Journées Européennes du Patrimoine 2025: Free Monuments & Sites Across France

Discover the ultimate guide to the Journées Européennes du Patrimoine 2025 in France. Explore free monuments, museums, and historical sites on September 20–21, with reservation details included. Plan your heritage weekend now!

Explore Free Monuments in France During Heritage Days 2025

The Journées Européennes du Patrimoine 2025 is your chance to explore France’s historical monuments, museums, and cultural sites for free on September 20 and 21, 2025. Whether you're in Paris, Brittany, Alsace, or Provence, there’s something for everyone. Some sites require reservations, so we’ve highlighted which ones to book in advance.

Paris & Île-de-France: Free Monuments and Museums

Free Entry – No Reservation Required

• Arc de Triomphe – Panoramic views of Paris, open 10 h–23 h

• Musée Curie – Explore Marie Curie’s legacy and scientific contributions

• Bibliothèque Mazarine – France’s oldest public library

• Mémorial des Martyrs de la Déportation – A moving WWII memorial

• Musée des Arts et Métiers – Inventions, technology, and family activities

• Hôtel de Roquelaure – Rare architecture, Ministry of Ecological Transition

• Institut Giacometti – Free access to modern art and sculpture

• Hôtel de la Marine – Historic building on Place de la Concorde

• Maison de Victor Hugo – Explore the author’s former home

Free Entry – Reservation Required

• Hôtel de Ville (Paris City Hall) – Booking opens Sept 10

• Palais de l’Élysée (Presidential Palace) – Limited slots; online booking recommended

• Musée de l’Armée (Les Invalides) – Guided visits require online reservation

• Grand Palais Ateliers d’Art – Workshops and family explorations

Tip: For all Paris monuments, check official websites for opening hours and special activities.

Free Monuments Nationwide – Centre des Monuments Nationaux

France’s Centre des Monuments Nationaux (CMN) opens over 100 monuments nationwide for free. Some require reservations, especially popular castles and historic buildings.

Notable Free Monuments Across France

• Abbaye du Mont-Saint-Michel (Normandy) – Iconic UNESCO site

• Abbaye du Thoronet (Provence) – Serene Cistercian abbey

• Alignements de Carnac (Brittany) – Prehistoric standing stones

• Basilique cathédrale Saint-Denis (Île-de-France) – Royal burial site

• Château de Pierrefonds (Hauts-de-France) – Restored medieval castle

• Cité de Carcassonne (Occitanie) – Fortified medieval city

• Château de Vincennes (Île-de-France) – Impressive fortress near Paris

• Château de La Motte Tilly (Grand Est) – Neoclassical château

Regional Highlights

Brittany & Rennes

• Château de Fougères – Medieval fortress, free guided tours

• Abbaye de Saint-Méen – Historical abbey, prior registration required

• Musée des Beaux-Arts de Rennes – Free art exhibitions, reservation for special tours

Alsace

• Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg – Free with mandatory reservation

• Musée Unterlinden (Colmar) – Free access, online booking required for workshops

Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur

• Palais des Papes (Avignon) – Limited capacity, reservation recommended

• Musée Granet (Aix-en-Provence) – Free entry, special tours require booking

Tips for a Successful Heritage Weekend

• Book Early: Popular sites like the Palais de l’Élysée and Mont-Saint-Michel fill up fast.

• Arrive Early: Even free monuments may have lines, especially in Paris.

• Check Health & Safety Rules: Follow any local protocols or entry requirements.

• Plan Your Route: Group nearby sites to maximize your time and experience.

  Official List of National Monuments included in the program can be found here: https://www.monuments-nationaux.fr/grand-evenement-multi-site/9915552