Journées du Patrimoine 2024 in Paris: the Bofinger brasserie, 19th-century French art de vivre

The highlight of every September in Paris is, of course, the Journées du Patrimoine! Over the course of a weekend, on September 21 and 22, 2024, put on your best sneakers, explore the capital and retrace its history thanks to a host of free guided tours of the city's most emblematic monuments and museums. Two exceptional days during which we'll reveal the secrets and memories of a Paris of yesteryear, right down to the most unsuspected and unusual places.

Journées du Patrimoine 2024: unusual and original outings in Paris and the Île-de-France region
Think you know everything about Paris? Well, we can still surprise you! On Saturday September 21 and Sunday September 22, 2024, you're in for a real treat at the Journées du Patrimoine! We're sharing our picks for the 41st Journées du Patrimoine, in Paris and Île-de-France. [Read more]

The Bofinger brewery, an elegant figure in Paris of yesteryear, is on show during the Journées du Patrimoine 2024. Founded in 1864 by Alsatian innkeeper Frédéric Bofinger, in 1870 it became the first Parisian brewery to serve draught beer. Although some of the original decor dates back to 1880, the rest is the work of architect Legay and decorator Mitgen, following an expansion of the brewery between 1919 and 1921. Past the oak front, your eye is caught by the imposing oval dome adorned with floral motifs, and here and there, ceramic statues of herons, a stained-glass window depicting the King of Beer Gambrinus and paintings of Alsatian landscapes. And here's a special touch: the upright urinals feature dolphin heads!

• To be read
• Tips for the week of December 16 - 22, 2024 in Paris: free or cheap outings
• What to do in Paris in December 2024? Discover this month's events in the Paris Region
• The perfect Christmas gift: a unique Sortir à Paris experience!

2024 Heritage Days program at the Bofinger Brewery:

• Guided tour of the Bofinger brewery
  September 21 and 22
  

  Large "French-style" brasserie founded in 1864 by Frédéric Bofinger, featuring original architectural elements: sweeping staircase, floral dome, marquetry by Charles Spindler evoking the wedding of l'Ami Fritz, tulip lights, ceramic vases by Nice-based Jérôme Mastier. Remodeled in 1919 (enlargement), the décor was redone (1919-1921) by architect Legey and decorator Mitgen, with an oval dome adorned with floral motifs. After a further extension in 1930, a room built in 1931 for the Colonial Exhibition was decorated with paintings of Alsatian landscapes by the painter Jean-Jacques Waltz, known as Hansi, who also designed the establishment's sign. The urinals, whose uprights are adorned with dolphin heads, are also noteworthy. The front of the establishment was rebuilt in 1982, in oak, identical to that of 1919.