In France, countless towns and villages are
Of course, Paris also has its twin cities. But the French capital holds a special position... Like Rome, Paris is paired with only one other city. The reason? “Only Paris is worthy of Rome, only Rome is worthy of Paris.” This motto lies at the heart of the relationship between the two cities.
Paris and Rome were the first two European capitals to be twinned, back in 1956. This initiative served as a symbol of reconciliation between the two nations, a decade after the end of World War II. Today, the cities are regarded as “sister cities” and maintain an exclusive relationship.
Town twinning spark vibrant exchanges between partnered cities: in Paris, this often takes the form of cultural festivals, concerts, exhibitions, meetings, and scientific collaborations... Residents of both cities even enjoy special perks! Parisians with proof of residence can access many museums in Rome for free, and the same goes for Romans visiting Paris.
In 2026, Paris and Rome mark a special milestone — the 70th anniversary of their twinning. To celebrate, a series of events and gatherings are planned across Paris. Here’s a look at the program.
Italissimo 2026: the festival of Italian literature and culture in Paris, dates and full program
Italissimo, the festival of Italian literature and culture, is back in Paris for another sun-drenched edition, from April 7 to 12, 2026. It’s a chance to discover the latest from contemporary Italian literature and to dive into this rich culture. Here is the program for this edition. [Read more]
In Paris, the show Una Roberta a Parigi marks the 70th anniversary of the Rome–Paris twinning.
On the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the twinning between Rome and Paris, Italian comedian Roberta Cecchin is bringing a special edition of her show, Una Roberta a Parigi, to the Grand Point Virgule. She'll perform on April 9 and June 3, 2026, marking two memorable nights in Paris to celebrate the enduring friendship between the two great European capitals. [Read more]
Paris / Rome: Free Photo Exhibition Now Open on the City Hall Fences
On the gates of City Hall, discover a curated selection of photographs that reflect the twin beauty of Rome and Paris. Free to view from January 26 to February 26, 2026. [Read more]
Paris: Why will the City Hall be lit up in Rome's colors on January 30th?
If you find yourself near City Hall on Friday, January 30, 2026, you'll be able to see its façade lit up with the colors of both Paris and Rome. But why would City Hall display the colors of these two European capitals? Here's everything you need to know. [Read more]
Did you know? The museums operated by the City of Paris are free of charge for residents of Rome — and the same applies in reverse.
For decades, a reciprocal agreement has allowed Parisians to enjoy free entry to numerous museums in Rome, and vice versa for Romans visiting Paris. It’s a quiet but tangible benefit of the official partnership between these two capitals. Here’s everything you need to know! [Read more]
Nicola Piovani performs live at the Théâtre de Paris to celebrate the Paris-Rome rivalry
As part of the celebrations marking the 70th anniversary of the twinning between Paris and Rome, the Théâtre de la Ville invites you to immerse yourself in the musical world of Nicola Piovani with a concert titled "Note à Margine" on February 2, 2026. [Read more]
Dolcevita on the Seine: the schedule for the open-air Italian film festival at the Arènes de Lutèce
La Dolcevita on the Seine is back from July 2 to 6, 2026, bringing a taste of Italy to Paris. For five days, enjoy film screenings and free activities at the Arènes de Lutèce! [Read more]
In the footsteps of Catherine and Marie de Medici in Paris: a stroll in the footsteps of the Italian queens
Catherine and Marie de Medici left their mark on 16th- and 17th-century Paris. From the Tuileries to the aqueduct and the Medici Fountain, they shaped the capital, leaving an architectural and symbolic legacy that can still be seen today. [Read more]
Did you know? The statue of a famous Roman she-wolf is hidden in a Parisian square.
In front of the Sorbonne lies a sculpture with a strong symbolic link between Paris and Rome: a she-wolf. A replica of the Capitoline She-Wolf, it was donated to the French capital as part of the twinning agreement between the two cities, a reminder of the legend of Remus and Romulus. [Read more]
That's enough to inspire your wanderlust! In the meantime, why not indulge in some Italian cuisine from the comfort of home?
Italian restaurants in Paris, our best addresses
In the mood for Italian? Here are the best Italian restaurants in Paris to enjoy transalpine specialties! [Read more]
Why not take advantage of the warmer weather to discover what Paris's ice cream parlors have in store for us? Here are the best ice creams and sorbets in the capital! [Read more]
Italian restaurants in Paris, our best addresses
Ice cream shops where you can enjoy delicious artisanal ice cream in Paris, our favorite places by theme
