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It's that post-summertime of year again! What are the unmissable events in September?
September is a great time to visit the French capital and enjoy the pleasant autumn weather. After the summer holidays, Parisians gear up for a variety of cultural and festive outings. Autumn brings a host of vibrant events to match the spectacular array of colour on trees.
From the Eiffel Tower to the Sacré-Cœur via the cathedral and the Arc de Triomphe, Paris shines with its rich heritage. In September, many sites and monuments open their doors to visitors in Île-de-France during the European Heritage Days (19 and 20 September 2026). The theme for 2026 is “Heritage in danger”.
On this occasion, unique tours and numerous activities are organised to allow the public to (re)discover certain familiar places in a new way, or to enter for the first time sites usually closed to the public, such as the Élysée Palace. Parisian department stores and luxury brands are also opening the doors to their storerooms and workshops. The Paris Metro organises tours of its control rooms and so-called ghost stations. Museums, theatres, monuments, universities, grandes écoles, hospitals and many other sites, some well-known and others less so, are delighted to welcome curious visitors. Tours are always free and sometimes only available by reservation.
Take the opportunity to go behind the scenes at some of the capital's most amazing sites, such as the Cirque Bouglione (the oldest circus in the world), the impressive Closerie and Villa Falbala of the artist Dubuffet at the Foundation of the same name, the restoration workshops of the Musée de l'Air et de l'Espace and the oldest basketball court in the world at YMCA Union de Paris.
The start of the new academic year in September is marked by the programme of new exhibitions!
In September 2026, Paris will host two exceptional new exhibitions that will kick off the cultural season.. The Musée de l’Orangerie presents the exhibition Monet and time, marking the 100th anniversary of the death of the painter, from 30 September 2026. The Musée d’Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris is devoting two exhibitions to two major artists, one to American painter Kerry James Marshall and the other to the Lebanese American artist Simone Fattal, until January 2027.
Also worth discovering until early 2027, the exhibition ‘L’habit fait l’artiste’ at the Musée Bourdelle. The Palais Galliera - Musée de la Mode de Paris has a new exhibition in autumn: Dissident dressing. The masculine influence on women's fashion in the 19th century.
If you missed some of the biggest exhibitions of the second half of 2026, there is still time to discover them :
To check out the cultural highlights for September 2026, read our article ‘Major exhibitions in Paris this autumn’. It features a wide range of events, from retrospectives of major artists to contemporary exhibitions set to mark the last four months of the year 2026!
In just a few clicks, find out more about how to make the most of your outings and take full advantage of the capital's vibrant art scene. An ideal resource for planning your visits to Paris.
On 14 September 2026, sport is in the spotlight in Paris with the Fête du Sport, a major event launched in 2025. The event encourages all kinds of sport through free events, introductory sessions to urban and Olympic sports, wellbeing workshops, demonstrations by top athletes and festivities accessible to everyone. In Paris, the event is marked by spectacular key moments: swimming in the Seine, the transformation of rue de Rivoli into a vast space for sporting activities and meetings with local clubs and associations. A spin-off of the Paris 2024 Games, the Fête du Sport celebrates sport as a catalyst for sharing, inclusivity and conviviality, in some of the finest public spaces in Paris.
From 7 to 13 September 2026, the Alpine Paris Major Premier Padel returns to the legendary Roland-Garros Stadium. This international sporting event brings together the best padel players for a spectacular competition. Beyond the matches, the tournament offers a truly festive experience: entertainment, DJ sets and convivial moments in the open air. A unique opportunity to discover padel in one of the most beautiful sporting venues in Paris, combining performance and summer atmosphere.
At the Zénith, catch the final of the Fusion Concept Festival, a festival dedicated to hip-hop and urban dance. 5,000 spectators are expected in this iconic venue to watch a show featuring the most talented dancers from around the world!
To make the most of a sporty September, the Paris-Versailles race returns on 27 September 2026 for its 47th edition. Every year, the Grande Classique brings together 25,000 runners who compete on a 16km course, from the Eiffel Tower (Quai Jacques Chirac) to the Palace of Versailles.
Another sporting and socially conscious event this autumn is the Paris Zoo Run on 20 September 2026. Before opening to the public, the Paris Zoological Park becomes a playground for experienced runners, families and supportive walkers. Each registration contributes to a conservation programme in Kenya, offering a good deed in an exotic setting in the heart of the capital.
