Every September, Journées Européennes du Patrimoine opens the doors to hidden treasures across Paris. This year, I’ve gathered a guide for those who love fashion, fragrance, photography, and jewellery — from historic department stores to ateliers that shaped Parisian style. Discover where heritage meets elegance and step inside places that usually remain out of reach.
From 19 to 21 September 2025
Fashion.
In the footsteps of Yves Saint Laurent: guided Rive Gauche walk
* 20–21 September 2025, 14:30–16:00
During the European Heritage Days 2025, discover Yves Saint Laurent’s Left Bank through a guided walk from Place Vauban to Rue Bonaparte, passing iconic addresses tied to the couturier’s life and Paris’s architectural heritage.
© Photo Musée Yves Saint Laurent
Fashion. Architecture.
Musée de la Contrefaçon: secrets of the Hôtel Particulier
* 20 September 2025, 14:00–15:00, 16:00–17:00
For the European Heritage Days 2025, the Musée de la Contrefaçon invites visitors to uncover the secrets of the historic hôtel particulier at 16 rue de la Faisanderie. Discover its architectural details, learn about its former owners, and explore the surprising mythological inspiration behind its design.
Free tickets are available here.
© Photo Musée de la Contrefaçon
Fashion. Architecture.
The Secrets of Printemps Nation
* 19 September | 20 September 2025, 11:00–18:30
For the Journées Européennes du Patrimoine, Printemps Nation opens its doors for an exceptional behind-the-scenes visit. Discover hidden areas usually closed to the public, explore the store’s evolving architecture and transformations, and hear fascinating anecdotes about its role in Parisian life. Guided tours reveal a new perspective on this historic department store.
Reservation is open. Limited spots. Please note: the visit is not suitable for people with reduced mobility and is not recommended for young children.
© Photo Printemps
Fashion. Architecture.
Galeries Lafayette Haussmann: exclusive heritage tour of Art Déco & Ateliers La Maîtrise
* 20 September 2025, 09:00 and 09:30 | 21 September 2025, 10:00 and 10:30
As part of the European Heritage Days 2025 and celebrating the centenary of the 1925 International Decorative Arts Exhibition, Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann offers an intimate after-hours guided tour of its Art Déco heritage and the legendary La Maîtrise applied arts ateliers. The tour also highlights the department store’s historical archives in a behind-the-scenes experience.
Reservations open on 1 September. Maximum 15 people per visit; limited to 2 places per reservation.
© Photo Galeries Lafayette
Fashion.
Guided walk between La Galerie Dior and Palais Galliera
* 20 September 2025, 9:30–11:00 | 21 September 2025, 9:30–11:00
For the European Heritage Days 2025, La Galerie Dior and the Palais Galliera – Musée de la Mode de Paris join forces to offer an exceptional guided walk in one of the city’s most iconic fashion districts. Led by a lecturer, participants will explore two complementary approaches to preserving and presenting Parisian fashion heritage, discovering the histories, collections, and unique spaces of these two institutions.
Duration: 1 hour in French only.
Free entry, limited places. Register online.
© Palais Galliera, Paris Musées, photo: Pierre Antoine
Fragrance.
Guided discovery of the International Perfume Conservatory Osmothèque
* 20 September 2025, 11:00–21:00 | 21 September 2025, 11:00–16:00
For the European Heritage Days 2025, the International Perfume Conservatory opens its doors with a unique olfactory journey into the golden age of 1920s perfumery. Experience re-creations of legendary scents by Guerlain, Caron, Houbigant, Volnay, and more — brought back to life from their original formulas — and relive the creativity and audacity of the French Art Deco era.
Free subscription opens on 5 September.
© Photo Osmothèque
Beauty. Architecture.
Guided visit of the historic headquarters L’Oréal “Le Visionnaire”
* 20 September 2025, 10:00–17:00 | 21 September 2025, 10:00–16:00
For the European Heritage Days 2025, L’Oréal opens the doors of its historic headquarters at 14 rue Royale, renamed Le Visionnaire – Espace François Dalle after its 2023 renovation. Built in the 18th century by Ange-Jacques Gabriel and redesigned by Alain Moatti, this architectural landmark bridges heritage and innovation, offering a glimpse into 115 years of beauty history and the future of creation.
