Free museums in Paris: which ones to visit during the 2026 European Heritage Days?
In September, the Batignolles slowly settle back into their familiar rhythm after summer. In the morning, the smell of coffee drifts from the counters, pastries arrive still warm at the tables, and the first conversations begin to fill the terraces. At Joli Môme, the light falls softly across the walls as everyone starts imagining their day in Paris.
On 19 and 20 September 2026, the European Heritage Days offer a wonderful opportunity to discover Paris from a different perspective. For an entire weekend, museums, artists’ homes and cultural venues open their doors for free or offer special experiences created especially for the occasion.
And there is no need to cross the whole city. From the Batignolles, several free museums in Paris are within easy reach, from elegant townhouses and art collections to former artists’ homes.
Here are three places we particularly love at Joli Môme, perfect for enjoying a relaxed cultural day at the gentle pace of the neighbourhood.
Free museums in Paris: our favourite spots near the Batignolles
The Musée national Jean-Jacques Henner
Housed in a private mansion on Avenue de Villiers, the museum has preserved the intimate atmosphere of an artist’s home. Visitors can explore the special exhibition Family Portraits, while a storytelling tour is also scheduled for Saturday and a concert for Sunday, both subject to booking.
You may come to discover the work of Jean-Jacques Henner, but part of the charm also lies in stepping inside a historic Parisian residence. A discreet cultural address, far from the crowds of the city’s larger museums.
Continue your walk towards Parc Monceau and the Musée Cernuschi offers a completely different journey. Set in the former private mansion of Henri Cernuschi, it is home to an important collection dedicated to Asian art.
Its permanent collections are among the free museums in Paris open all year round. For the 2026 European Heritage Days, the museum will also offer a free virtual reality experience exploring the links between heritage, preservation and new technologies. It will be available without prior registration at several times throughout the day.
The Musée de la Vie romantique
Heading back down towards Pigalle and Nouvelle Athènes, a discreet gate on Rue Chaptal hides one of those Parisian addresses you are almost tempted to keep to yourself.
The Musée de la Vie romantique occupies the former home of painter Ary Scheffer. Its permanent collections are free all year round, and the European Heritage Days add a special programme to the visit.
On 19 and 20 September 2026, the weekend will feature walks through the Nouvelle Athènes neighbourhood, presentations of the collections, tours focusing on George Sand, as well as music and live performances. Some activities are available by registration only, with limited places.
Our itinerary from Joli Môme
To make the most of the European Heritage Days without turning the day into a marathon, the best approach is simply to take your time.
From Joli Môme, start with the Musée Jean-Jacques Henner before heading towards Parc Monceau and the Musée Cernuschi. A few streets, a coffee on a terrace, a pause beneath the trees: here, the journey is just as much a part of the day as the museum visits themselves.
The Musée de la Vie romantique can then become a second stroll, this time towards Pigalle. Between the façades of the 9th arrondissement and the small streets of Nouvelle Athènes, Paris reveals a different side of itself.
Then comes the moment to return to the Batignolles.
At Joli Môme, the day continues around the large communal table. Every afternoon, the afternoon goûter offers a comforting pause after a day spent walking through Paris. Later on, the complimentary wine & cheese apéro naturally brings guests together over a glass, a piece of cheese and a few conversations.
That is the way we like to experience Paris: head out and explore, come back, slow down, then start all over again the next day.
A moment to savour at Joli Môme
Mornings begin gently too. For all direct bookings in a Deluxe or Triple room, breakfast is included. Pastries, coffee, savoury treats and sweet bites are shared around the table before another day in the neighbourhood begins. This offer is clearly indicated for Deluxe and Triple room categories on the official website.
Which free museum should you visit near the Batignolles?
If you would like to stay as close as possible to Joli Môme, our first choice is the Musée Jean-Jacques Henner. Its location in the 17th arrondissement, elegant private mansion and intimate atmosphere make it a lovely introduction to the European Heritage Days.
To continue the walk, the Musée Cernuschi naturally leads you towards Parc Monceau, while the Musée de la Vie romantique invites you to wander gently down towards Pigalle.
Three museums, three different atmospheres, but the same way of discovering Paris: by taking the time to look beyond the façades.
And what if your European Heritage Days weekend also became the perfect excuse to stay in the Batignolles? At Joli Môme, the cultural experience continues over an afternoon goûter, a shared glass and those small moments that make Paris feel a little more like home.
Plan your stay in Paris from Joli Môme
A QUIET AND WELL-LOCATED HOTEL IN LES BATIGNOLLES
FAQ – Free museums in Paris
Which museums are free in Paris during the 2026 European Heritage Days?
On 19 and 20 September 2026, the Musée Jean-Jacques Henner will be free to visit for the occasion. The Musée Cernuschi and the Musée de la Vie romantique, meanwhile, offer free permanent collections all year round, alongside a special programme for the European Heritage Days.
Which museums are free in Paris during the 2026 European Heritage Days?
On 19 and 20 September 2026, the Musée Jean-Jacques Henner will be free to visit for the occasion. The Musée Cernuschi and the Musée de la Vie romantique, meanwhile, offer free permanent collections all year round, alongside a special programme for the European Heritage Days.
Which free museum should you visit near the Batignolles?
The Musée Jean-Jacques Henner is an excellent option near the Batignolles. Located in the 17th arrondissement, it offers the chance to discover a Parisian artist’s home while staying close to the Joli Môme neighbourhood.
Do you need to book free museums during the European Heritage Days?
Not always. Some visits are available without booking, but guided tours, neighbourhood walks, concerts and performances often have limited capacity. For the weekend of 19 and 20 September 2026, it is therefore best to check each museum’s booking requirements before your visit.
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