The Journées du Patrimoine (Heritage Days) are the highlight of the new cultural season. Every year, this European event invites us to rediscover the treasures of our heritage through a canonically rich program of new openings, free tours and unusual events. In Paris and the Île-de-France region, you won't want to miss out! Next dates: the weekend of September 21 and 22, 2024.
If you're keen to take advantage of the exceptional openings that await us at each edition of the Journées du Patrimoine, then how about setting off to conquer the ministries? This time, we're taking you to the heart of the Ministry of Agriculture, in Paris's 7th arrondissement, at theHôtel de Villeroy.
Built in 1724 byarchitect François Debias-Aubry, this mansion was assigned to various government departments in 1805, and became home to the Ministry of Agriculture in 1870. Among its treasures is the Salle Sully, or Salle des Commissions, featuring frescoes by the painter Sinibaldi depicting allegories of commerce and agriculture. Well worth the detour, don't you think? So wait until you see the program:
The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Sovereignty will be opening its doors on Saturday from 12pm to 7pm and on Sunday from 10am to 6pm. Come and discover the riches of our architectural and food heritage.
A celebration of maritime heritage
For this 41st edition, the national theme is maritime heritage. For this occasion, fish, shellfish and crustaceans will be in the spotlight, thanks to a partnership with the fishing, shellfish farming and aquaculture interprofessions. Tastings and fun, educational events will raise visitors' awareness of the diversity of aquatic products, while highlighting their nutritional benefits.
An architectural heritage steeped in history
Immerse yourself in history by visiting emblematic sites:
- The Hôtel de Villeroy: A remarkable building assigned to the Ministry of Agriculture since 1881.
- The Salle Sully: Admire the frescoes by Paul Sinibaldin, a pupil of Canabel, celebrating trade, industry (1898) and agriculture (1901).
- The Parmentier statue: A tribute to Antoine Augustin Parmentier, pioneer of food chemistry and agrobiology, known for promoting the nutritional virtues of the potato.
A living garden in the heart of Paris
Explore a magnificent classic garden in the heart of the 7th arrondissement:
- The kitchen garden: Discover a variety of vegetables and aromatic herbs (tomatoes, cabbage, squash, lettuce, chives, basil, oregano, verbena). Pierre, the Ministry's head gardener, will share his tips for natural gardening, both in the city and in the countryside.
- The tallest tree in Paris: A hundred-year-old Oriental plane tree, measuring over 30 metres in height, stands watch over the Hôtel de Villeroy park.
- Musical entertainment on Sunday morning by the trumpeters of the Office national des forêts
A market of local produce
Take advantage of the opportunity to shop at the Ministry! The farms of the agricultural high schools will be offering a variety of local produce: charcuterie, wines, cheeses, pâtés, foie gras and champagnes.
Don't miss this not-to-be-missed opportunity to discover, taste and share the treasures of our food and architectural heritage!
Dates and Opening Time
From September 21, 2024 to September 22, 2024
Location
Ministry of Agriculture
78 Rue de Varenne
75007 Paris 7
Access
Varenne M°7
Prices
Free
