Attending the 2025 Bank of France Heritage Days offers an authentic immersion into economic and artistic history, through guided tours, workshops dedicated to children, and moments of exchange with the staff. Everything is free of charge, by registration only: this is a rare opportunity to discover the behind-the-scenes of a bicentennial institution, explore its heritage, and nurture your curiosity about currency, with the support of passionate and educational guides (some hosts say that visitors leave each year with previously unknown anecdotes).
2025 Heritage Days at the Bank of France: Program, Hours, and Registration at a Glance
Want to get to the heart of the mysteries of the legendary Bank of France? During the weekend of September 20 and 21, 2025, the institution opens its doors in Paris and in more than 50 cities, on the occasion of the European Heritage Days. Access is completely free, with online registration starting September 2 at 2 PM, which expands the discovery to all profiles: family or economics enthusiast, everyone finds something of interest.
In numbers, tours last 1 hour 30 minutes at the Parisian headquarters (from 10 AM to 6 PM, last entry at 5 PM, 31 rue Croix des Petits Champs, Paris 1st) or at sites like Nancy or Nouvelle-Aquitaine, as well as in many branches throughout France. On the occasion of the Bank’s 225th anniversary, original activities are announced – handling a gold bar, exploring the golden gallery, or participating in children’s workshops. Please note: spots are limited for each time slot, so it’s best to book very early via the official website.
Quick reminder: most spaces accommodate people with reduced mobility, but some historic locations (like the former vault room) remain less accessible; check this point during your registration, which is also why the Bank emphasizes prior information.
To save time, the table below summarizes the essentials in a few lines:
| Dates | Hours* | Registration | Locations | Access | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 20-21, 2025 | Paris: 10 AM-6 PM Montpellier: 9 AM-5 PM |
Starting September 2, 2 PM | Paris, 50+ branches | Mostly wheelchair accessible | Free |
*Hours vary by city or regional site
Program and Practical Details for 2025 European Heritage Days at the Bank of France
This edition of the Heritage Days at the Bank of France promises unprecedented discoveries and workshops open to all: young and old, heritage enthusiasts or currency buffs. Enjoying access normally reserved for staff brings a note of suspense… Some visitors say they rediscovered childhood memories while admiring the golden gallery.
Guided Tours, Stands, and Exceptional Encounters
Each tour (generally 1 hour 30 minutes) begins with a stroll through the golden gallery, a detour through the governor’s office, exhibitions focused on banknotes and currency, and depending on the city, a foray into the former vault room. In Paris, you regularly encounter volunteer experts who make themselves available to explain simply how the Bank manages monetary policy or secures French savings. A trainer recently mentioned the enthusiasm of families when they discover the profession of Bank agent.
- Access by reservation only, with time slots opening every 30 to 45 minutes;
- Discovery stands to better understand public missions: financial stability, fraud prevention, fiduciary management;
- Meetings with agents and economists, renowned for their educational approach: some families thus enjoy free dialogue (this is the ideal opportunity to ask all your questions!);
- Temporary exhibitions and activities created especially for the 225 years of history;
In 2024, more than 30,000 visitors crossed the threshold of the Parisian headquarters; it is therefore better to anticipate your registration so as not to miss the event (a regular visitor even suggests registering as soon as registration opens).
Registration, Access, and Logistics Tips
No entry is possible without prior registration: access remains free, but some time slots fill up quickly. Reservations officially begin on September 2 at 2 PM on banque-france.fr. A confirmation email then provides instructions: selected times, access conditions with ID, etc. This may seem strict, but in practice, everything is simplified.
The main spaces (Paris, major regions) facilitate family visits (including with strollers), but for the oldest historic sites, wheelchair accessibility may be partial. It is often recommended to arrive a bit early for the security check: this sometimes seems tedious, yet many report that you quickly access the exhibitions once this step is completed.
Quick tip: adding the date to your calendar can prevent forgetfulness, and some sites offer a simple .ics export. For school or association groups, special time slots exist; don’t hesitate to contact the branch in your department to customize your visit.
Historical and Artistic Heritage to Discover
Exploring the Bank’s heritage regularly means taking a leap into architectural and artistic history: around a corner of a room, you come across baroque details or ancient works that intrigue young and old alike. A guide reported that regulars stop every year in front of Fragonard’s painted ceiling to try to grasp all its references.
