What’s On in Paris – October 2024

NOTE: Clocks in France turn back one hour on October 27th at 3am for Daylight Savings.

October 5
Versailles hosts its 13th “Nuit de la Création” (Night of Creation) this Saturday from 7pm to11 pm. Explore 11 iconic city sites transformed into contemporary art galleries, featuring works by various artists and free cultural events, including a photo and sculpture exhibit in the historic Ancienne Poste (Old Post Office). See the website for the full schedule. Admission is free! Don’t miss this unique artistic experience in Versailles on a beautiful fall weekend.

October 5-6
This weekend in the Paris suburbs is Fripalooza, a massive 1,000m² thrift sale with 10,000 items at €8 each, and 1500 exceptional pieces from €é5-€95, including rare finds from luxury fashion brands. They will also have plus-size selections and a dedicated children’s section. Entertainment by drag queens Piche and Vespi, and refreshments available. Admission is donation-based, supporting La Pagaille Recyclerie. The address is at La Robespierre, 2 rue Robespierre, Ivry-sur-Seine (right outside the line 7 metro station Marie-d’Ivry). Open Saturday from 10am to 11pm, and Sunday from 11am to 7pm.

October 6 (and every 1st Sunday)
Many museums and monuments in Paris are open for free the first Sunday of the month. In October, that includes the Orsay, Picasso, Pompidou, Cluny, Arts-et-Métiers, Orangerie, Cité de l’Architecture, Quai Branly, and the Château Fontainebleau. Be sure to check each museum’s website, as some still require you to have a timed ticket; even if the entrance is free. See the full list here.

October 9-13
Head up to Montmartre for the 91st annual Fête des Vendanges, the wine harvest festival (yes, there is an actual little vineyard in Montmartre, just behind the Musée Montmartre and across from the Lapin Agile Cabaret). This year’s theme is “Cultivate the Imaginary”. Here’s the description: “For 5 days, the eight districts of the 18th arrondissement cultivate the imagination, dream, create, experiment and reinvent themselves. Sustainable city, utopia, science fiction, fantasy, the Montmartre Harvest Festival imagines itself as a meeting rich in discoveries and inventiveness. With a very wide range of cultural, artistic, culinary and sporting offerings, and always festive, the imagination takes hold of the entire district.” There will be grape stomping, food and wine tastings, a parade, live music, a dance party, and all kinds of fun throughout the “Butte“. Many events are free, some you have to reserve a spot, so get to the website or stop by the little Montmartre Tourism Office at 21 Place du Tertre (18th).

Through October 5
Remember the golden statues of notable women in French history revealed during the Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony? Visit the Cour d’Honneur of the Palais Bourbon (the French National Assembly) to admire these ten monumental (4-meter-tall) statues celebrating figures from arts, literature, sports, and politics, including Simone de Beauvoir, Louise Michel, and Simone Veil. Free entry with prior reservation required, but note this does not grant access to the National Assembly building itself. For more details and to reserve your spot, visit: https://www.billetweb.fr/dix-femmes-en-or-a-lassemblee-nationale.

Through October 5
The Centre Culturel Coréen (2, Avenue d’Iéna, 16th) presents NOLI: Jeux coréens, an exhibition exploring the rich history of traditional and modern Korean games. From ancient paintings of noble leisure to interactive eSports displays, visitors can experience the evolution of Korean entertainment. Highlights include traditional games, LEGO reinterpretations, and futuristic designs from KAIST. Open Monday to Saturday, 10am-6pm. Free entry.

Through October 6
Escape to a little island on the edge of Paris for the 107th edition of the Foire de Chatou antique market. Formerly known as the Foire Nationale à la Brocante et aux Jambons (Ham and Flea Market), this popular twice-annual market has a mix of over 800 stands selling antiques and bric-a-brac, with an entire section dedicated to regional French foods, particularly pork in all its varieties. The Ile de Chatou, just north of Paris, also known as the Impressionists Island, is accessible via RER A from Charles-des-Gaulle-Etoile station in Paris, then either walk five minutes or take the free shuttle. Open 10am-7pm, entry €10 (free for kids under 15).

October 11-13
One of the biggest flower shows of the season, Les Journées des Plantes de Chantilly is taking place at the Château de Chantilly, just 30 minutes north of Paris by RER/TER. Over 200 exhibitors in a stunning setting with pretty flowers and plants, with a “fall color” theme. Tickets online in advance: €14 (show plus château gardens), €18 (show plus château, gardens, stables) or €27 (show plus roundtrip TER train tickets from Paris).

