Paris Journées du Patrimoine 2026: this hidden 7th arrondissement mansion opens its doors
Imagine stepping inside a three-century-old residence normally reserved for diplomats alone, for just one Saturday. That is exactly what the Journées du Patrimoine 2026 in Paris are offering with the Hôtel d’Avaray, the official residence of the Dutch ambassador, which opens its doors to the public free of charge on 19 September 2026.
A 300-year-old mansion in the heart of the 7th arrondissement
Tucked away at 58 rue de Grenelle, in the 7th arrondissement of Paris, the Hôtel d’Avaray is one of those architectural gems you can barely glimpse from the street. Its construction dates back to 1718, under the direction of architect Jean-Baptiste Leroux. From the very beginning, the building embodied the codes of 18th-century neoclassical architecture, with a formal rigour and an elegance that have endured across the centuries.
Over time, the building changed hands and underwent various transformations, yet never lost its original character. In 1926, it was listed as a historic monument, cementing its heritage status. For over a century, it has served as the backdrop for political, economic, cultural and scientific exchanges between France and the Netherlands.
Today the official residence of the Dutch ambassador to France, the building remains closed to the general public throughout the year. The European Heritage Days 2026 therefore represent a rare opportunity, not to be missed, to cross its threshold.
What you will discover during the visit
From the moment you arrive, the majestic inner courtyard sets the tone. The architecture plays subtly with the visitor, moving between the cour d’honneur and a lush garden that gradually reveals itself. The visit is self-guided, lasting approximately one hour, and allows you to explore the ground-floor reception rooms, which were fully renovated in 2017.
Each room tells part of the story of the place. The furniture and interior décor do more than simply beautify the spaces: they bear witness to the ties forged between the two countries over the decades. A surprising detail also awaits curious visitors: the kitchens are located on the second floor, an architectural quirk that is genuinely rare.
The building has also served as a film set on several occasions. François Cluzet and Omar Sy shot scenes from The Intouchables here, while Catherine Frot walked through the salons all the way up to the kitchens for the film Haute Cuisine. These anecdotes add an extra dimension to the visit, sitting at the crossroads of living heritage and popular culture.
Practical information to plan your visit
- Date: Saturday 19 September 2026 only
- Opening hours: 10am to 5pm, with a time slot to be selected at registration
- Estimated duration: approximately 1 hour, self-guided
- Admission: free
- Booking: mandatory, registrations open in early September on the official Journées du Patrimoine website
- Minors: must be accompanied by an adult
Booking is an absolute prerequisite for visiting the Hôtel d’Avaray during the Journées du Patrimoine 2026 in Paris. Without prior registration, entry will not be possible. It is therefore strongly advised to keep an eye on when bookings open at the start of September so you do not miss your chance.
A weekend to explore Paris’s diplomatic residences
The Hôtel d’Avaray is not the only diplomatic address opening its doors during the Journées du Patrimoine 2026 in Paris. The weekend of 19 and 20 September is also an opportunity to visit other embassies and consulates welcoming the public free of charge across the capital. For lovers of heritage and foreign cultures, this annual event offers a genuine round-the-world journey without ever leaving Paris.
The European Heritage Days shine a spotlight each year on places that are usually off-limits. In 2026, the Hôtel d’Avaray perfectly embodies that spirit: a listed monument steeped in Franco-Dutch history, opening for a single day to anyone who wishes to discover it. A concrete, free and time-limited opportunity, one to seize the moment registrations go live in September.
