Marie-Antoinette: A Year of Exhibitions and Events across Paris and Île-de-France

Published by Cécile de Sortiraparis · Photos by Cécile de Sortiraparis · Updated on January 2, 2026 at 07:00 p.m. · Published on January 2, 2026 at 04:59 p.m.
In 2026, a series of cultural events will bring Marie-Antoinette back into the spotlight. Explore the upcoming exhibitions andactivities across Paris and Île-de-France, offering a year immersed in history and art.

An iconic figure in French history, Marie-Antoinette remains as divisive as she is celebrated—admired by many, criticized by others. The last Queen of France, Marie-Antoinette of Austria, who was guillotined during the French Revolution, continues to capture the public's imagination more than 230 years after her death.

Married to Louis XVI in 1770, Marie-Antoinette wielded significant influence over the royal court, fashion, design, and decoration. She was also the subject of harsh criticism for her lavish lifestyle and extravagant spending, during a time when many French citizens were suffering and struggling to feed themselves. As a result, she became one of the prominent victims of the French Revolution, which, however, did not erase the queen's enduring legacy.

Indeed, Marie-Antoinette has left her mark across many sites and cultural spheres. Her legacy will be highlighted in 2026 through a series of events and gatherings held in Paris and Île-de-France. Exhibitions, performances, evenings: this year is dedicated to celebrating the queen's memory.

Explore the upcoming events celebrating Marie-Antoinette and walk in her footsteps through the city. Exciting outings await you in 2026!

Upcoming Events Centered on Marie-Antoinette:

Château de Fontainebleau - Napoléon III et Eugénie -  A7C4024 HDRChâteau de Fontainebleau - Napoléon III et Eugénie -  A7C4024 HDRChâteau de Fontainebleau - Napoléon III et Eugénie -  A7C4024 HDRChâteau de Fontainebleau - Napoléon III et Eugénie -  A7C4024 HDR An exhibition of stage costumes designed by Christian Lacroix at the Château de Fontainebleau
As part of the Art History Festival, Fontainebleau Castle is showcasing an exhibition of stage costumes designed by Christian Lacroix, inspired by Marie-Antoinette and her iconic sense of style... Open from June 5 to October 17, 2026. [Read more]

Le Château de Rambouillet et sa Bergerie nationale, un domaine d'exception en Ile-de-FranceLe Château de Rambouillet et sa Bergerie nationale, un domaine d'exception en Ile-de-FranceLe Château de Rambouillet et sa Bergerie nationale, un domaine d'exception en Ile-de-FranceLe Château de Rambouillet et sa Bergerie nationale, un domaine d'exception en Ile-de-France The Queen's Dairy: Marie-Antoinette's Grotto at Rambouillet Castle
At the edge of Rambouillet Castle Park, concealed behind a façade reminiscent of an ancient temple, lies one of the most daring sites of the 18th century. The Queen’s Dairy, a gift from Louis XVI to Marie-Antoinette, houses a monumental artificial grotto where marble and raw stone converge to celebrate nature and mythology. [Read more]

Le Domaine de Trianon et ses sublimes jardins Le Domaine de Trianon et ses sublimes jardins Le Domaine de Trianon et ses sublimes jardins Le Domaine de Trianon et ses sublimes jardins Marie-Antoinette by Sofia Coppola: A Cinema Exhibition at the Domaine of Trianon in Versailles
Starting September 22, 2026, the world of cinema takes center stage at the Trianon Estate with a groundbreaking exhibition dedicated to Sofia Coppola's film "Marie-Antoinette," filmed on the grounds of Versailles. [Read more]

Le Jardin du Parfumeur, le nouveau jardin du Château de Versailles et de la Maison Francis KurkdjianLe Jardin du Parfumeur, le nouveau jardin du Château de Versailles et de la Maison Francis KurkdjianLe Jardin du Parfumeur, le nouveau jardin du Château de Versailles et de la Maison Francis KurkdjianLe Jardin du Parfumeur, le nouveau jardin du Château de Versailles et de la Maison Francis Kurkdjian Marie-Antoinette at Trianon: a costume party before the Fêtes Galantes in Versailles - reservations
Versailles is getting ready for a royal night like no other! On Sunday, May 24, 2026, Marie Antoinette will open the doors of her Trianon Estate for an exceptional costume party, organized to celebrate the 10th edition of the Fêtes Galantes, which will be held the following day at the Palace. Tickets go on sale at 2 p.m. [Read more]

Rendez-vous aux Jardins 2023: Musiques et animations au Château de FontainebleauRendez-vous aux Jardins 2023: Musiques et animations au Château de FontainebleauRendez-vous aux Jardins 2023: Musiques et animations au Château de FontainebleauRendez-vous aux Jardins 2023: Musiques et animations au Château de Fontainebleau The stays of Marie Antoinette and Louis XVI: an immersive weekend with a show and introduction to the Château de Fontainebleau
An immersive show about Marie Antoinette and Louis XVI will take over the Château de Fontainebleau on the weekend of April 18-19, 2025. Skits, equestrian shows, an introduction to Jeu de Paume... we'll tell you more about the program that awaits you at this event, which is sure to take you back in time! [Read more]

