Paris est Ludique 2026: the gaming festival is back in Paris this weekend.

Paris est Ludique 2026 brings together publishers, authors, and volunteers on the Reuilly lawn in the 12th arrondissement for a big weekend of outdoor board games, from June 26 to 28, 2026, with free admission for children under 8.

Anticipation runs high for this annual rendezvous, and Paris est Ludique returns for a 13th edition this weekend, from Friday, June 26 to Sunday, June 28, 2026. Head to the pelouse de Reuilly, in Paris’s 12th arrondissement, right beside Lac Daumesnil and the Bois de Vincennes, for this major outdoor board games festival. The venue is known for its friendly, laid-back vibe, entirely run by volunteers, and here’s what to expect this year.

Paris est Ludique 2026 — what is it all about?

The nuance matters: Paris est Ludique isn’t a convention, but a true festival where we play. Here, every booth is a gaming table. We sit down, try a new title, chat with the creators, then move on to another game right next to it. That’s the essence of the event, which regulars simply call PEL.

On nearly two hectares of outdoor space, almost all French-speaking publishers (from big names like IELLO or Space Cowboys to smaller independents), along with associations, board-game libraries and hundreds of volunteers, come together to introduce you to contemporary board gaming. From ages 3 to 103, there’s something for everyone, at every level.

Practical note: this year you can either buy a ticket for the full festival or opt for a day pass. Entrance is free for children under eight, for people with disabilities and their companion, while a reduced rate is offered to 9-16 year-olds. All the details are on the official ticketing page. The festival runs Friday, June 26 from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Saturday, June 27 from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, and Sunday, June 28 from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

What spaces and experiences to discover at the festival?

The festival centers around several areas staffed by volunteers, each with its own unique atmosphere. Here are the ones you won’t want to miss this year:

The espace jeux de demain unveils 36 selected prototypes (12 for the Pari Ludique Family, 7 for the Expert, and 17 for the Iniciado). You vote for your favorites, and the awards ceremony will take place on Sunday from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m.
The espace jeux XL lets you rediscover your favorite games in oversized form, with this year’s centerpiece—a giant puzzle of the festival poster. Fit at least five pieces and a volunteer will register you for the draw to win a puzzle (draws on Saturday and Sunday at 5 p.m. at the official shop, near the festival entrance).
At the espace Ring, the newcomer picks a game from a selection and takes on the previous winner. The player who racks up the most consecutive victories goes home with the prize, at 6 p.m. on Saturday and 4 p.m. on Sunday, followed by the after-ring to challenge the Ring Bosses.
The espace jeux de rôle offers 6 scenarios designed for beginners, spanning three themes (contemporary, Asia, and pirates).
At the espace jeux de figurines, join a painting workshop (Friday 3–4 p.m. and Saturday 11 a.m.–12 p.m.) or settle in at a table to paint under the friendly guidance of volunteers.
The espace jeux à volonté offers a lending library of more than 600 games, with facilitators to guide you and explain the rules.
The jeux d'histoire space brings together History enthusiasts with a capital H, notably including WunderWaffen, approachable and full of twists.
The jeux délires promise plenty of fun and a pinch of craziness to satisfy all your desires (even the ones you hadn’t imagined).

Tournaments, puzzles and autograph sessions: the 2026 program

In the tournament area, you’ll take on other visitors to win the battles. Spots are limited and, for 7 Wonders, Harmonies, Toy Battle, Les Aventuriers du Rail, Splendor and Azul, it’s best to know the rules before signing up. Here’s the schedule for the tournaments:

Saturday, June 27:

11:00 Heat (Days of Wonder)
11:30 Captain Flip (PlayPunk)
12:00 Toy Battle (Repos Production)
12:30 Celestia (BLAM!)
13:30 Bunny Kingdom Town (IELLO)
14:30 7 Wonders (Repos Production)
15:00 Harmonies (Libellud)
15:30 ODIN (Helvetiq)
16:00 LEDA (Sorry We Are French)
16:30 Mozaik (BLAM!)
17:00 Agent Avenue (IELLO)
17:30 Leaders (Studio H)

Sunday, June 28:

11:00 Ticket to Ride (Days of Wonder)
11:30 Agent Avenue (IELLO)
12:00 Splendor (Space Cowboys)
12:30 Whiners (BLAM!)
13:00 Phantom (Sweet Games)
13:30 Unmatched (IELLO)
14:00 Azul (Next Move)
14:30 Denko (Oldgames)
15:00 Leaders (Studio H)

For investigative buffs, Inspector Root leads the charge: who stirred up trouble at the festival? With 7 posters, 6 interviews, and a final reveal scattered throughout the aisles, it’s your chance to question the suspects. The answer must be dropped off at the official shop, at the festival entrance, with a prize drawing on Friday and Saturday at 7:30 PM, and on Sunday at 5:30 PM (only attendees present win a prize). The Red Thread also makes a comeback, offering charming festival souvenirs to uncover along the way.

At the official shop, the place to pick up pins, badges, tote bags, magnets, and keychains, two signings are on the schedule for Saturday and Sunday. Adélaïde Camp, who designed the MeePeL poster for this edition, will meet you from 4:00 to 5:00 PM, while Marc-Antoine Doyon, creator of “Hantises” and president of the Montréal Board Game Festival, will be on site from 3:00 to 4:00 PM as part of the partnership with the Quebec festival. And throughout the weekend, volunteers will lead spontaneous flashmob-style activities across the venue, featuring the “Total 10” games as a highlight.

Paris est Ludique 2026: who is the festival for?

We heartily recommend it to families, to groups of friends, and to curious newcomers who have never tried a modern board game. Kids and adults alike will find something to enjoy, and you’ll often walk away with two or three new favorites in mind. Our only tip: arrive as soon as it opens, since the festival draws huge crowds, especially on Saturday and Sunday. Also bring a hat and a water bottle, because everything happens outdoors and the late-June sun can be fierce.

Before or after your visit to the Reuilly Lawn, extend the playful spirit with our pick of bars à jeux de Paris, and keep handy our guide to the free festivals not to miss this year 2026 in Paris. For tickets and details of the activities, head to the official site of Paris est Ludique.