Life in Paris: Journees du Patrimoine (Heritage Days)
// September 21st, 2009 // Comments // General
I just added yet another thing to my list of “Wonderful Things About Paris”: Journees du Patrimoine. So what is it? For those who don’t know, Journees du Patrimoine (or “Heritage Days”) is a weekend of cultural events within Paris and throughout France. Taking place on the third weekend of September each year, Journees du Patrimoine is time when locals and tourists alike are granted free entrance to 250 events, museums, churches, monuments, and more. With few exceptions, just about every popular and well-known place in Paris is open and free. Additionally, there are a number of locations that are usually closed to the public that open on Journees du Patrimoine, such as the Palais de l’Élysée–the official residence of the President of the French Republic.
View of the Afternoon Sky from the Garden in the Petit Palais (Paris, France)
As one might expect, with lots of wonderful and free places to visit, the lines can get ridiculously long. I made an attempt to visit the Palais de l’Élysée, but after seeing the line (which was reputed to be 6 hours long), I decided to head elsewhere. I also tried to visit the Moulin Rouge, but when I arrived I only saw a sign reading “completo” (full/finished). I did manage to visit an exhibition of old Metro cars at Porte d’Auteuil, the Petit Palais, Les Invalides (home of Napoleon’s tomb), as well as Opéra National (home of the chandelier from Phantom of the Opéra). Each of these events/locations was great, but my favorite had to be the Opéra–definitely a worthwhile visit.
The concept of Journees du Patrimoine and its execution (other than the ridiculously long lines) is great. It appears as though the whole of Paris takes full advantage of the weekend’s events, so it’s just another great way that the city encourages locals and tourists to further appreciate Paris and all that it has to offer. Looking forward to next year’s events (and this time I’ll be prepared to arrive early).
