Heritage day

Since 1984, the European Heritage Days have taken place every year between August and November. As the name already suggests, it is an event that aims to highlight our European heritage, especially those buildings and places that are often only exceptionally open to the public. In addition, each year there is a theme highlighting a certain aspect of heritage and this year it will be: Sustainable Heritage!

This event was first launched on September 23, 1984, by the French Minister of Culture, Jack Lang, under the name "Journée portes ouvertes dans les monuments historiques" (Open House Day in Historic Monuments).

His slogan: "Bringing the breath of life back to heritage"

And with this he was so successful that already the following year, in 1985, Lang proposed during the second conference of the Council of Europe to extend this project to the whole of Europe. Following this, many countries joined the initiative by organising similar events. Even non-European countries joined and in 2010 the number of participating countries rose to 50! In France, the day is always well received: in 2016, 12 million visitors came to one of the 26,000 events offered by the 17,000 open monuments.

​​​​​​​The particularity of these days is that not only are you allowed to visit places normally closed to the public, but also those that are always open offer special activities such as guided tours, exhibitions or concerts. In short, it’s a programme that differs from the usual. And the best part: the entrance will for the most part be free! In addition, so that everyone can join in, each year a family-friendly programme is designed to encourage first of all the participation of children and pupils.

These principles are common in all the countries participating in the European Heritage Days!

And in 2023? This year, the 40th edition of the European Heritage Days will take place on Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 September 2023. This year's European Heritage Days will focus on "Sustainable Heritage", as the enhancement of our past and the preparation of a responsible future are two perfectly compatible and closely linked issues. From now on, the actors of the heritage act for a more sustainable future, by questioning the practices, by rediscovering traditions and ancestral know-how with the use of natural materials (stone, wood, earth...) and by privileging the re-use of materials. This weekend, discover the many sustainable initiatives throughout France.

To find out what is going to happen in Montpellier and its agglomeration, you can consult the official website of the Day here: https://www.montpellier3m.fr/jep

Anyway, I'm going to take full advantage of this extra program! Long live heritage!