What if we turn this back-to-school season into an unforgettable adventure? As the holidays drift away, the unusual outings in Paris for September 2026 are already on the horizon, a delight for the curious. If you’re wondering what to do for the rentrée in Île-de-France in an original way, rest assured: the region is packed with unusual events in Paris and the Île-de-France area—perfect to stretch out a little lightheartedness.
To help you uncover the best offbeat outings in Paris, our comprehensive guide is updated as new announcements roll in so you won’t miss any fresh ideas! The adventure doesn’t stop at the gates of the capital. The entire Île-de-France is pulling out all the stops to show you life in a bigger, more original way. From mysterious castles tucked away in the Greater Paris area to industrial wastelands reborn by contemporary creation in the Petite Couronne, each department has its own little something extra to offer.
Our team is staying on top of things to enrich the programming as news rolls in. Stay tuned, keep your enthusiasm high, and come explore Paris and the Île-de-France region in a whole new light. We can’t wait to share it all with you!
Journées du Patrimoine 2026: offbeat and original outings in Paris and Île-de-France
You think you know Paris inside and out? Think again. This Saturday, September 19, and Sunday, September 20, 2026, you’ll be wowed by the Journées du Patrimoine. We’re sharing our offbeat picks not to miss during the 43rd edition of Heritage Days in Paris and Île-de-France. [Read more]
Jardin21, season 2026: a week of celebration, nature and cultural discoveries at the heart of Parc de la Villette
Sponsored - In September, Jardin21—the festive, plant-filled community hub perched along the Canal de l’Ourcq in Paris’s 19th arrondissement—lengthens the season with a rich, varied lineup. Take the chance to savor these sunny days: bold community initiatives, gardening workshops, youth activities, lively evenings, a yoga session... It’s all there to escape the bustle without leaving the city. Free admission. [Read more]
Time Tripper: an escape game and a time-travel journey at a bargain price! PROMO CODE
Sponsored - Come experience an unforgettable trip through time at Time Tripper, the escape game housed in the heart of Montparnasse and in Arcueil, Val-de-Marne. An experience that truly sticks with you, thanks to 100% immersive set designs. Time Tripper is here for you. Save 10 with the promo code. [Read more]
Bubbles & Marbles in Paris: the place that thrills kids and parents in the heart of the 9th arrondissement!
Sponsored - Bulles & Billes is a 400 m² play space designed for children aged 0 to 11 and their parents, with seven immersive play zones that meet every child's needs, a cafe featuring locally sourced products, and a Saturday night aperitif. [Read more]
A giant still-life installation takes over the Museum of Hunting and Nature for Paris Design Week 2026.
In the courtyard of the Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature, Harry Nuriev turns ordinary objects into a sprawling contemporary still life for Paris Design Week, running September 10–20, 2026. [Read more]
La feria returns to the heart of Paris's 11th arrondissement in September 2026.
Following the success of previous editions, Deux and P'tit Deux are staging the fourth edition of their feria, and the heady Southwest vibe is taking over Rue de la Fontaine au Roi! [Read more]
A Second Empire Ball at the Saint-Ouen Flea Market: period dances and a free evening.
On the occasion of the Fête des Puces, the Biron Market takes a time leap on September 24, 2026, with a Second Empire Ball—an free event inviting guests to immerse themselves in history for a festive evening, amid period costumes, theatrical vignettes, waltz demonstrations, and a late-night DJ set. [Read more]
The 2026 Apple and Market Gardening Festival: workshops and activities at Saint-Denis Farm
The weekend of September 26 and 27, 2026, the Gally Farm in Saint-Denis invites you to its Apple and Market Gardening Festival. Highlights include activities, creative and tasty workshops, and tastings. [Read more]
A free, three-day outdoor roller-disco party in the heart of La Défense.
