Historically, how did the Journées Européennes du Patrimoine or European Heritage days begin?
The French Ministry of Culture began the event  La Journée Portes Ouvertes in 1984. In the following year, at the 2nd European Conference of Ministers responsible for Architectural Heritage, the French Minister of Culture proposed that the project be internationalised under the European council. The Netherlands joined with their own Open Monumentendag in 1987, followed by Sweden and Ireland in 1989, and Belgium and Scotland in 1990. In 1991 the events were united as European Heritage Days at the initiative of the Council of Europe.

Why do we love the Journées du Patrimoine? For the younger generations it's important to learn, for tourists an interesting way to travel deeper, and by travelling local, expats embark on yet another avenue in the multi-faceted integration process. Heritage = treasure! Plan ahead to make it an adventure on 19 and 20 September, 2020! Please come prepared to wear a facemask and follow the requested rules.

ABOUT THIS LIST: we have done our best to mine the Internet for as much information as possible. We may have missed some locations, but there are so many events. We hope that no matter where you are in the Vendée, this list will allow you to build a fun itinerary for both days! Please use the 'directions' links to plug in your point of departure to get directions specific to you!

Aizenay (85190)
**Expositions of airplane wrecks and other WWII vehicles - FREE
    Saturday 19th Sept from 15h00 - 19h00 and from 21h00 to 23h00
    Sunday 20th Sept from 10h30 to 18h00
    Directions to La Boirie
Angles (85750)
**Donjon De Moricq FREE - Sunday 20th September 10h00 -12h00 reservations 07.84.96.60.39
    The current square tower was built anno 1435 by Régnault Girard, mayor of La Rochelle to protect the port of Moricq which exported wine, grain and timber to La Rochelle and Bordeaux. More information
    Directions
**Eglise Notre-Dame des Anges FREE - registration at tourist office or 07.84.96.60.39 (space limited)
    Romanesque architecture. A guided tour of church and crypt will bring the public between history and legend in one of the most beautiful religious monuments of Bas-Poitou.
    Guided tour from 10h00 to 11h30 on Saturday 19th (exceptional opportunity)
    Directions
**Guided visit through heart of the village (families)  -  Saturday 19th Sept 16h00 to 17h30
    - registration at tourist office (space limited)
    Discover symbols, rituals and traditions... and secrets. For children and families.
     Place du Champ de Foire
Apremont (85220) 
**Château D'Aprémont FREE - Saturday and Sunday from 14h00 - 18h00
    Renaissance castle, on the site of a medieval fortress.
    Directions
Avrillé (85440)
**Château De La Guignardière (20% OFF CASTLE VISIT, 40% OFF PARK)
    Renaissance chateau, completely restored. Also known as Chateau des Avonturiers with some prehistoric monuments on site.
    Open 11h00 to 19h00 on both Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th
    Directions
Barbâtre (85630)
**Medieval garden discovery tour - FREE
    Open 10h00 to 17h00 on both Saturday and Sunday.
    Directions
Bazoges-En-Pareds (85390)
**Donjon de Bazoges-En-Pareds (DONJON 2Euros, children free and MEDIEVAL GARDEN and MUSEUM)
    XIVth century Donjon, medieval garden and museum. Tours of the Donjon by costumed guides at 15h, 16h, 17h and 18h.
    Open 10h00 to 19h00 Saturday and Sunday.
    Directions
Beaufou (85170)
**Eglise Romane de Beaufou FREE - Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th from 09h00 to 19h00
    Romanesque church of Our Lady of the Annunciation (XIIth century), belonging to the Abbaye de Marmoutier-les-Tours (Indre-et-Loire). In March 1568, the church was burned by the Huguenots. restored in 1652. 
    Directions
Bellevigny (85170)
**Porch of the Old Church - FREE - Saturday and Sunday from 10h30 to 18h30
    Directions
Bessay (85320)
**Château et Colombier de Bessay (no discount) - Saturday 19th from 10h00 to 12h30 and Sunday 20th from 14h00 to 16h00
    XVI and XVIIth centuries including a square dovecote and a Renaissance round tower with medieval character and Italian Renaissance decoration.
