European Heritage Days

Every September, the European Heritage Days open the doors to some of the most iconic and little-known sites in the capital of the Dukes of Burgundy. The Dukes’ Palace, inner courtyards, little-known monuments and hidden treasures are revealed to the general public on this occasion – an invitation to travel back in time!

History is open to everyone

Every year, on the third weekend of September, Dijon reveals its finest secrets: inner courtyards, iconic monuments, hidden chapels and places usually closed to the public… The European Heritage Days transform the capital of the Dukes of Burgundy into a vast playground of discovery, to be enjoyed with family, friends or anyone keen to uncover four centuries of history.

A European event that originated in France

The adventure began in 1984, when the Ministry of Culture launched the first ‘Open Day at Historic Monuments’ on 23 September. The idea was simple yet ambitious: to make our heritage accessible to everyone, beyond the circles of specialists.

In Dijon, the European Heritage Days take on a special flavour. The city, the former residence of the Dukes of Burgundy, boasts an exceptional heritage: palaces, towers, mansions, churches and artistic masterpieces can often be discovered from a fresh perspective.

Must-see places

The programme highlights a number of must-see attractions, including:

The Philippe le Bon Tower: standing 46 metres tall, it offers a spectacular panoramic view of Dijon and the surrounding area.
The Well of Moses, at the Chartreuse de Champmol: a jewel of Burgundian religious art, at the heart of the former necropolis of the Dukes of Burgundy.destinationdijon
The Chapel of the Elect, tucked away in the Palace of the Dukes and Estates of Burgundy: an often-overlooked 18th-century gem that epitomises Dijon’s elegance.

Practical information

Event dates
📆 The third weekend in September each year

Opening times
🕔 Opening times vary by venue

Venues
📍Throughout the city
Details of monuments, venues and the programme can be found at journeesdupatrimoine.culture.gouv.fr

Free admission

Find out more

Going further

Fancy exploring a bit more? Check out our other suggestions for things to do, must-see attractions and top spots to experience Dijon in a different way.