Open doors for heritage days

FORTRESSES, mines, lighthouses, palaces, churches, town halls and even TV studios will throw open their doors to the public this weekend for the Journées du Patrimoine.

This year marks 100 years since the first law was passed to protect historic monuments in France and the 30th anniversary of the Journées du Patrimoine, which have now expanded to take place across Europe.

Many sites will be open to the public for free and the weekend also offers opportunities to visit buildings that remain shut for the rest of the year.

There are also special events being held across the country.

To search for events near you, use the event’s website www.journeesdupatrimoine.culture.fr

France has 44,233 places on its list of registered monuments and it is expected that around 16,000 will be open this weekend.

Photo:flickr/PierreG_09