European Heritage Days 2026: Menton, Riviera & Merveilles Opens the Doors to Its Hidden Heritage

A weekend discovering Menton’s heritage

On September 19 and 20, 2026, the European Heritage Days (Journées européennes du patrimoine) return with a programme inviting visitors to explore some of the most fascinating and lesser-known heritage sites across Menton, Riviera & Merveilles.

For their 43rd edition, the event will focus on two themes chosen by France’s Ministry of Culture: “Heritage of Photography” and “Heritage in Peril: Revive, Resist, Reimagine.”

From the Mediterranean coast to the inland valleys, the programme will offer access to monuments, fortifications, chapels, historic buildings and sites that are normally closed or difficult to access, through guided tours, special openings, conferences and cultural activities.

Saorge: monasteries, chapels and restoration

Among the highlights of the weekend is Saorge, where visitors will be able to explore several local heritage sites free of charge.

The programme includes the Saint-Sauveur parish church, whose sacristy was restored in July 2026, the Saint-Claude des Pénitents Noirs chapel and the private Madone du Poggio church.

A particularly special opening will take place at the Monastère de Saorge. As part of the European Heritage Days, visitors will exceptionally be able to access the building’s top floor, home to the artists’ residence.

Commented tours and a conference focusing on the recent restoration work carried out on the convent church will also provide an opportunity to learn more about the history and preservation of this remarkable complex.

Tende: from historic chapels to the Vallauria mine

Tende will also offer a programme centred on its religious and industrial heritage.

Among the sites open to visitors will be the Chapel of the Annonciade and the Chapel of the Miséricorde des Pénitents Noirs et Rouges.

The Vallauria Mine will be at the heart of a special programme dedicated to the area’s mining history. To mark the 120th anniversary of its hameau, visitors will be able to take part in mine tours, workshops dedicated to miners’ songs and an animated historical tour.

It will be an opportunity to discover an important part of the valley’s industrial heritage and the relationship between local communities and mining activities.

The Riviera’s forts take centre stage

Military heritage will be another major theme of the 2026 edition, with several fortifications opening their doors to visitors.

In Castillon, the Fort Maginot will offer five free tours per day. Advance booking will be required, while a free shuttle will connect the site with the car park at Col de Castillon.

Visitors will also be able to see the 1929 operational 75 mm cannon, as well as an exhibition.

In Sospel, visitors will be able to explore Mont Agaisen, Fort Saint-Roch and Fort du Barbonnet.

Built between 1930 and 1934, Fort Saint-Roch will be open on September 19 and 20 from 10 am to 6 pm, with an admission fee. Fort du Barbonnet will instead offer free guided tours at 2.30 pm on both days.

The Fort du Cap-Martin, in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, will also take part in the European Heritage Days with guided tours of its underground structures.

Belle Époque architecture and Sciences Po

The European Heritage Days will also provide an opportunity to discover some of the Riviera’s architectural and modern historical landmarks.

In Beausoleil, visitors can explore the Riviera Palace, an emblematic Belle Époque building, with tours scheduled for September 19 and 20.

In Menton, the Mediterranean campus of Sciences Po will open its doors. The campus is housed in a 19th-century building featuring Italian-inspired architecture.

The programme will include guided tours, a conference and a student concert, bringing together architectural heritage, culture and university life.

Menton: historic gardens and cultural heritage

The city of Menton will also play a central role in the celebrations, with opportunities to rediscover some of its historic gardens and other landmarks.

One of the highlights will be the Jardin Fontana Rosa, one of the city’s most distinctive heritage sites. During the weekend, it will also host the Festival du Livre d’Occasion, adding a literary dimension to the programme.

The European Heritage Days therefore offer a chance to explore not only monuments and architecture, but also the landscapes and cultural heritage that help shape Menton’s identity.

Theatre and local traditions in Roquebrune and La Turbie

The programme will extend beyond monument visits to include theatre, music and local traditions.

In Roquebrune Village, on Sunday, September 20, the performance “Antoine & Cléopâtre” will bring theatre and music to the streets of the medieval village, transforming its historic centre into an open-air stage.

In La Turbie, meanwhile, the Trophée d’Auguste, one of the most important Roman monuments overlooking the French Riviera, will be free to visit throughout both days. The programme will also include activities dedicated to the traditions and folklore of the Comté de Nice.

A journey through the history of the Riviera

The European Heritage Days 2026 will offer a journey through a remarkably diverse heritage: from Roman monuments to 20th-century fortifications, from religious sites to Belle Époque buildings, artists’ residences, mines and historic gardens.

On September 19 and 20, Menton, Riviera & Merveilles will open up a lesser-known side of its heritage, giving visitors the opportunity to enter places that are normally difficult to access and discover the stories that have shaped the identity of the region.

From the Mediterranean coast to the Roya and Bévéra valleys, an entire weekend to see the Riviera from a different perspective and rediscover a heritage shaped by history, architecture, nature, art and tradition.