European Heritage Days in Essonne

A weekend to discover the heritage treasures of Essonne

Évry-Courcouronnes — Essonne (91) Since 1984
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European Heritage Days in Essonne
Edition
2026
JEP Essonne

About JEP Essonne

The European Heritage Days in Essonne (91) open the doors of extraordinary sites usually closed to the public every third weekend in September. Castles, abbeys, gardens, scientific laboratories, and historical monuments welcome thousands of visitors free of charge, guided by passionate volunteers who reveal the unsuspected riches of the department.
Dates 19 Sep — 20 Sep 2026
Location Évry-Courcouronnes (91)
Prices Free
Status Confirmed
Edition 2026

JEP Essonne — edition 2026

Tickets →

The 43rd European Heritage Days will be held on Saturday, September 19th, and Sunday, September 20th, 2026, preceded on Friday the 18th by a day dedicated to schools. In Essonne, 147 locations are registered in the Ministry of Culture's program, and 227 of the 251 announced events are free: the châteaux of Méréville, Courances, and Saint-Jean de Beauregard, the reopened Tour de Guinette in Étampes, the Orsay collision ring, the Russian cemetery in Sainte-Geneviève-des-Bois, and Paris-Orly airport. The edition is placed under two themes: "Heritage of Photography" and "Heritage in Peril: Revive, Resist, Reimagine."

The 43rd Heritage Days in Essonne, September 19th and 20th, 2026

The Ministry of Culture is organizing the 43rd edition of the European Heritage Days on Saturday, September 19th, and Sunday, September 20th, 2026. In Essonne, 147 locations are registered in the national program and offer 251 events: commentated tours, self-guided tours, workshops, concerts, shows, conferences, and urban walks. Twelve of these events begin as early as Friday, September 18th, including three reserved for classes for the "Levez les yeux!" operation.

The two themes of 2026

The edition is placed under the themes "Heritage of Photography," echoing the bicentenary of photography, and "Heritage in Peril: Revive, Resist, Reimagine." In Essonne, 78 events relate to the second and 15 to the first, including the conference "Photographic treasures of Essonne heritage" at the Montauger departmental estate (Saturday 2:30 PM), the cyanotype initiation workshop at the departmental archives in Chamarande (Sunday 3 PM), and the afternoon at the Teilhard de Chardin Center in Gif-sur-Yvette on religious imagery and artificial intelligence.

What is opening in the department

The Essonne program mixes monuments and research sites. Thirty-six locations are classified or registered as Historical Monuments, 21 are châteaux or manors, 21 are religious buildings, and 19 are parks or gardens. Eleven belong to industrial and scientific heritage: the Orsay collision ring, the Palaiseau Center for Nanosciences and Nanotechnologies, the ISMO laboratory, the NeuroPSI institute of CEA Paris-Saclay, École polytechnique, ENS Paris-Saclay, and the Lumen building of Paris-Saclay University. Fifty locations are opening exceptionally, and 24 are participating for the first time.

Free admission and reservations

Of the 251 Essonne events, 227 are announced as free and 24 at a special rate, notably the château and park of Courances, the Maison Jean Cocteau in Milly-la-Forêt, the Château de Villeconin, the Maison Caillebotte in Yerres, the Juine Valley rail-bike, and the screenings at the Espace Marcel-Carné in Saint-Michel-sur-Orge. Seventy-five events require prior registration, often because the number of places is limited: the Déluge quarry in Marcoussis, the Safran campus at the Château de Vilgénis, the Banque de France in Évry, the wastewater treatment plants of Saint-Vrain and Vert-le-Grand, and the sub-prefect's residence in Étampes. Fifty-nine events indicate adapted reception conditions, most often for motor disabilities.

Highlights JEP Essonne 2026

  • Tour de Guinette, Étampes — the royal château tower reopens to the public after consolidation work. Inauguration on Saturday the 19th at 11 AM, followed by self-guided tours Saturday and Sunday from 2 PM to 5 PM, commentated tours, forging workshops, and sketches by the Muscardins company.
  • Méréville Estate, Le Mérévillois — nine events, including the restarting of the great waterfall fed by the 18th-century hydraulic system (Saturday and Sunday, 10 AM - 8 PM) and a conference by Antoine Madelénat, Chief Architect of Historical Monuments, who has been following the site for over twenty years (Sunday 11:30 AM).
  • Château du Mesnil Voysin, Bouray-sur-Juine — twelve offerings over both days, from 9:30 AM to 6 PM: château, Trinity chapel, mobile nesting pigeon house, working bread oven, gourmet and craft market with over 60 exhibitors, sheepdogs, and a vintage car exhibition.
  • Sciences ACO Museum, Orsay — visit to the Orsay collision ring, the first collision ring built in Europe, Saturday and Sunday from 2 PM to 5 PM.
  • Russian Cemetery, Sainte-Geneviève-des-Bois — guided tours of the largest necropolis of Russian emigration in the world, over 5,200 graves, Saturday and Sunday from 10 AM to 12 PM and 3 PM to 5 PM, plus the Orthodox Church of the Dormition and its crypt.
  • Paris-Orly Airport — theatrical tour performed by actors, Saturday and Sunday at 11 AM and 2 PM, by reservation, and a treasure hunt starting from the Environment House.
  • Maison Caillebotte, Yerres — 19th-century ball at the park's guinguette Saturday from 2 PM to 6 PM, boat and canoe trips on the Yerres, and visits to the vegetable garden and structures.
  • Château de Montagu, Marcoussis — open house Saturday and Sunday from 10 AM to 5 PM, with the restored Henri IV tower and a presentation of the work.
  • Chamarande Estate — the château is closed for restoration, but the ice house and the belvedere pavilion with its graffiti are open Saturday and Sunday from 2 PM to 4 PM.
  • École polytechnique, Palaiseau — commentated tour of the campus designed by Henri Pottier, Saturday and Sunday from 2 PM to 6 PM, by reservation.

