Journées du Patrimoine 2026 at the Élysée: reservations open this Friday at 7pm
Every year, thousands of curious visitors try their luck at the gates of the Palais de l’Élysée. For the Journées du Patrimoine 2026 at the Élysée, reservations are now open, and the programme promises far more than a standard guided tour.
A weekend behind the scenes of the French Republic
On Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 September 2026, the presidential residence opens its doors to the public as part of the 43rd edition of the Journées du Patrimoine. Entry is entirely free, but booking a slot in advance is essential. The registration platform opened on Friday 4 September at 7pm on the official Élysée website, with time slots available subject to availability.
Originally known as the Hôtel d’Évreux, this building has spanned several centuries of history before becoming the official residence of the Presidents of the Republic in 1848. Before that, it passed through the hands of figures as varied as the Comte d’Évreux, Louis XV and Napoleon. As far back as the 18th century, it was already considered the finest pleasure house in the vicinity of Paris.
Historic rooms open to the public
The visitor route winds through several iconic rooms whose décor, largely fixed in the late 19th century, has changed little since. The Salon des Ambassadeurs, where the Council of Ministers meets every Wednesday, is one of the unmissable highlights. The Salle des Fêtes, designed for state dinners on the occasion of the 1889 World’s Fair, impresses with its sheer scale.
The President of the Republic’s office, housed in the Salon Doré, is one of the most memorable moments of the visit. The room was decorated in 1861 by Jean-Louis Godon for Empress Eugénie. The courtyard and gardens round off the outdoor portion of the route, offering a welcome breath of fresh air between the grand ceremonial rooms.
What the Journées du Patrimoine 2026 at the Élysée has in store
Beyond the open visit, a number of events enrich the experience. In the gardens, twelve photographers from media outlets and photo agencies are exhibiting their work around the theme “Regards sur l’Élysée” (Perspectives on the Élysée). Among them, Jeanne Accorsini, photographer for the Sipa Press agency and the public’s chosen laureate in 2025, presents a selection of her images.
A separate exhibition pays tribute to Jacques Witt, the press photographer who passed away in April 2026 and covered the Élysée for several decades, from President François Mitterrand through to Emmanuel Macron. Another photography exhibition traces ten years of restoration work carried out within the palace, through images of the building sites and successive transformations.
- Virtual reality experiences in the gardens and the courtyard, retracing the evolution of the palace’s interiors
- An immersive experience at the Maison Élysée museum, reliving the 14 July ceremony from the Champs-Élysées to the place de la Concorde
- A table arts display featuring a recreation of the ceremonial table set for the dinner of 13 July 2026
- A display of presidential vehicles in the courtyard
- A concert by the Orchestre de la Garde républicaine throughout the visit
Members of the Presidency’s staff will be on hand to talk with visitors about the craftsmanship and expertise that bring the palace to life every day.
Practical information: how to plan your visit
To make the most of the event, a few practical points are worth keeping in mind. Entry to the palace is by reservation only, without exception. Time slots are allocated based on availability at the time of registration on the Élysée website.
An official boutique is set up in the courtyard, selling products 100% made in France, pétanque balls, marinière tops, keyrings and Breton bowls. Purchases go directly towards funding the palace’s renovation work and its public outreach initiatives.
Finally, just opposite the Palais de l’Élysée, the Maison Élysée is running its own programme for the same weekend of 19 and 20 September 2026, offering an immersive look behind the scenes of presidential power.
