du Patrimoine 2025: secrets of the 9th district revealed

Few people know it yet, but the Journées Européennes du Patrimoine 2025 (September 20 and 21) will exceptionally open more than a dozen places in Paris’ 9th arrondissement that are usually closed. After an in-depth analysis of the program, the event promises to be an exceptional rendezvous focused on architectural heritage, combining free guided tours, workshops and concerts, attracting both history buffs and those curious about the capital.

A new program in the 9th arrondissement

This 42nd edition of the Journées du Patrimoine spotlights rarely-accessible sites such as the Maison Bucherer, dedicated to prestige watchmaking, and the central branch of Société Générale, a symbol of Parisian banking heritage. Opening their doors only during the Journées du Patrimoine, these sites attract the attention of connoisseurs who keep a close eye on places preserved from the Haussmann era.

The Church of Notre-Dame-de-Lorette, a 19th-century neoclassical jewel, is also a must-see, as is the Palais Garnier. Local guides will be offering guided tours to reveal architectural details invisible to the hurried gaze of everyday passers-by. These opportunities confirm the determination of the City of Paris and the Ministry of Culture to bring residents closer to their heritage.

Commercial sites turned heritage

The department stores on Boulevard Haussmann, Galeries Lafayette and Printemps, will also be accessible, offering an architectural and historical perspective on these temples to Belle Époque commerce. These free tours will help you understand the urban and social evolution of the 9th arrondissement, an essential part of Paris’s commercial history.

Contrary to popular belief, these places are not just for shopping: their facades, domes and glass roofs are among the artistic treasures of modern Paris. Since our last visit, the organizers have added special events, including presentations on the construction techniques of iron and glass, key elements of urban modernity.

Animations and participatory experiments

The event is not limited to tours: over thirty workshops, concerts and activities will be held throughout the 9th arrondissement, from mosaics for children to immersive tours for families. These practices enhance the experience and appeal to a new generation of visitors. The offer, which combines discovery and education, reflects the desire to showcase architectural heritage from a sensory and participatory angle.

Other sites, such as Hôtel Drouot and the École des Arts Joailliers, complete a dense program. Collectors and jewelry enthusiasts will benefit from technical and historical explanations that are inaccessible during the year. Our investigation reveals that these workshops have been in high demand since registration opened in early September.

“The House of Bucherer opens its doors to celebrate watchmaking expertise, a rare and unique opportunity” – Head of the House of Bucherer, 16/09/2025

A craze confirmed by insiders

The 9th arrondissement occupies a special place in the French Heritage Days landscape due to its density of venues dedicated to financial institutions and the decorative arts. This concentration attracts a varied public, from architecture students to luxury professionals. The growing interest in commercial heritage illustrates a marked trend in recent years.

Reservations are becoming more widespread to regulate attendance and guarantee a better visitor experience. The Mairie de Paris recommends advance registration, especially for hands-on workshops. Our analysis in the field shows that by 2025, online ticketing will have become an essential standard to ensure the success of these cultural events.

“Tours and workshops are free, but reservations are highly recommended to ensure your place” – Ville de Paris, 15/09/2025

Why this event is so popular

Popular since 1984, this annual event has evolved from classic open houses to truly immersive experiences. This year’s theme, “Architectural Heritage”, highlights innovations from the Renaissance to contemporary construction, including the golden age of the Belle Époque. Parisians and tourists alike benefit from a more complete historical reading of the capital.

Compared with other arrondissements, the 9th concentrates a striking contrast between religious institutions, bank buildings and commercial spaces. Our experience confirms that very few districts in Paris offer such a diversity of heritage on the scale of a few streets.

Another factor in the popularity of the event is that most activities are free of charge, giving visitors more democratic access to treasures usually reserved for the elite. Concerts and other events, particularly in charming Belle Époque venues, enhance the experience.

As specialist journalist Christian Frank points out, “the event showcases Paris’s architectural heritage, offering exceptional access to its treasures”. This media recognition confirms the importance of the 2025 edition for the Parisian cultural scene.

Practical information

Dates: September 20 and 21, 2025. Area concerned: 9th arrondissement of Paris. Places open: Notre-Dame-de-Lorette church, Agence centrale Société Générale, Maison Bucherer, Galeries Lafayette, Printemps, Palais Garnier, Hôtel Drouot, École des Arts Joailliers. Opening hours: according to official program, generally 10 a.m.-6 p.m., exceptionally until 8 p.m. for certain sites. Access: metro lines 7, 8, 9 (Opéra, Chaussée d’Antin – La Fayette, Saint-Georges stations). Prices: free, online booking recommended for certain workshops. Full details: official website.

To extend the cultural experience, you can also check out the latest news on major Parisian events, such as the L’Oréal Paris 2025 fashion show, which also showcases the capital’s urban and heritage heritage. You’ll also find what to do in Paris and what to experience.