Programme JEP Essonne 2026

The official Ministry of Culture program lists 147 locations open in Essonne and 251 events: 12 starting on Friday, September 18th (including three reserved for schools), 182 on Saturday, September 19th, and 175 on Sunday, September 20th. Of these 251 offerings, 227 are free, 24 have special rates, and 75 require advance booking. Fifty locations are opening exceptionally, and 24 are participating for the first time. Details, town by town:

Étampes, the Juine Valley, and South Essonne

  • Étampes — Intercommunal Library - Hôtel Diane-de-Poitiers: Inauguration of works - Historical section (Fri. 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM); Presentation of restoration works (Sun. 2:30 PM and 3:30 PM); Opening of the Hôtel Diane-de-Poitiers - media library (Sat. 9 AM - 5 PM · Sun. 2 PM - 5 PM).
  • Étampes — Hôtel Anne de Pisseleu: Opening of the exhibition "L'atelier de la vigne, ses élèves et leurs maitres" (Sun. 11 AM); Little train tour (Sat. 9:30 AM - 6:30 PM · Sun. 9:30 AM - 5 PM); L'atelier de la vigne - Its masters and students (Sat. 9 AM - 6 PM · Sun. 10 AM - 6 PM).
  • Étampes — Saint-Martin-d'Étampes RER Station: Rail-bike tour with a guided visit of the Camp de la Paix (Sat. 9:30 AM - 1:30 PM and 1:30 PM - 5 PM).
  • Étampes — Médiathèque Diane-de-Poitiers: Presentation of works (Sun. 2 PM and 3:30 PM).
  • Étampes — Tour de Guinette: Inauguration of the reopening of the Tour de Guinette (Sat. 11 AM); Fencing initiation and medieval show (Sat. 12 PM - 4:30 PM); Self-guided tour of the Tour de Guinette (Sat. 2 PM - 5 PM · Sun. 2 PM - 5 PM); Discovery tour of the Tour de Guinette (Sat. 3 PM and 4:30 PM · Sun. 12 PM, 3 PM and 4:30 PM); Initiations, chainmail workshops, and arrowhead forging (Sun. 11 AM - 5 PM); Sketches by the Muscardins company (Sat. 2 PM and 5 PM · Sun. 2 PM and 5 PM).
  • Étampes — Town Hall: Cine-walk (Fri. 9 PM); Self-guided tour of the Town Hall (Sat. 2 PM - 5 PM · Sun. 10 AM - 12 PM and 2 PM - 5 PM); Discovery tour of the Town Hall (Sat. 2:30 PM, 3:30 PM and 4:30 PM · Sun. 2:30 PM, 3:30 PM and 4:30 PM).
  • Étampes — Sub-prefect's Residence: Discovery tour of the Sub-prefect's Residence (Sat. 4 PM and 5 PM).
  • Étampes — Intercommunal Theater: Discovery tour of the theater (Sat. 6 PM · Sun. 10 AM).
  • Étampes — Saint-Gilles Church: Baroque music concert (Sat. 8 PM); Self-guided tour of Saint-Gilles Church (Sat. 10 AM - 5 PM · Sun. 10 AM - 5 PM).
  • Étampes — Saint-Basile Church: Self-guided tour of Saint-Basile Church (Sat. 10 AM - 5 PM); Inauguration of the "Christ presented to the people" painting display (Sun. 10:30 AM); Presentation of the painting (Sun. 3 PM).
  • Étampes — Notre-Dame Church: Organ concert (Sun. 4 PM); Self-guided tour of the Notre-Dame Collegiate Church (Sat. 10 AM - 5 PM · Sun. 10 AM - 5 PM); Organ presentation (Sun. 5:30 PM and 6 PM).
  • Étampes — Saint-Martin Church: Self-guided tour of Saint-Martin Church (Sat. 10 AM - 5 PM · Sun. 10 AM - 5 PM).
  • Étampes — Étampes Courthouse: Discovery tour of the courthouse fresco (Sat. 10:30 AM and 2:30 PM · Sun. 10:30 AM and 2:30 PM).
  • Étréchy — Town Hall: Heritage trail from the Church to the Croix Boissée (Sat. 2 PM - 3:30 PM); Night tour "Les tombées de la nuit" (Sat. 7:30 PM - 9 PM); Tribute to Lucien Sergent (Sun. 10 AM - 12 PM).
  • Étréchy — Maison des associations, rue du 11-Novembre: Exhibition "Etréchy yesterday and today" (Sat. 10 AM - 6 PM).
  • Ormoy-la-Rivière — Multipurpose Hall: Where's Waldo? (Sat. 2:30 PM and 4:30 PM).
  • Boissy-la-Rivière — Château de Bierville: Discovery tour of the Bierville Estate (Sun. 1:45 PM and 2:45 PM).
  • Saint-Cyr-la-Rivière — Essonne Juine Valley Rail-bike: Reviving the railway line from Etampes to Méréville (Sun. 10 AM - 12:30 PM, 1:30 PM - 4 PM and 4:30 PM - 7 PM).
  • Villeconin — Château de Villeconin: Guided tour of the Château de Villeconin and its park (Sat. 2 PM - 6 PM · Sun. 2 PM - 6 PM).
