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
Amateur historians and lovers of the capital, La Fête de Paris is back on September 12 and 13, 2026. From a historic parade to a guinguette, dancing, and a village that feels like a journey through time, travel from the Middle Ages to the Liberation, via 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: we were there, the sunlit parade in photos and video
The Vietnamese parade in Paris's 13th arrondissement rolled out its áo dài and drums along the stretch from Avenue d'Ivry to Place d'Italie this Saturday, September 12, 2026. We were along the route of this free parade—here's what we saw. [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 invades 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]
Giant Game of the Goose at Trocadéro for Heritage Days this Saturday
A giant 200-square-meter Snakes and Ladders board is laid out on the Trocadéro forecourt, facing the Eiffel Tower, this Saturday, September 19, 2026. Dice in hand, you become the game piece yourself, with free and open access 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]
Pigalle Carnival 2026: the main parade canceled, a scaled-down carnival scheduled for Saturday
Changement de programme pour le Pigalle Carnival: the grand parade through the streets of Paris has been canceled due to the arrival of Pope Leo XIV, but a free micro-carnival will still take place at Square d’Anvers on September 26, 2026. [Read more]
Paris Design Week 2026: the events, installations and exhibitions to discover before it ends
The Paris Design Week is coming to a close, with only a few days left to wander through installations, exhibitions and events scattered across the capital. [Read more]
A parade of floats in India's colors will roll through Paris this Saturday: here’s where to watch it.
Fourteen floats, hundreds of volunteer artists, and the colors of India filling the streets of the capital: a grand Hindu cultural parade is slated for Paris in September 2026. Here are the spots to attend. [Read more]
Endesumar Medieval Festival 2026 in Yvelines, photos of the Viking encampment
The Endesumar Medieval Festival transforms the grounds of Château de Rangiport, in Gargenville (Yvelines), into a full-scale Viking encampment and continues its journey this Sunday, September 13, 2026. We stopped by on Saturday—here’s what to expect on site. [Read more]
Festival Lumières Impressionnistes 2026: we spotted Monet in Chatou (78)
Le Festival Lumières Impressionnistes transforms the Île des Impressionnistes de Chatou (78) en jardin rêvé de Claude Monet jusqu'au 12 septembre 2026. On a découvert ce festival gratuit en avant-première et on vous dévoile nos images. [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 2027: the can't-miss tips in Paris
Want to kick off the new year with a beautiful free exhibition in Paris? Perfect timing—the city’s museums and art galleries are also returning for the season in September 2027! Come discover the best art-friendly picks to see in Paris and Île-de-France. [Read more]
From October 19 to 25, 2026, discover the hottest deals in Paris and Île-de-France: Nocturne Matignon Saint-Honoré, free exhibitions at the Swedish Institute and Lafayette Anticipations, Gener8ion’s installation at the Grand Palais, and the Pariscience festival. [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 2027: the can't-miss tips in Paris
Top picks of the week: October 19–25, 2026 in Paris and Île-de-France