Avis aux amateurs de glisse et de nostalgie des années 70 : La Défense transforms its central square into an open-air dance floor from September 10 to 12, 2026. Organized with the Martine Patine collective, this fully free Roller Disco Party promises three days of celebration at the foot of the towers. [Read more]
Festival des Places: the 13th arrondissement and Châtelet in celebration mid-September, a free program of dance and music
The Festival des Places is back to liven up Paris’s public spaces on September 12 and 13, 2026, offering two entirely free days of dance, music and conviviality, at Place d’Italie (13th arrondissement) and then Place du Châtelet. [Read more]
AURA INVALIDES, the must-see sound and light show in Paris
Looking for a unique nocturnal experience in Paris? Ready to be amazed and embark on a timeless journey to a legendary heritage site? Come and discover AURA INVALIDES, a sound and light show at the iconic Dôme des Invalides as night falls. A magical moment in the heart of the Dome, sure to delight young and old alike. [Read more]
The Lion King is on the hunt for its next generation of young performers: children's auditions organized in Paris
Disney kicks off auditions for The Lion King School for kids aged 9 to 11 living in Paris or the Île-de-France region. Singing, dancing and acting are on the lineup, with no prior experience required. Applications are open until September 23, 2026. [Read more]
Giant puppet parade and free exhibition in Paris's 13th arrondissement.
An unusual show awaits you at Espace Bièvre, in Paris's 13th arrondissement: discover a display of giant puppets from September 21 to 25, 2026, and don't miss the grand parade on Saturday, September 26! [Read more]
Transfert aéroport à Paris : service de chauffeur privé depuis CDG et Orly
Airport transfers in Paris: private chauffeur service from CDG and Orly
Sponsored - Getting to Paris should be simple and comfortable. Chauffeur Service Paris offers private airport transfers from Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG), Paris Orly, and Le Bourget to Paris, with professional drivers, flight tracking, and a personalized meet-and-greet service. [Read more]
World Festival 2026 in Paris: tours of the HQ, a food court, workshops… the program
The World Festival is back in Paris from September 18 to 20, 2026 for its 12th edition. Tours of the newspaper’s headquarters, meetings with the editorial team, debates, workshops, concerts, and a food court will grab the headlines in the 13th arrondissement, with this year’s theme explored under the banner of “Feminine Plurals.” [Read more]
La Peña of the 17th: a night out straight from Bayonne’s festival, in the 17th arrondissement.
The 17th arrondissement goes festive this Friday, September 25, 2026, with the return of the Peña du 17e. An immersion into the grand ferias of the South of France, coming straight to Paris! [Read more]
A rally of vintage cars and motorcycles passes through Milly-la-Forêt (91) in September.
Cars, Solex, motorized bicycles and motorcycles aged over 30 years are set to gather in Milly-la-Forêt on September 6, 2026 for the 15th edition of this retro rally. [Read more]
Free immersion into the 1950s and vintage cars in Maisse (91), this September.
Voitures anciennes, motos, pin-up et ambiance années 1950 : Maisse hosts the Vintage Pin-up – Dream Car & Bikes from September 11 to 13, 2026. A retro gathering with free entry in Essonne. [Read more]
Le CiNey, a neighborhood cinema with a cooperative grocery and a restaurant in Paris’s 18th arrondissement.
A cinema, but also a restaurant, a solidarity grocery, and a space dedicated to youth integration: CiNey has opened its doors in Paris’s 18th arrondissement. Based on Boulevard Ney, this 1,500-square-meter hybrid venue blends culture, food, and neighborhood life. [Read more]
This September, discover the activities on offer in Seine-Saint-Denis’ departmental parks.
