Journées Européennes du Patrimoine 2026 : de Courboulay à l'autogare

Set off on foot to discover 20th-century heritage on an urban walk featuring several of Le Mans’s iconic buildings: the Bourse du Travail, the Departmental Solidarity Office (with an interior tour), the coach station, and the former tram station site…

Twentieth-century heritage, though still often overlooked, is nonetheless a remarkable asset. Sometimes recognised and accredited by the Ministry of Culture, it is well represented in the Sarthe department through numerous iconic architectural works. Every year, the CAUE strives to highlight these works during the European Heritage Days.

The theme of this year’s event — ‘Heritage at Risk: Revive, Resist, Reinvent’ — serves as a reminder, however, of the importance of preserving this heritage. It offers the CAUE the opportunity not only to showcase significant works that have stood the test of time, but also to pay tribute to buildings that no longer exist, by combining a historical perspective with an educational approach.

On the route:

Former site of the tram station and the Sarthe Primary Social Security Fund
Student hall of residence – telephone exchange
Former site of the market halls
Residential block (3rd development)
Departmental Solidarity Directorate – Departmental Social Housing Office (including a tour inside the building)
Trade Union and Associations Centre – Labour Exchange
Coach station

Free of charge, registration required. Please remember to wear comfortable shoes and bring something to drink.
The tour starts at 2 Rue Paul Courboulay
#JEP2026