Visit exceptional monuments by night? That's what's in store from May 1 to 3 with the Nuit des Monuments. Following on from the Nuit des Châteaux and the Nuit des Musées, this new initiative, supported by Dartagnans, will see many buildings opened up to the public in the evening for a whole new way of discovering them.
For three nights, abbeys, manor houses, mills , theaters, museums and industrial sites, whether historic or contemporary, will open their doors to us for unique nocturnal visits. A unique opportunity to explore France's heritage in a singular atmosphere, by the light of spotlights, torches or illuminations specially designed for the event. La Nuit des Monuments aims to diversify the cultural offer and attract an ever-growing public, curious to rediscover these places from a new angle.
In the Paris region, several prestigious sites are taking part in this national cultural event. The Domaine de Dampierre-en-Yvelines, nestled in the heart of the Vallée de Chevreuse, offers immersive activities in its three hectares of listed gardens. The Château de Boissy, in Val-d'Oise, welcomes visitors on May 3 for a unique evening, while theAbbaye de Royaumont, a jewel of Cistercian Gothic art, lights up for three days in a mystical atmosphere.
Outside the Paris region, initiatives abound. In Burgundy-Franche-Comté, the Château du Clos de Vougeot invitesthe curious to explore its winegrowing history on May 1 and 2. The Centre-Val de Loire region takes center stage with Château parc de Meung-sur-Loire and Château de Beaugency, both open on May 3, as well as Château de Blosset and Château Gaillard, both open on three evenings. In Normandy, the Château de Vascoeuil offers two evenings of festivities at the foot of its monumental sculptures. The Nord region is represented by Château de Cercamp (Pas-de-Calais), open all three nights.
In the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, two sites stand out: the Château de la Mothe Chandeniers in Vienne, with its romantic ruin look, and the Château de Saint-Germain-du-Salembre in Dordogne, both open from May 2. Finally, in Provence, the Fondation Vasarely in Aix-en-Provence opens its doors on May 1 with a spectacular display of optical art.
Each evening of Nuit des Monuments 2025 is an invitation to contemplate and share. These nocturnal escapades, often accompanied by shows, projections or guided tours, bring together families, the curious and enthusiasts around a living heritage. A wonderful opportunity to rediscover sites that are sometimes little-known, in a magical atmosphere where history can be heard as the night goes by.
This new event joins another not-to-be-missed heritage event: Nuit des Châteaux, to be held from October 17 to 19, 2025. Created in 2019, this event has attracted over 135,000 visitors, bringing together nearly 300 partner castles in France and Europe. With these two annual highlights, Dartagnans continues to promote heritage by offering immersive and original experiences.
As a reminder, Dartagnans is an innovative start-up that is transforming the approach to preserving and promoting castles, historic monuments and heritage. Initially specializing in supporting owners through fundraising and the organization of events bringing together over 200,000 visitors, the company has evolved to become a true castle operator. Since 2018, thanks to its international community, Dartagnans has saved and brought back to life four forgotten castles. Today, the start-up manages estates, conducts restoration work, leads volunteer workcamps, and opens them to the public with cultural mediation programs, thus actively contributing to the transmission of historical heritage.
In short, we're holding back from 1ᵉʳ to May 3, 2025 to visit monuments by night, and we'll be back for the full program. Note that reservations are already open at quite a few venues. Remember to get your tickets soon. Prices for these exceptional experiences vary according to audience and venue.
Dates and Opening Time
From May 1, 2025 to May 3, 2025
Prices
Tarifs variables : €0 - €18
Recommended age
For all
