Free things to do in Paris at the moment

It's often said that living in Paris is expensive. So when it comes to enjoying the sights and sounds of Paris, some people fear they're running out of money. We're here to prove you wrong. And with good reason: Paris is brimming with great deals and free outings that we share with you on a regular basis. It's no longer a question of depriving yourself, it's more a question of going out smart!

So what can you do in Paris without spending a cent? In this guide, we reveal a selection of the free things to do in Paris. Whether it's cultural nuggets, ideas for outings or other good deals, you'll soon discover that it's possible to go out in Paris without breaking the bank.

The bonus? This guide is updated as new discoveries and announcements are made. So don't hesitate to treasure this page and consult it regularly to find out what free events are waiting for you in Paris every day. And did you know? We've also got a guide to the week's best deals, as well as a roundup of free or affordable weekend outings. So, are you ready to crack the code?

The latest free outings in Paris and the Ile-de-France region:

Twingo makes its summer home in the heart of Paris with free events (exhibitions, stand-up, DJ sets...)
Sponsored - From June 26 to September 20, 2026, Twingo takes over the Champs-Élysées with the House of Frog experience at the Renault® show. The lineup includes an immersive exhibit, stand-up, DJ sets, talks, and other activities and entertainment. Admission is free and open to all, with access to the events by prior registration (link in the article). [Read more]

Square Séverine, the 20th arrondissement’s green lung and a must-visit space at Porte de Bagnolet.
Porte de Bagnolet district, in the 20th arrondissement, Square Séverine has become the neighborhood’s go-to park: a place to live, to play, to dream, to stroll... [Read more]

Essonne: up to 200 exhibitors at this weekend's huge village flea market
A giant flea market brings together between 100 and 200 exhibitors in this small lakeside village on the Essonne’s leisure base. On Saturday, August 29 and Sunday, August 30, 2026, shoppers can browse antiques, clothing, toys and home decor at bargain prices. [Read more]

Free exhibitions to see in September 2026: the must-see picks in Paris
Want to start the new year with a fantastic free exhibition in Paris? Great news: museums and art galleries are getting back into the swing of things too, with their season kicking off in September 2026! Come discover the best artistic picks to see in Paris and Île-de-France. [Read more]

Passy Cemetery, one of Paris's most distinctive cemeteries, facing the Eiffel Tower.
Situated on the edge of the Trocadéro Gardens, Passy Cemetery enjoys a prime location. It’s easy to see why Edouard Manet, Fernandel, and Claude Debussy chose to spend their final days there, with the Eiffel Tower rising above the graves. [Read more]

The Batignolles Cemetery, a discreet burial ground that is home to several eminent figures.
In the north-west of Paris stands a cemetery that’s a little unloved and somewhat overlooked by both tourists and locals: the Batignolles Cemetery. It’s up to you to change that and discover its 15,000 tombs, including those of illustrious French artists. [Read more]

Montmartre Cemetery, two centuries of history and famous residents
Montmartre Cemetery is the final resting place of François Truffaut, Jeanne Moreau, Michel Berger, France Gall, Dalida, and Émile Zola. It’s a must-see and refreshing detour in the Montmartre district. [Read more]

Le cimetière du Montparnasse, un lieu de mémoire où reposent de grandes figures à Paris Montparnasse Cemetery, a place of memory where great figures rest in Paris
The Montparnasse cemetery is the final resting place of many famous personalities, and a stroll through it is a free and instructive pleasure. [Read more]

The Grape Festival 2026 in Vauhallan (Essonne): local producers, wine tastings and live music
On Saturday, August 29, 2026, the town of Vauhallan will celebrate the vine at the 4th edition of its Grape Festival. On the program? Free activities for everyone and a grand celebration centered on vine cultivation. [Read more]

Flea markets and garage sales in Seine-et-Marne on August 29–30, 2026 – 77
Seine-et-Marne welcomes around a dozen flea markets and garage sales this final weekend of August, on August 29–30, 2026, with events spread across the entire 77, ranging from village flea markets to summer garage sales. [Read more]

