Paris Heritage Days 2026: Discover the Historic Treasures Around Maison Chomel

On September 19 and 20, 2026, Paris celebrates its heritage during the European Heritage Days. For this 43rd edition, the French capital opens the doors of numerous monuments, institutions and historic sites, offering visitors the opportunity to discover places that are rarely accessible to the public.

For guests staying at Maison Chomel, in the heart of Paris's 7th arrondissement, this is the perfect opportunity to discover another side of the city: its historic mansions, museums, institutions, gardens and iconic monuments.

Located in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés area, the hotel is ideally situated for exploring several remarkable heritage sites on foot.

The 7th arrondissement: a true open-air history book

From Saint-Germain-des-Prés to Les Invalides, and from the banks of the Seine to Rue de Varenne, the 7th arrondissement is home to some of Paris's most fascinating historical landmarks.

During the European Heritage Days, many institutions offer special tours, behind-the-scenes visits and exceptional openings, allowing visitors to experience these places from a completely different perspective.

Here are some ideas for discovering the heritage around Maison Chomel.

Musée Rodin: Art in the setting of a historic mansion

Just a short walk from Maison Chomel, the Musée Rodin is housed in the magnificent Hôtel Biron, an elegant 18th-century mansion surrounded by beautiful gardens.

The museum brings together many of Auguste Rodin's most celebrated works in an exceptional setting where art, architecture and nature come together.

The gardens themselves are worth the visit, offering a peaceful escape in the heart of Paris.

For art and architecture lovers, the Musée Rodin is an ideal stop during a Heritage Days walk through the 7th arrondissement.

Les Invalides: one of Paris's most iconic monuments

No exploration of the heritage of the 7th arrondissement would be complete without a visit to Les Invalides.

With its magnificent classical architecture and famous golden dome, the Hôtel des Invalides is one of the most recognizable monuments in Paris. The complex is closely linked to French military history and is home to the Musée de l'Armée.

The European Heritage Days provide a wonderful opportunity to discover historic institutions from a new perspective, through special activities and visits.

The walk from Maison Chomel to Les Invalides is also a beautiful way to experience the elegant architecture of the Left Bank.

The Quai d'Orsay: Behind the scenes of French diplomacy

One of the particularly interesting places to discover during the 2026 edition is the Quai d'Orsay, the historic headquarters of the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, located at 37 Quai d'Orsay.

The ministry will open its doors on Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20, offering visitors the opportunity to discover its historic rooms, diplomatic archives, exhibitions and ceremonial spaces.

Visitors will also be able to learn more about the work of French diplomats and discover some of the remarkable interiors of this historic building.

The Quai d'Orsay has played an important role in French and European history. Among its most famous spaces is the Clock Room, where Robert Schuman presented his 1950 declaration, considered one of the founding moments of European construction.

Please note: admission is free but reservations are required. The booking platform opens on September 7, 2026 at 2 pm.

The Champ-de-Mars and the Monument to the Declaration of the Rights of Man

For those wishing to continue their walk towards the Eiffel Tower and the Seine, the Champ-de-Mars offers another fascinating heritage discovery.

On Sunday, September 20, visitors can take part in a guided tour dedicated to the Monument to the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen, created by sculptor Ivan Theimer.

Standing seven metres high, the monument was commissioned by the City of Paris for the bicentenary of the French Revolution in 1989. Its design was inspired in part by ancient Egyptian temple architecture.

It is an intriguing monument that is often overlooked by visitors heading straight towards the Eiffel Tower — making the Heritage Days a perfect opportunity to discover it.

The Louvre: Discover the museum from another perspective

A little further from Maison Chomel, but easily reached on foot, the Louvre Museum is also taking part in the European Heritage Days on September 19 and 20.

For the occasion, the museum offers special tours and opportunities to discover spaces that are usually inaccessible to visitors, including art workshops, conservation areas, historic rooms and parts of the palace's architecture.

Some activities are free of charge but require advance booking, with reservations opening on September 8, 2026.

The Heritage Days are therefore a wonderful opportunity to discover the Louvre not only through its masterpieces, but also through its architecture, history and the people who work behind the scenes to preserve its collections.

A perfect heritage walk from Maison Chomel

One of the greatest pleasures of the European Heritage Days in Paris is the possibility of discovering several historic sites simply by walking from one to another.

From Maison Chomel, guests can follow a beautiful route through the 7th arrondissement:

Maison Chomel → Rue de Varenne → Musée Rodin → Les Invalides → Quai d'Orsay → Seine → Champ-de-Mars

This itinerary takes visitors through several centuries of Parisian history while allowing them to enjoy the elegant atmosphere of the Left Bank.

From the banks of the Seine, the walk can easily continue towards the Tuileries Gardens, the Louvre and the historic heart of Paris.

Our tips for enjoying the European Heritage Days

The European Heritage Days are one of the highlights of Paris's cultural calendar. While many events are free, some of the most popular tours require advance reservations and places can be limited.

Our recommendations:

• Check the programme in advance and select the places you would like to visit.
• Book as soon as reservations open for the sites requiring tickets.
• Wear comfortable shoes — Paris is best discovered on foot.
• Group several nearby sites together to make the most of your day.
• Ask the Maison Chomel team for advice. We will be happy to help you plan your itinerary and recommend interesting places to visit nearby.

Discover Paris from a different perspective

The European Heritage Days are the perfect opportunity to step away from the traditional tourist itinerary and discover the hidden side of the French capital.

From the peaceful gardens of the Musée Rodin to the golden dome of Les Invalides, from the historic rooms of the Quai d'Orsay to the banks of the Seine, every street and monument tells a story.

On September 19 and 20, 2026, make the most of your stay at Maison Chomel and experience Paris through its history, architecture, art and heritage.

A weekend dedicated to discovering the Paris that lies just beyond the usual landmarks — and one that can begin right outside the doors of Maison Chomel.