  • Le Mérévillois — Méréville Estate: Conference on the Château de Méréville by Chief Architect of Historical Monuments Antoine Madelénat (Sun. 11:30 AM - 1 PM); Demonstration: Heritage trades by artisans working on the château's restoration (Sun. 11 AM - 4 PM); Apple pressing workshop (Sun. 11 AM - 5 PM); Historical and landscape walk in the heart of the estate (Sat. 2 PM - 4 PM and 4 PM - 6 PM · Sun. 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM and 3 PM - 5 PM); Gourmet breaks (Sat. 10 AM - 6 PM · Sun. 10 AM - 6 PM); Symphony of the rocks (Sun. 2 PM - 6 PM); The great waterfall in action (Sat. 10 AM - 8 PM · Sun. 10 AM - 8 PM); Free access to caves and rock formations (Sun. 10 AM - 8 PM); The Méréville estate seen from a helicopter in 1990 (Sat. 10 AM - 8 PM · Sun. 10 AM - 8 PM).
  • Le Mérévillois — Joseph Sapey-Triomphe Studio: Visit to the Sapey-Triomphe house and studio (Sun. 2:30 PM).
  • Le Mérévillois — Trajan Tower - Antique Obelisk: Discovery tour of the Trajan Tower (Sat. 3:30 PM and 4:30 PM · Sun. 3:30 PM and 4:30 PM).
  • Le Mérévillois — Méréville Cultural Center: Philippe Cara Costea (1925-2006) - An artistic life (Sat. 10 AM - 6 PM · Sun. 10 AM - 6 PM).
  • Pussay — Ferme Sapousse: Cha'Pousse - Farm festival, Nature Olympics (Sat. 2 PM - 4 PM); Cha'Pousse - Farm festival, Guided farm tour (Sat. 2 PM - 4 PM); Cha'Pousse - Farm festival, "Le Bruit du Blé" show (Sat. 4:30 PM - 6 PM); Cha'Pousse - Farm festival, Farm-style pizza (Sat. 6 PM - 10 PM); Cha'Pousse - Farm festival, Zarzhä concert (Sat. 8 PM - 10 PM).
  • Vayres-sur-Essonne — Pointe grounds: Canoe and kayak trip (Sun. 10 AM - 5 PM); Self-guided church tour (Sun. 10 AM - 5:30 PM); Giant Cluedo "Investigation at the heart of heritage" (Sun. 10:30 AM - 5:30 PM); Discovery of our rural heritage (Sun. 10 AM - 6 PM).
  • Chamarande — Chamarande Estate: Secret places of Chamarande: Exceptional opening of the ice house and the belvedere pavilion (Sat. 2 PM - 4 PM · Sun. 2 PM - 4 PM); Opening of the exhibition "Si c'est là son temps, quand viendra-t-il sinon en son temps ?" by Renaud Auguste-Dormeuil (Sun. 3 PM); Show: 95% mortal (Sun. 4 PM); Artistic workshop (Sat. 2 PM - 5 PM · Sun. 2 PM - 5 PM).
  • Chamarande — Essonne Departmental Archives: Cyanotype initiation workshop (Sun. 3 PM).
  • Lardy — Jean Moulin Third Place: The Gaia Walk (Sat. 6 PM - 7:30 PM); Traditional concert and dance (Sat. 8 PM - 10:30 PM).
  • Lardy — Lardy Town Hall: Tours of the Town Hall for its 50th anniversary (Sat. 10 AM - 12 PM).
  • Lardy — Parc Boussard: Guided tour – Parc Boussard, an Art Deco garden in the Île-de-France region (Sun. 11 AM - 1 PM).
  • Bouray-sur-Juine — Château du Mesnil Voysin: Book signing by the owner of the Château de Mesnil-Voysin (Sat. 10:30 AM - 5 PM · Sun. 10:30 AM - 5 PM); Billiards demonstration (Sat. 10 AM - 5:30 PM · Sun. 10 AM - 5:30 PM); Self-guided tour of the mobile nesting pigeon house (Sat. 9:30 AM - 6 PM · Sun. 9:30 AM - 6 PM); Sheepdog demonstration (Sat. 9:30 AM - 6 PM · Sun. 9:30 AM - 6 PM); Self-guided tour of the Château de Mesnil Voysin (Sat. 9:30 AM - 6 PM · Sun. 9:30 AM - 6 PM); Traditional apple juice making workshop (Sat. 10 AM - 6 PM · Sun. 10 AM - 6 PM); Guided tour of the Château de Mesnil Voysin (Sat. 9:30 AM - 6 PM · Sun. 9:30 AM - 6 PM); Visit to the working bread oven (Sat. 9:30 AM - 6 PM · Sun. 9:30 AM - 6 PM); Self-guided tour of the château chapel (Sat. 9:30 AM - 6 PM · Sun. 9:30 AM - 6 PM); Gourmet and craft market (Sat. 9:30 AM - 6 PM · Sun. 9:30 AM - 6 PM); Exhibition of vintage and collector cars (Sat. 9:30 AM - 6 PM · Sun. 9:30 AM - 6 PM); Lego exhibition (Sat. 9:30 AM - 6 PM · Sun. 9:30 AM - 6 PM).
  • Bouray-sur-Juine — "Meeting the Old Trades" Museum: Self-guided tour of the Bouray-sur-Juine Museum (Sat. 2 PM - 6 PM · Sun. 2 PM - 5 PM).

