This town in the Yvelines is celebrating the Lunar New Year with an exciting lineup of free events.

Maisons-Laffitte rings in the Chinese New Year with a free afternoon of workshops and activities on February 15, 2026. The event features calligraphy, origami, Qi Gong, and tea-tasting sessions, offering a vibrant introduction to traditional Chinese culture.

Looking for a fun outing to explore Chinese culture in the Yvelines? Head over to Maisons-Laffitte this Sunday, February 15, 2026 for a vibrant Chinese New Year celebration packed with discoveries. From 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., the René-Sim Lacaze hall hosts a free program offering an immersive dive into ancient traditions of the Middle Kingdom.

This celebration of the Chinese New Year 2026 in the Yvelines offers a playful yet educational deep dive into Asian culture. Unlike the large-scale festivities in Paris's 13th arrondissement, this event focuses on intimacy and the sharing of tradition through participatory workshops. We especially appreciate this approach, which allows attendees to truly immerse themselves in traditional skills rather than just being passive spectators.

What cultural workshops are on offer?

The program shines a spotlight on traditional Chinese arts. Enthusiasts of fine arts can delve into Chinese calligraphy, an ancient craft where every stroke carries significance. Participants learn how to handle the brush and ink to craft those captivating ideograms, each resembling a miniature work of art. For more creative souls, drawing workshops invite exploration of Chinese painting techniques, while origami and paper-cutting crafts reveal the delicate artistry behind these centuries-old traditions. There's a certain magic in watching a crane or a lotus flower come to life beneath our clumsy fingers, guided by skilled hands.

What’s on the agenda?

The event goes beyond just artistic activities. An introduction to Qi Gong offers a chance to experience this Chinese energy exercise, which combines slow movements, breathing techniques, and focused attention. This wellness practice, suitable for people of all ages, is rapidly gaining popularity across France. Curious visitors can also try their hand at Gongfu, a broad term for Chinese martial arts. These demonstrations and beginner sessions serve as a reminder that Chinese culture places great emphasis on harmony between the body and the mind.

What else can we learn about Chinese culture?

To deepen this cultural experience, workshops offer an exploration of Chinese tea, an ancient beverage with preparation methods steeped in ritual. Participants learn to identify various types and discover the art of tasting. An exhibition of traditional decorative objects showcases lanterns, fans, and other handcrafted pieces that add charm to Chinese interiors. These decorative elements also carry rich symbolism, adding another layer of meaning that visitors enjoy deciphering.

This Chinese New Year celebration in Maisons-Laffitte takes place at René-Sim Lacaze Hall, located at 24 rue du Mesnil. Admission is free, making it accessible to everyone without any financial barriers. For those eager to extend the festivities and indulge in more cultural exploration, a lively, paid meal is organized starting at 7 p.m. at Le Gourmand Wok restaurant, located at 76 rue Jean-Pierre Timbaud in Sartrouville. It’s a wonderful chance to put tradition into practice by tasting Asian delicacies in a warm, inviting atmosphere.

In short, this is a great opportunity to explore the richness of Chinese culture with family or friends, just a short distance from Paris. The atmosphere is relaxed and engaging, offering a refreshing alternative to the usual crowded city events.