Heritage Days: go exploring France

AROUND 16,000 national monuments, buildings and attractions are opening their doors for free next weekend (September 19-20) for the annual Journées du Patrimoine (Heritage Days).

The event aims to make architectural and environmental heritage sites accessible to the general public and this year’s theme is ‘Le patrimoine du XXIeme siècle, une histoire d’avenir’ (the heritage of the 21st century, a history of the future).

Here, The Connexion rounds up a selection of this year’s openings. We would love to see photos of visits you make, please send them to news[at]connexionfrance.com

The Louis Vuitton Foundation – Paris

The museum will be giving people the chance to have a go at creative workshops. They will also be holding a preview showing of the ‘Le Vaisseau de Verre’ (The Glass Vessel), all about the building which was designed by renowned Canadian-American architect Frank Gehry. The building, located in Paris’s 16th arrondissement, will be open on September 19-20 from 11:00 – 19:00. Tickets are available from the ticket office on the day but are limited so it is recommended to reserve online at www.fondationlouisvuitton.fr

Le Château de Clérans - Dordogne

For the 10th year in a row, visitors have the chance to explore the château for free. Highlights include a 30m-high defensive tower, the ramparts and the restored remains of a 13th century mural. The works of two Périgordian artists, Emmanuel Gatti and John Adams Griefen, will be exhibited during the two days. The castle, in Cause-de-Clérans, Dordogne, is normally a private residence. However, last year 1,000 visitors attended during the Heritage Days. It will be open on September 19 from 11:00 – 18:30 and on September 20 from 11:00 to 18:00. For more information, see www.seigneursdeclerans.com/fr/chateau-de-clerans.htm

The old prison of Guingamp - Brittany

The ancient prison in Guingamp, Côtes-d'Armor, is only open to the public during the Heritage days. It was built between 1836 and 1841 and is classed as a historical monument. Guided tours of the prison will take place on September 19 from 14:00–18:00 and September 20 from 10:00-12:00 and from 14:00–18:00.

Ecole Militaire – Paris

The Ecole Militaire in the heart of Paris is opening its doors for the weekend, 10.00–18:00. The school was created by Louis XV in 1751. During the weekend, there is the opportunity to attend a lecture by a Napoleon specialist, dressage demonstrations, and to visit the school’s chapel, library and classrooms. In the gardens, an open-air cinema is showing Un long dimanche de fiançailles (A Very Long Engagement), and a restaurant and bar is open. The cinema requires pre-booking; send your name and date and place of birth to comecolemilitaire[at]gmail.com

More unusual visits include:

Marseille soap factory - Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur

Traditional hard soap made with vegetable oils has been made in Marseille for over 600 years. This year, for the first time, the factory Le Fer à Cheval is opening for free. It is one of the last to carry on the traditional methods and you can discover the science of soap making for yourself. The soap factory will be open September 19-20 from 10:00–13:00 and 14:00–17:00. For more information visit http://www.savon-de-marseille-boutique.com

Water treatment station - Lorraine

For a scientific day out, the water treatment station in Freyming-Merlebach, Moselle, is offering the chance to visit the site. Free coach trips will allow you to follow the water’s progress from the pumping process, to the treatment factory to the purification station. The centre is running two trips a day on September 19-20. To sign up, contact 03 87 90 53 53 or otsi.hombourg-haut[at]wanadoo.fr. For more information visit http://www.tourisme-pays-de-freyming-merlebach.fr

Sisteron Bike Tour - Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur

For lovers of the outdoors, there is a chance to discover Sisteron, Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, by bike. The town is often referred to as ‘The Gateway to Provence’ due to it being sited between two long mountain ridges. The main sights of Sisteron include a 12th century cathedral and one of the largest former convents in South-East France. The themed bike tours (one of which is available at night) will take around 1h15. The tours are on September 19 at 10:30, 15:00 and 20:00 and September 20 at 15:00.

European heritage days now take place in over 50 countries, based on the original French model created by the French Minister of Culture in 1984.

For the full list of all the Journées du Patrimoine activities this year, visit http://www.journees-du-patrimoine.com