What to do in august

Jardins des Lumières: an exhibition on the art of garden design at the Grand Trianon, Palace of Versailles

At the Grand Trianon of the Palace of Versailles, in Yvelines, the exhibition Jardins des Lumières (1750-1800) delves into the art of the landscape garden through nearly 160 works, including paintings, models, drawings, and furniture. Go see it from May 5 to September 27, 2026, and take the opportunity to explore the Trianon gardens and the Queen's Hamlet.

This 700 m2 fabric shop in Paris offers nearly 10,000 products, fabrics and notions.

Calling all aspiring couturiers: a new 700-square-meter space dedicated to fabric has just opened in Paris’s 14th arrondissement. Behind the shopfronts, thousands of fabrics and haberdashery items are waiting to be turned into sewing projects. It’s the kind of spot that makes you want to move from “I’m thinking about it” to “I’m getting started,” with fabric as the starting point.

Little Red Door, the cocktail bar where you can savor a truly immersive sensory experience

Rue Charlot, in the Marais, Little Red Door draws you in with its anthracite façade, where a red-painted door hides in plain sight. Welcome to this Paris cocktail hotspot, an address that feels like a genuine experience.

Visit La Hublotière, Hector Guimard's Art Nouveau villa, this summer 2026 in the Yvelines.

Do you know Hublotière? This Art Nouveau villa, designed by Hector Guimard, hides in the heart of Le Vésinet in the Yvelines. Although it is inhabited year-round, it opens its doors to the public each summer, for just a few euros.

Rooster, the Marseille-inspired fine-dining restaurant from chef Frédéric Duca in Batignolles

Comfortably tucked away in the Batignolles, Rooster, chef Frédéric Duca’s gastronomic restaurant, smells like a Mediterranean holiday. Here, Marseille is calling out at full blast. All that’s missing are the cicadas, and you’d swear you were there.

SHEROES.1: A Bold Collective Exhibition at L’Aiguillage in Paris

The L’Aiguillage cultural space hosts SHEROES.1, a multimedia collective exhibition centered on women who have been rendered invisible, running from March 28 to May 5, 2026, as part of International Women's Rights Day. A closing-night reception will be held on May 5 from 6:30 p.m., with video screenings starting at 8 p.m.

Where to see farm animals? Educational farms and livestock farms in and around Paris.

A day at the farm is the sure-fire outing everyone agrees on: so this weekend, this Wednesday, or during the holidays, it's the perfect chance to (re)discover the area’s farms and educational farms.

Visit a fire station for free: 2026 open house dates

Paris and Île-de-France fire stations open their doors for free to aspiring firefighters on sunny days. Plan a visit on select Saturdays and Sundays throughout the year (depending on the station) for an immersive glimpse into the life of firefighters.

Forest Tales: Lélia Demoisy's exhibition at Domaine de Chamarande

Lélia Demoisy presents Tales from the Forests, a contemporary art exhibition at the Domaine départemental de Chamarande in the Essonne department, running from May 10 to August 30, 2026. The exhibition journey traverses the forest, living beings, and the memory of materials through sculptures and installations.

The château of Louis XIV’s secret wife, and where Vauban left his only unfinished aqueduct.

Less than an hour from Paris, the Château de Maintenon in Eure-et-Loir reveals the astonishing rise of Madame de Maintenon and the remnants of Vauban’s only civil project. We set off to explore this sublime château and its gardens, and we’ll tell you everything about this heritage treasure.

L'Orée des Sablons, the go-to bistronomic restaurant in Fontainebleau, Seine-et-Marne

From Fontainebleau in Seine-et-Marne, L'Orée des Sablons serves creative, locally sourced cuisine from chef Kevin Pernette, in a cosy setting on Rue des Sablons not far from the Château de Fontainebleau. Open since early 2025 and already listed in the Michelin Guide 2026, it’s worth digging in.

Partouche Casino Club: the new temple of gaming opens its doors in Paris on May 12

It's one of the spring's most anticipated openings in Paris. The Partouche Casino Club is poised to welcome its first visitors from May 12, 2026, just a stone's throw from the Arc de Triomphe. A spectacular new venue, casino-inspired in spirit, aiming to redefine the experience of gambling clubs in the capital.

L'Auberge du Vieux Marly, a terrace-friendly restaurant in the Yvelines, is making a comeback (78)

L'Auberge du Vieux Marly, an institution in the old village of Marly-le-Roi in the Yvelines (78), is coming back to life in 2026 under the leadership of Myriam Guenfoud. A chalkboard menu, a shaded terrace, and homemade cooking await you at this charming village-style restaurant.

Star Wars: a 300 sq m pop-up shop has landed in the heart of Paris — our verdict and photos

The Star Wars universe makes a detour through Paris — landing at Les Halles on April 30, 2026. A 300-square-meter pop-up, boasting more than 1,000 items and activities designed for kids and for collectors.

Origins: an exhibition that probes discrimination at the Museum of the History of Immigration

Contemporary art challenges racism and discrimination in a groundbreaking exhibition on display at the National Museum of the History of Immigration, from June 5 to August 23, 2026.

A summer rooftop bar with an unbeatable view of Paris reopens atop an iconic museum.

Spring–summer 2026, the Musée d’Orsay takes to the skies… and to new heights. Its terrace reopens with a panoramic view of Paris, an arty-chic vibe, and a bar inspired by Art Nouveau. A discreet rooftop, but not for long.

Noti Plage: the summer’s must-visit hotspot makes a comeback at the foot of the Eiffel Tower.

Diving into May 1, 2026, Noti Plage returns in force along the Seine for a third season that’s already shaping up to be unmissable. Meet at the Quai de Suffren, facing the iconic Eiffel Tower, to sip a cocktail, savor tapas, share boards with friends, and vibe to House DJ sets until 2 a.m.!

This hair-care specialist brand runs a hair salon and scalp spa in the heart of Paris.

And if hair beauty starts at the scalp? In the hair-care expert’s salon and spa, located at 22 Boulevard des Capucines, they take the time to comb through every strand, balancing diagnosis, targeted treatments, and color expertise.

Tutankhamun: His Tomb and Treasures Return to Paris Expo Porte de Versailles in 2026

The Tutankhamun exhibition, his tomb and his treasures, returns to Paris Expo Porte de Versailles from July 3 to September 2, 2026, featuring nearly 1,000 artefacts and a 360° immersive room.

Discover 20th‑century Paris by night in a free photo exhibition at the Roger-Viollet Gallery

Paris shines as much by day as by night: discover the capital's rich nocturnal life with the exhibition "Paris, Open All Night," free to visit from June 11 to October 3, 2026 at the Roger-Viollet Gallery.