Sponsored - Looking for a scenic outdoor stroll near Paris, a free outdoor activity, or a peaceful spot to exercise away from the city's hustle and bustle... There's definitely a park in Seine-Saint-Denis that's perfect for you! [Read more]
OUF: Open Loop and After Loop at Rosa Bonheur to the East, in the Bois de Vincennes
OUF brings together a walk, a run and a solidarity party on September 5, 2026 at Rosa Bonheur in the East, in the Bois de Vincennes, for the benefit of Potes Âgé.e.s. Then from 6:30 p.m., as night falls, the After Loop takes over with an evening at Rosa Bonheur in the East powered by performances, a choir and DJ sets! [Read more]
Impressionist Light Festival 2026: A Dream Monet at Chatou (78)
The Festival of Impressionist Lights returns to Chatou (78) for its 6th edition and pays tribute to Claude Monet and his gardens. From September 10 to 12, 2026, three free evenings transform the Hameau Fournaise into an Impressionist garden. [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]
Chuseok 2026 at Jardin d'Acclimatation: Paris hosts Korea's festival
The Korean harvest festival Chuseok is returning to the Jardin d'Acclimatation in Paris on September 19 and 20, 2026. A weekend defined by a hanbok parade, traditional dances, a K-pop contest, and Korean street food, painting the town in the colors of the Land of the Morning Calm. [Read more]
Sofia Coppola offers free autograph sessions in Paris for the 20th anniversary of Marie Antoinette
Twenty years after turning Versailles into a pop-rock spectacle, Sofia Coppola reconnects with Marie Antoinette in Paris. The director will be at the Fondation Cartier on September 20, 2026 for a free autograph session. [Read more]
Free street art exhibition by Djalouz in Paris’s 13th arrondissement: In My Nest 2
Djalouz is back in the 13th arrondissement with a new free street art exhibition at 13 Korner, the second edition of his project "Dans mon nid," running from September 10 to 27, 2026. The lineup features 3D graffiti, sculptures, live painting, workshops, and a Pigecam scavenger hunt. [Read more]
Carriages, confetti and fireworks: this historic festival is back in Montesson (78) in September 2026
Floats, confetti, a funfair and fireworks: the Fête du Pâté à la Carmen returns to Montesson on 19 and 20 September 2026. A popular Yvelines event that preserves a local tradition dating back more than a century and a half. [Read more]
Unusual: sleep one-on-one with Arctic wolves, in the Loudges of Thoiry Zoo Safari.
A night one-on-one with wolves—tempting, isn’t it? The Thoiry ZooSafari invites you to sleep as close as possible to these fascinating creatures, right in the heart of one of its quirky accommodations, the Loudge! [Read more]
A Saturday at Drouot: go behind the scenes of auction house sales with immersive experiences
Hôtel Drouot opens its doors to the general public every Saturday starting September 19, 2026, offering a behind-the-scenes look at auction sales and the art market through free immersive experiences. [Read more]
Azimut: the immersive restaurant where you dine facing Arctic wolves at Thoiry ZooSafari
Thoiry ZooSafari opens Azimut, its wild and indulgent restaurant, to the general public every evening for dinner. As the park gates close, guests settle in to savor refined seasonal fare, with a panoramic, privileged view of the Arctic wolf pack. [Read more]
BACK TO MR CUTE : the season’s opening exhibition that will have all pop culture and street art lovers swooning.
Sponsored - What if your fondest childhood memories came to life in the heart of Paris? With BACK TO MR CUTE, discover the very first pop-up gallery dedicated to the world of artist Mr Cute. This immersive exhibit blends pop art and street art to playfully reimagine the iconic figures of the 80s, 90s, and 2000s. Goldorak, Candy, Marilyn, Amicalement Votre, Daft Punk, and many more await for a journey that’s as nostalgic as it is surprising… on view for only a few weeks. [Read more]
Unusual: in Port Cergy, a tray race puts kids and adults to the test
Run as fast as you can with a tray full of water glasses: that’s the premise of the Tray Race held in Port Cergy. It’s a free event open to kids as young as three and to adults alike. [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]
Wheelbarrow Festival in Pierrefitte-sur-Seine (93): a floral parade and free activities for the start of the school year
Sunday, September 6, 2026, the flower-filled wheelbarrows take to the streets of Pierrefitte-sur-Seine. This event, organized by the Jardins Ouvriers des Joncherolles, blends gardening, floral decorations, and a parade to the Town Hall. [Read more]
The Eiffel Tower in virtual reality: relive its construction and the 1889 World's Fair
Discover the immersive virtual reality guided tour of the Eiffel Tower in Paris, brought to you by Viality Tour. Step into the heart of the Champ de Mars and relive the construction and the 1889 inauguration of the Iron Lady. A brand-new version, truer to history than ever, launched on March 31, 2026. To mark the occasion, we have a promo code for you! [Read more]
The Triporteur Race returns to Paris at the end of September 2026, a quirky parade.