    King Henri IV stayed there in 1589. 
    Directions 
Bournezeau (85480)
**Abbaye De Trizay (normal rate)
    Former Cistercian abbey founded in the XIIth century by monks of the abbey of Pontigny. An organized circuit with comments by a guide and explanatory panels displayed at each of the important places of the Abbey. A conference room will present to the visitor the steps taken by the new owners since their acquisition, illustrated with photos and plans.
    Saturday, September 19 from 14h00 to 19h00 
    Sunday, September 20 from 09h00 to 12h30; 14h00 to 17h00
    Directions
Cézais (85410)
**Château de la Cressonnière - donation - Saturday 19th September from 10h00 to 18h00   
    XVth century chateau recently renovated as wedding or events venue - privately owned
    Directions 
Chaille-les-Marais (85450)
**Maison du Maître de Digues - Sunday September 20 from 9h30 to 12h30 and from 14h00 to 17h15 FREE
    Discover the role of the dike and the Master of Dikes in the Marais poitevin. Special attention for children (no dogs please)
    Directions (tourism office)
Cheffois (85390)
**Logis de la Girardière - Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th from 14h00 - 18h00 FREE
    Château and outbuildings with perimeter walls built around a large square courtyard, includes towers and a chapel. XVIth Century (private)
    Directions
**Church of Cheffois - Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th from 10h00 - 18h00 FREE
    Beautiful fortified church in picturesque village - XIII and XVth century
    Directions
Commequiers (85220)
**Château de Commequiers - Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th from 11h00 - 18h00 FREE
    XVth century octagonal stronghold with 8 towers will exceptionally reveal all its secrets to you on the occasion of European Heritage Days
    Directions
Cugand (85610)
**Gites Communaux Cugand - Sunday 20th September 11h00 to 18h00  -FREE
    Parcours communal gîtes, moulin à foulon, lavoir du Doué
    Directions
Doix (85200)
**Eglise Saint-Pierre - Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th from 09h00 - 19h00 -FREE
    Built in the 1845 (19th century), this church has three naves and the central vault has a coffered ceiling.
    Directions
Essarts-en-Bocage (85140)
**Château des Essarts - Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th from 14h00 - 19h00 -donation
    Guided visit and walk through the 17ha park
    Directions
Fontenay-Le-Comte (85200)
**Château De Terre Neuve (Discount on Sunday only)
    We LOVE château de Terre Neuve and highly recommend this lovely Renaissance home - privately owned and beautifully preserved with true treasures 
    Website.  More information
     Open: 10h00 to 12h00 and from 14h00 to 18h00
     Directions
**Fontaine des 4 Tias - Saturday/ Sunday from 14h00 - 18h00 - FREE
    First classical fountain in France (1542) - emblematic monument of the Renaissance
    Directions
Foussais-Payré (85240)
**Eglise Saint-Hilaire FREE - Saturday and Sunday from 10h00 to 12h00 and 14h00 to 18h00
    XIth century, restored in the XVth and burned down in the XVIth century. Beautiful Romanesque portal 
    Open: Saturday and Sunday from 10h00 to 12h00 and 14h00 to 18h00
    Directions
**Prieure De Foussais (Ancien) - Saturday and Sunday from 10h00 to 12h00 and 14h00 to 18h00 FREE
    Directions
**Protestant Temple - Saturday and Sunday from 10h00 to 12h00 and 14h00 to 18h00 FREE
    1843 in Greek style - a sober church with schoolroom and teacher's quarters
    Directions
L'Ile-D'Yeu
*****Reach the island by ferry*****
**Vieux-Chateau - free access from 11h00 to 18h00. Info 
Jard-sur-Mer (85520)
**Abbaye Royale de Lieu-Dieu - not to miss!! - not free but inexpensive - highly recommended!!!
    Guided tours by the owners on Saturday 19th 10h00, 11h00, 14h00, 15h00 and 16h00.