At the start of September 2026, the Paralympics Day is due to return to La Communale de Saint-Ouen. On the programme: more than 20 parasport disciplines to discover – from blind football to wheelchair tennis, para judo and sitting volleyball – supervised by the federations and more than 70 athletes from the French team. Starting at 10:30 a.m., workshops, introductory sessions and immersive activities will immerse the public in the Paralympic spirit. In the evening, concerts, DJ sets and screenings will keep the party going in a friendly and inclusive atmosphere. Free and open to all, this event celebrates sport, sharing and the legacy of the Paris 2024 Games.
Each year, in September, Paris also welcomes the League of Defense, an unusual competition, a fun mix of sport and entertainment. Participants compete in events inspired by office furniture: office chair curling, filing cabinet races... in the heart of Europe's largest business district!
On 20 September 2026, it's time to get together for the 3rd edition of the Course des Triporteurs in the 20th arrondissement, on the Cours de Vincennes. This original and festive event celebrates an iconic vehicle of the Parisian streets in a friendly atmosphere. On the same day, go along to the Parvis du Sacré-Cœur on Montmartre hill to take part in the Fondation du Souffle urban trail, A 7km, 1,200-step charity run for all ages, aimed at raising awareness among the general public about the importance of exercise for better respiratory health.
From early September to mid-October, set off on one of the Walks from Paris to the sea, along the Seine, a series of five original walks linking Paris to Normandy. From Porte Maillot to Le Havre, each stage of around twenty kilometres explores the landscapes, heritage and culture along the river. Designed as true slow tourism experiences, these accessible hikes begin and end at a train station, making it easy to travel there and back by train. From Giverny, following in Monet's footsteps, to Saint-Germain-en-Laye, Rouen and the UNESCO-listed Le Havre, this is an invitation to rediscover the Seine in a different way, between Greater Paris and Normandy.
Take your seat at Accor Arena on 26 and 27 September 2026 to attend the Internationaux de France de Gymnastique, a world-class gymnastics event and international sporting highlight, with many special events.
Finally, the 29th edition of La Parisienne is scheduled for 11, 12 and 13 September 2026 on the theme ‘The Amazons’. This exclusively women’s race consists of a 7km and a 10km circuit in Paris, and includes a festival dedicated to sport.
Les Grandes Eaux Nocturnes Electro, with its renowned DJs, returns to the gardens of the Palace of Versailles for a memorable evening from 8:30 p.m. to 11:45 p.m.
Every year, the Fête de l'Humanité, a large popular festival created in 1930, brings together established artists and young talents on its many stages. This unmissable Parisian music event has already welcomed stars such as Pink Floyd, Stevie Wonder, Lauryn Hill and Jacques Dutronc. In 2026, the annual Fête de l’Humanité takes place on 11, 12 and 13 September and, as usual, the programme promises to be spectacular.
Returning after an absence of two years, the Techno Parade is set to return to the capital in September 2026. This major festive event has been promoting electronic culture since 1998, when it was created by Jack Lang. For one day, the event featuring a dozen floats, attracts more than 350,000 festival-goers, who parade through the streets of Paris.
The new musical season in September 2026 features major concert events. On 17 September 2026, the band Evanescence chooses Accor Arena for a one-off concert in the capital, an opportunity to see or see again this cult band from the 2000s. One of the most listened to French artists in the world, with billions of streams, PLK is raising the bar once again with a historic event: two exceptional concerts at the Stade de France on 4 and 5 September 2026.
Another major event not to miss, the return of the famous Lion King musical - from 12 September 2026 – produced by Dove Attia and staged by Kamel Ouali, at the Dôme de Paris to celebrate its 20th anniversary.
As autumn approaches, the festival season continues... Jazz and swing enthusiasts should not miss the Jazz à La Villette festival . It's an event for the whole family, as there's a version for children: Jazz à la Villette for Kids.
In September 2026, the Paris Paradis festival returns for its 7th edition to celebrate Parisian culture in all its forms. Organised by Le Parisien, this festive event offers a rich programme combining concerts, comedy shows and outdoor entertainment, all in a friendly atmosphere that is accessible to all. It's the perfect opportunity to enjoy the last days of summer while discovering talented artists in the heart of the capital. See you at the Parc de la Villette.
