Small French villages embrace heritage through grassroots community participation
French villages organize diverse heritage programming, drawing hundreds of community members to local cultural events and site openings.
Event / Society
European Heritage Days France 2026
Annual European Heritage Days celebration in France featuring special openings and public access to historical sites including Rex Hotel in Tarbes, Château des Junies with press museum, and medieval underground passage in Saint-Sulpice-la-Pointe, offering guided tours and historical conferences.
4 reported locations
Daily activity
11 articles0 articles
2026-09-17 to 2026-11-03 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 17 Sept, 06:09 UTC
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What happened
Castela underground passage represents over 800 years of history
The underground passage beneath the Castela constitutes a testimony to over 800 years of history, with its construction dating back to the medieval period.
New press museum opens at Château des Junies
Jean-Denis Touzot, a former Parisian bookseller specializing in rare books, opened a new museum at Château des Junies dedicated to the history of the press. The museum contains several hundred newspapers, journals, and periodicals tracing the evolution of French, European, and Anglo-Saxon press from the 17th to early 19th centuries.
Rex Hotel building converted from cinema to hotel in 2006
The Rex Hotel building in Tarbes was originally a royal cinema that closed in 2006, after which it was transformed into a hotel. The conversion represented an economic and architectural undertaking.
Rex Hotel opens to public during European Heritage Days in Tarbes
The Rex Hotel in Tarbes opened its doors to the public on September 19-20 during the European Heritage Days. Guided visits were offered from 9am to 11am and 2pm to 4pm. Entrance was free and no reservation was required.
Castela underground medieval passage opens during European Heritage Days
The medieval underground passage beneath the Castela in Saint-Sulpice-la-Pointe opened to the public on September 19-20 during the European Heritage Days. Thirty-minute guided tours were offered every 30 minutes from 10am to 12pm and 1:30pm to 6pm, with the last departure at 5:30pm.
Medieval underground passage beneath Castela spans 142 meters
The underground passage beneath the Castela, carved into the medieval motte beneath the ruins of Sicard Alaman's castle, extends 142 meters and consists of galleries and chambers carved with iron picks during the Middle Ages. The passage shows regular walls and vaults, and contains various features related to habitation and defense.
Conference on de Jean family held at Château des Junies
Historian Patrice Foissac delivered a conference on Friday, September 18 at 5pm at Château des Junies concerning the de Jean family, including their rise within major merchant dynasties of Cahors, the different branches of the family, and their necropolis at the Dominican monastery in Cahors.
Jean-Denis Touzot establishes book and letter museum in Montcabrier
Jean-Denis Touzot, an antiquarian bookseller, founded the museum 'Le Livre et La Lettre' in Montcabrier in 2011, dedicated to books and writing.
Château des Junies opens to public for first time during European Heritage Days
The Château des Junies opened to the public for the first time on September 18-20 during the European Heritage Days. The castle and gardens were accessible from 10am to 12pm and 2pm to 7pm, with guided tours at 11am, 3pm, and 5pm.
Château des Junies constructed between 13th and 15th centuries
The Château des Junies was built between the 13th century and the end of the 15th century. It was officially registered as a Historic Monument in 1925. The castle's original owners were the de Jean family.
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Medieval passage beneath Castela opens to public in Saint-Sulpice-la-Pointe
Medieval 142-meter passage at Castela opens, spanning over 800 years of regional history.
Medieval Château des Junies debuts with press museum and heritage conference
Medieval Château des Junies opens publicly for first time with new press museum and historical conference.
Historic Rex Hotel opens doors during European Heritage Days in Tarbes
Rex Hotel opens to public during Heritage Days, showcasing its 2006 conversion from cinema to hotel.