Heritage Days 2025: the 2nd arrondissement on the move

Our investigation reveals that the 42nd European Heritage Days, scheduled for September 20 and 21, 2025, will transform Paris’s 2nd arrondissement into a theater of unprecedented events and discoveries. From the Tour Jean-sans-Peur to the Grand Rex, few Parisians are yet aware of the scope of this exceptional program, marked by an emphasis on architectural heritage and the opening of rarely accessible venues.

A dense and unprecedented program in the 2nd district

This 2025 edition, dedicated to architectural heritage, promises surprises in a district renowned for its contrasts between medieval past and modernity. The French Ministry of Culture has confirmed the exceptional opening of several institutions, including the INHA and the Opéra-Comique. At the time of our last field check, some tours were already almost fully booked, proof of the public’s growing interest.

Parisian heritage is enriched by intangible discoveries, with free events designed to shed light on the history of emblematic sites in the Montorgueil district. These temporary openings attract the curious as well as researchers, with everyone finding a reason to rediscover the 2nd arrondissement from a new angle.

Access to little-known gems

The scheduled opening of the Tour Jean-sans-Peur, the only medieval vestige in the area, is one of the highlights. In addition, guided tours of the Palais Richelieu and the surrounding area offer insiders a rare insight into the capital’s architectural history. Unlike previous years, the organizers insist on advance reservations for access to certain prestigious institutions.

The Grand Rex, with its listed Art Deco auditorium, is also one of the most eagerly awaited venues. The sensory experience, in the middle of a private screening, will remind us of the extraordinary vitality of Parisian cinema. This contrast between living heritage and monumental legacy fuels the growing appeal of the Journées.

The role of institutions and ministries

Once again this year, the French Ministry of Justice is taking part in the event, opening several sites dedicated to the history of justice in France. These sites, often reserved for the initiated, will unveil historic courtrooms and architectural archives that are rarely exhibited. The opening of these sites reflects the company’s desire to combine its social and architectural heritage in a single civic experience.

Visits to the Comédie-Française, founded in 1680, offer history buffs a behind-the-scenes look at over three centuries of theatrical culture. This rare opportunity confirms the importance of reserving your place well in advance, as several institutional players have emphasized. Official figures show annual growth in attendance at these special venues.

“These 42nd European Heritage Days are a celebration of a rich architectural heritage, from the Middle Ages to the present day.” – Ministry of Justice

Experiences and tips for the public

The experience of visiting the 2nd arrondissement of Paris will be intensified by interactive animations, combining history and digital technology. A number of nocturnal itineraries will enable visitors to discover the city from a different angle, away from the hustle and bustle of the day. The organizers recommend planning ahead according to available time slots, as some monuments only open in the morning.

Local guides insist on the sensory richness of these visits: the woody smells of the heritage rooms, the colorful frescoes illuminated by modern projections, the hushed atmosphere of the ancient libraries. Since our last visit, new digital mediation devices have been added, facilitating understanding for a wide audience.

“The Tour Jean-sans-Peur and the INHA are among the treasures to be discovered during this exceptional weekend.” – Christian Frank, Sortir à Paris

Reservations and trends in 2025

Current trends point to strong use of online platforms to book certain tours, notably for the Comédie-Française and the INHA. Organizers point out that some slots are already saturated, accentuating the exclusive effect sought by heritage enthusiasts. Themed immersive experiences complete these historical tours.

Cultural players are also emphasizing the growing importance of mediation around intangible heritage, in particular craft skills related to the district. Participatory workshops now accompany the tours, anchoring these Days in a civic and interactive dimension. These approaches complement the more traditional tours and attract a wide family audience.

Unlike other Parisian arrondissements, the 2nd is distinguished by the density of its heritage fabric in a small area. This factor makes each walk particularly rich, with each street or covered passageway a discovery. The partner institutions insist on the importance of this 2025 edition for the cultural reappropriation of this evolving district.

Practical information

Dates: September 20 and 21, 2025. Address of main sites: Tour Jean-sans-Peur, 20 rue Étienne Marcel, 75002 Paris; INHA, Galerie Colbert, 2 rue Vivienne, 75002 Paris; Grand Rex, 1 boulevard Poissonnière, 75002 Paris. Metro: Réaumur-Sébastopol (lines 3, 4), Bourse (line 3), Bonne-Nouvelle (lines 8, 9). Times: variable according to venue, generally 10am-6pm. Price: free of charge. Reservations: Highly recommended for certain major sites, via their official pages. Websites: Full program here.