Reservations will open soon. Limited to 6 slots of 30 people per day on 20 September, and 7 slots on 21 September.
© Photo L’Oréal Groupe
Beauty.
Discover the Maison de Beauté Carita
* 21 September 2025, 10:00–18:00
For the European Heritage Days 2025, step inside the Maison de Beauté Carita, a Parisian icon where historic identity meets contemporary design. Visitors can enjoy a 30-minute guided tour of this unique space dedicated to beauty and heritage.
© Photo Carita Paris
Jewellery. Architecture.
L’École des Arts Joailliers
* 20 September | 21 September 2025, 10:00–18:30
For the first time in its history, L’École des Arts Joailliers, supported by Van Cleef & Arpels, opens the magnificent Hôtel de Mercy‑Argenteau to the public during the European Heritage Days 2025.
Guided tours run every 20 minutes, lasting about 1 h 10 — last departure at 17:20.
Children’s tours at 16:00 and 16:40 offer a playful look at jewellery-making and the Hôtel’s history.
Meet the author: Join Léonard Pouy, author of L’Hôtel de Mercy‑Argenteau: un écrin pour l’histoire, for a talk on the building’s heritage and its diplomatic roots.
Lecture: “Mercy‑Argenteau, in the Shadow of Marie‑Antoinette” explores the hotel’s ties to Versailles and court intrigue, including the famous Affair of the Diamond Necklace.
Free participation, but reservation is required. Will be soon available.
© L’École des Arts Joailliers, photo : Benjamin Chelly
Photography. Art.
Studio Frank Horvat: open visit and guided tour
* 20 September 2025, 13:00–18:00
As part of the European Heritage Days 2025, the Studio Frank Horvat opens its doors to the public. Frank Horvat (1928–2020), a renowned photojournalist, fashion photographer, and digital pioneer, left behind more than half a century of images and archives, still preserved in his studio. Visitors can either explore freely or join a special guided tour led by his daughter for an intimate look at the life and work of this visionary artist.
Guided Tour by the Photographer’s Daughter: 14:00–15:00 and 16:00–17:00
Free entry. No reservation required.
© Studio Frank Horvat
Architecture.
Fondation Le Corbusier: Maison La Roche
* 20 September 2025, 10:00–18:00
For the European Heritage Days 2025, discover Maison La Roche, a modernist masterpiece by Le Corbusier and Pierre Jeanneret, today listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Free guided tours reveal its purist architecture and history, while a special exhibition highlights the work of German artist Günther Förg (1952–2013), spanning photography, painting, and sculpture.
Free entry. No reservation required. Ages 7+
© Fondation Le Corbusier
Art. Vintage.
Hôtel Drouot
Discover the universe of auctions
* 20 – 21 September 2025, 10:30–12:00, 13:15–14:45, 15:15–16:45
For Journées Européennes du Patrimoine 2025, Hôtel Drouot invites you into the mesmerizing world of auctions across six guided sessions. Led by Alexandre Bakker, these free, reservation-only tours take you behind the scenes of this iconic Parisian auction house—exploring its history, the auction process, and an exceptional selection of art and collectibles, including the recently rediscovered Guido Reni masterpiece.
Insights from the auctioneer: Paris Mon Amour
* 20 September 2025, 15:00–15:45 | 21 September 2025, 16:45–17:30
This special “Auctioneer’s Word” session at Hôtel Drouot offers a charismatic peek behind the gavel. Engage with an expert auctioneer as they celebrate Paris through curated selections and captivating storytelling—an intimate event full of heart and heritage.
Backstage at the Auction House
* 20–21 September 2025, 10:00–11:00, 13:00–14:00, 17:30–18:30
Go beyond the veneer of glamour with this immersive behind-the-scenes tour of Hôtel Drouot. See the hydraulic lifts, loading areas, and logistical labyrinth that power one of the world’s busiest auction houses. A rare chance to witness the choreography behind the art market’s most storied institution.
Free entry. Limited places. Reservation will be open on 28th September.
© Drouot
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