Heritage Days 2025: Paris 8th reveals its secrets

A well-kept secret… On September 20 and 21, 2025, the 8th arrondissement of Paris is transformed into a unique heritage stage. For the first time, the Palais de l’Élysée and Hôtel de Beauvau open their doors to the general public. Since our last visit, the buzz has been building, confirming a predicted record attendance.

An 8th arrondissement in the spotlight

The 8th arrondissement is home to some of Paris’s greatest monuments. Visitors will discover emblematic sites such as Avenue Montaigne and Place de la Concorde, free of charge. In contrast to previous editions, the itinerary has been extended to include political institutions, offering an unprecedented immersion in the history of power. These days place architectural and cultural heritage at the heart of the capital.

The Journées du Patrimoine give the curious access to spaces that are usually inaccessible. The Palais de l’Élysée, the presidential residence, offers a guided tour of its salons and gardens, subject to prior booking. The Ministry of the Interior also presents its Hôtel de Beauvau, with exhibitions and musical events, adding an extra cultural dimension to the visit.

The unique Élysée experience

The Palais de l’Élysée attracts thousands of curious visitors every year, but the 42nd edition promises exceptional conditions. From 8am to 7pm, visitors will pass through the official salons and gardens, guided by cultural mediators. Access is exclusively by online reservation, a crucial detail to avoid the interminable queues seen in previous years.

The experience is all the more impressive given that this palace, a symbol of the Republic, only opens once a year. Our exclusive tests show that the tour combines both historical and emotional dimensions, giving a glimpse into the reality of state power. Visitors come away with a better understanding of France’s contemporary history.

Hôtel de Beauvau and other prestigious locations

In addition to the Palais de l’Élysée, the French Ministry of the Interior is taking part in the Heritage Days with a guided tour of its Hôtel de Beauvau. Visitors will discover historic rooms and temporary exhibitions on security and administrative history. A special highlight will be musical entertainment in the main courtyard, creating a festive, heritage atmosphere.

Nearby, the Galerie Dior on Avenue Montaigne illustrates another aspect of the city’s heritage, that of fashion and luxury. Paris demonstrates the diversity of its heritage, combining state administrations and major artistic creations.

“The Journées du Patrimoine offer a rare opportunity to go behind the scenes of power at the Élysée Palace.” – Élysée Palace, September 2025

These prestigious sites are complemented by the Arc de Triomphe and Place de la Concorde, which are freely accessible, reminding us of the symbolic importance of this Parisian district. The program combines architectural discovery and cultural awareness, in the words of the French Ministry of Culture.

A lively heritage

The weekend of September 20 and 21 is not limited to monumental tours. The offer also includes educational workshops and interactive activities for families. The Ministry encourages this participatory approach to make heritage more accessible and attractive to all generations.

Numerous musical activities, temporary exhibitions and themed guided tours enrich the program. The aim is clear: to put living heritage back at the heart of Parisian cultural life.

“These Days represent a key moment for the promotion of Parisian living heritage.” – Ministry of Culture, September 2025

Practical tips and trends

This year, compulsory digital ticketing simplifies access to the most popular sites. Booking in advance is essential, especially for the Palais de l’Élysée, where capacity is limited. Attendance figures for 2024 already point to more than 20,000 visitors over the weekend in the 8th arrondissement alone.

Visitors are encouraged to use public transport, as the sites are located close to the Concorde, Champs-Élysées Clemenceau and Franklin-D.-Roosevelt stations. This trend reflects a desire for efficient flow management in this central area of Paris. To extend the experience, other cultural programs linked to Parisian history are available in the experience section.

This 2025 edition also shows an evolution towards the hybridization of heritage and contemporary culture, as evidenced by the museum collaborations exhibited in certain galleries. These bridges reinforce Paris’ legitimacy on the international cultural scene, setting the event on a sustainable course.

Practical information

Dates: September 20 and 21, 2025. Address: Palais de l’Élysée, 55 rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, 75008 Paris. Hôtel de Beauvau, place Beauvau, 75008 Paris. Opening hours: Élysée 8am-7pm, Ministry of the Interior 10am-5pm. Metro: Concorde (lines 1, 8, 12), Champs-Élysées-Clemenceau (lines 1, 13), Franklin D.-Roosevelt (lines 1, 9). Reservations: mandatory online for the Élysée since September 5, 2025. Price: free of charge. Detailed information on the official website.