Yvelines flea markets and rummage sales on August 29–30, 2026
The calendar of flea markets and rummage sales remains very quiet in Yvelines this weekend of August 29–30, 2026, as summer holidays come to a close. No traditional flea-market event is listed in the 78. [Read more]

5 station-to-station hikes to explore the bucolic landscapes of the Grand Morin Valley
To go hiking, you don’t need to rack up hours on trains, in cars, or even at the airport. Only your Navigo pass will do, provided you know the best spots, trails, forests and regional parks for hiking in Île-de-France. [Read more]

5 gardens and parks to drop by for a picnic or a rest, near the Champs-Élysées
On a trip to Paris, especially when the weather is nice, you don’t always know where to find a pleasant spot to settle in for a while—maybe to tuck into a picnic or simply take a break before continuing on. Here’s a guide to nice places to linger for a few hours around the Champs-Élysées in Paris. [Read more]

Saint-Louis Church in Fontainebleau, the other royal landmark in Seine-et-Marne
Saint-Louis Church in Fontainebleau watches over the town center, right beside the château, since the reign of Henry IV. Commissioned by Marie de Médicis and later redesigned under Napoleon III, this parish church in Seine-et-Marne is being rediscovered in 2026, after a long restoration campaign. [Read more]

Yerevan Garden, the square on the banks of the Seine named in homage to the Armenian genocide
Along the Parisian banks of the Seine, the Erevan Garden is one of the leafy promenades featured on this charming Parisian stroll. A pleasant garden, named in memory of and in tribute to the Armenians. [Read more]

A vibrant, color-filled parade in Paris for Ganesh Festival 2026 arrives this weekend!
Ganesh Festival, the elephant-headed god’s celebration held every year in Paris’s 18th arrondissement, will take place on August 30, 2026. On the program: religious ceremonies and a very colorful parade. Here’s what you need to know. [Read more]

Yvelines: free distribution of school supplies with no strings attached and free haircuts
Free school supplies, no questions asked, await families in Mantes-la-Ville (Yvelines), where the Ensemble association is holding its back-to-school distribution at Parc de la Vallée this Saturday, August 29, 2026. Between free haircuts and fun activities, it’s the go-to plan not to miss when money is tight—here’s everything you need to know. [Read more]

Street workout: where to train free of charge in the open air in Paris's 18th arrondissement?
Looking for a free, open-air street workout in Paris's 18th arrondissement? Here's a selection of the best places equipped with equipment available 24 hours a day, for all levels. [Read more]

Saint-Pierre’s Church of Avon, the former royal parish of Fontainebleau
The discreet Saint-Pierre Church of Avon, tucked about a kilometer from the Château de Fontainebleau in Seine-et-Marne, carries nearly a thousand years of royal history. Here is the little-known history of this parish of the kings of France. [Read more]

The Jardin des Champs-Elysées, a mosaic of 12 historic parks along the famed avenue
From the Champs-Élysées, people mainly know the avenue, the stage for countless milestones in the history of France and Paris. Lesser known, its gardens are worth a detour and offer a greener pause around the clock. [Read more]

Free-entry château parks in Île-de-France: the best walking spots
Castle parks offer ideal strolls amid landscaped gardens and historic buildings. Did you know that many of them are free to visit around Paris, in the Île-de-France region? We’re taking a look at the options so you can walk, and perhaps even picnic, depending on the site. [Read more]

Free exhibitions of summer 2026 in Paris and Île-de-France: the best plans for sunny days
Parisian summer is shaping up to be rich in exhibitions and great deals. Here are the free exhibitions to visit throughout the summer season in Paris and Île-de-France, so you can nourish your culture without breaking the bank! [Read more]

Square Léon Serpollet, the hidden green oasis in the heart of Paris's 18th arrondissement
Situated in the Clignancourt district, Square Léon Serpollet is one of those hidden gems locals know well. A green oasis tucked inside a very urban area, to be discovered on a particularly pleasant stroll. [Read more]