The Triporteur Race returns to the Cours de Vincennes in Paris on Sunday, September 20, 2026, for its third edition. These prewar delivery tricycles take on a 28.4 km course this time, and registration is free. [Read more]
Bal du Siècle 2026 in Versailles, Roaring Twenties edition: ticket sales open in September
Le Bal du Siècle returns to the Château de Versailles for a fourth edition inspired by the Roaring Twenties, this Monday, November 30, 2026. A dance-and-costume soirée with tickets on sale starting September 3, 2026. [Read more]
Les Cabanes de l'Orvanne: we tried a night perched in the trees near Moret-sur-Loing
Only an hour from Paris and just a short drive from Fontainebleau, Les Cabanes de l'Orvanne offers a unplugged escape in the heart of a preserved 95-hectare natural estate. A chance to spend a premium night in a perched cabin, with a private Nordic bath and 100% locally sourced gourmet baskets. [Read more]
Madame Loyal: the upcoming dates for the electro festival in carnival fairground mode near Paris
Straddling the line between an electro-rave and an XXL funfair, Madame Loyal unfolds her own world on the outskirts of Paris. Rides, circus, cabaret and the dancefloor collide in an unrestrained vibe that has become a staple for night owls. Discover the upcoming dates! [Read more]
This free pop-up turns Bastille into a creative lab during Paris Design Week 2026.
In Bastille, JAD brings crafts out of the workshop with a pop-up where know-how, design and DIY brush shoulders during Paris Design Week, from September 9 to 13, 2026. [Read more]
Buoy race, cinema on the Eiffel Tower, floating parade... 10 unusual events in September in Paris
In September, Paris finds its rhythm again... but surely not its routine! A buoy race, cinema inside the Eiffel Tower, a floating parade: here are 10 unusual events to experience the rentrée differently in the capital. [Read more]
Design takes center stage in a private salon at Galeries Lafayette Champs-Élysées for Paris Design Week 2026
To celebrate its tenth anniversary, the dach&zephir studio opens the doors of the Boardroom at Galeries Lafayette Champs-Élysées with Souvenances, a commemorative exhibition to be seen from September 10 to 20, 2026. [Read more]
This château in Seine-et-Marne doubles as the Élysée on screen.
A château in the Île-de-France region cultivates a resemblance so striking to the Élysée Palace that it has become cinema and television’s favorite double. We take you to meet it in Seine-et-Marne and reveal why—and its history. [Read more]
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]
Witness the deer’s rut in the morning or evening at Parc de l’Espace Rambouillet.
In the very heart of the Rambouillet Forest, witness an extraordinary wildlife spectacle from September 5, 2026: the deer's mating parade. At dawn or dusk, before a gourmet meal or even during a bivouac, observe them quietly and discreetly. [Read more]
And what if you extend the joys of summer in the Fontainebleau area?
Sponsored - In September, there’s no letting go of the pleasures of the sunny season in the Fontainebleau region! A riverside guinguette, a gourmet meal, a cultural discovery, an offbeat experience… Welcome to those who haven’t left yet, and to those who simply want to stretch summer’s pleasures a little longer! [Read more]
Le Paris Élysées Club: Paris’s stronghold for casino gaming.
Sponsored - Craving the casino buzz right in the heart of Paris? Visit the Paris Élysées Club. Paris’s first gaming club, located on Rue Marbeuf in the Golden Triangle. Fans of Ultimate Poker, Punto Banco, or Blackjack flock to this refined, intimate venue. [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]
This enigmatic artist’s house tucked away in Paris opens to visitors twice a week.
Villa Seurat hides an address in Paris that is open to visitors: the Lurçat House-Studio. This modernist home in the 14th arrondissement, built for painter Jean Lurçat, reveals itself on guided tours through its rooms, original furnishings, and collections. [Read more]
A walk in the footsteps of the Freemasons in Paris: symbols, mysteries and heritage
Since the 18th century, Freemasonry has been discreetly shaping the contours of Parisian life. Between hidden lodges, committed personalities and symbols engraved on facades, Paris is a Masonic capital. Follow in the footsteps of the Freemasons, to read between the stones and discover this initiatory Paris. [Read more]
Can you visit the towers of Notre-Dame de Paris? 424 steps to Paris's most stunning panorama.
The towers of Notre-Dame in Paris once again offer one of the capital’s best vantage points. Between gargoyles, chimeras, monumental bells and Gothic architecture, uncover the secrets of this iconic monument that has loomed over Paris for more than eight centuries. [Read more]
The forbidden catacombs: what is really hidden in Paris's largest underground labyrinth?
