Roger Vivier opens its Left Bank hôtel particulier for the 2026 Journées du Patrimoine
For the 2026 Journées du Patrimoine, Maison Roger Vivier is doing something rare: opening the doors of its new Parisian headquarters to the public for the very first time. Located at 98, rue de l’Université on the Left Bank, this 18th-century hôtel particulier welcomes visitors on 19 and 20 September 2026, from 10am to 6pm. An address that is normally off-limits will, for one weekend, open itself up to anyone wishing to get up close with the history of an extraordinary French shoemaker.
A hôtel particulier at the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés
Having become the house’s new Parisian home in 2025, this hôtel particulier is far more than a simple workplace. Heritage and innovation meet here in a constant dialogue between past and contemporary creation. The residence reflects the deep identity of Maison Vivier in every detail.
The proposed route unfolds across several distinct spaces. Drawing rooms, archives and a creative studio form an itinerary designed to reveal the many facets of the house. Each room tells a chapter of Roger Vivier’s story, that of the French shoemaker who revolutionised the silhouette of the court shoe throughout the 20th century.
Sculpted heels, bold lines and buckles that became signatures shaped his style. His collaborations with the house of Dior further cemented his international renown. From initial sketches to iconic models, the space traces a story in which invention always keeps one foot firmly in Parisian elegance.
The Salon de l’Héritage and the Salon Vivier
The Salon de l’Héritage pays tribute to Roger Vivier’s most iconic creations. Archive pieces, photographs and design objects are brought together to celebrate a singular heritage. It is, in essence, a space devoted to the visual memory of the Maison.
“Through its salons and archives, Maison Vivier brings to life the visionary spirit of Roger Vivier while celebrating a unique heritage, an excellence of craft and a creativity that is always in motion.”
The Salon Vivier, meanwhile, evokes the eclectic and refined world of the founder. Artistic, cultural and aesthetic influences converge here to capture Roger Vivier’s singular personality. In this space, one senses the richness of the sources of inspiration that fed his work.
The Salle des Archives: a treasure trove opened to the public
This is undoubtedly the most anticipated space of this exceptional opening. The Salle des Archives reveals more than a thousand treasures tracing the history of the Maison, from creations made for Princess Soraya to the models made iconic by Catherine Deneuve. The journey is nothing short of breathtaking.
These archives bear witness to a standard of excellence passed down through the decades. Every preserved piece carries within it a fragment of French fashion history. The sheer scale of the memory work accomplished by Maison Vivier becomes clear as you move through the room.
- Visit to the Salon de l’Héritage featuring archive pieces, photographs and design objects
- Access to the Salon Vivier, dedicated to the eclectic and refined world of the founder
- Exceptional opening of the Salle des Archives and more than a thousand treasures
- Creations made for Princess Soraya and iconic models worn by Catherine Deneuve
- Free entry, booking required, maximum 15 people per time slot
For the 2026 Journées du Patrimoine, this opening is part of a broader movement. Across Paris and Île-de-France, the weekend of 19 and 20 September sees hundreds of addresses normally closed to the public swing open their doors. Museums, châteaux, hôtels particuliers and fashion houses all make themselves accessible through free visits and events designed to shine a light on French heritage.
Practical information for booking your visit
Registrations open in September 2026, from Monday 7 September. The visit is reserved for registered guests; no waiting list or walk-in access is planned. A valid ID is required on the day of the visit.
Each time slot accommodates a maximum of 15 people. Entry is free, including for children. Bookings can be made on the official Roger Vivier website.
Why you should not miss this 2026 Journées du Patrimoine event
The 2026 Journées du Patrimoine rarely offer the chance to step inside the headquarters of a fashion house so steeped in history. This 18th-century hôtel particulier, which became Roger Vivier’s new home in 2025, has never before opened its doors to the public. This is a genuine first, and therefore an opportunity not to be missed.
The route is designed for all audiences, from fashion lovers to history enthusiasts. Each space reveals a different facet of the Vivier identity, from the founding sketches to the models that defined the 20th century. The visit thus goes beyond fashion to touch on the cultural and artistic history of Paris itself.
For the 2026 European Heritage Days, Maison Roger Vivier offers a rare appointment, rooted in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, where every room tells a story. Places are limited: 15 people per time slot, with no waiting list. It is well worth booking as soon as registrations open on 7 September.
