Journées du Patrimoine 2024: special tours of the Banque de France in Paris

For the Journées du Patrimoine 2024, on September 21 and 22, the Banque de France, based at the Hôtel de Toulouse in the 1st arrondissement of Paris, is opening its doors to you. It's an opportunity to visit its gilded gallery and ceremonial rooms, as well as to discover the history and activities of this French institution through a fun tour.

The Banque de France rarely opens its doors to visitors. Yet this institution is home to one of the capital's most beautiful galleries - a must-see! So, when the Journées du Patrimoine come round again , don't hesitate for a second: book your place, and head off to discover this exceptional building and its gilding during this XXL event.

The Hôtel de Toulouse has housed the Banque de France since 1811. This private mansion, designed by François Mansart, was once the property of the Count of Toulouse, Louis-Alexandre de Bourbon. During the French Revolution, the building was seized, and a few years later bought back by the Banque de France. The hotel still retains some vestiges of this monarchical era.

We can discover the Galerie dorée, redecorated in the early 18th century in the Regency style and restored in 2015. We can also admire the salons d'apparat, which house a collection of 18th-century furniture and Jean-Honoré Fragonard's painting "La fête à Saint-Cloud". Built between 1635 and 1640 by François Mansart for Louis XIII's Secretary of State, Louis Phélypeaux de La Vrillière, the Galerie dorée is 40 meters long, 6.5 meters wide and 8 meters high.

This September 21-22, 2024, the Heritage Days weekend, you can visit this magnificent townhouse free of charge. Don't forget to book your visit!

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Programme of the Journées du Patrimoine 2024 at the Banque de France in Paris :

Self-guided tour of the Banque de France headquarters (Hôtel de Toulouse)
September 21 and 22
Come and discover the missions, professions and heritage of the Banque de France.
There will be discussion areas where you can put your questions to Banque de France staff, as well as games for younger visitors. You can also find out more about La Souterraine, home to France's gold reserve, and admire a gold ingot, a gold bar and historical objects.
Then, you can admire the Bank's exceptional heritage: the sublime gilded gallery, the salons d'apparats housing a collection of 18th-century furniture, Jean-Honoré Fragonard's painting "La Fête à Saint-Cloud" and, finally, the office of the Governor of the Banque de France. Other surprises are planned throughout your visit...
This year, at the start of the tour, you'll have the opportunity to discover the "80 years of the repatriation of gold" exhibition.

Experiences as beautiful as they are unusual - that's what should make this visit unforgettable! Shall we go to the Banque de France, folks?