    Directions
La Barre-De-Monts (85550)
**Le Daviaud FREE ENTRY
    Ecomuseum Marais Vendeen open from 14h00 to 19h00 - website
    Directions
La Bruffière (85530)
**Eglise Sainte Radegonde - Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th from 09h00 to 18h00 - FREE
    1889-1890 romano-byzantine
    Directions 
La Chaize-Giraud (85220)
**Eglise La Chaize Giraud
**Eglise Notre-Dame
    Directions
La Chaize-Le-Vicomte (85310)
**Eglise Saint-Nicolas - Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th from 15h00 to 15h30 - FREE
**Musée Ornithologique Charles-Payraudeau - Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th from 14h00 to 18h00 - FREE
    Directions to the village
La-Roche-sur-Yon (85500)
**Georges Mazurelle Hospital Center - Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th from 09h00 to 18h00 - FREE
    presentation of the architectural evolution of the main site of the establishment, from its Napoleonic construction to buildings of High Environmental Quality, whose construction was designed in conjunction with the medical teams, the evolution architectural aspects of buildings being closely linked to the evolution of care.
    Directions
**Haras de la Vendée - Saturday 19th from 14h00 to 18h00 and Sunday 20th and from 10h00 to 19h00 FREE
    Free visit of facilities and stables with horse riding demonstrations, interactive workshops and performances to music
    Directions
*****The complete program for La Roche-sur-Yon here*****
Le Bernard (85560)
**Eglise Saint Martin - Fri/Sat/Sun from 10h00 to 18h00 FREE
    Directions
Le Boupère (85510)
**Eglise Saint-Pierre - Fri/Sat/Sun from 09h00 to 18h00 FREE
    A unique fortified church of which the front of the buttresses are pierced with archers and gunboats, and is connected by a covered walk protected by a crenelated parapet. The fortifications date from the XVth century. Audio-guides (1h visit) are available for free at the Café des Sports (19 rue du General de Gaulle - 02 51 91 41 39)
    Open Saturday: 9h00 to 18h00 and on Sunday from 9h00 to 13h00
    Directions
Les Landes-Genusson (85130)
**Cite des Oiseaux - Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th from 09h00 to 18h00 - FREE
    Birdlife along a discovery route
    Directions
L'Hermenault (85570)
**Château de l'Hermenault -  Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th from 14h00 to 18h00 (5 euros)
     - Not to miss manmade canal, veg garden, dovecote and absolutely stunning barn.
    Directions
Les Magnils-Reigniers(85400)
**Eglise Saint-Nicolas FREE
    Directions
Les Sables d'Olonne (85100)
**Abbaye Saint-Jean d’Orbestier - Open from 11h00 to 19h00 both days FREE
    Recently restored, the abbey was built in the twelfth century under the leadership of William IX, Duke of Aquitaine and Count of Poitou. The nearby forest was Richard de Lionheart's favourite hunting ground. Reservations required Tel:02 51 23 16 00
   Directions
**Prieuré de Saint Nicholas - Saturday/ Sunday 10h00 to 18h00 - FREE
    Erected by the religious of Holy Cross of Talmont in the XIth century, the priory was looted during the Wars of Religion, restored by Richelieu, and for 100 years (XVIII and IXXth) became a fort, guard house and powder magazine
    Directions
**Eglise Notre dame du Bon Port - FREE
    Church is open daily but at 16h00 (both days) there is a guided tour by the Association of Friends of Religious Heritage.
    Be aware this church is undergoing restoration at the moment
    Located on Place d'eglise, Rue Bisson (near the boardwalk - walking distance from large car parks in the city)
**Chateau Saint-Clair, Tour Arundel - Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th from 10h00 to 17h00 - FREE
    Exhibitions and 16th century stronghold
     Directions
**La Villa Tertrais-Chailley - Saturday and Sunday from 10h00 to  18h00 - FREE
    Built in 1864-1867 in the style of the second empire with a later belle époque renovation. 
