European Heritage Days draw large crowds across France and Saint-Martin

The 2026 edition of the European Heritage Days saw widespread participation across various regions, including France and Saint-Martin. In Saint-Martin, over 300 people attended organized workshops and visits to historical sites such as the Spring sugar mill and the Guavaberry Factory.

In France, several cities reported high engagement. Angers and its surrounding areas welcomed nearly 130,000 visitors, with the Angers Castle setting a new attendance record. Toulouse experienced a 23% increase in museum and monument attendance, highlighted by interest in the Noviciat center and the Saint-Raymond museum. Other notable local activities included heritage walks in Vénéjan, historical exhibitions in Cucq, and themed explorations of hydraulic heritage in Viarmes.

While many sites opened their doors for free or through guided tours, some landmarks remained inaccessible due to ongoing preservation. For instance, Fort Boyard remains closed for renovations until late 2027 or early 2028. Despite such restrictions, the event successfully utilized diverse formats, including escape games, theatrical tours, and traditional workshops, to engage various age groups.