Heritage Day in the 16th arrondissement of Paris

Heritage Day is the perfect opportunity to discover unique places that are often inaccessible to the public. This year, the 16th arrondissement of Paris is offering exclusive tours that will take you to the heart of the history and culture of this prestigious district. The perfect opportunity to rediscover Paris in a whole new way, with its sumptuous architecture and hidden secrets.

The 16th arrondissement, known for its embassies, private villas and exceptional museums, is brimming with treasures waiting to be explored. During these two days, you’ll have the opportunity to visit some of these rare sites, which bear witness to the elegance and prestige of this western Paris neighborhood.

16th arrondissement must-sees

On this year’s Heritage Day, several emblematic sites in the 16th arrondissement will be opening their doors to the public. Here is a selection of sites not to be missed:

The Musée Marmottan Monet

Located a stone’s throw from the Bois de Boulogne, this museum houses the largest collection of works by Claude Monet. In addition to the permanent exhibitions, Heritage Day gives you the chance to explore rooms usually closed to the public, and admire works rarely exhibited.

Balzac House

This house, hidden away in the Passy district, is one of the secret gems of the 16th century. Honoré de Balzac, one of the most emblematic writers of French literature, lived here and wrote much of La Comédie Humaine. The house has retained its period atmosphere, and features exhibitions on Balzac’s work and 19th-century Parisian life. On Heritage Day, you can take part in free guided tours that plunge you into the daily life of this great writer.

The Palais de Tokyo

For lovers of contemporary art, the Palais de Tokyo is a must-see. You’ll enjoy free guided tours of current exhibitions, as well as a behind-the-scenes look at this emblematic venue for modern art. A must for those curious about avant-garde art.

La Maison de la Radio et de la Musique

Open on Heritage Day, Maison de la Radio invites you to go behind the scenes, from recording studios to huge concert halls. Guided tours are available to immerse you in the fascinating world of radio and music. Sunday from 10am.

Exclusive Embassy Tours

The 16th arrondissement is also home to several prestigious embassies. This Heritage Day, some of them are offering private tours of their richly decorated interiors. Among the embassies to discover, the Romanian and Polish Embassies open their doors to take you on a journey through history and international diplomacy.

Practical info

Heritage Day 2024 takes place over the weekend of September 21 and 22. Visits in the 16th arrondissement are mostly free, but some require prior registration. We therefore recommend that you check access details directly on the websites of participating sites, or via the official Heritage Day website.

Access to the 16th arrondissement:
The 16th arrondissement is easily accessible by public transport. Metro stations such as Trocadéro (lines 6 and 9), La Muette (line 9), and Porte d’Auteuil (line 10) provide quick access to the various venues open to the public.

For more ideas for outings and events in Paris, check out our recommendations in the Paris Select Book, where you’ll also find ideas for extending your exploration of the16th arrondissement.

Join us in the 16th district for this exceptional Heritage Day, where history and modernity come together for an unforgettable weekend!