    Directions
**NEW this year - Logis du Fenestreau - Saturday and Sunday at 10h00 ONLY - by reservation - FREE
    Former residence of the Lords of Olonne at the end of the 12th century, this house was built in the 15th century by a Sablais shipowner Robert Bouhier.
    Reservations required Tel:02 51 23 16 00
     Directions*****The complete offer of Journees du Patrimoine at Les Sables d'Olonnes here*****
Luçon (85400)
**Visites commentées FREE
- Hôtel de Ville - Saturday 19th from 14h30 to 15h05; Sunday 20th from 14h30 to 15h05 and from 17h00 to 17h30
- Cathédrale Notre Dame de l'Assomption and cloister - Saturday 19th from 14h00 to 14h45 and 17h15 to 18h00; on Sunday 20th from 14h00 to 14h45 and 17h15 to 18h00
    Directions to Lucon
Maillezais (85420)
**Ancienne Abbaye FREE - Saturday from 10h00 to 14h30 to 21h45
    Free visit as well as Renaissance concerts, dances and texts by the Compagnie Outre Mesure ** (this is FUN!!)
    Directions
Montreverd (85260)
**Logis de la Chabotterie - Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th from 10h00 to 19h00 - FREE
    Not to miss! Visit and concerts-  see our article
    Directions
Mortagne-Sur-Sèvre (85290)
**Ville
**Chapelle Du Pont FREE
**Chapelle Saint Lazare
    Directions
Mouchamps (85640)
**Gravesite of  Georges Clemenceau - Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th from 10h00 to 12h00  and from 14h00 to 18h00 FREE
    See our article and directions
** Eglise
Mouilleron-Saint-Germain (85390)
**Eglise Saint-Hilaire Crypt of the church - Sunday 20th from 10h30 to 18h00 - FREE
    Exposition urban architect William Cargill and live music
    Directions to Mouilleron(en-Pareds)-St-Germain
Moutiers-Les-Mauxfaits (85540)
**La Cantaudière - Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th from 10h00 to 19h00
    Private but open on this weekend only. Built in 1578, the building was initially a small fortress with four towers, ramparts, and a drawbridge (ramparts one tower were removed)
    The property was purchased in 1855 by Charles Duchaine and is, to this day, owned by his descendants
    Directions
Mouzeuil-Saint-Martin (85370)
**Château de la Rivière - Sunday 20th September - FREE
    Tours of the gardens with over 50 species of plants and trees. Beautiful! at 10h30; 14h00; 15h30; 17h00; 18h30 ) 1.5hrs each Video
    Direcctions
Nalliers (85370)
**L Îlot les Tours - Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th from 14h00 to 20h00 - FREE
   Private seignoral château from the 17th century featuring one of the largest dovecotes in France!!!! 
   Free visit or tour by the owners as you wish with possibility to see the cellars of the old chateau
   Directions
**Réserve Biologique de Nalliers-Mouzeuil - Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th from 14h00 to 18h00 - FREE
    146ha of natural park and two hiking trails; exhibition of nature photography by Michel Pette
    Directions
Nesmy (85310)
**Moulin de Rambourg - Sunday 20th from 14h00 to 18h00 - FREE
    Guided visits of this beautiful watermill - reservations 02 51 36 00 85
    Directions
Nieul-Sur-L'Autise (85240)
**Abbaye Saint-Vincent FREE
    Founded in 1068, it was declared a royal abbey in 1141 by King Louis VII, husband of Eleanor of Aquitaine. Except for the Romanesque cloister, it was largely destroyed in the Wars of Religion, and restored. Animations and great with children.
    Open Saturday from 10h00 to 12h30 and from 13h30 to 18h00. Sunday from 10h00 to 18h00. Recommended! 
    Directions 
Noirmoutier-En-L'Ile (85330)
**Musée Du Château FREE
    Built in the XIIth century, this medieval castle is one of the most well-preserved in western France.
    Free visit of the castle-museum with the exhibition "A Musée-vous +!" and demonstrations of Viking fights in the courtyard.