Milly-la-Forêt and the École Countryside

  • Milly-la-Forêt — Parc du Moustier: Exhibition "The Milliacois Heritage" (Sat. 8 AM - 8 PM · Sun. 8 AM - 8 PM).
  • Milly-la-Forêt — National Plant Conservatory: Guided walk "Discovering plant heritage" (Sat. 2 PM and 4 PM); Activity stand "Tree Mission! Investigation into living heritage" (Sat. 1:30 PM - 6 PM).
  • Milly-la-Forêt — Maison Jean Cocteau: Conference "Cocteau the draftsman" (Sat. 3 PM); Musical Saturdays at Jean Cocteau's - Passion for Wagner (Sat. 6 PM); "Pied de nez" by Cie Le cirque dans les étoiles (Sat. 2 PM and 4 PM · Sun. 2 PM and 4 PM); Guided tours of the Maison Jean Cocteau (Sat. 10 AM - 6 PM · Sun. 10 AM - 6 PM).
  • Milly-la-Forêt — Market Square: Performance by Léna Turist (Sat. 3:30 PM - 5 PM).
  • Milly-la-Forêt — Le Colombier: Opening of Le Colombier (Sat. 2 PM - 4 PM).
  • Milly-la-Forêt — Paul Bédu Cultural Space: Creative workshop "Pieces of heritage" (Sat. 2 PM - 5 PM · Sun. 2 PM - 5 PM).
  • Milly-la-Forêt — Espace culturel du Moustier: Back to school in Milliacois schools (Sat. 10 AM - 1 PM and 2 PM - 5:30 PM · Sun. 10 AM - 1 PM and 2 PM - 5:30 PM).
  • Milly-la-Forêt — Chapelle Saint-Blaise et des Simples: Guided tour of the Chapelle Saint-Blaise des Simples (Sat. 11 AM).
  • Courances — Park and Château de Courances: Guided tour of the Château de Courances (Sat. 11 AM - 6 PM · Sun. 11 AM - 6 PM); Visit to the Courances park (Sat. 11 AM - 6 PM · Sun. 11 AM - 6 PM); Guided tour of the Courances park (Sat. 11 AM - 6 PM · Sun. 11 AM - 6 PM).
  • Moigny-sur-École — Fontainebleau Sandstone Quarry: Animated tour of the Fontainebleau sandstone quarry (Sat. 10 AM - 12 PM and 2 PM - 6 PM · Sun. 10 AM - 12 PM and 2 PM - 6 PM).
  • Soisy-sur-École — Soisy-sur-École Art Glassworks: Glassblowing demonstration (Sat. 10 AM - 12:30 PM and 2 PM - 6:30 PM · Sun. 2:30 PM - 6:30 PM).

