France celebrates its heritage every year on the third weekend in September during Les Journeés du Patrimoine. The doors of thousands of museums, monuments, government buildings and privately owned sites are opened to the public—for free. Many stay open late into the night. In addition, each city hosts its own concerts, performances, and exhibits.The weekend is a wonderful chance to explore both legendary and lesser-known places of interest. Among the Paris hotspots: the Paris Archives, the Court of Appeals, the Palais de l’Elysée (the French President’s residence), the Senate, and the National Assembly. Many locations offer special guided tours, including the Moulin Rouge, where you can peek backstage.
Journées du Patrimoine Sept 17 & 18, 2011