Forbidden catacombs fascinate as much as they worry. Between urban legends, clandestine explorations, and a genuine ossuary open to the public, it's sometimes hard to separate fact from fiction. So, which catacombs can one actually visit in Paris? And what does the vast underground network off-limits to the public conceal? [Read more]
5 experiences you probably wouldn’t expect to find near Paris!
Sponsored - Escape game on a moped, a 4L rally, a solar-powered catamaran, flan and a nocturnal hike: this summer, Oise.fun shines a light on experiences that veer off the beaten path and offer a fresh way to spend a day near Paris. Far from the tourist clichés, these five activities lean into curiosity, conviviality, and surprise. [Read more]
What to do in Paris this summer 2026: the cultural calendar for Paris and Greater Paris.
Sponsored - What to do in Paris and Greater Paris this summer? Guided tours, urban strolls with expert guides or locals who are passionate about their neighborhoods, and cruises are on offer. Plenty is planned, and some activities are free. [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]
Waltzes, polkas and period costumes: a grand historic ball is taking shape at this château in the Yvelines department (78).
The Château de Maisons in Maisons-Laffitte (78) will host an Empire Ball on Sunday, September 13, 2026. In the grand ballroom, the public is invited to learn the dances of the Second Empire at an all-ages event, where costumes, choreographies, waltzes and polkas whisk visitors back to the 19th century. [Read more]
This château in Yvelines (78) lets you relive an 18th‑century reception this September.
The Château de Maisons, in Maisons-Laffitte, rolls out the red carpet once again on Sunday, September 6, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with the event "Comme à Maisons, l’art de recevoir". Fashion, music, dance, the pleasures of the table, games and conversation set the tone for this immersive day at the heart of Enlightenment savoir-vivre. [Read more]
This farm in the Yvelines region offers rustic evenings with barbecues, concerts and games.
From July through September 2026, the Gally Farm in Saint-Cyr-l'École unveils a vibrant lineup, with the return of its countryside evenings for families and friends to gather around a wood-fired barbecue and a selection of board games. [Read more]
Easel Tournament 2026: the free art contest in the medieval town of Provins
The medieval town of Provins invites you to take part in the "Tournoi de chevalets" on Sunday, September 13, 2026. Free and open to all amateur artists, this competition invites you to unleash your creativity, whether you’re into painting or drawing! [Read more]
National Dog Week 2026: the schedule of canine events in Paris and Île-de-France
National Dog Week is coming to Paris and Île-de-France from September 26 to October 4, 2026, with a host of activities and events for dogs and their owners. [Read more]
Summer nights at court: summer evening tours to experience at the Château de Fontainebleau
This summer, the Château de Fontainebleau invites you to experience extraordinary after-dark tours, a fresh way to explore the iconic monument. From July 4 to September 10, 2026, come and immerse yourself in this magical nocturnal experience. [Read more]
La Maison du Pain de Commeny (95), an unusual museum offering tours and workshops for families
At the heart of the French Vexin, in Commeny in the Val-d'Oise (95), the Maison du Pain traces the history of this essential staple of the French diet through an educational trail set in the former grain loft of a bakery that remains in operation. [Read more]
One Piece makes its debut at the Grévin Museum with 10 life-size statues in an immersive cabaret!
Wax statues of the One Piece crew are heading to the Grévin Museum in Paris’s 9th arrondissement, opening on June 26, 2026. A first for a Japanese animation universe in the temple of the Grands Boulevards. We went to check out the crew’s immersive Sun Cabaret, and here’s everything you need to know. [Read more]
Paris Under the Stars: Free stargazing in the city’s parks this summer, 2026
Paris Under the Stars is back from June 27 to September 5, 2026. The French Astronomical Association organizes in the capital a series of stargazing evenings across various Parisian parks and gardens. [Read more]
This medieval troglodyte castle in Val-d'Oise hides a giant dragon.
A giant dragon in a troglodyte medieval castle? That's what you'll be able to see during La Vie de Château, the château's contemporary art exhibition at Château de la Roche-Guyon in the Val d'Oise, running from June 20 to November 1, 2026. [Read more]
8 offbeat outings to explore the heritage of Paris and Île-de-France this summer, 2026
Between secret tours, little-known architecture, and immersive experiences, this summer reveals a new side of Île-de-France’s heritage. Here are eight fresh ideas to explore the region differently, where history meets hidden curiosities. [Read more]
A weekend of World War I historical reenactments at this Seine-et-Marne museum.
