The French National Institute for Preventive Archaeological Research (Inrap) is organizing several archaeological events in the Centre-Val de Loire region as part of the European Heritage Days (JEP), which will take place on September 19 and 20, 2026. These events aim to highlight the work of preventive archaeology, which involves uncovering and preserving historical sites before they are disturbed by construction or other development. Activities will include open days at excavation sites, exhibitions, and public conferences. In Saint-Laurent-Nouan, Loir-et-Cher, the public will have a rare opportunity to visit an archaeological site from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on September 19, 2026. Located near the left bank of the Loire River, this site spans nearly 7 hectares and reveals layers of human activity from the Paleolithic, Bronze Age, and Middle Ages. The excavation has uncovered hunting camps from the end of the Paleolithic, three distinct areas of habitation, and agro-pastoral settlements from the Bronze Age. Researchers have also identified a fortified settlement from the Carolingian era (9th–10th century), marked by a rectangular enclosure surrounded by a palisade made of 123 post holes. In Blois, Inrap teams will present their work and the initial findings from their excavation at the Aître Saint-Saturnin on September 20, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The event will feature a pedagogical model and photographs explaining the process of preventive archaeology, with archaeologists on hand to discuss their discoveries and answer questions from the public. In Orléans, an exhibition titled Archaeology of a Loir-et-Cher territory: Saran, 300,000 years of history will be open to the public on September 19 and 20, 2026, from 1:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Pavillon Culture - Departmental Archives of Loiret. This exhibition uses previously unpublished archaeological data to explore the history of the Loir-et-Cher territory, tracing human settlement from prehistoric times to the present day. In Dreux, Eure-et-Loir, the first results of an Inrap excavation conducted in spring 2026 will be presented during two conferences on September 19, 2026, at 2:30 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. The event will include a small exhibition on preventive archaeology, detailing its various stages: diagnosis, excavation, analysis, and conservation. The European Heritage Days 2026 will take place nationwide on September 19 and 20, 2026, with events such as open excavation sites, exhibitions, and public meetings. This year’s edition will focus on the themes “Photography heritage” and “Endangered heritage: revive, resist, reimagine,” highlighting the importance of preserving cultural and historical sites.