So, what’s on the agenda for this weekend, from Saturday, March 7 to Sunday, March 8, 2026, in the Île-de-France region? While Paris hosts a wide array of events, the entire surrounding area is bursting with activities. Whether you’re exploring the Yvelines, the Val-de-Marne, Seine-Saint-Denis, the Val-d’Oise, Seine-et-Marne, Essonne, or the Hauts-de-Seine, each department pulls out all the stops to offer a weekend packed with entertainment and activities suitable for all ages.
A chance to get away from it all for a few hours, not far from Paris, and discover places that are easily accessible by metro, RER, bus or Transilien. Walking tours, exhibitions, festivals, shows and cinema... the possibilities are endless.
What’s on the agenda for this weekend? A carnival, the reopening of an historic church, International Women’s Rights Day events, free festivals, a stand-up comedy night, a highly anticipated bicycle race, and even a free opera — here are 10 must-see outings in the Île-de-France region waiting for you this weekend!
Carnival of Pontoise 2026: festive parade and free activities in Val-d'Oise (95)
The carnival is making a grand comeback in Pontoise! On Saturday, March 7, 2026, from 2:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., the second edition of the Pontoise Carnival invites you to step into "The Land of Tales," with a lively parade through the city center and enchanting activities at the Lavandières Garden. [Read more]
On the outskirts of Paris, this Gothic church reopens after four years of restoration with a special weekend celebration.
In Montreuil, Seine-Saint-Denis, the Saint-Pierre Saint-Paul Church has reopened its doors after four years of renovations. To mark the occasion, an inaugural weekend offers visitors a chance to rediscover this stunning Gothic landmark through guided tours, a panel discussion, and a free concert! [Read more]
International Women's Rights Day 2026: Queens and Princesses at Saint-Denis Basilica
On International Women's Day, March 8, 2026, the Basilica of Saint-Denis will once again open its doors to offer a special guided tour exploring the lives of the princesses and queens — powerful women — buried within its walls. [Read more]
In the Paris region, this free festival celebrating Francophone poetry is making its comeback for the 2026 Poets' Spring.
The Francopoésies Festival is back for its 23rd edition, taking place from March 7 to March 29, 2026. Head to Yerres in Essonne to experience this flagship event of the Spring of Poets. The festival will feature a tribute to Jacques Canetti, along with exhibitions, concerts, and a variety of activities! [Read more]
Ematsuri: The Free Manga and Japanese Culture Festival in Val d'Oise
Attention to all fans of Japanese culture and pop culture: on March 7 and 8, 2026, Beaumont-sur-Oise will turn into a vibrant matsuri. The town is hosting a weekend filled with Japanese cooking workshops, cosplay events, and manga drawing sessions—all offering a free, immersive experience into Japanese traditions and modern pop culture. [Read more]
Shirley's Night Out: Stand-Up Comedy at Cité du Cinéma
On March 7, 2026, Shirley Souagnon unveils La Soirée de Shirley at the Cité du Cinéma in Saint-Denis — a fresh, hybrid format blending stand-up comedy with lively discussions. [Read more]
Lunar New Year: Celebrating Tet AGEVP 2026 in Essonne, the Vietnamese New Year
The AGEVP is organizing its Têt Festival at the Théâtre de Yerres in Essonne on Sunday, March 8, 2026. The celebration of the Vietnamese New Year will feature traditional performances starting at 11 a.m. and a grand show beginning at 2 p.m. [Read more]
Paris-Nice 2026: A free festival village in Achères celebrating cycling, opening before the race starts
The Paris-Nice race kicks off this weekend on March 7 and 8, 2026, in Achères, Yvelines! To celebrate, a large outdoor village offering free activities is set up to entertain visitors of all ages, all centered around the world of cycling. [Read more]
Viking Festival and Medieval Market await you in Val d'Oise
The Val-d'Oise region will host a Viking festival on March 7 and 8, 2026, in Fosses. The event features a medieval market, a Viking combat tournament, and historic crafts at the Cathy Fleury gymnasium. Admission is free, inviting visitors to step back in time for a weekend of history and festivities. [Read more]
Great deal: a free opera featuring 100 musicians at La Défense shopping center
What if the opera took center stage... among the shops? On Saturday, March 7, 2026, at 4 p.m., the clearing at Les Quatre Temps in La Défense will host a free opera open to everyone—no ticket required, no dress code needed. This is a rare opportunity to experience Mozart’s “The Magic Flute” in an immersive and accessible format, right in the heart of the shopping mall. [Read more]
Dates and Opening Time
From March 7, 2026 to March 8, 2026