The Great War Museum invites the general public to step back into the World War I era for a weekend of reenactments, on September 5–6, 2026, with a lineup of exceptional demonstrations. [Read more]
The Hoxton Paris brings back its pop-up pool to its courtyard-patio.
The Hoxton Paris is once again setting up its ephemeral pool on its patio terrace, right in the heart of the 2nd arrondissement. A chic, laid-back summer hotspot under the open sky! [Read more]
Free workshops and tastings on honey and apitherapy at this Marais hotspot
The world of honey invites itself into the heart of the Marais with this temple of apitherapy, offering urbanites a chance to reconnect with the medicinal virtues of the hive through a program of workshops and free diagnostics. [Read more]
Polpo Plage 2026: a beachfront terrace and boats on the Seine in Levallois
Polpo Plage is coming to Levallois-Perret for summer 2026, inviting you to put your feet in the sand along the Seine, with a Fever-Tree–designed bar, bonfire nights, and rides on permit-free electric boats. [Read more]
Paris flower markets, three plant-filled spots for pretty bouquets
The three Paris flower markets are waiting for you on Place des Ternes, at La Madeleine, and on Île de la Cité. Three green havens to explore all year round—whether you’re picking up a stunning bouquet, planting something on your balcony, or simply wandering among the wonderful floral fragrances. [Read more]
The Porte de Montreuil flea market, Paris’s haven for bargain-priced finds.
Le marché aux puces de la Porte de Montreuil is one of the capital's largest second-hand markets. Located between the 20th arrondissement of Paris and Montreuil, it welcomes treasure hunters, collectors, and bargain hunters every Saturday, Sunday, and Monday year-round. [Read more]
The Edgar Quinet Creation Market, a free, open-air art gallery.
The Edgar-Quinet Creation Market invites you every Sunday in Paris’s 14th arrondissement. Paintings, sculpture, photography, engraving, and ceramics are on display there from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., year-round. [Read more]
The Paris stamp market, the meeting place for philatelists, collectors and the curious.
The Paris stamp market, set on Avenue Marigny near the Champs-Élysées, draws weekly crowds of collectors, postal-history enthusiasts, and the simply curious. This outdoor Parisian gathering runs on Thursdays, Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays year-round, in the heart of the 8th arrondissement. [Read more]
The market for antique and second-hand books, a stroll among the booksellers in Georges Brassens Park
The market for antique and second-hand books awaits you every weekend under the arches of Georges-Brassens Park in Paris’s 15th arrondissement. This booksellers’ gathering takes place Saturdays and Sundays, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., year-round. [Read more]
Zoo Art Show: the immense temporary street-art museum in Paris La Défense — new extensions announced
4000 square meters of street art to discover across four floors of a building set on the forecourt of Paris La Défense. Here’s what awaits you at the Zoo Art Show, billed as the immersive museum of urban arts. For the occasion, works by more than 500 artists are on view on site. Here’s what you need to know about the Zoo Art Show at Paris La Défense, open to the general public since June 7, 2025. In response to strong demand, the Zoo Art Show is extending its run through December 2026. [Read more]
Parc Boussard: we visited this Art Deco garden, a designated Jardin Remarquable and free to visit in Essonne.
The Boussard Park, in Lardy (Essonne), is one of the few Art Deco gardens in Île-de-France. Registered as a historic monument and named a Remarkable Garden, this free-entry municipal park is open year-round. Tucked away in a discreet, hidden corner, it’s a real gem we were pleased to discover and are thrilled to share with you. [Read more]
Quirky: build a giant, collaborative hut for the Maif Social Club’s 10th anniversary.