Grandeur Nature II, le festival d'art contemporain gratuit au parc du Château de Fontainebleau - A7C02365Grandeur Nature II, le festival d'art contemporain gratuit au parc du Château de Fontainebleau - A7C02365Grandeur Nature II, le festival d'art contemporain gratuit au parc du Château de Fontainebleau - A7C02365Grandeur Nature II, le festival d'art contemporain gratuit au parc du Château de Fontainebleau - A7C02365 An exhibition dedicated to Marie Antoinette and Louis XVI at the Château de Fontainebleau
The Château de Fontainebleau is hosting the exhibition "Marie Antoinette and Louis XVI at Fontainebleau: Splendor and Sweetness of Life" from October 11, 2026, to January 25, 2027. This is a wonderful opportunity for history buffs to immerse themselves in the life of the royal couple. [Read more]

Heritage Sites and Must-Visit Places:

Paris, capitale de la gastronomie : l'exposition qui nous donne faim à la Conciergerie - photos - IMG20230412114648Paris, capitale de la gastronomie : l'exposition qui nous donne faim à la Conciergerie - photos - IMG20230412114648Paris, capitale de la gastronomie : l'exposition qui nous donne faim à la Conciergerie - photos - IMG20230412114648Paris, capitale de la gastronomie : l'exposition qui nous donne faim à la Conciergerie - photos - IMG20230412114648 The Conciergerie in Paris: a monument symbolic of the French Revolution
The Conciergerie is a historic building on the Ile de la Cité in Paris. Since its construction in the 10th century, this monument has been the seat of the Palais de Justice and a prison in turn. It was here that Marie-Antoinette was imprisoned. [Read more]

La Conciergerie de Paris : un monument symbolique de la Révolution Française - Marie-AntoinetteLa Conciergerie de Paris : un monument symbolique de la Révolution Française - Marie-AntoinetteLa Conciergerie de Paris : un monument symbolique de la Révolution Française - Marie-AntoinetteLa Conciergerie de Paris : un monument symbolique de la Révolution Française - Marie-Antoinette Marie-Antoinette: historic places to visit in Paris dedicated to the last Queen of France
Marie-Antoinette is a character who continues to fascinate to this day. Would you like to immerse yourself in the history of France's last queen? Here's a list of places to visit in Paris dedicated to this tragic figure in French history. [Read more]

La Conciergerie de Paris : un monument symbolique de la Révolution Française - IMG20230412110810La Conciergerie de Paris : un monument symbolique de la Révolution Française - IMG20230412110810La Conciergerie de Paris : un monument symbolique de la Révolution Française - IMG20230412110810La Conciergerie de Paris : un monument symbolique de la Révolution Française - IMG20230412110810 Immerse yourself in the Revolution with the "Carnation Conspiracy" treasure hunt in the heart of Paris
Experience historical immersion in the heart of Paris with the life-size treasure hunt "Le Complot de l'Œillet": a thrilling adventure in the footsteps of Marie-Antoinette, between the Île de la Cité and the Comédie-Française, in the tense atmosphere of the French Revolution. [Read more]

Exposition à La Chapelle Expiatoire : Le seul homme de la famille, la duchesse et le duc d'Angoulême -  A7C1133 2Exposition à La Chapelle Expiatoire : Le seul homme de la famille, la duchesse et le duc d'Angoulême -  A7C1133 2Exposition à La Chapelle Expiatoire : Le seul homme de la famille, la duchesse et le duc d'Angoulême -  A7C1133 2Exposition à La Chapelle Expiatoire : Le seul homme de la famille, la duchesse et le duc d'Angoulême -  A7C1133 2 The Chapelle Expiatoire in Paris, the monument erected in memory of Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette
The Chapelle Expiatoire is one of Paris's hidden monuments. Erected in memory of Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette, this historic site is well worth a visit! [Read more]

Le Jardin du Parfumeur, le nouveau jardin du Château de Versailles avec la Maison Francis KurkdjianLe Jardin du Parfumeur, le nouveau jardin du Château de Versailles avec la Maison Francis KurkdjianLe Jardin du Parfumeur, le nouveau jardin du Château de Versailles avec la Maison Francis KurkdjianLe Jardin du Parfumeur, le nouveau jardin du Château de Versailles avec la Maison Francis Kurkdjian The Perfumer's Garden, the garden of the Château de Versailles and the House of Francis Kurkdjian
The park at Versailles is home to a little-known garden: "Le Jardin du Parfumeur". Under the patronage of Francis Kurkdjian, the plot envelops the Trianon estate in an elegant floral fragrance. [Read more]

Want to continue exploring Paris’s rich history? Check out our themed guides for an in-depth experience.

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Discover the capital from an original angle with our ideas for cultural and themed walks in Paris! [Read more]

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