Golden Gallery, Historic Offices, and Hidden Treasures
The golden gallery of the Parisian headquarters remains the highlight for many: gilding, painted ceilings, majestic chandeliers – enough to impress even hurried visitors. In the branches, some spaces surprise: in Montpellier, the courtyard is classified as a historic monument; in Nancy, the 19th-century former counters give a unique tone to the visit (it’s the kind of place where it becomes difficult not to linger).
Throughout the tour, guides and agents share some key data. 225 years of history in 2025, billions of banknotes manufactured, hundreds of tons of gold secured: these figures sometimes bring discussions back to concrete considerations. Some professionals believe that visitors’ proximity to the Bank’s profession contributes to a better understanding of currency.
Exhibitions on the History of Currency and Banknotes
New experience this year: the modernized grand chronological frieze traces the main economic crises, the arrival of the euro, or the genesis of the modern Franc… You also find educational modules for recognizing security features on banknotes, or for following the journey of a gold bar, from the mine to the vault. Is it really useful? It is often observed that even adults leave fascinated by the technique.
An animator likes to ask the following question: “What would your ideal banknote look like?” – an original way to involve all generations in thinking about tomorrow’s currency. A teacher confided that children show tremendous inventiveness during these workshops.
Activities and Workshops for Everyone
Throughout the day, workshops punctuate the visit, designed for both children and adults. The balance between the institution’s rigorous approach and playful creativity is noticeable, particularly in the children’s trail or in quizzes designed for families. Some visitors say that a first participation in a workshop made them want to come back the following year.
Games, Quizzes, and Interactive Workshops
Test your knowledge of monetary history, handle a real fake gold bar, try to calculate inflation with an interactive module: each workshop seeks to make economics accessible (even fun). The animators adjust their speech according to the age of the participants: the youngest, like Theodore (10 years old), leave proud to have won a badge or a mini-fresco to color. Several animation professionals advise families to identify the best time slots in advance.
- Quiz on banknote recognition, with small prizes to win for the fastest;
- Career stands: immersion behind the scenes, sometimes with the desire to spark unexpected vocations;
- Creation workshops – making your own banknote or a mini golden gallery in paper;
- Themed photo area, to leave with a memorable souvenir of the visit;
Last point to note: some workshops are very successful and are fully booked by mid-morning. An agent therefore suggests that visitors block their time slot in advance for the desired activities.
FAQ and Accessibility
Finding your way through registration procedures and accessibility questions is not always easy. This section brings together recurring questions, collected from visitors and from official sources: this helps reassure by anticipating everyone’s needs.
Frequently Asked Questions and Practical Reassurance
How do I register? Registration opens on September 2 at 2 PM, on the official website (direct link here); simply complete the form specifying the city and desired time slot.
Is access really free? Absolutely, without any age restriction or particular limit. It is worth coming accompanied, with family or friends: no paid ticket is required.
Is wheelchair accessibility ensured? The vast majority of spaces accommodate it, but some historic areas (vaults, Parisian staircases) have exceptions. Detailed information is provided during registration; if in doubt, contact the local branch directly (several families report that the support is personalized).
What are the highlights for 2025? In addition to the 225th anniversary, the Bank is increasing the number of participating branches: more than 50 sites open, unprecedented exhibitions (chronological friezes, banknotes, gold), many family/children workshops and “little surprises” in the regions. Note: last year, between 70 and 75% of Parisian time slots were fully booked in less than 5 days.
Practical Summary Box
| Quick Question | Key Answer |
|---|---|
| Registration required? | Yes, starting September 2, 2025 at 2 PM |
| Free admission | Yes, for all audiences, no age limit |
| Wheelchair access | Majority of spaces yes, but exceptions |
| Visit duration | Approx. 1 hour 30 minutes per time slot |
| Children’s program? | Yes, workshops, quizzes, coloring frescoes |
| Number of open sites | More than 50 throughout France |
One last piece of advice: remember to register as soon as registration opens! Spots go fast, and the memories taken away at the end of the visit are well worth the effort, according to many loyal participants.