Corbeil-Essonnes, Évry-Courcouronnes, and the Seine Valley

  • Corbeil-Essonnes — Grands moulins de Corbeil: Guided tour around the Grands Moulins de Corbeil (Fri. 9 AM and 10 AM).
  • Corbeil-Essonnes — Town Hall Square: At the heart of the Grands Moulins de Corbeil (Fri. 9 AM and 10 AM); "Grands Moulins Evolution", self-guided tour app (Sat. 8 AM - 8 PM · Sun. 8 AM - 8 PM).
  • Corbeil-Essonnes — MJC Fernand Léger: Heritage walk tracing worker history (Sat. 9:30 AM - 1:30 PM).
  • Corbeil-Essonnes — Cinéma Arcel: "Il fallait que ce soit beau: produire et travailler aux Grands Moulins de Corbeil" (Sun. 6:30 PM - 8 PM).
  • Corbeil-Essonnes — Saint-Etienne Church: Guided tour of Saint-Etienne Church (Sat. 3 PM - 6 PM).
  • Corbeil-Essonnes — Saint-Joseph-des-Tarterêts Church: Visit to Saint-Joseph Church (Sat. 4 PM · Sun. 12:30 PM).
  • Corbeil-Essonnes — Saint-Spire Cathedral: Guided tour of the Place du Comte Haymon (Sat. 4 PM - 5:30 PM); Secrets and mysteries of Saint-Spire Cathedral (Sat. 5:30 PM); Guided tour of Saint-Spire Cathedral (Sun. 2 PM - 6 PM).
  • Corbeil-Essonnes — Tarterêts Boiler Room: "Ce qui habite nos cœurs" (Sat. 11 AM - 6 PM · Sun. 11 AM - 6 PM).
  • Corbeil-Essonnes — Protestant Temple: Guided tour of the Protestant temple (Sat. 10 AM - 12 PM and 2 PM - 6 PM).
  • Corbeil-Essonnes — Commanderie Saint-Jean: Knights of the noble game of the arquebus in the 18th century (Sat. 10 AM - 5 PM · Sun. 10 AM - 5 PM).
  • Corbeil-Essonnes — Mosque of Corbeil-Essonnes: Visit to the Mosque of Peace (Sat. 10 AM - 5 PM · Sun. 10 AM - 5 PM).
  • Évry-Courcouronnes — Evry-Courcouronnes RER Station: Guided tour: Evry-Courcouronnes through its public art (Sun. 11 AM - 12:30 PM).
  • Évry-Courcouronnes — Évry Paris-Saclay University Library: Screening "Art in the public space of Grand Paris Sud" (Sat. 2 PM - 4 PM); Guided tours: discovering the Évry University Library (Sat. 2 PM - 5 PM).
  • Évry-Courcouronnes — Notre Dame de Sion High School: Discovery of Grand-Bourg (Sat. 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM · Sun. 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM).
  • Évry-Courcouronnes — Cathedral of the Resurrection: Guided tour of the Cathedral of the Resurrection (Sun. 2 PM - 3:30 PM and 3:30 PM - 5 PM).
  • Évry-Courcouronnes — Banque de France of Essonne: The Banque de France opens its doors to explain its role and missions (Sat. 9:15 AM, 11 AM, 2 PM and 3:30 PM).
  • Lisses — Saint-Germain-Saint-Vincent Church: Self-guided tour of the Saint-Germain-Saint-Vincent Church (Sat. 3 PM - 5 PM).
  • Lisses — Montauger Departmental Estate: Conference: "Photographic treasures of Essonne heritage" (Sat. 2:30 PM - 4 PM); European Heritage Days - Musical entertainment (Sat. 1:30 PM - 4:45 PM); European Heritage Days - The Château de Montauger opens its doors (Sun. 4 PM).
  • Ris-Orangis — Ris-Orangis Basin: Visit to the rainwater regulation basins (Sat. 9 AM, 10 AM, 11 AM, 2 PM, 3 PM and 4 PM).
  • Saint-Germain-lès-Corbeil — Victor Hugo Cultural and Associative Center: The Mercury of Saint-Germain or the past rediscovered! (Sat. 9 AM - 12 PM and 1:30 PM - 6 PM).
  • Morsang-sur-Seine — Church: Guided tour and conference: St Germain of Morsang-sur-Seine, a space in time (Sat. 2 PM and 2:30 PM).
  • Soisy-sur-Seine — Château du Grand Veneur: "Reflets (en)chantés" concert (Sat. 8 PM - 9:30 PM); Treasures of Soisy (Sat. 2 PM - 6 PM · Sun. 2 PM - 6 PM).
  • Soisy-sur-Seine — Notre-Dame Church: Commentated tour of Notre-Dame Church (Sat. 11 AM); Self-guided tour of Notre-Dame Church (Sat. 10:30 AM - 12 PM and 2:30 PM - 5:30 PM · Sun. 2:30 PM - 5:30 PM).
  • Épinay-sous-Sénart — Old Town Hall: Guided singing tour (Sun. 2 PM - 5 PM).
  • Yerres — CEC - Yerres Theater: Exceptional concert by pianist Kiryl Keduk (Sun. 4 PM - 5:30 PM).
  • Yerres — Château Budé Park: Guided tour of the Château Budé park (Sat. 3 PM · Sun. 3 PM).
  • Yerres — Maison Caillebotte: Theatrical stroll in the Caillebotte Park (Sat. 3 PM - 5:30 PM); 19th-century ball at the Maison Caillebotte (Sat. 2 PM - 6 PM); Guided tour of the Caillebotte Park, its structures, and vegetable garden (Sat. 3 PM and 4 PM · Sun. 3 PM and 4 PM); Boat and canoe trips (Sat. 3 PM - 6 PM · Sun. 3 PM - 6 PM); Visit to the Maison Caillebotte (Sat. 10 AM - 6:30 PM · Sun. 10 AM - 6:30 PM); Self-guided tour of the Caillebotte Park vegetable garden (Sat. 10 AM - 12 PM and 2:30 PM - 6:30 PM · Sun. 10 AM - 12 PM and 2:30 PM - 6:30 PM).
  • Saint-Vrain — Saint-Vrain Wastewater Treatment Plant: Guided tour of the Saint-Vrain wastewater treatment plant (Sat. 9 AM - 4 PM).
  • Itteville — Drinking Water Plant: Guided tour of the Itteville drinking water plant (Sat. 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM).
  • Vert-le-Grand — Vert-le-Grand Wastewater Treatment Plant: Guided tour of the Vert-le-Grand wastewater treatment plant (Sat. 9 AM - 4 PM).
  • Vert-le-Grand — Inn Gardens: From spectators to dancers: The choreographic adventure of the Val d'Essonne Community of Communes (Sun. 2 PM - 6:30 PM).

