Here we go again: this Saturday, September 16 and Sunday, September 17, the European Heritage Days take place, an event particularly appreciated by the French. If this 40th edition has the theme of “living heritage” and “sport heritage”, the curious will also be able to take advantage of it to discover places around businesses, activity or industry. Le Figaro offers you a list of places to visit, in Paris as in the rest of the country, linked to the economy.
In the 7th arrondissement, it is possible to visit the headquarters of the luxury group Kering. The old Laennec hospital is open free of charge and without registration on Saturday 16 – where a night is organized – and Sunday 17 September. The chapel built under Louis XIII is particularly remarkable, and for the occasion houses a unique choice of contemporary works of art. Finally, a unique tour retracing the history of the luxury group will be accessible.
In the 9th arrondissement, the Google France headquarters will be open. The American firm set up shop in 2011 at the Hôtel de Vatry. A 40-minute guided tour allows you to learn the history of this place, born in the 17th century.
In the 19th arrondissement, fashion lovers can discover 19M, the Chanel factory. This is the very first time that the haute couture brand has opened its doors to the public, with free entry throughout the weekend. On the border with Aubervilliers, the 19M offers visitors a journey combining architecture with the know-how of fashion heritage.
In the rest of the capital, many places of economic power are opening their doors this weekend. This is the case of the Ministry of Economy and Finance in Bercy in the 12th arrondissement, or of the Banque de France and the Palais Cambon, which houses the Court of Auditors, in the 1st arrondissement. It is also possible to visit Citéco, a museum dedicated to the economy and currency. Likewise, the Saint-Eustache church will offer opportunities to meet stonecutters, who show off their profession.
In Lyon, the Cité des Halles will welcome the public during the weekend. The industrial site experienced several lives before becoming the cultural center and artist residence that it has become. Initially an electrical cable manufacturing factory at the end of the 19th century, it was transformed into a research center in 1970 by Nexans. The latter has since closed in 2021.
In Romans sur Isère, the shoe city organizes a guided tour of its manufacturing workshops. Meet on Saturday September 16 at 10 a.m., upon registration at the Tourist Office.
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In Marseille, the Fer à Chevaux soap factory offers a visit on Saturday September 16, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. upon registration. Visitors will be able to discover the oldest soap factory in the city, with its 165 years of existence, participate in molding workshops with the artist Monochromic, make their own zero waste products for the home, and learn the methods of making soap. real Marseille soap.
In Peymeinade, the Mas de l’Olivine estate offers visitors the opportunity to discover the cultivation of flowers and plants in the region. Then, fans will be able to taste “flowery delicacies” prepared by the confectioner, with flowers grown on site.
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In Angers and Rennes, the campuses of the Agro Rennes-Angers institute open their doors this Saturday. In Angers, the building is the work of architect Yves Moignet. Visits take place upon registration. The school notably houses scientific collections (herbaria, entomology), which will be presented by the school’s teacher-researchers and students.
In Cherbourg, fans of Jacques Demy will be delighted to discover the Maison du Parapluie de Cherbourg. An opportunity to learn behind the scenes of the manufacturing of this emblematic product of the city.
In Lorient, visitors can discover the Keroman Port Slipway. Built in 1940, the site is today a naval repair area. Guided tours are organized on Saturday September 16 and Sunday September 17.
In Mulhouse, rail enthusiasts can discover the Cité du Train. Throughout the weekend, former railway workers, now volunteers at the SNCF heritage museum, will share their anecdotes about this area and their profession.
In Fessenheim, nuclear enthusiasts can discover the famous power station. The oldest in France, it is now closed and in the process of being dismantled. The visiting slots were opened by EDF, and they are now all full.
Elsewhere in these territories, several facilities will open their doors. This is the case with the old ice houses in Strasbourg, which manufactured ice blocks and ceased their activity more than thirty years ago.
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In Lille, EuraTechnologies opens its doors during the weekend, for 45-minute guided tours. Created in 2009, it is the oldest and largest European start-up incubator. More than 300 companies share the 150,000 square meters of offices. Please note, reservation required.
In Roubaix, the curious will be able to enter the Maison Demeure. This former 1,500 square meter factory, labeled a Living Heritage Company this year, transforms leather using innovative techniques. The exhibition will allow visitors to understand the different professions that exist around leather, and to admire the twenty machines on the production site. The workshop is open continuously on Friday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
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In Bordeaux, it is possible to discover the rehabilitation of the former Lesieur factory located in Bassins à Flot. Former production site for Maurel Sunflower oils, the building now houses housing for young people. Tours will take place every hour, only on Sunday, September 17, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free admission.
In Castres, go to the Maison du Sidobre, a solid ambassador of the granite of the same name. This museum space will allow you to learn more about this “mother” rock. Discover the working of granite, from yesterday to today, from its extraction to the processing workshops. On leaving, the public is led to take an interpretive trail on the birth of granite. Open from Friday September 15 to Sunday September 17 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. then from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., free entry and without reservation.