The Journées du Patrimoine is one of Europe's biggest cultural events of the year. This annual event gives the general public the chance to visit thousands of artistic, historical, political or religious sites close to home: for an entire weekend, museums, castles, institutions, places of power, churches, department stores... welcome visitors of all kinds. And best of all, these open houses are often free!
As you've probably guessed, these events are the perfect opportunity to discover the heritage treasures that surround us, or to visit places that are usually closed to the public. Through these monuments and buildings, we often learn more about thehistory of the town or region in which we find ourselves.
This is particularly true of Bourg-la-Reine. This Hauts-de-Seine commune is home to many places of interest, including the Maison des Sœurs de Notre-Dame-du-Calvaire, the Villa Hennebique, the Villa Saint-Cyr... Or theair-raid shelter. This relic of the Second World War will be open to visitors free of charge on the weekend of September 21 and 22, 2024, to mark the 40th Journées du Patrimoine.
Visit a World War II air raid shelter
Discovered in 2015, this shelter was built in 1939 to protect the population in the event of an air raid. After restoration, part of the shelter is now open to visitors.
This shelter is a unique testimony to the living conditions of civilians during the war. Built to protect the 400 children of Bourg-la-Reine's only school from bombardment, the shelter's "rack and pinion" layout is in line with the French government's pre-war recommendations for passive defense: a corridor broken by right angles to attenuate the effects of bombs.
An exhibition presenting the history of the shelter's construction and the local context precedes the self-guided tour. For safety reasons, groups of 20 will be formed.
An unusual and historic visit, not to be missed this September.
Dates and Opening Time
From September 21, 2024 to September 22, 2024
Location
World War II air-raid shelter
14 Boulevard Carnot
92340 Bourg la Reine
Prices
Free
Official website
www.bourg-la-reine.fr