Saclay Plateau, Orsay, and the Yvette Valley

  • Orsay — Orsay Church: Organ presentation and recital at the Orsay Church (Sun. 5 PM - 6:30 PM).
  • Orsay — ISMO Laboratory - Building 520: Musical, commentated tour of 22 works by renowned contemporary artists at the ISMO laboratory, plus a Berrada, a prehistoric stump, and an Ubac (Sun. 4 PM - 5:30 PM).
  • Orsay — Sciences ACO Museum: Visit to a particle accelerator: the Orsay collision ring (Sat. 2 PM - 5 PM · Sun. 2 PM - 5 PM); Exhibition "Light and matter, quite a story!" (Sat. 2 PM - 5 PM · Sun. 2 PM - 5 PM).
  • Orsay — Orsay Faculty of Sciences - Plant Biology Greenhouses: Botanical garden of the Paris-Saclay University (Sat. 2 PM - 3:30 PM).
  • Orsay — Institute of Physical Chemistry: Escape Game "Mission Fébétron" (Sat. 12:45 PM, 2:20 PM, 4 PM and 5:30 PM · Sun. 1 PM, 2:45 PM and 4:30 PM).
  • Orsay — René Nozeran Orchard: Self-guided tour of the René Nozeran Orchard (Sat. 2 PM - 6 PM · Sun. 2 PM - 6 PM).
  • Palaiseau — École polytechnique: Visit to the École polytechnique (Sat. 2 PM - 6 PM · Sun. 2 PM - 6 PM).
  • Palaiseau — Meeting point Lozère-École polytechnique RER Station: Free commentated walk in the former hamlet of Lozère in Palaiseau (Sat. 3 PM - 4:30 PM).
  • Palaiseau — Center for Nanosciences and Nanotechnologies: Seminar "Combining chemical imaging methods to study works of art" (Fri. 10 AM - 11:30 AM).
  • Palaiseau — Saint-Martin Church: Visit to the Saint Martin Church of Palaiseau, a historical monument from the 11th, 12th, and 13th centuries (Sat. 11 AM · Sun. 3 PM and 4 PM).
  • Palaiseau — Hurepoix Museum: Discovery of life between 1850 and 1950 (Sat. 10 AM - 6 PM · Sun. 10 AM - 6 PM).
  • Gif-sur-Yvette — Château de l'Hermitage: Visit to the Château de l'Hermitage (Sun. 3 PM, 4 PM and 5 PM).
  • Gif-sur-Yvette — Château du Val Fleury: Exhibition "From shadow to light. Abandoned heritage revisited" (Sat. 2 PM - 6 PM · Sun. 2 PM - 6:30 PM).
  • Gif-sur-Yvette — Teilhard de Chardin Center: Workshop "Photography and artificial intelligence: the new revolution" (Sun. 3:15 PM and 4:15 PM); Workshop "Image in the service of faith" (Sun. 3:15 PM and 4:15 PM); Searching for details (Sun. 3 PM - 5 PM); Workshop "The memory of a territory" (Sun. 3:15 PM and 4:15 PM); Concert by the Ensemble Musica Spirituale (Sun. 5 PM).
  • Gif-sur-Yvette — Saint-Remi Saint-Jean-Baptiste Church: Visit to the Saint-Remi Saint-Jean-Baptiste Church (Sat. 2 PM - 6 PM · Sun. 2 PM - 6 PM).
  • Gif-sur-Yvette — The Great Linden Tree: Visits to the Great Linden Tree (Sat. 2 PM - 6 PM · Sun. 2 PM - 6 PM).
  • Gif-sur-Yvette — ENS Paris-Saclay: Commentated tour of the artworks at ENS Paris-Saclay (Fri. 6 PM); Moon - Cabinet of lunar curiosities (Sat. 4:30 PM - 6 PM).
  • Gif-sur-Yvette — Château de Belleville: Storytelling walk "Stories of other times around the Château de Belleville" (Sat. 3 PM - 4:30 PM · Sun. 10:30 AM - 12 PM); Show "Fratello", Cie Bêstîa (Sun. 4 PM); Retrospective exhibition "Intimités urbaines" by Valérie Le Meur (Sat. 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM and 2:30 PM - 7 PM · Sun. 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM and 2:30 PM - 7 PM).
  • Gif-sur-Yvette — Point F: Exterior visit of Point F (Sat. 4 PM).
  • Gif-sur-Yvette — Paris-Saclay University - Lumen: Guided tours of the Lumen (Sat. 2 PM and 3:30 PM).
  • Gif-sur-Yvette — Benoît Frachon Center: Benoît Frachon Center (Sat. 10 AM - 11:30 AM and 2 PM - 3:30 PM · Sun. 10 AM - 11:30 AM and 2 PM - 3:30 PM); Visit to the Benoît Frachon Center (Sat. 11 AM - 12:30 PM and 2 PM - 3:30 PM · Sun. 11 AM - 12:30 PM and 2 PM - 3:30 PM).
  • Saclay — Ornithological Observatory: Visit to the ornithological observatory (Sat. 9 AM - 10:30 AM and 10:30 AM - 12 PM).
  • Saclay — Saint-Germain Church: Self-guided tour of the Saint Germain Church of Saclay (Sat. 2 PM - 5 PM · Sun. 10:30 AM - 12 PM and 2 PM - 5 PM).
  • Saint-Aubin — NeuroPSI - CEA Paris Saclay: Commentated and musical tour of 15 monumental works by renowned contemporary sculptors, donated to the NeuroPSI Institute (Sun. 2:30 PM).
  • Bures-sur-Yvette — Mineralogy Museum: Visit to the mineralogy museum (Sat. 2 PM - 5 PM · Sun. 2 PM - 5 PM).
  • Bures-sur-Yvette — Grande Maison Park: "Cinq Minutes avec Toi" - Compagnie Des Fourmis dans la Lanterne (Sun. 3 PM).
  • Gometz-le-Châtel — Saint-Clair Church: Commentated tour of the Saint-Clair Church of Gometz-le-Châtel (Sun. 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM); Self-guided tour of the Saint-Clair Church of Gometz-le-Châtel (Sat. 10 AM - 6 PM · Sun. 1 PM - 6 PM).
  • Gometz-le-Châtel — Grands Prés Basin: "Sama Leï" by the Fausse Compagnie (Sun. 11 AM).
  • Gometz-le-Châtel — Barbara Cultural Space: Commentated tour of the village of Gometz-le-Châtel (Sat. 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM).
  • Villebon-sur-Yvette — Gerard Nevers Square: Discovery walk of the history and heritage of Villebon-sur-Yvette (Sun. 10 AM - 12 PM).
  • Massy — Station District: An exhibition on the old Massy Palaiseau station (Fri. 7 AM - 11 PM · Sat. 9 AM - 11 PM · Sun. 10 AM - 5 PM).
  • Massy — Commentated tours of the RER B line: Commentated RER B tours (Sat. 9 AM - 5 PM · Sun. 9 AM - 5 PM).
  • Massy — Villaine Kiosk - Hélène Oudoux Media Library: BOUNCE - Collectif Sons of Wind (SOW) (Sat. 8:30 PM - 10 PM).
  • Massy — Massy Opera: Welcome Aboard (Sat. 10 AM - 11:30 AM).
  • Massy — Safran Campus, Château de Vilgénis: Guided tour of the Safran Campus and the Château de Vilgénis (Sat. 9:30 AM and 11 AM).
  • Igny — Passeurs d'histoires Bookstore: "Destinée" - Compagnie À demain J'espère (Sun. 2 PM).
  • Saulx-les-Chartreux — SIAHVY Yvette Syndicate: "Sama Leï" by the Fausse Compagnie (Sat. 11 AM); "KONTACT" by the company Puéril Péril (Sat. 5:30 PM).
  • Bièvres — Victor Hugo Literary House: Treasure hunt "In the footsteps of Les Misérables" (Sat. 10:30 AM - 6:30 PM · Sun. 10:30 AM - 6:30 PM); Literary and musical entertainment in the park (Sat. 10:30 AM - 6:30 PM · Sun. 10:30 AM - 6:30 PM); Commentated exhibition tour and free walk in the park (Sat. 10:30 AM - 6:30 PM · Sun. 10:30 AM - 6:30 PM).

