One of the highlights of September in Paris is the annual Journées du Patrimoine (heritage days) weekend, where access is given to a wide range of normally closed to the public locations. Popular opinion will tell you that the event can involve nightmare 2-hour queues to visit some places (the Palais de l’Elysée, or President’s residence for example), but my recommendations are a little more out of the ordinary, and I can promise you that you won’t queue at all!

(Re)Discover the Train Stations of Paris
The theme of this year’s event is ‘Le Voyage,’ so what better place to start than at one of the city’s train stations? Amongst other discoveries, you’ll get a view of the city from the balcony of the Gare de l’Est, and at the Gare de Lyon you’ll be able to climb the famous clock tower.

Mémorial du Bazar de la Charité Built on the spot of a terrible fire that cost the lives of over 150 members of the aristocracy (with around 95% of the victims being female), this chapel is always open to the public daily. What is more rarely seen though is the memorial section at the rear which explains the tragedy in more detail and celebrates the lives of the victims.

Rue Jean-Goujon, 75008 Saturday – Sunday 14:00 to 17:30
Our Daily Bread The Du Pain et des Idees boulangerie near the Canal Saint Martin is not only a superb example of a 19th century establishment with its ceramics and painted glass, but also one of the best in the city today. To celebrate the fact that the shop is listed as a historic monument, and also the fact that baker Christophe Vasseur also uses 19th century techniques, the boulangerie will be open for the weekend for a series of events, including the chance to make your own dough!
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