Through October 12
Shepard Fairey (Obey Giant) returns to Paris with his latest exhibition, Swan Song, extended through October at Galerie Itinerrance (24bis Boulevard du Général Jean Simon, 13th). Known for his iconic street art, Fairey’s third solo show in Paris showcases new works that continue to push the boundaries of art and activism (and are for sale). Open Tuesday to Saturday, 11am-7pm. Free entry.

Through October 13
The École des Arts Joailliers (16bis, Boulevard Montmartre, 9th) debuts its first exhibition in its new home at the Hôtel de Mercy-Argenteau. The exhibition showcases 120 dazzling stage jewels from the Comédie-Française, including crowns, brooches, and diadems worn by icons like Sarah Bernhardt and Talma. This inaugural show offers a unique blend of history, theater, and craftsmanship within the elegant walls of an 18th-century mansion where composers like Boieldieu and Rossini once lived. Open Tuesday to Sunday, 11am-7pm (until 9pm on Thursdays). Free entry. More info.

October 16 – November 23
Paris, Cœur de Lumières is an immersive sound and laser light show at Saint-Sulpice, celebrating the history of Paris and the construction of the church with a theatre production where the lives of fictional characters (such as one of the church’s masons) are intertwined with 150 years of French historical characters such as Louis XIV. Think of it as a very enthusiastic amateur theatre production with a huge (mostly volunteer) cast and spectacular visual effects in a historic setting. Two performances will run daily at 7pm and 9pm, in French, but with a QR code to scan for scene summaries in English (do yourself a favor and read them in advance here). Tickets €19-€56. Some of the proceeds go towards the church’s restoration. For more information, visit: paris.coeurdelumieres.fr.

October 18 – November 2
Celebrate Halloween at Le Parc de l’Étrange in Domaine National de Saint-Cloud, the large park on the western edge of Paris. This immersive 1.5km journey transports visitors into a spooky world filled with witches, ghosts, and haunted forests. The interactive, family-friendly experience is perfect for ages 7 and up, with 13 eerie scenes to navigate, ending with a gothic funfair. Fireworks and drone shows light up the sky nightly at 8pm, 9pm, and 10pm. Special Halloween night event on October 31st. Reservations recommended. Tickets €19-€29.

October 18 – November 2
The Château de Vincennes, home to Europe’s tallest dungeon, is hosting Château de Lumières, yet another light show, but this time in a historic 14th-century fortress on the eastern edge of Paris. Experience 15 light and sound installations scattered throughout the courtyard, as well as a ‘video mapping’ laser show every 30 minutes on the Royal Pavilion showcasing the castle’s history (with French narration). Notable works include Evanescent, featuring giant bubble-like spheres, and Nexus Dream, an ethereal display of cosmic collisions. Open Wednesday-Sunday from 6:30pm to 11pm, rain or shine (bring umbrellas and rain boots!) Tickets: €18 (adults), €14 (ages 6-25), free for kids under 6, family price €12 per person for 2 adults and 2 children. There’s also a small “food court” and boutique. Entrance through the Tour du Village, on the Avenue de Paris (just outside the metro station Château de Vincennes, line 1).

October 18-20
As part of the Journées Nationales de l’Architecture, Paris will host several activities, including free entry to the Cité de l’Architecture et du Patrimoine (at Trocadéro) and film screenings honoring notable architects. Events also take place at ENSA architecture schools across the city. Additionally, CAUE offers guided and self-guided tours exploring modern and contemporary architecture in Île-de-France. Many architectural agencies will open their doors across Paris. More details: journeesarchitecture.fr.

October 18 – January 5
The exhibition Lesage, 100 ans de mode et de décoration celebrates the centenary of the renowned embroidery house Lesage, known for its work with Chanel. The show highlights its exceptional craftsmanship, from vintage pieces like Balenciaga’s jacket (1962-1963) to modern creations such as Chanel’s 3D collection and collaborations with young designers. At the Gallery du 19M, 2 Place Skanderbeg, 19th arrondissement, open Wednesday to Friday 11am-6pm, weekends 11am-7pm. Free admission with reservation online (slots fill up fast!). It’s on the edge of the city along the périphérique; I recommend taking the bus 45 or tram 3b to get as close as possible (or a taxi if you can afford it).

