Right across from the Élysée Palace, this Maison opens its doors for free during the 2026 Journées du Patrimoine
A presidential desk within arm’s reach, diplomatic gifts from every corner of the globe, and pastries crafted by the Élysée’s own chefs: that’s what’s in store for curious visitors this weekend. For the 2026 Journées du Patrimoine, the Maison Élysée is throwing open its doors free of charge, with no reservation required, on 19 and 20 September 2026.
Free, walk-in access in the heart of the 8th arrondissement
Situated directly opposite the presidential palace in the 8th arrondissement of Paris, the Maison Élysée spans 600 m² across two floors. For these heritage days, entry is completely free and no booking is needed. Doors are open from 10am to 7pm on both Saturday and Sunday.
This walk-in format is one of the standout features of this year’s 2026 Journées du Patrimoine. It lets visitors plan their day however they like, with no strict time slots or advance tickets to worry about, a welcome freedom for anyone putting together a last-minute itinerary.
What’s inside
The visit begins with the history of the Hôtel d’Évreux, the building that today houses the Élysée Palace. The rooms showcase iconic pieces, including the Cressent desk and the Paulin armchair, two objects that embody the history of French republican furniture.
The undisputed highlight is the Salon doré, a faithful reproduction of the presidential office as it has existed since 1958. It features General de Gaulle’s desk, a piece steeped in history that gives a vivid sense of the working atmosphere of French heads of state.
A cabinet of diplomatic curiosities not to be missed
Alongside the official rooms, a cabinet of curiosities holds some genuine surprises. The objects on display are diplomatic gifts received over the years. Among them, an Indian lute and a statue from Mozambique, two pieces that speak to the breadth of France’s exchanges with its international partners.
One of the most unexpected items is a sketch from One Piece, presented during the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. It perfectly illustrates just how surprising diplomatic gifts can be, far removed from the world of classical art objects alone.
- Self-guided visit to the Maison Élysée, no reservation required
- Opening hours: 10am to 7pm on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 September 2026
- Free entry for all visitors
- Display of the Cressent desk, the Paulin armchair, and the Salon doré
- Cabinet of curiosities featuring diplomatic gifts from around the world
The Maison Élysée café, with a view of the palace
The visit doesn’t end with the exhibition rooms. Upstairs, the Maison Élysée café will be open throughout both heritage days. It offers a direct view of the presidential palace, making it a destination in its own right.
The pastries on offer are created by the Élysée’s own pastry chefs, a rare chance to taste creations from the presidential kitchens, in a setting that rounds off the visit beautifully.
The 2026 Journées du Patrimoine: a Europe-wide event open to all
This 43rd edition of the 2026 Journées du Patrimoine is part of a Europe-wide event that, every year, transforms usually closed-off spaces into places accessible to everyone. Museums, institutions, private mansions, and unusual sites all open their doors free of charge for two days, with the aim of reconnecting the public with its cultural heritage.
The Maison Élysée fits perfectly into that spirit. Its location, right opposite the presidential palace, gives it a powerful symbolic resonance. And its programme, spanning republican history, unusual diplomatic objects, and presidential gastronomy, makes it one of the must-visit addresses for this September 2026 weekend.
