Journées du Patrimoine 2025 in Paris: secrets of the 1st

A well-kept secret in Paris: on September 20 and 21, 2025, more than thirty emblematic sites, often closed to the public, will open their doors free of charge. This 42nd edition, focusing on architectural heritage, promises a host of new experiences, including the partial reopening of Notre-Dame and tours of the Hôtel de la Marine. Few know it yet, but some activities require no reservation, unlike the coveted Palais de l’Élysée.

A unique architectural weekend

The 2025 European Heritage Days plunge Paris into a celebration of buildings and know-how. Since our last field visit, tours of the 1st arrondissement have revealed little-known treasures such as the Intendants’ apartments in the Hôtel de la Marine. Contrary to popular belief, the event is not just for the initiated: access is free and varies from place to place.

The French Ministry of Culture is coordinating this 42nd edition, which pays tribute toarchitecture from medieval styles to contemporary innovations. Professionals admit that this event attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors every year, with Paris at its epicenter. In the 1st arrondissement, the opening of Notre-Dame and other emblematic sites will focus attention.

Exceptional visits

Hôtel de la Marine offers a journey through French craftsmanship with its “Le Labyrinthe” installation, reinterpreting the myth of Daedalus. Our exclusive tests show that the sensory journey through gilding and woodwork fascinates regulars and novices alike. The emphasis on craftsmanship reinforces the link between yesterday’s heritage and today’s creativity.

At the Élysée Palace, registrations for the presidential apartments are already closed. However, the excessive demand illustrates the rarity of this opportunity. Failing that, visitors can turn to other addresses in the 1st arrondissement, notably those rehabilitated as part of recent heritage restorations.

Partial reopening of Notre-Dame

In a symbolic move, Notre-Dame Cathedral partially reopens its doors, with access to the towers. Since the fire in 2019, the monument has remained hidden behind scaffolding. Our analysis shows that the emotion of the visitors reinforces the cultural and touristic impact of the event.

“Climb the towers of Notre-Dame de Paris on the occasion of its partial reopening” – Monuments Nationaux, 2025

This privilege offered to Parisians and visitors from all over the world illustrates the symbolic power of the Journées du Patrimoine 2025. The restoration work carried out by the Monuments Nationaux’s chief architects underlines the precision and technical nature of this extraordinary project. The sensory experience of climbing the towers adds to the sacred nature of the visit.

Against this backdrop, Paris has stepped up its mediation efforts with themed guided tours to help visitors understand the phases of reconstruction. This is an educational way of linking memory, history and architecture.

Behind the scenes

Through this weekend, Paris gives access to places that are usually inaccessible: institutional backstage areas, ceremonial salons and banquet halls. An analysis of the program reveals an emphasis on transparency and the transmission of know-how. These exceptional openings represent a real dialogue between official heritage and the curious public.

Professionals emphasize that these events are helping to shape a new generation that is sensitive toParisian architecture. It’s not just a cultural experience, but a living immersion in the built heritage. The teaching of craft techniques is revealed through educational workshops and meetings.

“This weekend offers a plunge into the exceptional know-how surrounding architecture in Paris and the Île-de-France region” – Sortiraparis, Sept. 2025

An unmissable event

The Journées du Patrimoine are not limited to just a few addresses: museums, ministries, palaces, some of which are confidential, all play an active role. Since January 2025, the Ministry has stepped up communications, generating a veritable phenomenon of anticipation. The European dimension of these days also places Paris in an international heritage network.

In this dynamic, the link with other events such as Fashion Week and its catwalk shows illustrates the cultural importance of the Parisian calendar. Both activities contribute to the image of a world capital that balances heritage and contemporary creation.

Many of those involved point out that this weekend is a must-attend event every year. From queues in front of the Élysée to intimate discoveries in workshops, it’s the diversity of what’s on offer that makes it such a success. Each arrondissement underlines its identity, but this year the 1st is the focus of attention.

Practical information

Dates: Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st September 2025. Address: Palais de l’Élysée (55 rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, 75008 Paris), Hôtel de la Marine (2 place de la Concorde, 75001 Paris), Notre-Dame Cathedral (6 Parvis Notre-Dame, 75004 Paris). Public transport: metro Concorde, Tuileries, Cité. Price: free of charge. Reservations: necessary for certain visits only (Élysée sold out). Updated information available on the official program website.

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