Every year, Paris hosts the Heritage Days — the ‘Journées du Patrimoine, in French. This annual event is organized in order to let ordinary individuals gain access into some of the most elite buildings in the city, which are often off limits to the public.
The Journées du Patrimoine will take place on Saturday, September 14 and Sunday, September 15, 2013. This year marks the 100th anniversary of vote that established a system of protection and renovation for buildings that were considered to be important symbols of national heritage. The law was passed on December 31, 1913 and since then numerous sites have received the benefit of renovation and protection because of it. In fact, roughly 43,000 edifices and 260,000 other objects have been named national historical monuments under this law, thereby receiving the special advantages that such structures receive.
The Palais-Royal, the Palais du Luxembourg, the Palais de la Légion d’Honneur and many other highly esteemed public institutions will give the public the rare privilege of going behind their doors. Guests staying at the Hôtel Louvre Marsollier should take advantage of their central location by visiting several different sites during this heritage weekend. Most of the activities are free, so visitors can take in as much French culture as their hearts desire.
The full program for the Journées du Patrimoine will be published on the event’s website on August 20th. Some of the highlights include the French Senate, the Hôtel de Ville and the Archives of Paris. With 35 different “trails” that take participants through the streets of Paris to a variety of heritage sites, there is plenty to experience during the Heritage Days.