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Élysée Palace and European Heritage Days

Just realized we will be in Paris for the European Heritage Days in September and wondering how we may want to take advantage of the fact. I'm pretty overwhelmed by the number of participating sites on the Culture Ministry's program and am wondering if there's anywhere to view some highlights/recommendations. Has anyone seen such a list?

I did see the Élysée Palace listed in one spot as something worth seeing but I can't find where to make a reservation - the Palace website still has a message up about COVID restrictions but it sounded in other places like they'd restarted.

Thanks!

Posted by
7307 posts

Last year, reservations for the Elysee visit opened on 7th September. I suggest you check periodically (and be swift if you see openings, it is the most popular thing for the Heritage Days in Paris).

As for highlights: search for "journees du patrimoine 2024 paris", and translate the results. Check this link for example.
La Cour des Comptes is a great one; same for Quai d'Orsay (Ministère des Affaires Etrangères); lots of beautiful embassies and ministries in the 7th too.

Posted by
1 posts

I specifically chose my Rick Steves France tour so that I could stay longer for the European Heritage Days weekend. See you at the Élysée Palace (I hope). In past years, reservations there were snapped up quickly.

Posted by
7307 posts

I'm still not seeing anything about Elysee reservations, by the way.

Posted by
15794 posts

I went to the Luxembourg Palace (seat of the Sénat), the Palais Bourbon (seat of the Assemblée nationale) and the Paris city hall (Hôtel de Ville). All were exquisite, full of velvet, gilt and mirrors. The Hôtel de Ville has special exhibits. That year the Russian ambassador's residence was open and had a special exhibit on the last tsar, Nicholas II, with costumes, furniture, jewels (including Faberge eggs). That's what I managed.

This was several years ago, and reservations weren't needed. It may be different now. Most of the visitors were French people visiting their capital from around the country.

Posted by
40 posts

My strategy for the European Heritage Days in Paris is to pick two "blockbuster" locations and do one each first thing in the morning on Saturday and Sunday. I get in line 30 minutes before they open. After that, I pick one or two areas nearby and visit what sounds appealing (or where the line isn't too long). Part of the joy of these days is discovering places you never knew existed. I'll never forget the former convent in the 6th that's now a school for the deaf where students led tours (in French and sign language).

I second the Senat (in the Jardin du Luxembourg) where you can also see the greenhouses, as well as the Hotel de Ville and Cour des Comptes. I also recommend the Palais-Royal where you can see gorgeous 18th Century decor in what are now government offices. There's a concentration of interesting things to visit in the inner ring arrondissements (especially 1-7).

You'll usually find articles that weekend of "top sights" to see, especially on websites like sortiraparis.com. Those tend to highlight places that are usually closed to the public (and will therefore draw big crowds). Really though, if you go with an open mind and spirit of adventure, you can't go wrong.