European Heritage Days 64
European Heritage Days in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques
About Heritage 64
Exceptional Heritage to Discover
The European Heritage Days in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques offer privileged access to an exceptionally rich heritage. The department brings together two territories with strong cultural identities — the Basque Country and Béarn — and boasts remarkable architectural and cultural heritage, from medieval fortifications to the Art Deco architecture of the Basque coast.
Hundreds of Sites Open
During this weekend, hundreds of places open to the public:
- Civil Heritage: the Château de Pau, birthplace of Henri IV, the prefecture and its Villa Sainte-Hélène, historic town halls, the thermal baths and villas of the Basque coast
- Religious Heritage: Sainte-Marie d'Oloron Cathedral (UNESCO listed), the Romanesque churches of Béarn, the Basque parish enclosures
- Military Heritage: the fortifications of Bayonne, the citadel of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, the defensive towers
- Industrial Heritage: old factories, mills, bridges and engineering structures
- Archives and Libraries: the Departmental Archives offer a rich program around the annual theme
Guided Tours and Activities
The days offer numerous guided tours led by historians, architects, heritage curators, and passionate volunteers. Shows, conferences, and exhibitions complete the program, allowing for a deeper understanding of local heritage.
An Annual Theme
Each edition of the European Heritage Days is placed under one or more national themes. The 2026 edition highlights “Photography Heritage” — echoing the bicentenary of photography — as well as the European theme “Heritage at Risk: Revive, Resist, Reimagine,” dedicated to safeguarding threatened heritage. These themes are explored through the visits, exhibitions, and activities offered throughout the department.
The Role of the Department
The Pyrénées-Atlantiques Department coordinates the event in its territory, in conjunction with municipalities, tourist offices, and state services. The CAUE 64 (Council of Architecture, Urbanism, and Environment) actively contributes to the program with guided tours of remarkable buildings.
Heritage 64 — edition 2026
43rd edition of the European Heritage Days in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques, on Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20, 2026 (with a day dedicated to schoolchildren on Friday, September 18). Throughout the weekend, dozens of heritage sites in the Basque Country and Béarn — castles, churches, museums, administrative buildings, private residences, and industrial sites — open their doors to the public free of charge. Guided tours, exhibitions, conferences, and activities are offered throughout the department, from Pau to Bayonne, passing through Oloron-Sainte-Marie, Orthez, and Saint-Jean-de-Luz.
2026 Edition: September 19 and 20
The 43rd edition of the European Heritage Days will take place on Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20, 2026, throughout France, including the Pyrénées-Atlantiques. As every year, a preview day is reserved for schoolchildren on Friday, September 18. As of our verification date, nearly a hundred activities had already been listed in the department (Pau, Bayonne, Biarritz, Oloron-Sainte-Marie, Orthez, Saint-Jean-de-Luz, Hendaye, Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, and many other communes), with the detailed program being completed in the weeks leading up to the event.
2026 National Themes
The 2026 edition is organized around two themes chosen by the Ministry of Culture:
- The heritage of photography, echoing the bicentenary of photography (200 years in 2026): postcards, family photographs, illustrated works, exhibitions, magazine press, screens…
- Heritage in peril: revive, resist, reimagine, a European theme dedicated to the safeguarding and transmission of threatened heritage.
In the Pyrénées-Atlantiques, these themes are explored through guided tours of monuments, exhibitions by the Departmental Archives, commented routes by CAUE 64, and numerous exceptional openings of sites usually closed to the public.
Prices Heritage 64 2026
Practical information — Heritage 64
Access
Heritage sites are spread throughout the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department.
Locations
Hundreds of heritage sites throughout the department: Pau, Bayonne, Biarritz, Oloron-Sainte-Marie, Orthez, Saint-Jean-de-Luz, Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, and many other towns.
Dates
Third weekend of September (Saturday and Sunday).
Prices
Free entry to the vast majority of sites. Some tours require prior registration (limited places).
Contact
Department of Pyrénées-Atlantiques
Website: www.le64.fr
Prefecture: www.pyrenees-atlantiques.gouv.fr
Program
The detailed program is available on the Department's website and on the local tourist office websites, usually published a few weeks before the event.
Accessibility
Accessibility varies by heritage site. Inquire with each location for information on facilities for people with reduced mobility.
Accommodation Nearby
The Pyrénées-Atlantiques offers a varied choice of accommodation. It is advisable to book in advance for this highly popular cultural weekend.
Recommended Equipment
Bring comfortable shoes for visits and travel. In September, remember to pack a warm layer for indoor visits to monuments.
Photography and Social Media
Photography is generally permitted at open sites, unless otherwise indicated. Share your discoveries with the hashtag #JEP2026.
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