Dourdan, Hurepoix, and the Orge Valley

  • Dourdan — Dourdan Château Museum: Commentated tour of the château (Sat. 11 AM, 2 PM, 3 PM, 4 PM and 5 PM · Sun. 11 AM, 2 PM, 3 PM, 4 PM and 5 PM); Exhibition "The ArtCulture art foundry at the Dourdan Château Museum: bronze sculptures" (Sat. 10:30 AM - 6 PM · Sun. 10:30 AM - 6 PM); Launch of the 2027 Dourdan Theater Festival (Sat. 10 AM - 5 PM · Sun. 10 AM - 6 PM); Exhibition "(Re)discovering the art of Pieter Coecke van Aelst: Virgin with the Parrot" (Sat. 10:30 AM - 6 PM · Sun. 10:30 AM - 6 PM).
  • Dourdan — Dourdan Tourism: Tour "Along the water, heritage of the river" (Fri. 5 PM · Sat. 5 PM); Clean and heritage hike "On the path of the Kings" (Sun. 9 AM - 11:30 AM); Commentated tour of the Hôtel-Dieu chapel (Sat. 6:30 PM · Sun. 6:30 PM).
  • Forges-les-Bains — Impasse du Frêne Garden: Visit to a remarkable garden (Sun. 10 AM - 5 PM).
  • Forges-les-Bains — Forges-les-Bains Town Hall: Discovery of an art craft workshop (Sat. 2 PM - 6 PM · Sun. 2 PM - 6 PM); Exhibition of photographs from the "Capture your heritage" contest (Sat. 8 AM - 11 PM · Sun. 8 AM - 11 PM).
  • Forges-les-Bains — Château de Forges-les-Bains: Visit to the Château de Forges-Les-Bains (Sun. 9 AM - 12:30 PM).
  • Forges-les-Bains — Villa Rochette: Visit to the Villa Rochette (Sat. 9 AM - 11:30 AM · Sun. 9 AM - 11:30 AM).
  • Forges-les-Bains — Cultural Getaway: Exhibition by the Forges Les Arts association (Sat. 10 AM - 5 PM · Sun. 10 AM - 5 PM).
  • Forges-les-Bains — Forges-les-Bains Golf Course: Exhibition "Inhabited Heritage" at the Forges-Les-Bains golf course (Sat. 8 AM - 6 PM · Sun. 8 AM - 6 PM).
  • Forges-les-Bains — Notre-Dame de l'Assomption Church: Clarinet and Brass ensemble concert (Sat. 8:30 PM - 10 PM); Exhibition of the 17th-century painting: Saint Sebastian, Saint Martin, and Saint Roch (Sat. 10 AM - 7 PM · Sun. 1 PM - 7 PM); Historical and architectural discovery of the restored building (Sat. 10 AM - 7 PM · Sun. 1 PM - 7 PM).
  • Marcoussis — Château de Montagu: Open house at the Château de Montagu (Sat. 10 AM - 5 PM · Sun. 10 AM - 5 PM).
  • Marcoussis — Déluge Quarry: Visit to the Déluge quarry (Sat. 9 AM, 10:30 AM, 1:30 PM and 3 PM).
  • Saint-Jean-de-Beauregard — Château de Saint-Jean de Beauregard: Molière visits the château: shows and participatory workshops (Fri. 2:45 PM and 4:15 PM · Sun. 11 AM, 2:30 PM and 4 PM); Guided tour of the flower vegetable garden (Sat. 3 PM and 4:30 PM · Sun. 3 PM and 4:30 PM); Guided tours of the château (Sat. 2:30 PM, 3:15 PM, 4:15 PM and 5:15 PM · Sun. 11 AM, 12 PM and 2 PM - 6 PM); Giant wooden games (Sat. 2 PM - 6 PM · Sun. 10 AM - 6 PM).
  • La Ville-du-Bois — Place du Général de Gaulle: Guided tour of the town center of La Ville du Bois (Sat. 10 AM and 3 PM).
  • Longpont-sur-Orge — Notre-Dame-de-Bonne-Garde Basilica: The first organ class of the Paris Conservatory, François Benoist (1794-1878) and his students - Michel Poillot, on the organ. (Sat. 8:30 PM); Visit and walk along the route of the captured springs of Longpont (Sun. 10:30 AM - 12 PM); Longpont: a Cluniac site, a Basilica (Sun. 2:30 PM - 5:30 PM).
  • Fontenay-lès-Briis — Bligny Theater - Bligny Theater Company: The people of Bligny (Sat. 9 AM - 7 PM · Sun. 9 AM - 7 PM); "Superbe Urbain! Urbain Guinard: The doctor who wanted to be an artist..." (Sat. 9 AM - 7 PM · Sun. 9 AM - 7 PM); The historic Bligny piano approaches its centenary! (Sat. 9 AM - 7 PM · Sun. 9 AM - 7 PM).
  • Ballainvilliers — Château de Ballainvilliers Park: "Cinq Minutes avec Toi" - Compagnie Des Fourmis dans la Lanterne (Sat. 5 PM).
  • Sainte-Geneviève-des-Bois — La piscine d'en face: "La piscine d'en face" differently: Danced tour (Sat. 3 PM - 4:30 PM); Musical flea market (Sat. 9 AM - 5 PM).
  • Sainte-Geneviève-des-Bois — Place Stalingrad: Inauguration of a historical monument plaque (Sat. 6 PM).
  • Sainte-Geneviève-des-Bois — Parc Pablo Neruda: Exhibition "Deus ex urbana – Pierre Châtel-Innocenti" (Fri. 8 AM - 8 PM · Sat. 8 AM - 8 PM · Sun. 8 AM - 8 PM).
  • Sainte-Geneviève-des-Bois — Salle Gérard Philipe: Heritage at play (Sat. 2 PM - 3:30 PM · Sun. 10:30 AM - 12 PM); The Gérard Philipe hall opens its doors (Sat. 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM · Sun. 2 PM - 4 PM).
  • Sainte-Geneviève-des-Bois — Russian Cemetery: Guided tour of the Russian cemetery (Sat. 10 AM - 12 PM and 3 PM - 5 PM · Sun. 10 AM - 12 PM and 3 PM - 5 PM); Guided tour of the Orthodox Church of Our Lady of the Dormition and its crypt (Sat. 10 AM - 5 PM · Sun. 1 PM - 5 PM).
  • Sainte-Geneviève-des-Bois — The Dungeon: Guided tour of the Dungeon (Fri. 10 AM - 11:30 AM, 2 PM - 3:30 PM and 4 PM - 5:30 PM · Sat. 10 AM - 11:30 AM, 2 PM - 3:30 PM and 4 PM - 5:30 PM · Sun. 10 AM - 11:30 AM, 2 PM - 3:30 PM and 4 PM - 5:30 PM).
  • Saint-Michel-sur-Orge — Baschet House and Studio: Baschet Sound Structures, a living heritage in a magical place (Sun. 2:30 PM - 5:30 PM).
  • Saint-Michel-sur-Orge — Espace Marcel Carné: Family theater visit (Sun. 10 AM); Charlie Chaplin's "The Kid" at the cinema (Sun. 11 AM); Visit to the theater and cinema (Sun. 2 PM - 4 PM); Cult film "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" (Sun. 4 PM - 6:30 PM).
  • Épinay-sur-Orge — Franco-British Foundation of Sillery: Visit to the Sillery estate (Sat. 10 AM, 11:30 AM and 2 PM).
  • Épinay-sur-Orge — Perray-Vaucluse: Guided tour of Perray Vaucluse (Sat. 2 PM - 5 PM · Sun. 2 PM - 5 PM).
  • Savigny-sur-Orge — "Children in Justice" Historical Exhibition Center: Visit to the permanent collection: 2 centuries of history of children's justice (Sat. 2 PM - 6 PM · Sun. 2 PM - 6 PM).

