The programme of the 2017 European Heritage Days in France will celebrate the unifying force that has kept the events relevant and successful for full 34 years. Themed “Youth and Heritage,” this year’s edition of France’s favourite cultural festival will honour the work of young volunteers and aspiring professionals in heritage, conservation and restauration.

In a special editorial dedicated to this year’s theme, French Minister of Culture, Françoise Nyssen, highlighted the role of young people in cultural heritage preservation, promotion and enhancement. In an effort to continue raising awareness and knowledge about heritage, which is one of the primary objectives for the Ministry of Culture, the upcoming edition of European Heritage Days will celebrate youth and their value for promoting and transferring cultural values.

Volunteers on the construction sites of heritage restoration or archaeological excavations, keepers of historic monuments and students involved in heritage-related projects – they all significantly contribute to keeping Europe’s remarkable heritage alive.

“These European Heritage Days are the opportunity to pay them tribute,” noted Nyssen.

European Heritage Days in France will take place on 16th and 17th September, and the programme will include a number of ways for visitors to get involved in exploring both well-known sites and some hidden gems of France. The interactive map of the events is available here and it includes over 15,000 unique activities that discuss history, culture and traditions of the country and of the entire Europe.

Each of the 18 regions of France will be a part of celebrations, providing a number of new ways to interact with and rediscover France’s historic sites, cultural monuments or unique traditions. From beer making in Esquelbecq and treasure hunts for children and adults in Dunkerque, to a visit to Marseille’s Port de Saumaty and explorations of the medieval village of Fort-Freinet in La Garde-Freinet, visitors will have an opportunity to enjoy a diversity of activities that embody the spirit of France and speak about its traditional values.

Photo credits: journeesdupatrimoine.culturecommunication.gouv.fr