living in france
Journées nationales de l’architecture: free events in France
Participants can attend thematic events, urban walking tours and practical workshops from October 15-18
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Les Journées nationales de l’architecture are back for their 11th year celebrating all things architecture and design, with a four-day programme of over 1,000 free events organised across France.
This year, the festival runs from October 15-18. The first two days of the event (October 15-16) are mainly dedicated to school groups and educational visits.
An interactive map is available on the dedicated government website, allowing users to find events in their local area.
The filters can help to narrow down the type of activities you might be interested in. You can also use the search bar.
The theme of this year’s event is Réhabiliter : bâtir l'avenir (Regenerate: building the future). In the world of architecture, regeneration refers to the transforming of existing buildings while respecting their architectural or heritage characteristics, to meet contemporary needs and uses.
”Through this theme, [we] aim to highlight regeneration as an architectural endeavour in its own right, at the heart of today’s environmental, social and urban challenges,” stated the Ministry of Culture.
We spotlight a selection of events ahead of the Journées nationales de l’architecture this week.
An urban walk through the Allées Provençales district in Aix
Aix-en-Provence (Bouches-du-Rhône)
October 15 from 14:15-16:30
Visitors can take part in a free walking tour of 21st-Century architectural achievements in Aix-en-Provence.
Notable sites are built around the Allées Provençales, including Vittorio Gregotti’s Grand Théâtre de Provence, Rudy Ricciotti’s Pavillon Noir, Kengo Kuma’s Darius Milhaud Conservatoire and Jean-Michel Battesti’s Departmental Archives.
Reservation is compulsory and participants should meet in front of the Apple store (Rotonde).
Contemporary architecture at the préfecture de la Drôme
Valence (Drôme)
October 16 from 17:30-19:00
The Prefecture building will open its doors for the Journées nationales de l’architecture, offering rare access to the departmental council’s meeting rooms, reception areas and garden.
The building was designed by Maurice Biny in the 1960s, and the extensions added by Pierre Traversier in 1988. It was recently awarded the Architecture Contemporaine Remarquable (Remarkable Contemporary Architecture) label.
The visit is free but you must book a spot by emailing artethistoire@valenceromansagglo.fr
Architectural drawing workshop at the Musée des arts décoratifs et du design
Bordeaux (Gironde)
October 17-18, from 15:00-17:00
Participants can try their hand at architectural drawing through this practical workshop with Clément Miglierina, architect and founder of studio elua®.
The free workshop lasts two hours and all materials are provided. You must book a place via the Musée des arts décoratifs et du design website.
