In September, do whatever you like! Yes, a new motto conceived by the editors, because although it’s back to work and vacation time ends for some, the great outing deals are plentiful to enjoy Paris and the Île-de-France. So we’ve put together a handy little guide to the best free outings for this September 2026.
And yes, holidays have strained your wallet and prices are rising everywhere. Is that any reason not to go out? Not at all—grab your Navigo pass or hop on your bike and head out to enjoy the many free outings and activities on offer this September. From games and performances to exceptional tours, free museums, surprising itineraries, and even a historical reenactment, these are among the good ideas not to miss during this 2026 rentrée.
Nage ta Seine: buoy race, aquathlon and open-water swimming on Île Saint-Denis (93)
Sunday, September 6, 2026, Nage ta Seine returns to Île Saint-Denis, bringing back its famous buoy races and open-water swims, and a new addition for 2026: an aquathlon! [Read more]
La Fête de Paris 2026: a popular, free festival featuring a guinguette, dancing and a historic village
History buffs and lovers of the capital, Paris Festival is back on September 12–13, 2026. From a historic parade, to a guinguette, to a dance and a village atmosphere that feels like a trip through the ages, travel from the Middle Ages to the Liberation, with a detour through the Belle Époque! [Read more]
Heritage Days 2026 in Paris and Île-de-France
The Heritage Days return on the weekend of September 19–20, 2026, marking their 43rd edition. In Paris and Île-de-France, it’s a chance to explore museums and castles for free, to visit venues opened to the public by special arrangements, and to join unusual guided tours and other engaging activities, centered on the themes 'Heritage in Peril: revive, resist, reimagine' and 'Heritage of Photography'. [Read more]
Vietnamese parade in the 13th arrondissement: the September 2026 gathering in Paris
The Vietnamese cultural parade in Paris’s 13th arrondissement finally goes ahead after a heatwave-related postponement. This free, high-spirited procession will run from Avenue d’Ivry to Place d’Italie on Saturday, September 12, 2026. So we’re pulling out the calendar for this festive, immersive outing. [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]
Lavage de la Madeleine 2026: the Brazilian festival and parade returns to Paris
Le Lavage de la Madeleine returns to Paris for a historic 25th edition, from September 10 to 13, 2026. The gathering takes place on Sunday for the grand free Brazilian festival that whirls samba, batucadas, and Bahian performers as it marches from Place de la République to the Madeleine Church. [Read more]
Chuseok 2026 at Jardin d'Acclimatation: Korea's Festival in Paris
The Korean harvest festival Chuseok returns to Jardin d'Acclimatation in Paris on September 19–20, 2026. A hanbok parade, traditional dances, a K-pop contest, and Korean street food will animate a weekend painted in the colors of the Land of the Morning Calm. While the activities are free, park admission remains payable depending on the visitor profile. [Read more]
Paris: a sound-and-light show at the Trocadéro to mark the Battle of the Chesapeake
This year, the Ministry of the Armed Forces is commemorating the Battle of the Chesapeake, which sealed the French Navy’s victory over the British fleet. To mark the occasion, a free-to-view sound-and-light show is announced for Saturday, September 5, 2026 at the Trocadéro. More details to come. [Read more]
A giant goose game at the Trocadéro for Heritage Days
The Monumental Game of the Goose transforms the Trocadéro forecourt into a giant artistic circuit, where you become the pawn yourself. An immersive, free installation to experience on Saturday, September 19, 2026, for Heritage Days. [Read more]
Montlhéry's free medieval festival 2026: the program in Essonne
The Montlhéry Medieval Festival is back for its 9th edition on September 19–20, 2026, under the theme “Around the World” to mark Heritage Days. Expect equestrian shows, a medieval market, and fire-breathers, all free to attend in Essonne, at the foot of the famous Tower. [Read more]
Carnaval de Pigalle 2026: Pigalle launches its first major free costume parade this September.
A new carnival is rolling into the streets of Paris! In Pigalle, artists, musicians, circus performers, and costumed characters will take part in a large, free procession on 26 September 2026. [Read more]
Paris Design Week 2026 returns in September: dates, venues and the lineup of free installations.
Design takes up residence in Paris with Paris Design Week 2026, back from September 10 to 19, 2026. Between free installations, bold new works, and venues redesigned for the occasion, here’s what to expect. [Read more]
A parade of floats in India’s colors will sweep through Paris in September 2026.
Fourteen floats, hundreds of volunteer artists, and the colors of India on the streets of the capital: a grand Hindu cultural parade is set to take place in Paris in September 2026. [Read more]
Endesumar Medieval Festival 2026 in Yvelines, a return to the Viking age.
The Endesumar Medieval Festival sets up its Viking camp at the Château de Rangiport, in Gargenville, Yvelines, on September 12–13, 2026. Ragnarök battles, a fire show, and a Nordic market enliven this weekend of historical reenactment. [Read more]
Impressionist Lights Festival 2026: Honoring Monet in Chatou (78)
For its 6th edition, the Impressionist Lights Festival will pay tribute to Claude Monet as part of the artist's centenary celebration. Join us at the Fournaise Museum in Chatou (78) on September 11th and 12th, 2026. [Read more]
With all that, you're all set to enjoy September in Paris, so let's get out there!
For more great deals:
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]
What’s on offer in Paris and Île-de-France this week? From August 31 to September 6, 2026, enjoy free festivals, a sound-and-light show at the Trocadéro, a fireworks display, Asian street food, and museums with free admission. [Read more]
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Dates and Opening Time
From September 1, 2026 to September 30, 2026
Recommended age
For all
Free exhibitions to see in September 2026: the must-see picks in Paris
This week's top picks for Paris and the Île-de-France region, August 31–September 6, 2026
