European Heritage Days and Heritage Days

Launched by the French Ministry of Culture as “Open House Days in Historic Monuments”, the first Heritage Days took place in 1984, on the third Sunday in September. Following the success of these days, the proposal was made to extend the initiative to the European level. In 1991, the Council of Europe officially instituted the “European Heritage Days”.

Once again this year, almost 17,000 monuments across France will be opening their doors and offering more than 25,000 events to mark the occasion. It’s an opportunity for the whole family todiscover the rich heritage that surrounds them. In the Rouen metropolitan area, over 60,000 people take advantage of the 130 sites that open their doors every year for this special occasion.

The national theme of this year’s Journées Européennes du Matrimoine et du Patrimoine is :

Architectural heritage.

Architecture is part of our daily lives, shaping our landscapes and telling our stories. This year’s theme highlights the artistic and technical creations that, over time, have become landmarks in our collective memory, whether local or European. Historical monuments will of course be at the heart of the event, but contemporary architecture will also be in the spotlight. Castles, half-timbered houses and modern buildings: there’s something for everyone! Join us on September 19, 20 and 21 in Rouen’s historic center or in the Seine Valley to discover the heritage of the Rouen metropolitan area. The program includes free tours of monuments such as the Gros-Horloge and the Palais de Justice, as well as unusual events in museums and surprising places.