Le Paris Élysées Club: Paris’s stronghold for casino gaming.
Sponsored - Craving the casino buzz right in the heart of Paris? Visit the Paris Élysées Club. Paris’s first gaming club, located on Rue Marbeuf in the Golden Triangle. Fans of Ultimate Poker, Punto Banco, or Blackjack flock to this refined, intimate venue. [Read more]

Festival Paradisio 2026: free outdoor screenings and cine-concerts in Moret-sur-Loing (77)
Cinema and heritage enthusiasts, join us for the Paradisio festival and its many free activities, this year centered on the theme of music, from August 28 to 30, 2026. [Read more]

Saint Louis Festival 2026: water jousts, guinguette-style dancing, and a picnic in Fontainebleau (77)
On August 30, 2026, treat yourself to a bucolic interlude along the Grand Canal of the Château de Fontainebleau for the Saint-Louis Festival. Water jousting and waterside entertainments will set the pace for this free, family-friendly day. [Read more]

Paris Sport Sundays 2026: Free fitness classes this summer in Paris parks
Want to enjoy free sports classes? Paris Sport Dimanches welcomes you every Sunday through September 13, 2026 for free, no-registration-required sessions. [Read more]

Playful Blooms: a free festival devoted to gaming, featuring a Werewolf night in the 92.
For a weekend, the town of Fontenay-aux-Roses is bringing back its Floraisons Ludiques festival—a two-day lineup of activities centered on gaming for the whole family—on August 29 and 30, 2026. [Read more]

Festival Silhouette 2026: Short films shown at the outdoor cinema in Butte du Chapeau Rouge
From August 28 to September 5, 2026, the Silhouette festival returns to Parc de la Butte du Chapeau Rouge for its 25th edition. What’s on the menu? An outdoor shorts festival, plus free concerts and activities. [Read more]

10 free outings and activities to have a blast in Paris this August 2026
Free nights out in Paris this August? We've got you covered! Looking for ways to enjoy the capital without breaking the bank? We've come up with 10 visits and activities you're sure to love, all without breaking the bank. [Read more]

Toctoc presents "À la carte!", their new solo exhibition on view at Lavo//Matik
Attention Toctoc fans! The renowned street artist, famed for his character Duduss, is taking over Lavo//Matik in Paris from August 28 to September 12, 2026, to present his new free solo exhibition titled "À la carte!". [Read more]

The Claire Motte Garden, a secret park (with a children's playground), in the 17th arrondissement
On the Porte d'Asnières side, the Claire Motte Garden largely goes unnoticed—and for a good reason: its whole purpose is to offer a tranquil green space where visitors can recharge, away from the bustle. [Read more]

All systems go: the exhibition that blends art and fashion at the Swedish Institute for Paris Design Week.
At the start of the season, the Swedish Institute will reveal its shared sense of order, one of the foundations of Swedish culture. Rendezvous from September 2 to October 4, 2026 to discover this free, collective exhibition blending art and fashion, presented for Paris Design Week. [Read more]

Free Exhibitions in August 2026 in Paris and Île-de-France: the top summer picks to check out
In August, we get to enjoy a Paris with fewer Parisians. But the cultural finds stay in the mix all summer long! Here are the free exhibitions awaiting you in the capital this August. What will your next outing be? [Read more]

The Denfert-Rochereau bunker, Paris's secret Resistance site that you can visit for free.
Hidden beneath Denfert-Rochereau Square lies an old passive-defense shelter that became the headquarters of the Parisian Resistance in August 1944. An exceptional historic site, it had long been off-limits, but is now open to visitors. [Read more]

Chapelle de la Médaille Miraculeuse, a discreet chapel that hides a site of worldwide pilgrimage
Nestled on rue du Bac in Paris’s 7th arrondissement, the Chapel of the Miraculous Medal draws millions of pilgrims from around the globe each year. Behind its unassuming façade lies a fascinating story that blends Marian apparitions, religious heritage, and popular devotion. Discover the secrets of this emblematic Paris landmark and the visiting guidelines. [Read more]

Where to enjoy a picnic in Paris and Île-de-France? Our top spots for outdoor dining
The good weather has arrived, and the irresistible urge to enjoy a picnic is growing stronger. Here are some parks, gardens, and leisure centers in Paris and Île-de-France perfect for outdoor dining. [Read more]