Formerly known as FAB PARIS, Fine Arts Paris, the international classical art event in Paris, runs from 19 to 23 September 2026 at the Grand Palais, with The Musée du Grand Siècle as guest of honour.
From 9 to 13 September 2026, Paris welcomes for the first time Global Black Pride, a first European edition for this international event that celebrates black LGBTQIA+ communities during 5 days of encounters, celebrations and activism. An historic moment in France with a conference, an association village, a pride parade, a music festival, and community celebrations.
Spotlight on the world of home and interior design with Maison & Objet, the decoration trade fair, which presents the latest innovations and inspirations in the world of design and interior design from 10 to 14 September 2026 at the Paris Nord Villepinte Exhibition Centre. At the same time, don't miss Paris Design Week, which transforms Paris into the capital of creation and design. During the ten days of this festival, follow a discovery trail through partner galleries and sites in Paris!
At the Espace Champerret-VIPARIS, the trade show Zen attracts 30,000 visitors every year, eager to improve their mental and physical health. Worth discovering from 24 to 28 September 2026.
From 26 to 28 September 2026, it's Whisky Live Paris and Cocktail Street will be held at the Grande Halle de la Villette to delight whisky and mixology enthusiasts.
Head to Carreau du Temple for a new edition of Food Temple, The season's festive foodie event celebrating all types of cuisine, with cooking demonstrations, concerts, and tastings for an unforgettable gourmet journey right in the heart of the capital.
At the Saint-Ouen Flea Market, the Fête des Puces is back for a festive event featuring numerous activities within the iconic flea market.
The Paris Rooftop Days offer visitors the chance to discover the most beautiful rooftop terraces in Greater Paris while enjoying a programme of sporting activities, artistic performances, workshops and more.
Watch out, Fashion Week is back on 28 September 2026 with women's ready-to-wear fashion shows (until 6 October 2026). It's the perfect opportunity to discover the latest trends!
This fashion season is also an opportunity, if you haven't already done so, to discover the Galerie du 19M, a place dedicated to the creation and transmission of artistic crafts, housed in a building designed by architect Rudy Ricciotti in the Porte d'Aubervilliers district. The Yves Saint Laurent Museum (closed for renovation, reopening scheduled for autumn 2027) and the Galerie Dior are also must-sees for all fashion lovers.
To get some fresh air and enjoy Indian summer with your family, head to La Fête au Bois de Boulogne (formerly Fête à Neuneu), which takes place in the Bois de Boulogne in September. For over 30 years, it has been delighting young and old alike with its many attractions: rides, mini roller coasters, flying chairs, Ferris wheel...
Back for a 4th edition, La Fête de Paris transforme le jardin du Luxembourg en grand terrain de jeu pour petits et grands. Au programme : spectacles, ateliers, animations gratuites… mais aussi une parade haute en couleurs où costumes et musiques entraînent les visiteurs dans une ambiance joyeuse et familiale. Un rendez-vous festif à partager en famille dans l’un des lieux les plus emblématiques de la capitale.
At the Grand Palais, the Palais des enfants delights kids and adults with a space for 2-10 year-olds and accompanying adults, situated under the Rotonda of the Palais de la Découverte. The inaugural exhibition of the Palais des enfants Transparence - until 29 August 2027 - is an invitation to explore an imaginary world where sculptures, prints, and photographs dialogue with science through interactive devices. Visitors wander freely between a shimmering hall of mirrors, a cave filled with crystalline treasures, a mysterious forest, a radiant sky, and the depths of a multicoloured ocean. A playful, immersive sensory journey with 19th-century and contemporary creations, designed to spark curiosity, for all the family.
The Hippodrome en Famille, family racecourse event is an opportunity to treat kids to an unusual family outing, with free activities for under 12-year-olds, at the finest racecourses in and around Paris: Auteuil, Chantilly, Deauville, ParisLongchamp and Saint-Cloud. An unforgettable immersion into the world of horse racing.
The leisure and amusement parks will of course remain open for the start of the new school year in September.
For a great post-holiday season in Paris, opt for the Official Paris City Pass, the ideal city pass which enables you to discover the capital on a budget. This pass gives you access to numerous activities and must-see attractions, including the Louvre Museum, the Eiffel Tower, cruises on the Seine, and much more.
Take advantage of attractive discounts and explore Paris at your own pace making savings. An ideal way to start the month of September!