Want to build a hut? Le Maif Social Club invites you from September 4 to 6, 2026 to take part in a collective and artistic experience to celebrate its 10th anniversary. For three days, a vast ephemeral house will take shape with your help in the heart of the Marais. [Read more]
La Ruée des Fadas 2026: the wild, muddy obstacle race in Yvelines and in Torcy
La Ruée des Fadas makes its return to the Île-de-France region, with events in Yvelines on June 7, 2026 and in Torcy on September 20, for a muddy, ice-cold race to share with your loved ones! [Read more]
La Nuit des Fées : an immersive, magical evening stroll through the grounds of a château in Val d'Oise
From June 20 to November 1, 2026, the Château de Guiry-en-Vexin reopens its doors after dark for the 6th edition of La Nuit des Fées. Every Saturday, this immersive journey invites children and adults alike to a magical stroll, guided by an elficologist through a park in Val-d'Oise. [Read more]
Did you know? You can visit the Rungis Market (Val-de-Marne, 94), the world's largest market.
When most Francilians are still asleep, another world awakens at the gates of Paris. In Rungis, the world’s largest fresh-food market, its pavilions come alive in a fascinating buzz. And thanks to monthly guided tours, the curious can discover the behind-the-scenes of this giant of French gastronomy! [Read more]
This rooftop garden perched above the Opéra Bastille offers one of the most stunning views of Paris.
On the rooftops of the Opéra Bastille, a hidden urban farm grows vegetables, edible flowers and hops, all set against a sweeping panorama of Place de la Bastille. The best part? You can visit it on quirky, guided tours. [Read more]
La Ferme du Bonheur, a bohemian and festive farm at the foot of La Défense.
At once an urban farm, an alternative arts venue and an ecological oasis at the foot of La Défense’s towers, La Ferme du Bonheur in Nanterre is a living laboratory where nature, performances, farming and collective experiments mingle. A timeless place where people come as much to attend a concert as to garden, meet animals or participate in the famous agro-poetry workshops. [Read more]
Maison Guimet - Hôtel d'Heidelbach : this hidden gem of Asian treasures reopens its doors
The Guimet House, the new jewel in the former Hôtel d'Heidelbach, will reopen to the public on 23 May 2026, on Avenue d'Iéna in Paris’s 16th arrondissement. Imperial Chinese furniture, a Japanese garden, a tea pavilion, guided tours and tea tastings are on the agenda. We went to discover the place and tell you about its unsuspected treasures. [Read more]
Did you know? A Japanese garden with a unique tea pavilion hides in the heart of Paris.
Did you know? A Japanese garden, with its authentic teahouse, hides in the heart of Paris’s 16th arrondissement, inside the Maison Guimet (the former Hôtel Heidelbach). This discreet venue reopens on May 23, 2026, with tea ceremonies and guided tours. [Read more]
Nanna : the cosy literary barge with a library and a bar at the foot of Notre-Dame Cathedral
A literary barge, Nanna, has moored at the foot of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris. An ideal spot on the banks of the Seine to read a few books, attend events, and enjoy a drink! [Read more]
A narrated, bucolic cruise along the Marne, paired with chocolate tasting? It does exist!
In Seine-et-Marine, the Choco Cruise on the Marne offers a delightfully original escape that combines a river stroll, chocolate tastings, and a tour of the Marne’s bucolic landscapes. A quirky, gourmet experience perfect for family outings, gatherings with friends, or a romantic getaway. [Read more]
Unconventional workshops for children and adults where you can learn to cook as it was in the Middle Ages in Provins.
What if you could turn back time... in the kitchen? In the heart of Provins's medieval city center, Les Tabliers Gourmands offers culinary workshops as quirky as they are delicious. These gourmand experiences invite children and adults alike to cook medieval recipes, in a setting steeped in history. [Read more]
Why is the Pont-Neuf called that, even though it’s Paris’ oldest bridge?
In light of its name, how can the Pont-Neuf be Paris’s oldest bridge? We explain its history and the reason for this sobriquet. [Read more]
Just outside Paris, a free exhibition takes up residence in France’s largest cemetery.
Artworks will take over France’s largest cemetery from May 30 to November 15, 2026, as part of the Demeure exhibition. To discover it, head to the gates of Paris, at the Parisian Pantin Cemetery, conveniently accessible by metro. [Read more]
This active watermill, still in operation, welcomes visitors in Île-de-France and offers workshops for children.