Été de la Toile Filante 2026: a free outdoor cinema festival in Seine-et-Marne
Enjoy a free outdoor cinema festival from August 20 to 29, 2026, in several municipalities in Seine-et-Marne, featuring film screenings and activities for all ages. [Read more]

The Hôtel de Soubise, a remarkable setting for the French National Archives
In the heart of the Marais district, discover a private mansion and its hidden garden, home to the Archives nationales and a free museum open to all. A chance to admire the sublime architecture of the Hôtel de Soubise! [Read more]

Summer Fireworks: the summer group exhibition at the Goldshteyn-Saatort Gallery
Goldshteyn-Saatort Gallery presents Summer Fireworks, a group exhibition uniting artists from Japan, South Korea, Australia, Canada, Ireland and the Netherlands. Located on rue de Verneuil in Paris’s 7th arrondissement, it runs from July 15 to September 15, 2026, with August closed. [Read more]

Mutiny with Jason Statham: trailer for the high-seas action film
Mutiny, an action film by Jean-François Richet starring Jason Statham, hits theaters on August 19, 2026. Watch the trailer for this maritime thriller. [Read more]

This medieval tower and its historic ruins in Seine-et-Marne open to the public for free this summer.
Just a stone’s throw from Provins, the Tour de Saint-Loup and its ruins welcome visitors this summer for a free dive into medieval history. A fortified 13th-century priory saved from the ravages of war, this historic monument hides a fascinating past. [Read more]

Lydie Arickx unveils a monumental work in the nave of Saint-Eustache Church — our photos
This summer, French painter and sculptor Lydie Arickx takes over Paris’s Saint-Eustache Church with a monumental work titled "Le Souffle." Mark your calendar from July 10 to September 29, 2026, to see this suspended installation rising seven meters above the nave’s central bay. [Read more]

National Day 2026 in Draveil (91): fireworks display and festive evening postponed from July 13
Because of the fire risk and a prefectural order, the town of Draveil announces the postponement of the July 13 fireworks display and festive evening to Saturday, August 29, 2026. [Read more]

Drag Race France Season 4: viewing parties, a quiz night and clubbing at Freedj in Paris.
At Freedj, the episode is just the opening act for the night. Starting July 8, 2026, Kissy will host Drag Race France Season 4 viewing parties in Paris’s 10th arrondissement, featuring quizzes, screenings, improvised lip-syncs, and clubbing. A clear move from couch to dancefloor without leaving your world. [Read more]

Drag Race France Season 4: free viewing party and Electro Pop night at WorkshoW Paris
Watch the Drag Race France queens on a giant screen, then stick around to dance after the episode... From July 8, 2026, WorkshoW Paris will host free viewing parties for Drag Race France season 4, followed by an Electro Pop night in the 8th arrondissement. A format designed for anyone who wants to extend Thursday night without changing venue. [Read more]

Fashion Week: A dress worn by Lady Gaga on display for free at a luxury Paris hotel — photos
Feathers, crystals and spectacular silhouettes are taking over a Paris luxury hotel. For Haute Couture Fashion Week, the Sofitel Paris Le Faubourg is showcasing several fashion pieces worn by international stars, free of charge, until October 6, 2026. [Read more]

The Diderot Park pool in Pantin (93): free swimming all summer
From June 15 to August 31, 2026, the town of Pantin reopens its seasonal swimming pool in Diderot Park. A refreshing oasis where you can swim for hours during the summer holidays, and all for free. [Read more]

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. [Read more]

Drag Race France season 4: Dirty Queen's viewing party rocks Parisian Thursdays.
To mark the summer premiere of Drag Race France’s Season 4, the Dirty Queen invites you to its viewing party starting Wednesday, July 8, 2026, and continuing every Thursday after that. The lineup features the episode screening, drag performances, and games! [Read more]