    Open from 10h00 to 18h00
    Directions 
Pouzauges
**Eglise Notre-Dame Du Vieux Pouzauges - SUPERB! Sat and Sun from 10h00 to 18h00 - FREE
**Eglise Saint-Jacques FREE
**Lavoir des Soriettes - Saturday 19th at 14h00; 15h00; 16h00 and 17h00 - FREE
**Vieux-Château - exceptional opening Sunday 10h00 - 13h00 and 14h00 - 18h00 - FREE
    XIth century fortress with its 350-meter long curtain walls. The donjon, built in the Poitou stone, is 26m high and was transformed into a residence by Catherine de Thouars, wife of the famous Gilles de Rais (Bluebeard) in the XVth century, with a granite spiral staircase, carved fireplaces and windows. 
    Directions
Puy-De-Serre (85240)
**Eglise Saint-Marthe FREE
    Directions 
Puyravault (85450)
**Eglise de Puyravault FREE
    Directions
Réaumur (85700)
**Chapelle Ste Marie De Reaumur - FREE
    At the origin of this chapel lies the legend of the Virgin Mary to have provided a spring to quench the thirst of a knight.
    Fri/Sat/Sun from 09h00 to 19h00
    Directions
Rives-de-l'Yon (85310)
**La Maison de Libellules (Dragonfly house) - Saturday 19 and Sunday 20th from 14h00 to 19h00 - FREE
    Great with children (also disabled and in motorized wheelchair). Demonstrations, dragonfly garden, exhibitions and biodiverse garden and much more
    Directions
Saint-Germain-de-Prinçay (85210)
**Logis des Grois - Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th from 9h30 to 12h30 and from 14h30 to 18h00
    Discover the history of this château during the wars of religion and the revolution + guided tour of life in 'autarky' and its organization
    Directions
Saint-Hilaire-de-Loulay (85600)
**Château de la Preuille -  Sunday 20th from 10h00 to 18h00 - FREE
    Lovely castle, gardens only; beautiful location and lovely owners who have organised a day-long of animations, small market, equestrian events, music and history. Vineyard next door.
    Directions
Saint-Hilaire-la-Foret (85440)
**Prehisto site de Cairn - Sunday 20th from 14h00 to 18h00 - FREE
    Demonstrations of the hunt around Neolithic monuments and menhir workshop.
An afternoon to live as a tribe and discover the Neolithic era 
    Directions
Saint-Hilaire-Le-Vouhis (85450)
**La Chevillonnière 
    The manor of the Chevillonnière XVth century has been restored since 2008, but the XIVth century ramparts have only recently been discovered and completely reassembled: 110 m long with 2 small corner towers overlooking the river Le Petit Lay. STUNNING!!!
    Saturday, September 19 - 11h00 to 12h00 and 14h00 to 18h00 - (House tours by the owners @2 EUROS pp; children FREE)
    Sunday, September 20 - 10h00 to 18h00 - Equestrian events in the garden: national driving competition - FREE
    Directions  GPS 46°41'23.2"N 1°07'49.9"W
Saint-Juire-Champgillon (85210)
**Château De Saint-Juire (Saturday 19th - 10h30 to 12h30 and 14h30 to 17h30; Sunday 20th from 14h00 to 17h00) - FREE
    Private. History of the castle and grounds - huge moat with garden!! 
    Directions
Saint-Martin-des-Noyers (85140)
**Moulin de Bois - Sunday 20th from 10h00 to 18h00 - FREE
    1835 windmill complete restored - operated until 1910. There are four more windmills nearby. Tour.
    Directions
Saint-Mesmin (85700)
**L'Audrière Chapel - Saturday 19 and Sunday 20th from 14h00 to 18h00 - FREE
    Guided or free visit of this XVIth century chapel - archeological excavations in progress (may be in scaffold as is currently being restored)
    Directions
Saint-Michel-En-L'Herm (85580)
**L'Abbaye Royale (REDUCED RATE 3 euros, FREE UNDER 7)
    Guided tour of the gardens, refectory, scriptorium, the chapter house as well as (uniquely) the dining room and the other old buildings. Includes musical interludes. Highly recommended!!!
