Senior criterion

5 experiences you probably wouldn’t expect to find near Paris!

Escape game on a moped, a 4L rally, a solar-powered catamaran, flan and a nocturnal hike: this summer, Oise.fun shines a light on experiences that veer off the beaten path and offer a fresh way to spend a day near Paris. Far from the tourist clichés, these five activities lean into curiosity, conviviality, and surprise.

Seine Commune 2026: a watersports center, swimming and free activities on Île-Saint-Denis (93)

With Seine Commune, the City of L'Île-Saint-Denis is turning the banks of the Seine into a summertime hub for leisure and social life. The event runs from July 8 to August 1, 2026 at the nautical base of the riverfront eco-district, a waterfront site that regularly hosts boating and water-sports activities. The program welcomes both residents and passing visitors.

Singin’ in the Rain at the Lido: the cast unveiled

Singin’ in the Rain arrives at the Théâtre du Lido in Paris from 17 September 2026. Ashley Day, Maddie Waller, and Charlie Waddell star in this new production directed by Robert Carsen.

5 hikes in the Rambouillet Forest and the Chevreuse Valley, accessible by public transport

To the west of Paris, the Rambouillet forest hides treasures and, even better, hiking trails just waiting to be explored. We take you into this Île-de-France forest, accessible by public transport, for a few scenic outings.

This farm in the Yvelines region offers rustic evenings with barbecues, concerts and games.

From July through September 2026, the Gally Farm in Saint-Cyr-l'École unveils a vibrant lineup, with the return of its countryside evenings for families and friends to gather around a wood-fired barbecue and a selection of board games.

A free fireworks display in Saint-Ouen (93) this August to celebrate the end of summer.

It's the end of the holidays, yes, but certainly not the end of the festivities. After a summer packed with activities and events, we take stock of this summer season in Saint-Ouen-sur-Seine, where the town is hosting a grand fireworks display before the new school year begins.

Open-air cinema at the Swedish Institute: Swedish cinema takes the spotlight this summer

Every summer, the Swedish Institute in Paris hosts outdoor cinema screenings in its Marais garden. Free or bookable depending on the edition, these screenings showcase Swedish classics and contemporary titles in an intimate setting in the heart of the 3rd arrondissement.

Open-air cinema 2026: screenings under the stars at Georges-Valbon Park in La Courneuve

Georges-Valbon Departmental Park in La Courneuve hosts several open-air cinema sessions as part of Bel Été 2026. Free and open to all, these screenings take place on Friday evenings from July 17 to July 31, on a giant screen installed in the heart of the park.

The Lire dans l’herbe 2026 festival in Saint-Ouen: a free, open-to-all gathering around books.

On Saturday, July 11, 2026, the Wangari Serre greenhouse in Saint-Ouen-sur-Seine hosts a new edition of Lire dans l'herbe, a free festival dedicated to books and environmental issues. The program features author talks, workshops, readings, activities for children, and conferences on nature and ecology.

Hot tip: free aquagym classes every day at a pool in the 17th arrondissement.

From July 4 to August 16, 2026, the Just Fontaine stadium’s summer swimming program in Paris’ 17th arrondissement offers free aquagym classes. Part of the City of Paris’ summer initiative, these sessions are open to the public, space permitting.

Journée 2026 des Chiens guides à Paris: Free Open Doors to Learn Everything

On Sunday, September 27, 2026, the Paris Guide Dog School is organizing Guide Dog Day. Free and open to the public, the event offers a glimpse into the work of guide dogs, the stages of their training, and the role of the volunteers who support their education.

Villeglé exhibition at Carnavalet: Paris, torn from the streets and urban art

The "Paris à l'arraché" exhibition celebrates Jacques Villeglé's centenary at the Musée Carnavalet, in the Marais, from 14 October 2026 to 14 February 2027. Torn posters, audio archives, and unseen documents trace 70 years of urban art in Paris.

Odoya 2026, the music festival that will transport you to Brazil—from Saint-Ouen (93)

On Saturday, July 18, 2026, Saint-Ouen’s Serre Wangari will host the 4th edition of Odoya. Free and open to everyone, the festival offers a day devoted to Brazilian culture, featuring music, dance, percussion, cuisine, and handicrafts.

Swimming in the Marne at Maisons-Alfort, Val-de-Marne, for Summer 2026

Swimming in the Marne makes a grand comeback in Maisons-Alfort, Val-de-Marne: the site laid out at the foot of the Charentonneau footbridge has reopened its pools until the end of August 2026. We tested it and here’s everything you need to know.

The Olympic cauldron at the Tuileries Garden this summer 2026: what you need to know

It's become a tradition: this summer, until September 14, 2026, come and admire the Paris 2026 basin for free in the Tuileries Garden.

Saint-Ouen’s Summer 2026: free activities, open-air cinema and a Brazilian guinguette in Saint-Ouen

From Saturday, July 4 to Sunday, August 23, 2026, the city of Saint-Ouen-sur-Seine is staging Été Audonien, a major summer festival featuring free activities and special evenings, designed to make you feel like you’re on vacation without leaving the city.

Cycling in the Fontainebleau Area, gentle routes to go green

The easy, scenic network around Fontainebleau connects Fontainebleau, Bois-le-Roi, Barbizon and Samois-sur-Seine with marked forest trails you can explore on foot or by bike all year round. We hopped on our bikes to test them, and here’s what we found.

Verrières' Larger-Than-Life Summer 2026: The Summer Lineup in Verrières-le-Buisson (91)

From July 1 to 17, 2026, the town of Verrières-le-Buisson is launching a new edition of "Verrières été grandeur nature." Taking place at Parc Régnier, this event offers free sports, cultural, and leisure activities open to everyone.

Tutankhamun: his tomb and treasures at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles: our photos

The Tutankhamun exhibition: his tomb and his treasures is back at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles from July 3 to September 6, 2026. Tomb reconstructions, funerary treasures, audio guide, immersive room and VR experience: discover what awaits you on site, in pictures.

Rendezvous at Mozart Square in Joinville-le-Pont: four evenings of entertainment in July 2026

The Rendezvous at Mozart Square return to Joinville-le-Pont in July 2026. Organized by the city, this free event transforms Mozart Square, in the Polangis district, into a lively hub with concerts, activities for kids, and food stalls.