What if you discovered the secrets of flour making? Head to the Russon mill in Bussy-Saint-Georges to join playful workshops with the kids. It’s one of the few working mills that opens its doors to the public in Seine-et-Marne (77)! [Read more]
A hidden guinguette on a farm opens in the Yvelines
Nestled in the heart of the Gally Farm’s nursery in Saint-Cyr-l'École, the Guinguette de Gally reopens for the 2026 season. Homemade waffles, refreshing drinks and a lush garden are on the program, from late April to autumn. We’ve tested it, and here’s the full story. [Read more]
Sleep with the Wolves: We spent a night in a cozy bivouac in the Rambouillet Forest
Want to sleep as close as possible to wolves and deer? L’Espace Rambouillet is offering a bivouac night in the heart of the forest, a rare, magical immersion in wildlife that we put to the test. [Read more]
Yvelines: have you heard of this temple of love, a romantic kiosk-bridge set in a lush green haven?
In the Yvelines, at the heart of the Bonnelles pond nature reserve, a charming bridge-kiosk nicknamed the “Temple of Love” still bears witness to an 18th-century parc à fabriques—an elaborate garden of follies. Open to the public for discovery in 2026. [Read more]
Quirky: a creative doormat customization workshop for a one-of-a-kind rug in Châtelet
Just a stone’s throw from Châtelet, the Paillasson Workshop invites you to grab the brushes and reinvent your hallway decor. Create your own one-of-a-kind piece, far from the dreary default “Bienvenue,” in a two-hour, creative, sociable group workshop. [Read more]
Poetic Paris: design your own dried-flower candle holder in this hidden workshop in the 11th arrondissement
Forget fleeting bouquets and step into a hidden green haven in the heart of the 11th arrondissement. At Poétique Paris, craft your own dried-flower candle holder—a luminous, one-of-a-kind piece in the capital—during a cottage-core inspired DIY workshop. [Read more]
Visit a fire station for free: 2026 open house dates
Paris and Île-de-France fire stations open their doors for free to aspiring firefighters on sunny days. Plan a visit on select Saturdays and Sundays throughout the year (depending on the station) for an immersive glimpse into the life of firefighters. [Read more]
The Carmelite convent in Avon, Seine-et-Marne, unveils a free museum available on request.
In Avon, in Seine-et-Marne, the Carmes Convent hides a memorial open to the public, dedicated to Father Jacques, a Resistance figure made famous by Louis Malle. A place steeped in history that we unveil to you. [Read more]
Montmartre Museum's vegetable garden workshops: learn how to grow your own garden in the city
The Renoir gardens at the Musée Montmartre, just a stone's throw from the Sacré-Coeur in the 18th arrondissement, are one of summer's must-see spots. Now you can learn how to grow your own vegetable garden in these exceptional gardens. [Read more]
Discover Les Bergeries d'Issy, the educational farm in Issy-les-Moulineaux (92)
Just south-west of Paris, in the inner suburbs, the town of Issy-les-Moulineaux boasts a lovely educational farm where the whole family can come and discover the animals, take part in a parent-child workshop or celebrate a birthday... It's a great way to take the kids out to the countryside! [Read more]
La ferme pédagogique de Maisons-Alfort (94), a family-friendly farm where you can see animals
In Maisons-Alfort, in the Val-de-Marne département of France, some amusing boarders welcome you and your family all year round, on Wednesdays and weekends: so head to the town's educational farm for a little country escapade to discover its animals! [Read more]
La Ferme de Gally de Saint-Cyr l'Ecole (78), for a family outing in the countryside
The Ferme pédagogique de Gally is one of the most beautiful educational farms in the Yvelines: with its 4 hectares, it offers children and their parents a privileged encounter with sheep, dwarf goats, rabbits, donkeys, horses... [Read more]
La Ferme de Grignon (78), a free cow and sheep farm visit
In the heart of the Versailles plain, the town of Grignon boasts a huge farm with over 200 dairy cows, 600 ewes, 400 hectares of crops and a dairy. The good news is that the site is open to the public: put on your good shoes and let's go and discover this farm in the Yvelines! [Read more]
Saint-Denis Open Farm: a nature escape for families near Paris
The open farm in Saint-Denis is like an oasis in the middle of the city: just a few minutes' walk from metro line 13, it's a place where nature seems to have reclaimed its rights, with fields full of vegetables, large greenhouses and, above all, animals. [Read more]
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Dates and Opening Time
From September 1, 2026 to September 30, 2029
