FRANCE’S monuments, famous buildings and heritage sites open their doors this weekend for the 26th Journées du Patrimoine.

Last year the Palais de la République, the Elysée, Matignon, Sénat and Bercy were among the most visited buildings in Paris – however, this year they will be rivalled by the Moulin Rouge, which is taking part for the first time with visitors going backstage.

In all, 15,000 sites are open throughout the country and are expected to welcome around 12 million visitors to chateaux and gardens, churches and abbeys, museums and archaeological sites plus factories, workshops and theatres.

There are 86 cathedrals open to the public, including 46 which are being restored so visitors can see the techniques used in their construction.

Scores of sites are offering guided sensory or tactile visits in line with this year’s theme of Heritage Accessible to All and others are offering guides using sign language.

The full programme can be seen on the website www.journeesdupatrimoine.culture.fr/ - which has a search facility to find sites by theme or map.