The City of Economics offers free weekends in July and August: Paris's summer insider tip

Paris is home to a wealth of museums, some more famous than others. Fortunately, the long summer break gives us time to explore the little-known art spaces. So where to start this cultural quest? The answer is simple: head to the 17th arrondissement of Paris to visit the City of the Economy.

This choice isn’t random: the Cité de l'Économie is lining up a welcome surprise for this summer. The museum is free for everyone, every weekend from July 4 to August 16, 2026. A fantastic tip for getting out and having fun without breaking the bank during these two summer months. What more could you ask for?

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The Cité de l'Économie is a museum dedicated— as the name suggests— to the economy. A subject that can intimidate more than a few. Yet the museum has found a ludique and pédagogique approach to win over both children and adults. The collections cover topics such as exchanges, the role of money, the players in the economy, how markets work, and regulation, presented through interactive setups, audiovisual installations, games, and archival documents. Not to mention the treasure room, which showcases various currencies from around the world — and even a gold bar!

The museum is housed in the Gaillard Hotel, a historic monument built for banker Émile Gaillard in the 19th century. This private townhouse alone is worth a detour: architecture enthusiasts should appreciate this building inspired by the castles of Blois and Gien.

In addition to the standard tours, the City of Economics is offering a range of family-friendly activities during these summer holidays. And of course, take advantage of free admission to discover the exhibition of the moment, spotlighting photographer Kourtney Roy.

All-Inclusive Exhibition: Photographer Kourtney Roy and Citéco question tourism through our photos
With her vintage aesthetic and striking photographs, artist Kourtney Roy humorously highlights the contradictions of global tourism. Don't miss the exhibition All Inclusive, running from February 20 to September 20, 2026, at the City of Economy. [Read more]