I share many events on the blog, but if there is one I particularly love, it is the European Heritage Days, organized by the Ministry of Culture and Communication.
This year, these Days which will take place this weekend, Saturday, September 14 and Sunday, September 15, 2013, will commemorate both a century of protecting historic monuments and the 30th edition of the event.
This great heritage celebration contributes, every year, to raising public awareness of heritage issues, in accordance with the original principle which aimed to make people better understand the buildings they live among.
This popular event, which is now a must-see, allows visitors to discover a large number of monuments and heritage sites that line the French regions, in mainland France and overseas, thanks to the commitment of thousands of owners, both public and private, who open their doors to everyone every year.
On the occasion of this 30th edition, numerous activities in tribute to this century of passion for heritage will be organized to allow everyone to measure the extraordinary vitality of our heritage.
For once, thanks to the weekend Navigo pass zoning removal, I am exceptionally offering you a selection of interesting and free visits in the Ile-de-France region.
Melle Bon Plan’s little selection in Ile-de-France:
- Visit to the vineyards and Bécon cellars in Courbevoie with a presentation on the history of the vines, discovery of grape varieties, and a visit to the old castle cellars, all followed by a tasting. Parc de Bécon 142, boulevard Saint-Denis -92400 Courbevoie / times: guided tours depart from the foot of the orangery / Sun 10am, 11am, 2pm, 3pm and 4pm / free
- Visit to the former presbytery known as Maison de Massena. Times: Sat 10am-6pm / free by reservation by phone: 01 46 56 54 01
- The villa Max is opening its doors this year and offering an exhibition of postcards tracing Chelles at the end of the 19th century, the time the building was constructed, as well as the work sites of the Union Rempart de Seine et Marne, an association specialized in restoration projects. Place Gasnier-Guy Chelles -77500 Chelles / times: Sat-Sun 10am-12pm and 3pm-6pm / free / self-guided tour
- Visit to the Keep (Donjon), a square 12th-century Romanesque tower, former home of the Kings of France, located in the heart of the medieval city of Moret-sur-Loing. 15 rue de Donjon -77250 Moret-sur-Loing / self-guided tour of the Keep’s park / times: Sun 11am-6pm
- Visit to the museum and château of Dourdan, a 13th-century fortress built by Philippe-Auguste and completed in 1222 to protect the outskirts of Paris. Place du Général de Gaulle -91410 Dourdan / guided tours of the Dourdan château offered by heritage mediators / times: Sat 2:30pm and 4pm Sun 11am, 3pm and 5pm / free
- Couvent des Cordelières in Provins, a monastery for Franciscan nuns founded in the 13th century by Count Thibaud IV of Champagne. Guided tours by licensed guides include discovery of the cloister (13th – 16th centuries), the chapel which houses the medieval funeral monument of Count Thibaut V, and the chapter house (13th century). Route de Nanteuil -77160 Provins / times: Sun 2pm-6pm / free
- Nestlé France Headquarters – Former Menier Chocolate Factory, self-guided tour along a marked route of the former Menier Chocolate Factory. 7 boulevard Pierre-Carle -77186 Noisiel / times: Sun 9am-5pm / free
The Grand Voyeux Regional Nature Reserve is located in a loop of the Marne River. Stretching over 242 hectares, it is a privileged place for hosting birds. Visits to the reserve will allow you to discover the fauna and flora of this remarkable site, and an exhibition will conclude the visit to learn the history of this Marne loop. Commune of Congis-sur-Thérouanne -77440 Congis-sur-Thérouanne / times: Sat 3pm and 4pm / Sun 10am, 3pm and 4pm / free 2-hour visits by reservation by phone: 01 64 33 22 13
- A program rich in events and discoveries in Saint-Ouen with the organization of urban walks since mid-July to discover the unsuspected heritage wealth along the city streets.
The last walk will be organized on Tuesday, September 17 at 6pm, departing from the Lucie-Aubrac media library, inviting residents to discover the Debain district (information and registration at 01 71 86 62 68).
To festively present three years of work from “Quartiers en histoire(s)”, a concert by the Compagnie Les Interstitiels will be held on Sunday, September 15 at 5:30pm (Château de Saint-Ouen, Grand Parc, rue Albert Dhalenne).
Finally, a sound and visual installation will present dozens of oral testimonies and 800 family photographs entrusted to the Municipal Archives by these witness-residents on Sunday, September 22, from 2pm to 6pm, rue Diderot (Mairie de Saint-Ouen Metro station).
Melle Bon Plan’s little selection in Paris:
- The Jean-Jacques Henner Museum offers free visits to the “Sensuality and spirituality. In search of the absolute” exhibition.
You will also be able to discover the museum’s winter garden, exceptionally open for the occasion.
This space will be the subject of a vast renovation program that will begin in February 2014.
If you have never had the opportunity to visit the Lido, you can discover the behind-the-scenes of this legendary venue during these two days. Free self-guided tour from 10am to 5pm without reservation.
The full program of the 2013 European Heritage Days is available online on the website www.journeesdupatrimoine.culture.fr
