The annual Journées Européennes du Patrimoine take place this weekend, offering the public the chance to discover their local heritage.
An event that began in France back in 1984, and now recognised and celebrated throughout the European Union, the Journées Européennes du Patrimoine have proven to be a great way of introducing the general public to their cultural heritage, and possibly most importantly, for free.
It is an effective way of educating them about things cultural that they may not have ever had the opportunity or inclination to discover by themselves, and allows the imparting of knowledge in a very non-threatening way.
The success of these weekends over the years is witnessed by the sheer numbers (and range of ages) in attendance at the venues in towns and cities throughout the region.
This year is also a very special year in France, as it celebrates not just the 30th edition of the event, but also the centenary of the introduction of the law governing the protection of historical structures and monuments, which dates back to December 1913.
There are myriad events scheduled throughout the Riviera for the weekend, including guided visits of museums, châteaux, and cemeteries, animations and shows for the younger visitors, and choral concerts in some of the local historic churches.
If you are in Nice, we can recommend visiting the Palais des Rois Sardes on rue Alexandre Mari (just behind the Palais de Justice in Vieux Nice), la chapelle de la Miséricorde on the Cours Saleya (pictured above), Hôtel de Ville in Vieux Nice, la Crypte Archéologique in Place Jacques Toja (beside Place Garibaldi), the Musée Matisse in Cimiez, les Anciens Abattoirs (Chantier Sang Neuf) or a trip to the Opéra, just to be able to stand in awe of the incredible interiors.
For those of you in and around Cannes, why not pay a visit to the beautiful Villa Domergue or the equally impressive Villa Rothschild? The Centre d’Art la Malmaison on La Croisette is another venue worth visiting, as is the Palais de Justice on boulevard Carnot. If you have your sea legs, why not consider taking a trip out to the Abbaye de Lérins on Île St. Honorat?
The Journées Européennes du Patrimoine take place this weekend, the 14th and 15th September, and entrance to all venues and events is free. For the full detailed programme for the weekend, please check the official website. And for our Monégasque friends, you will have to wait until Sunday 22nd September for your celebration of cultural heritage in the Principality.
All photographs © Riviera Buzz, all rights reserved
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