Athis-Mons, Juvisy, and the North of the Department

  • Athis-Mons — Suburban and Architecture House: Guided tour of the exhibition "Matières à bâtir" (Fri. 9:30 AM, 2 PM and 3 PM); Guided tour of the exhibition "Matières à bâtir" (Sun. 4 PM); Self-guided tour of the exhibition "Matières à bâtir" (Sat. 2 PM - 6 PM · Sun. 2 PM - 6 PM).
  • Athis-Mons — Athis-Mons Amphitheater (Avaucourt Park): Materials to explore - Playful walk and visit (Sun. 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM).
  • Juvisy-sur-Orge — Camille Flammarion Observatory: Visit to the Flammarion Observatory in Juvisy (Sat. 10 AM - 1 PM and 2 PM - 6 PM · Sun. 10 AM - 1 PM and 2 PM - 6 PM).
  • Juvisy-sur-Orge — Notre-Dame-de-France Church: Guided tour of the Notre Dame de France church in Juvisy (Sat. 2 PM - 5 PM · Sun. 2 PM - 5 PM).
  • Morangis — Kubli Confectionery: Discovery of the Kubli confectionery (Sat. 8:30 AM - 12 PM).
  • Morangis — Espace Saint-Michel: The school of yesteryear: immersive exhibition (Sun. 2 PM - 6 PM).
  • Morangis — Saint-Michel Church: Visit to Saint-Michel Church (Sat. 2 PM - 6 PM · Sun. 2 PM - 6 PM).
  • Paray-Vieille-Poste — Paris-Orly Airport: Theatrical tour of Orly airport (Sat. 11 AM and 2 PM · Sun. 11 AM and 2 PM); Treasure hunt starting from the Paris-Orly Environment and Territories House (Sat. 9 AM - 5 PM · Sun. 9 AM - 5 PM).

Opening hours and booking procedures may change until the weekend. The official program, site by site, with access conditions and registration links, is published at journeesdupatrimoine.culture.gouv.fr/programme.

Prices JEP Essonne 2026

Free admission for 227 of the 251 events listed in Essonne.
Twenty-four events have special rates: château and park of Courances, Maison Jean Cocteau in Milly-la-Forêt, Château de Villeconin, Maison Caillebotte in Yerres, Juine Valley rail-bike, National Plant Conservatory, Cha'Pousse festival at Ferme Sapousse (Pussay), organ concert at the Longpont-sur-Orge basilica, screenings at Espace Marcel-Carné and Cinéma Arcel, canoe trip in Vayres-sur-Essonne (€3 for about 45 min).
Seventy-five events require prior booking, most often because places are limited.
Registration and access conditions site by site at journeesdupatrimoine.culture.gouv.fr/programme.
Practical information

Practical information — JEP Essonne

Practical Information

When

The third weekend of September, Saturday and Sunday, throughout Essonne. Some locations open on Friday for school groups as part of the "Levez les yeux !" (Look Up!) initiative.

Access

Sites are spread across the entire department, from Athis-Mons in the north to Pussay in the south. Major hubs include Étampes, Corbeil-Essonnes, Gif-sur-Yvette, Milly-la-Forêt, Forges-les-Bains, Orsay, Palaiseau, Massy, and Sainte-Geneviève-des-Bois. Many events are accessible from RER B or RER C train stations.

Prices and reservations

Admission is free at the vast majority of participating venues. A few sites offer special rates, and some guided tours, workshops, and trails require prior registration due to limited capacity. Conditions are specified for each event on the official portal.

Program and contacts

National and Essonne program, site by site: journeesdupatrimoine.culture.gouv.fr. Departmental tourism agenda: essonnetourisme.com. Essonne Departmental Council: essonne.fr.

European Heritage Days in Essonne

Every third weekend in September, the European Heritage Days open up sites in Essonne that are usually closed to the public. The department showcases historic castles and gardens, as well as a unique collection of scientific sites inherited from the Saclay plateau and the Yvette valley.

Castles, gardens, and religious buildings

Among the estates welcoming visitors are the Domaine Départemental de Méréville with its picturesque 18th-century garden, the Château and Park of Courances, the Château de Saint-Jean de Beauregard and its flower-filled kitchen garden, the Château de Villeconin, the Château du Mesnil Voysin in Bouray-sur-Juine, the Château de Montagu in Marcoussis, the Dourdan Castle Museum housed in the fortress built by Philip Augustus around 1222, and the Domaine Départemental de Chamarande. Religious sites include the Notre-Dame Collegiate Church and the churches of Saint-Gilles, Saint-Basile, and Saint-Martin in Étampes, the Saint-Spire Cathedral in Corbeil-Essonnes, the Notre-Dame-de-Bonne-Garde Basilica in Longpont-sur-Orge, the Resurrection Cathedral in Évry-Courcouronnes, and the Russian Cemetery in Sainte-Geneviève-des-Bois with the Church of the Dormition, the largest necropolis of the Russian emigration in the world.

The scientific heritage of the Saclay plateau

This is a unique feature of Essonne. The Sciences ACO museum in Orsay preserves the Orsay collision ring, the first of its kind built in Europe. The École Polytechnique opens its Palaiseau campus, while the Center for Nanosciences and Nanotechnology, the ISMO laboratory, the CEA Paris-Saclay NeuroPSI institute, ENS Paris-Saclay, and the Lumen building of Paris-Saclay University also welcome the public. The Camille Flammarion Observatory in Juvisy-sur-Orge, where the astronomer once lived, offers demonstrations of its large telescope under the dome.

Factories, stations, and workplaces

The department also opens its infrastructure: the Saint-Vrain and Vert-le-Grand wastewater treatment plants, the Itteville drinking water plant, the Ris-Orangis rainwater regulation basin, the Kubli confectionery in Morangis, the Soisy-sur-École art glassworks, the Fontainebleau sandstone quarry in Moigny-sur-École, Paris-Orly Airport, the Grands Moulins in Corbeil, and the Safran campus at the Château de Vilgénis.

A program led by the Ministry of Culture

Every summer, venues register on the national portal, which publishes the detailed site-by-site program starting in mid-August. Each edition is centered around one or more national themes, which guide the tours, workshops, and exhibitions on offer.

Where does it take place — JEP Essonne

Sites patrimoniaux dans tout le département de l'Essonne
Hôtel du Département, 91000 Évry-Courcouronnes

JEP Essonne in brief

Electronic Birdwatching Mountain Essonne

History of JEP Essonne

Edition 2025 Sep 2025

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