On Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 September 2026, Haute-Savoie widely opens the doors to its heritage on the occasion of the 43rd edition of the European Heritage Days (EHD). For two days, museums, historic villages, castles, exhibitions, churches, ruins, and remains can be discovered for free, in a department rich in a often little-known past.
Two themes in the spotlight
This 2026 edition highlights two themes: the “Heritage of Photography”, on the occasion of the Bicentenary of Photography, and “Heritage in danger: revive, resist, reimagine”, a theme chosen at the European level. These red threads inspire some of the visits, exhibitions, and activities offered throughout the territory.
New to note: Friday 18 September is specifically dedicated to schools, as part of the “Look Up!” operation, which invites students to observe and understand the architectural heritage of their daily environment.
A dense program throughout the department
Many municipalities in Haute-Savoie participate in the event, each with its own activities:
- In Annecy, no fewer than 24 visits, exhibitions, and activities are offered: guided tour of the architectural heritage of the Marquisats district, exhibition of unpublished archives on the year 1806, “The Night at the Archives” for a nocturnal exploration of the Departmental Archives (limited to 20 people), participative judicial reconstruction around a 1914 criminal case file, children’s workshops (seal making, introduction to heraldry) and reconstruction of the 1929 Primary School Certificate.
- In Grand-Bornand, the Maison du patrimoine (ecomuseum located in a traditional 19th-century farmhouse classified as a Historic Monument) and the Maison de la Valérie open their doors from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., with guided tours and activities for young and old.
- In Publier, the Cité de l’Eau hosts Savoie Musiques et Traditions around the Alpine horn and barrel organ, with an exhibition opening and a conference starting Friday 18 September at 7 p.m., then a whole day of discoveries and workshops on Saturday.
- At Château d’Avully: This year, come and enjoy the European Heritage Days and spend an exceptional moment at Château d’Avully! On the program: visit to the castle and exhibition of about twenty vintage and prestige cars such as JAGUAR 1935, ALVIS convertible 1951, BENTLEY, PORSCHE… there will be something for all tastes and for all lovers of beautiful mechanics. Demonstrations and introductions to bobbin lace making and wool spinning by the association Les Bobines de Filles, contemporary art exhibition by Eliane NICOL and presentation of artisanal costume jewelry. Refreshments and food trucks will be available. Fee: 5 euros to benefit the restoration of the castle listed as a Historic Monument.
Other municipalities in the department also offer their own programs, which can be consulted on the local tourist office websites. You can also find a map listing most of the events on the official website: Click here
Practical information
- Dates: Friday 18 September (schools, “Look Up!” operation), Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 September 2026 (general public)
- Locations: throughout Haute-Savoie, museums, monuments, archives, ecomuseums, historic villages
- Fee: free entry to the vast majority of sites, including places usually closed to the public
- Note: some guided visits or workshops require prior reservation, sometimes several days in advance; check the specific conditions for each activity