Drag Race France Season 4: viewing party, drag show and DJ set at Wanderlust in Paris
Heels now click on the banks of the Seine as well! From July 9, 2026, Wanderlust in Paris will host a weekly viewing party for Drag Race France Season 4, featuring episode screenings, drag shows and DJ sets that go late into the night. [Read more]

C.A.P.S 2026: The lineup for Clichy’s XXL urban art festival
The town of Clichy becomes a giant museum for the new edition of C.A.P.S, the urban art festival. Mark your calendars from June 27 to December 12, 2026 for an even more incredible sixth edition! [Read more]

Yvelines Ciné 2026: 75 free outdoor film screenings in the 78 — the schedule
The big screen hits the road again in the Yvelines. From July 13 to August 29, 2026, Yvelines Ciné stops at 75 venues across the department, with free screenings at dusk. An opportunity to catch a movie under the stars, from village to village. [Read more]

Drag Race France season 4: Sublyme hosts a watch party, this season's contestant, at Le Virage
The glitter leaves the small screen to join the Parisian night. With La Sublyme Viewing, Drag Race France Season 4 extends into an evening hosted by Sublyme, a contestant in this new edition, at Le Virage, with guest queens appearing each week from July 8, 2026. [Read more]

Hollande Ponds: the free riverside guinguette beach with no swimming in Yvelines has reopened.
The Étangs de Hollande beach reopens this Saturday, July 4, 2026, in Yvelines (78), after several days of closure caused by storms. We set out to explore the site, from hot sand to deck chairs, inflatable castles, a guinguette, and a free sunset concert that await you through August 30, 2026. [Read more]

Drag Race France season 4: La Big Viewing hosts viewing parties at Rosa Bonheur
La Big Viewing is back at Rosa Bonheur in the Buttes-Chaumont to follow Drag Race France season 4 in Paris, starting July 8, 2026, and then on every broadcast night. Hosted by La Big Bertha, this viewing party brings together episode screenings, drag performances, a quiz, guests and surprises. [Read more]

La maison de Victor Hugo à Paris, une immersion artistique dans l'univers du célèbre écrivain français
La Maison de Victor Hugo is hidden in Place des Vosges, in the heart of Paris. This museum dedicated to the most famous of French authors lets visitors step into the apartment where the artist and his family lived, as well as into his artistic universe. [Read more]

Open-air cinema in Paris: enjoy a magical evening at the foot of the Eiffel Tower.
Sponsored - This summer, treat yourself to the season’s best experience with Vedettes de Paris’s outdoor cinema. Settle on the quays at the foot of the Eiffel Tower for a starlit screening, enjoy a convivial atmosphere, a pop-up Gallia bar, and, for an even more unforgettable evening, pair your film with a cruise on the Seine. From August 26 to 30, experience cinema in a new light, in a unique setting in the heart of Paris. [Read more]

Drag Race France Season 4: the viewing party perched on the Nijinsky Rooftop
Looking for where to watch Drag Race France Season 4 in Paris? The Nijinsky Rooftop, on Place du Châtelet, will host viewing parties starting July 8, 2026, and then weekly, featuring giant-screen broadcasts, drag performances, live commentary, and surprise guests. [Read more]

Drag Race France at Mazette: free viewing parties are back in Paris
Drag Race France is back at Mazette with free viewing parties in Paris starting July 8, 2026. On the menu: screenings on a giant screen, drag shows, live commentary, queer guests, and a festive vibe every Thursday. [Read more]

Open Gardens 2026 in Île-de-France: this summer’s program
Open Gardens 2026 in Île-de-France returns, running June 27 to August 30, 2026, in more than 200 gardens across the Île-de-France region. On the program: concerts, performances, guided tours, workshops and art installations. [Read more]

Free music concerts and festivals to discover this summer 2026 in Paris and Île-de-France
From June to September, Paris's parks and gardens—and the entire Île-de-France region, from Yvelines to Val-de-Marne—come alive with free concerts and music festivals. Jazz, classical, electro, rock or French variety, with nods to the 80s, there’s something for every taste! We take you on a tour of the free summer music spectacles not to miss in Paris and Île-de-France. [Read more]