    It does get very busy here as this is normally a private summer residence.
     SCHEDULE: SATURDAY 19th at  10h00, 11h00, 14h30, 15h00, 15h30, 16h00, 16h30 ; SUNDAY 20TH at  14h30, 15h00, 15h30, 16h00, 16h30
    Directions
Saint-Pierre-Du-Chemin (85120)
**Eglise Saint-Pierre FREE
**Lavoir FREE
    Directions
Saint-Pierre-Le-Vieux (85420)
**Eglise De Chalais FREE
    Exhibit of sculptures by a local artist from 10h00 to 18h00
    Directions
Saint-Prouant (85110)
**Prieuré de Grammont -  Open Saturday from 10h00 to 12h30 and from 13h30 to 18h00; and on Sunday 10h00 to 19h00 - FREE
    Beautiful little abbey from the XIIth century (see article) with its murals, inner courtyard etc... (STUNNING highly recommend!)
    Directions
Sainte-Gemme-La-Plaine (85400)
**Logis De La Chevallerie (3.5 EUROS pp/ FREE up to 12)
    History and website. Open for guided tours and concert from 9h30 to 12h00 and 14h00 to 18h15 on Saturday and Sunday
     Château de la Chevallerie is one of the 12 remarkable Logis of Vendée. Stunning. Tours by the owners
Directions
Sainte-Hermine (85210)
**Church de Simon-la-Vineuse - Saturday 19 and Sunday 20th from 9h00 to 17h00 - FREE
**Lavoir
   Directions
Sallertaine (85300)
**Moulin a Vent De Rairé  - Saturday 19 and Sunday 20th from 14h00 to 18h00 - (REDUCED RATE)
    Built around 1555, the Moulin de Rairé originally belonged to the lord of the Garnache, Jacques de la Touche. The windmill was spared from the wars in the Vendée and is in fact the only windmill in France which has never stopped functioning. Website 
    Directions
Sèvremont (85700)
**Château de La Flocellière - Tour on Sunday at 15h00 and at 17h00 - (tarif unclear)
    Tour by the owners of this stunning castle with a very long history vrom the XIth through the Renaissance. WOW!
    Directions
Sigournais (85110)
**Château Féodal - Saturday 19th from 1h30 to 18h30 and Sunday 20th from 10h00 to 19h00 - (REDUCED RATE)
    Remodeled in the 15th century on the foundations of a castle built around the year one thousand, with moats, polygonal enclosure, towers, covered walkway, latrines and much more. This feudal castle is one of the best examples of medieval military architecture in the Vendée and not to miss!
    Our article on Castles in the Vendee for more info.  Website
    Directions
Talmont-Saint-Hilaire (85440)
**Château de Talmont - Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th from 10h30 to 18h00 (Tarif unclear)
    Incredible medieval castle with a rich history - see our article Castles in the Vendee
    Details - see their website
    Directions
Tiffauges (85130)
**Château De Tiffauges - Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th from 14h00 to 19h00- FREE
    Geoffrey Thouars built the castle in the 12th Century, its ramparts and towers protecting the village by the Crume river; but it is perhaps more (in)famous for Gilles de Rais or Bluebeard.
    Castle is open on Saturday and Sunday with free entry and demonstrations of the war machines (no other animations)  more info see our article
    Directions
Treize-Septiers (85450)
**Bread oven - open Sunday from 10h00 to 18h00 - FREE
    Directions
Venansault (85120)
**Jardins du Loriot - Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th from 14h00 to 19h00 - not FREE
    Directions
Vix (85240)
**Place Charles de Gaulle - Suday from 15h00 to 17h00 - FREE
    Guided tour
    Directions

NOTE: We couldn't possible include every single event in this list as the Vendee is vast and with an interesting history. We included locations that seemed interesting to us, and a few churches and chapels.
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