From September 19 to 20, 2026, France is hosting Heritage Days. It’s a chance to visit places normally closed to the public or to enjoy lovely exhibitions. A quick tour of automotive events around France.
Headed to the Elysée to enjoy stunning automobiles
Among the iconic places to visit in France, the Elysée Palace is naturally at the top of the list. The palace will be among the sites open to the public for Heritage Days 2026, an event taking place on September 19 and 20.
Beyond a tour of the presidential residence, its rooms, salons and gardens, visitors will also be able to enjoy an exhibit of vehicles used by the President of the Republic. On one side, you’ll find the DS No. 7. This car was used, among other times, for the Bastille Day parade on July 14, 2026. Under the hood lies a E-TENSE 100% electric powertrain delivering 350 horsepower, powered by a 97.2 kWh battery and paired with all‑wheel drive.
But that’s not all. Another vehicle will also delight visitors. It is the DS 21 that General de Gaulle used. This model rolled off the Javel factory on September 29, 1965 for registration on October 2 with the plate: 1737 RX 75. A slice of history for those who booked the presidential palace tour.
Many exhibitions all across France
Among other events, the FFVE, the French Federation of Classic Cars, has published an interactive map of the exhibitions during Heritage Days. Case in point: the Automobile Museum in Valençay in the Indre region. You’ll find an exhibition dedicated to 50 years of Renault Sport.
Closer to Paris, a classic-car association based in Maisons-Laffitte and Mesnil-le-Roi offers a full day around cars. The event kicks off at 11:30 a.m. with several cars on the terrace and in the garden. Then, from 3:30 p.m., a presentation of collectible cars will be organized. Its duration: about one hour.
The ACO also joins Heritage Days with an exceptional display of cars and motorcycles under the theme: “The German Cars.” For this, head to Hôtel du Département. On the La Rochelle side, several sites will be open to the public. On September 20, the Amicale rochelaise de véhicules anciens will propose an activity around several classic cars more than 30 years old. A perfect way to spend a nostalgic day.
To discover activities near you, don’t hesitate to consult the FFVE’s interactive map.