The medieval fortress of Beynes, the jewel of the Yvelines, has been linked to Diane de Poitiers.
A medieval fortress of the Yvelines, Beynes Castle hides a centuries‑old history and an unexpected link to Diane de Poitiers. Just 30 km from Paris, in the heart of this Yvelines town, its ruins—listed as a Historic Monument—are open to visits year‑round in Beynes. We set out to explore the site on a short break and now reveal a portion of its secrets. [Read more]

The Léo Lagrange free outdoor pool for Summer 2026 in Paris's 12th arrondissement
A free pool for everyone this summer 2026 in Paris? Throughout the summer period, many public swimming spots will be open to the public, notably at the heart of the Léo Lagrange sports center in the 12th arrondissement, from July 4 to August 30, 2026. [Read more]

Orly in the Sun 2026: outdoor cinema, free games and activities all summer in Orly
During the main summer holidays, in July and August 2026, the city of Orly is launching a big, playful summer program open to everyone and designed especially for families and children. Outdoor movie screenings, World Cup match broadcasts, and a host of games await you! [Read more]

Paris Under the Stars: Free stargazing in the city’s parks this summer, 2026
Paris Under the Stars is back from June 27 to September 5, 2026. The French Astronomical Association organizes in the capital a series of stargazing evenings across various Parisian parks and gardens. [Read more]

Partouche Pasino Club in Paris, the new temple of gaming and a mega lifestyle venue with bars and a restaurant
Avenue de la Grande-Armée, in the 17th arrondissement, the Partouche Pasino Club opens its doors on May 12, 2026. Poker, blackjack, dining, bars... We got an early look at this massive gaming club, unlike any other, and here’s what awaits you. [Read more]

Outdoor pool and free sports activities in the 20th arrondissement for Summer 2026
The free swimming pool in the 20th arrondissement of Paris is back this summer, from July 4 to August 30, 2026, offering a wide range of sports activities. A refreshing outdoor option at the Louis Lumière Sports Center, on the Bagnolet side. [Read more]

A manga festival with free activities and voice-acting sessions at a shopping mall in Essonne
Attention manga fans: the Brétigny-sur-Orge shopping center is once again hosting its Manga Festival, featuring plenty of free activities, from August 29 to September 5, 2026! [Read more]

Swimming in Paris’s Canal Saint-Martin: what you need to know before you go
Swimming in the Saint-Martin Canal is permitted in Paris within a designated zone of the Récollets basin. Hours, access, free entry, safety rules: here are the practical details you need to know before you head there. [Read more]

Two fashion photographers take the spotlight in a chic, free exhibition at Galerie Rouge.
La Galerie Rouge invites us to discover the work of two American fashion photographers, in a free exhibition running from May 29 to September 19, 2026. [Read more]

We are (still) here : street art takes over the Petit Palais in a free exhibition this summer
After a first edition in 2024, the We are here exhibition is back at the Petit Palais: enjoy a rich urban-art journey right in the heart of the Fine Arts Museum. The exhibition is free to visit from June 20 to September 20, 2026. [Read more]

The Piple Regional Domain, a new forested space to stroll through in Val-de-Marne
An immense jewel box of wild greenery unveils its trails in the heart of Val-de-Marne. This vast, preserved forested estate, recognized for its exceptional biodiversity, now invites walkers and lovers of wide-open spaces to enjoy a true breath of fresh air, conveniently served by public transport. [Read more]

The Toilet Seat at Masterio: Paris’s quirky escape room tucked away in a bathroom
L'Abattant at Masterio in Paris's 14th arrondissement turns the store's toilets into an unusual escape game. A short, free puzzle, reserved for players of La Pierre de Lumière or the Toy Store. [Read more]

Sumo, Sacred Forces: a photo exhibition worth seeing at the Maison de la culture du Japon
As the capital welcomed the Paris Sumo Tournament, the Maison de la Culture du Japon is hosting a free exhibition dedicated to this ancient martial art. Be sure to visit through September 26, 2026 to discover "Sumo, Sacred Forces", a photographic installation by Bruno Aveillan. [Read more]

