Journées du Patrimoine 2026: Western France Opens Doors to Hidden Treasures
The 2026 Journées du Patrimoine in western France offers a glimpse into various cultural landmarks. Visitors can explore the Cité internationale de la BD et de l'image in Angoulême, home to over 25,000 drawings, and the Atlantic Wall bunkers in Azeville, featuring photographs by David Daguier. Angers' Musée Jean-Lurçat marks its 40th anniversary with tapestries inspired by J.R.R. Tolkien. The Maison du Négociant in Cognac will also be open to the public, while Brest's Château reveals Roman walls and WWII tunnels. The Abbaye de Daoulas presents a Romanesque cloister alongside a witch-themed exhibition, and Fontevraud Abbey hosts a photography-versus-painting showcase. Additional attractions include Les Rhumbs in Granville, workshops in Honfleur, and exhibitions in Nantes, Amilly, Châteauroux, and Moulins.
Key facts
- Cité internationale de la BD et de l'image in Angoulême opens its reserves, holding over 25,000 original drawings, on Sept 19-20.
- David Daguier's 27 photographs on seven cubes at Batterie d'Azeville question the legacy of the Atlantic Wall.
- Musée Jean-Lurçat in Angers displays 'Aubusson tisse Tolkien' tapestries for its 40th anniversary.
- Maison du Négociant in Cognac, an 1838 mansion, opens for visits.
- Château de Brest, the oldest monument in Brest, features a new exhibition on underwater cartography.
- Abbaye de Daoulas presents 'Ma sorcière mal nommée' with loans from the Louvre and Musée du quai Branly.
- Abbaye royale de Fontevraud hosts a photography vs. painting exhibition.
- Musée Christian Dior in Granville offers free visits on Sept 19-20.
- Daniel Buren creates a dialogue with Impressionism at Musée des impressionnismes Giverny.
- Honfleur museums offer free activities including knitting, Satie cards, and a rock concert.
- Couvent des Capucins in Landerneau (FHEL) offers free chapel visits.
- Villa gallo-romaine du Quiou features a dance performance among its 500m² of baths.
- Château des Ducs de Bretagne in Nantes displays rare 1840 daguerreotypes.
- Les Tanneries in Amilly, a former leather factory, hosts workshops.
- Atelier de restauration de tapisseries in Aubusson opens for one day.
- Château d'Azay-le-Rideau offers free visits on Sept 19-20.
- Archives départementales de l'Indre in Châteauroux offers a torchlight tour on Sept 18.
- Hôtel Cabu in Orléans presents 19th-century research on Joan of Arc.
- CNCS in Moulins shows stage costumes including Nureyev's, with demonstrations.
Entities
Artists
- David Daguier
- J.R.R. Tolkien
- Daniel Buren
- Christian Dior
- Anne de Bretagne
- François II
- Aliénor d'Aquitaine
- Richard Cœur de Lion
- François Ier
- Jeanne d'Arc
- Rudolf Nureyev
Institutions
- Cité internationale de la BD et de l'image
- Batterie d'Azeville
- Musée Jean-Lurçat
- Maison du Négociant
- Musée national de la Marine
- Abbaye de Daoulas
- Louvre
- Musée du quai Branly
- Abbaye royale de Fontevraud
- Musée Christian Dior
- Musée des impressionnismes Giverny
- Musée Eugène Boudin
- Fonds Hélène & Édouard Leclerc
- Couvent des Capucins
- Villa gallo-romaine du Quiou
- Château des Ducs de Bretagne
- Les Tanneries
- Atelier de restauration de tapisseries des Manufactures nationales
- Château d'Azay-le-Rideau
- Archives départementales de l'Indre
- Hôtel Cabu
- CNCS
Locations
- Angoulême
- France
- Azeville
- Angers
- Cognac
- Brest
- Daoulas
- Brittany
- Fontevraud
- Granville
- Giverny
- Honfleur
- Landerneau
- Le Quiou
- Nantes
- Amilly
- Aubusson
- Azay-le-Rideau
- Châteauroux
- Orléans
- Moulins