The Inrap, in partnership with several cultural and archaeological institutions in the Grand-Est region of France, is organizing a series of events as part of the European Days of Heritage (JEP) on September 19 and 20, 2026. These events aim to highlight recent archaeological discoveries and provide the public with a behind-the-scenes look at the work of archaeologists. Activities will include open days at research centers, excavation sites, and exhibitions showcasing historical finds. In Châlons-en-Champagne, the Inrap Archaeological Research Center will host open days on September 20, from 10 a.m. to 12:20 p.m. and again from 1:20 p.m. to 5 p.m. Visitors will be able to observe how archaeologists conduct their work in preventive archaeology, which involves uncovering and preserving historical artifacts before construction projects begin. The Regional Directorate of Cultural Affairs (DRAC) Grand Est will also offer two workshops—one for children and one for adults—on September 19, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at a former slaughterhouse site in the same city. In Bure, the archaeological excavation site of Cigéo will be open on September 20, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Visitors will be guided by an Inrap archaeologist and can learn about the techniques used in excavation and the remains uncovered. Adults must present a physical identity document, and registration is required for the visit, which is only open to those aged eight and older. In Benfeld, a conference on the results of the Helmbacher sand quarry excavation will be held on September 19, at 7 p.m., at the Library of the Benfeld Castle, by Aurélie Carbillet, a research archaeologist at Inrap. In Eschau, Boris Dottori, an Inrap archaeologist, will lead guided tours of the Saint-Trophime church on September 20, at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m., to present the findings of the excavation and explore the church’s architectural history from its construction in the late 10th century to the present. In Colmar, Inrap archaeologists will present the first discoveries from an ongoing excavation of a collegiate to schoolchildren on September 18, and will welcome the general public on September 19, from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., at the Collegiate of Colmar. Visitors will learn about the use of lasergrammetry—a technique that uses lasers to create precise 3D models—and dendrochronology, the science of dating wood by examining tree rings. In Baltzenheim, the results of the Church of St-Michel excavation will be presented on September 20, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. A continuous slideshow inside the church will detail the building’s architectural evolution from its 11th-century origins through transformations in the 18th and 19th centuries. In Villers-Bettnach, a new discovery trail will open on September 20, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., allowing visitors to explore the history of a former abbey. Agnès Charignon, an Inrap archaeologist, will be on-site to discuss the abbey’s history based on excavation findings. In Voinémont, Perrine Toussaint, a research archaeologist at Inrap, will present the results of 2025 excavations on September 19, at 8:30 p.m., following a guided tour of the church by local volunteers at 7:30 p.m. In Blâmont, Thomas Vergine, another Inrap archaeologist, will present the 2025 excavation results on September 19, at 5 p.m., at the town hall. This will be preceded by two guided tours of the local castle at 10:30 a.m. and 3 p.m., led by members of the "Clef de Voûte" heritage association. In Reims, the Saint-Remi museum will host an exhibition titled “Treasures under the rails” from September 19 to 20, showcasing two significant finds uncovered during Inrap excavations related to tram line construction. These include Gallo-Roman silver tableware and an 18th-century treasure of coins and other valuables. The 2026 edition of the European Days of Heritage will focus on two main themes: the "Heritage of photography" and "Heritage in danger: revive, resist, reimagine," highlighting the importance of preserving cultural and historical assets in the modern world.