A free outdoor cinema on the rooftop of La Machine du Moulin Rouge this summer, 2026.
Wanna catch an outdoor cinema in Pigalle this summer? Head to Bar à Bulles, on the roof of the Machine du Moulin Rouge, for an offbeat screening, every Wednesday evening all summer long, from July 15 to September 2, 2026. [Read more]

Drag Race France season 4: where to watch the show in Paris? Party and activities at La Felicità
Drag Race France season 4 lands at La Felicità in Paris with viewing parties hosted by Minima Gesté, starting July 8, 2026. Drag performances, free activities, and food trucks round out the lineup. [Read more]

Swimming at Canal Saint-Martin opens for the summer.
Swimming opens free to the Récollets basin in Paris’ 10th arrondissement, starting this Wednesday, June 17, 2026. The city will permit supervised swims in the Canal Saint-Martin during every heatwave this summer. [Read more]

Starlit cinema 2026: the lineup for Seine-Saint-Denis's free outdoor screenings.
From June 27 to August 14, 2026, head to nine towns across Seine-Saint-Denis to enjoy Ciné sous les étoiles, a 100% free outdoor cinema festival you won’t want to miss during the summer break! [Read more]

Ciné-Jardins 2026, the free outdoor film festival held in the gardens of Paris
The Ciné-Jardins outdoor film festival is back in the gardens of Paris and its inner-ring suburbs, from August 20 to September 5, 2026. And it’s still free! [Read more]

Paris-Rueil by bicycle: a visit to the Japanese garden and the Napoleon and Joséphine’s château
From Paris to Rueil-Malmaison, by bike, it’s a fairly accessible route that can be done in a day. So we hop on our bike for a day of sport and discovery just outside Paris. [Read more]

Two centuries of images: a free, outdoor photography exhibition in Hauts-de-Seine.
The Domaine de Sceaux and the Chanteraines departmental park are hosting a brand-new, free photo exhibition. From June 18 to December 18, 2026, discover “Two Centuries of Images.” [Read more]

The Vicomtes' Heritage 2026, Blandy-les-Tours Castle's summer sound-and-light show.
The Blandy-les-Tours Castle narrates its history from July 3 to August 29, 2026, with The Vicomtes' Heritage, a sound-and-light show that takes you through the centuries to discover this medieval fortress. We went to check it out—here’s a taste of what awaits. [Read more]

Where to cool off when it’s hot? Paris parks with water-play areas and misting stations
It's hot: are you looking for a place to shelter from the heat or cool off? Even in the urban jungle that is the Parisian capital, there are plenty of pockets of refreshment. Here’s where to find them to bring the temperature down. [Read more]

Free workshops and tastings on honey and apitherapy at this Marais hotspot
The world of honey invites itself into the heart of the Marais with this temple of apitherapy, offering urbanites a chance to reconnect with the medicinal virtues of the hive through a program of workshops and free diagnostics. [Read more]

From Paris to Maisons-Laffitte by bike: a pastoral ride and a tour of the château
From Paris to Maisons-Laffitte, it only takes one pedal stroke: with a sunny day ahead, set off to discover this chic town in the Yvelines, without a car or the metro! [Read more]

Night-time Paris of the 20th century unfolds 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 at Night," on view for free from June 11 to October 3, 2026 at the Roger-Viollet Gallery. [Read more]

Summer 2026 at the Jardin des Plantes: nature encounters to marvel at as a family
In July and August 2026, the Jardin des Plantes in Paris hosts its Nature Rendezvous, a summer program of activities centered on biodiversity, gardens, and the museum’s crafts. In the heart of the 5th arrondissement, this event lets you enjoy the Paris summer holidays while discovering urban nature through tours, workshops, storytelling, and encounters with the site’s teams. [Read more]

Swimming in Paris and Île-de-France this summer 2026, eight sites, five of which are free, along the Seine and the Marne
Swimming in the Seine and the Marne is staging a big comeback this summer, with eight supervised sites, including three in Paris and a brand-new spot in Seine-Saint-Denis. They welcome bathers from June 20 for some, and July 4 for others, through the end of August 2026. [Read more]

