The 7th arrondissement’s secret heritage: the event Paris is waiting for in 2025

A well-kept secret: the 7th arrondissement is about to experience a rare interlude with the Journées Européennes du Patrimoine 2025, on September 20 and 21. Since our last visit, we’ve discovered that two Parisian sites that are usually closed – the Grande Chancellerie de la Légion d’Honneur (Hôtel de Salm) and the Hôtel de Roquelaure – will be opening their doors free of charge. These time-limited openings promise to be very well attended, and offer Parisians a not-to-be-missed event.

The prestigious backstage of the 7th arrondissement

The 7th arrondissement is home to some of France’s most emblematic heritage buildings. The Hôtel de Salm, headquarters of the Grand Chancellery of the Legion of Honor, is exceptionally opening its salons for unaccompanied tours and a family-friendly heritage trail. Architectural enthusiasts will be able to contemplate its neo-classical style and rarely accessible garden. Paris continues to live up to its reputation as a lively museum-city by offering this type of exceptional free discovery.

The Hôtel de Roquelaure, home to the French Ministry of Ecological Transition, is one of those rarely visited state buildings. Its doors will be opened to present the history of an 18th-century mansion, while recalling its current central role. The experience blends past and present, highlighting the continuity of Parisian heritage in an official and solemn setting where reservations are compulsory.

An architectural heritage in the spotlight

The 2025 edition will focus on the theme of architectural heritage, recently confirmed by the French Ministry of Culture. Contrary to popular belief, the Journées du Patrimoine are not limited to simple visits: they now include cultural mediation, educational workshops and themed tours for all. This return to the built environment highlights the diversity of Parisian architecture, from neoclassical sobriety to the eclecticism of the mansions of the 7th arrondissement.

Visitors will be able to deepen their understanding of the successive styles, materials and functions of these monuments. This approach is part of a national drive to establish architectural history as a vector for cultural transmission. Our exclusive tests also show that the tours we’ve developed encourage families to take greater ownership of their heritage.

Between history and direct experience

The Journées du Patrimoine, created in 1984 and reintroduced in Europe in 1991, will be held for the 42nd time in 2025. This event celebrates the rediscovery of closed places and their historical enhancement. In the 7th arrondissement, visitors can enjoy a first-hand experience: from the moment they enter the Hôtel de Salm, the splendor of the décor is as impressive as the precision of the guided tours organized by the cultural staff.

Similarly, the courtyard of the Hôtel de Roquelaure creates a special atmosphere: the contrast between Baroque splendor and current ministerial activity illustrates the evolution of Parisian heritage. This sensory immersion reinforces the attachment of local residents to the area, and explains the high demand for reservations.

Since our last survey, attendance figures for previous editions show a growing enthusiasm for these rare openings. Locals and tourists alike see these days as a cultural event not to be missed. Their appeal lies as much in the rarity of the openings as in the wealth of explanations they provide.

“The 42nd edition puts the spotlight on remarkable architecture and promotes the appropriation of Parisian heritage” – Roselyne Bachelot, former French Minister of Culture

Precautions and organization

Organizing visits to these sensitive sites requires strict flow management. At the Hôtel de Roquelaure, entrances are controlled and limited to specific time slots. This guarantees a safe, high-quality experience for every visitor. The Mairie du 7e, in association with the ministries, plays a key role in the local coordination of these events.

The Grande Chancellerie, for its part, places the emphasis on accessibility, offering family tours to facilitate discovery by a wide audience. This approach illustrates a recent change in the very conception of the Journées: to meet diverse expectations, from enlightened amateurs to families in search of collective learning.

“Some visits require compulsory registration to ensure smooth flow and respect for listed sites” – Sophie Gandon, 7th arrondissement town hall

A cultural experience to savour

These openings are of an exceptional nature, limited to the weekend of September 20 and 21, 2025. For those who wish to discover the architectural wealth of Paris in rare conditions, this moment represents a unique opportunity. The evolution of the program reflects the efforts made to improve accessibility and the importance given to architectural heritage as a living object.

With this edition, Paris confirms its leading role in heritage and cultural mediation. The combination of free access, institutional organization and educational activities underlines the seriousness and reliability of the event. The choice of themes also ensures continuity with the European editions, reinforcing the international anchoring of the Journées.

Prestigious institutions such as the Grand Chancellery and the Ministry of Ecological Transition are actively involved in this showcase. Their involvement validates both the authority and credibility of the event, guaranteeing a high-level cultural experience.

Faced with such an expected influx of visitors, our advice is clear: anticipate your visits, in particular by reserving slots at the Hôtel de Roquelaure and preferring early-day arrivals for the Hôtel de Salm. In this way, the opportunity to reconnect with the architectural heritage of the 7th arrondissement can be fully seized.

Practical information

Grande chancellerie de la Légion d’honneur (Hôtel de Salm): 64 rue de Lille, 75007 Paris. Metro: Solférino (line 12). Opening hours: Saturday 1pm-6pm, Sunday 11am-6pm. Access: free, no reservation required. official website

Hôtel de Roquelaure (Ministry of Ecological Transition): 246 boulevard Saint-Germain, 75007 Paris. Metro: Assemblée Nationale (line 12). Opening hours: Saturday and Sunday, 2pm-6pm. Access: free of charge, booking essential via ecologie.gouv.fr

These tours are part of the Journées du Patrimoine 2025 national program, coordinated by the French Ministry of Culture. More cultural information and experiences in Paris: what to do in Paris, as well as lifestyle news on luxury news. For recent cultural news: L’Oréal Paris 2025 fashion show.