On September 19 and 20, 2026<\/strong>, the European Heritage Days<\/strong> (Journ\u00e9es europ\u00e9ennes du patrimoine<\/em>) return with a programme inviting visitors to explore some of the most fascinating and lesser-known heritage sites across Menton, Riviera & Merveilles<\/strong>.<\/p>\n For their 43rd edition<\/strong>, the event will focus on two themes chosen by France\u2019s Ministry of Culture: \u201cHeritage of Photography\u201d<\/strong> and \u201cHeritage in Peril: Revive, Resist, Reimagine.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n 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<\/strong>, through guided tours, special openings, conferences and cultural activities.<\/p>\n Among the highlights of the weekend is Saorge<\/strong>, where visitors will be able to explore several local heritage sites free of charge.<\/p>\n The programme includes the Saint-Sauveur parish church<\/strong>, whose sacristy was restored in July 2026, the Saint-Claude des P\u00e9nitents Noirs chapel<\/strong> and the private Madone du Poggio church<\/strong>.<\/p>\n A particularly special opening will take place at the Monast\u00e8re de Saorge<\/strong>. As part of the European Heritage Days, visitors will exceptionally be able to access the building\u2019s top floor, home to the artists\u2019 residence<\/strong>.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Tende<\/strong> will also offer a programme centred on its religious and industrial heritage.<\/p>\n Among the sites open to visitors will be the Chapel of the Annonciade<\/strong> and the Chapel of the Mis\u00e9ricorde des P\u00e9nitents Noirs et Rouges<\/strong>.<\/p>\n The Vallauria Mine<\/strong> will be at the heart of a special programme dedicated to the area\u2019s mining history. To mark the 120th anniversary of its hameau<\/em>, visitors will be able to take part in mine tours, workshops dedicated to miners\u2019 songs<\/strong> and an animated historical tour.<\/p>\n It will be an opportunity to discover an important part of the valley\u2019s industrial heritage and the relationship between local communities and mining activities.<\/p>\n Military heritage will be another major theme of the 2026 edition, with several fortifications opening their doors to visitors.<\/p>\n In Castillon<\/strong>, the Fort Maginot<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n Visitors will also be able to see the 1929 operational 75 mm cannon<\/strong>, as well as an exhibition.<\/p>\n In Sospel<\/strong>, visitors will be able to explore Mont Agaisen, Fort Saint-Roch and Fort du Barbonnet<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Built between 1930 and 1934, Fort Saint-Roch will be open on September 19 and 20 from 10 am to 6 pm<\/strong>, with an admission fee. Fort du Barbonnet will instead offer free guided tours at 2.30 pm<\/strong> on both days.<\/p>\n The Fort du Cap-Martin<\/strong>, in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, will also take part in the European Heritage Days with guided tours of its underground structures.<\/p>\n The European Heritage Days will also provide an opportunity to discover some of the Riviera\u2019s architectural and modern historical landmarks.<\/p>\n In Beausoleil<\/strong>, visitors can explore the Riviera Palace<\/strong>, an emblematic Belle \u00c9poque building, with tours scheduled for September 19 and 20.<\/p>\n In Menton<\/strong>, the Mediterranean campus of Sciences Po<\/strong> will open its doors. The campus is housed in a 19th-century building featuring Italian-inspired architecture.<\/p>\n The programme will include guided tours, a conference and a student concert<\/strong>, bringing together architectural heritage, culture and university life.<\/p>\n The city of Menton<\/strong> will also play a central role in the celebrations, with opportunities to rediscover some of its historic gardens and other landmarks.<\/p>\n One of the highlights will be the Jardin Fontana Rosa<\/strong>, one of the city\u2019s most distinctive heritage sites. During the weekend, it will also host the Festival du Livre d\u2019Occasion<\/strong>, adding a literary dimension to the programme.<\/p>\n 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\u2019s identity.<\/p>\n The programme will extend beyond monument visits to include theatre, music and local traditions.<\/p>\n In Roquebrune Village<\/strong>, on Sunday, September 20, the performance \u201cAntoine & Cl\u00e9op\u00e2tre\u201d<\/strong> will bring theatre and music to the streets of the medieval village, transforming its historic centre into an open-air stage.<\/p>\n In La Turbie<\/strong>, meanwhile, the Troph\u00e9e d\u2019Auguste<\/strong>, one of the most important Roman monuments overlooking the French Riviera, will be free to visit<\/strong> throughout both days. The programme will also include activities dedicated to the traditions and folklore of the Comt\u00e9 de Nice<\/strong>.<\/p>\n The European Heritage Days 2026<\/strong> will offer a journey through a remarkably diverse heritage: from Roman monuments to 20th-century fortifications, from religious sites to Belle \u00c9poque buildings, artists\u2019 residences, mines and historic gardens.<\/p>\n On September 19 and 20, Menton, Riviera & Merveilles<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n From the Mediterranean coast to the Roya and B\u00e9v\u00e9ra valleys, an entire weekend to see the Riviera from a different perspective and rediscover a heritage shaped by history, architecture, nature, art and tradition.<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" A weekend discovering Menton\u2019s heritage On September 19 and 20, 2026, the European Heritage Days (Journ\u00e9es europ\u00e9ennes 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 […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":34579,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[846,850,863],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-34573","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-actuality","category-events","category-meton"],"yoast_head":"\nSaorge: monasteries, chapels and restoration<\/h2>\n
Tende: from historic chapels to the Vallauria mine<\/h2>\n
The Riviera\u2019s forts take centre stage<\/h2>\n
Belle \u00c9poque architecture and Sciences Po<\/h2>\n
Menton: historic gardens and cultural heritage<\/h2>\n
Theatre and local traditions in Roquebrune and La Turbie<\/h2>\n
A journey through the history of the Riviera<\/h2>\n