Energetic Variations: Monika Cicolella’s Monumental Work Along the Seine’s Banks in Épinay
À Épinay-sur-Seine, artist Monika Cicolella inaugurates a permanent installation 18 meters long along the banks of the Seine. On view since June 3, 2026, the work Variations énergétiques sits within an outdoor art trail. [Read more]

The Villarceaux Estate and Its Two Castles
The Villarceaux estate, open to the public free of charge in Chaussy, Val d'Oise (95), houses two classified châteaux set in a 70-hectare park and offers, through November 2026, a program of free activities: concerts, night-time strolls, performances and nature. We went to explore the site and here’s everything. [Read more]

Towpath - Lil'Ô, a nature-filled patch to discover on Île-Saint-Denis (93)
Just a stone’s throw from Saint-Denis (93), on Île-Saint-Denis, the Halage association has transformed a former industrial wasteland into an ecological and social hub: Lil’Ô. The program includes: tours, biodiversity, composting, local flowers, and citizen projects. [Read more]

Summer 2026: Free outings and activities to enjoy in Paris and the Île-de-France region
Are you looking for free activities in Paris to make the most of summer 2026? We’ve got you covered! We’ll share all the best tips to get out, go smart, and enjoy free fun this summer season. [Read more]

Game of Thrones Dragonfire: the House of the Dragon mobile game now available on iOS and Android
Game of Thrones: Dragonfire, a free-to-play mobile strategy game developed by Warner Bros. Games Boston and published by Warner Bros. Games, has been available on iOS and Android since June 2, 2026. Drawing on House of the Dragon, the title invites players to command dragons, build their House, and take part in the Targaryen civil war to try to dominate Westeros. [Read more]

Roma, City of Light: the free photo exhibition to see this summer outdoors in Paris
The Roma, City of Light exhibition offers a portrait of the Italian capital through cinema’s seventh art, and examines its role as a backdrop in film. The free exhibit runs from July 2 to 6, 2026 at the Arènes de Lutèce, then continues until August 30 along the banks of the Seine. [Read more]

Free museums in Paris and free monuments in Île-de-France: the top cultural deals
Are you looking for a free museum in Paris or a free monument in Île-de-France? Free-access venues, free tours on the first Sunday of each month, museums free for under-26s and for teachers: discover the cultural deals you won’t want to miss. [Read more]

Additional parks and gardens to stay open until midnight for Summer 2026 in Paris
Need to cool off to cope with the heat in the capital? In addition to the 140 parks already open 24/7, the City of Paris is opening 14 more until midnight, from July 4 to September 6, 2026. True islands of refreshment for Paris’s nocturnal residents. [Read more]

Free pools and swimming spots in Paris and Île-de-France in 2026 — the summer’s best deals
As soon as the heat returns, we look for a pool (ideally with a beach area or sun loungers) or a waterside spot to swim! To feel like you’re on vacation without spending a dime, check out the best spots to bring your family and friends to Paris and Île-de-France, free of charge. [Read more]

Paris Plages 2026: Six free places to swim in Paris
From July 4, 2026 until the end of summer, Paris Plages is making a big comeback, in a edition that spotlights the United States. We’ll take the chance to dip into the six swimming spots that are free to use for the occasion! [Read more]

Where to swim in the Seine in Paris in 2026? The Bras Marie swimming area in the 4th arrondissement
Swimming for all in the Seine is now a reality! Among the spots that let you swim in central Paris, the Bras Marie swimming site stands out, now located at the foot of the Pont Louis-Philippe. Free to access, the site lets you swim in the Parisian river while admiring the historic heart of the capital. [Read more]

Where to swim in the Seine in Paris in 2026? The Bras de Grenelle, in the 15th arrondissement
Summer 2026 marks the much-anticipated return of swimming in the Seine, with Paris once again shifting into sun-soaked, swim-ready mode from July 4, 2026 through the end of summer. Notably, the Bras de Grenelle swimming area stands out as the refreshing hotspot in the 15th arrondissement. [Read more]