Through October 19
Galerie Templon (28 Rue du Grenier-Saint-Lazare, 3rd) presents a new exhibition by Pierre et Gilles, the iconic duo known for their dreamlike and provocative portraits. This show immerses viewers in a surreal, neon-lit world of angels, sailors, and enigmatic figures, blending nostalgic glamour with bold, subversive imagery. Featuring famous faces like Amanda Lear and Isabelle Huppert, the works explore themes of love, identity, and the passage of time. Open Tuesday to Saturday, 10am-7pm. Free entry.

October 18-20
The 6th annual Nuit des Châteaux (Night of the Castles) takes place this evening in historic châteaux throughout France. Aside from the magic of being able to visit these castles all lit up at night, there are special tours, events, concerts and candlelit garden tours…check out the official website for the participating châteaux and their programs. The tickets vary depending on what is presented, but are usually €10-15/adult. You’ll need a car, none of the castles are in Paris, but there are three within an hour’s drive. 

October 20 – September 21
Musée d’Art et d’Histoire Louis-Senlecq (31 Grande Rue, L’Isle-Adam) presents Trois siècles à L’Isle-Adam, an exhibition showcasing the town’s history through paintings, sculptures, watercolors, engravings, vintage posters, postcards, and historical photographs. Visitors will explore L’Isle-Adam’s evolution from the 18th century to the mid-20th century. Highlights include works by artists like Jules Dupré, depictions of the Oise River landscapes, and a focus on the town’s industrial and leisure history. Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am-6pm. €6.

Until October 21
Calling all pastry chefs and young talents! The Grand Prix de la Pâtisserie, supported by Pierre Hermé and the City of Paris, is open for applications until October 21. Participants are invited to create a pastry inspired by the theme “Plants and Herbs from the Woods of Paris” and must include at least one Parisian ingredient. Two categories are open: professionals and young talents. Winners will receive cash prizes or internships. For all of the guidelines (en français, of course), click here.

October 21
Alsace Rocks! brings organic and biodynamic Alsace wines to Ground Control (81 Rue du Charolais, 12th) from 7pm-11pm. Enjoy tastings from 12 Alsace winemakers, alongside food, a DJ set, and fun activities. Tickets are €15 in advance (€17 on the day) and include wine tastings, one savory, and one sweet food item. Additional food tickets are available for purchase on-site.

October 24-28
The Pariscience Film Festival is a must for science and film lovers, screening a wide range of recent French and international scientific films (including in English, such as Alex Honnold’s Greenland Expedition on October 27th). With formats ranging from short films to documentaries, animations, and even webdocs, the festival appeals to both young and general audiences. For more info, visit pariscience.fr (only the French version is updated for 2024).

October 24-27
The Carrousel du Louvre will host the 30th edition of the Salon International du Patrimoine Culturel, the premier event for cultural heritage professionals and enthusiasts. This year’s theme, “Patrimoine de l’eau,” will explore water’s importance in heritage preservation. The event will feature over 300 exhibitors, including heritage associations, art workshops, manufacturers, and heritage architects. Visitors can enjoy a rich program of conferences, live demonstrations, and award ceremonies. Tickets can be purchased online, €18 for one day, €40 for a 4-day pass.

October 26
The Witch Festival at Ground Control ((81 Rue du Charolais, 12th) from noon until midnight celebrates magic and feminism with a mix of workshops, conferences, a creators’ market, and fun activities like a blind test and DJ set. Key highlights include the panel Sorcières hier, féministes aujourd’hui from 4pm-5:30pm, workshops on sophrology, jewelry-making, and crafting amulets, plus an all-day creators’ market with over 50 vendors. Dancing with DJ from 9:30pm onwards. Free entry.

October 26-27
K-EXPO France 2024 brings the vibrant culture of Korea to Paris at the Palais Brongniart. Immerse yourself in K-beauty, K-fashion, and traditional Korean cuisine across 13 themed pavilions. Highlights include live K-pop performances, a K-drama music concert, a fashion show featuring top Korean designers, and dance performances by HOOK. Meet stars like Min Hyuk from Monsta X and actor Park Sung Hoon. Open 10am-7pm at 16 Pl. de la Bourse, 2nd arrondissement. Free entry, with online registration.

October 27
Join authors Jennifer K Dick and Lisa Pasold for Hauntings, Phantoms, and Incantations, a ghost-themed writing workshop in a secret location in the 18th arrondissement. This intimate session explores the idea of inspiration as haunting, using prompts, themes, and literary ideas to break through writer’s block. Whether you’re experienced or just starting, you’ll generate new work, receive supportive feedback, and re-energize your creative practice. Cost: €30 (includes treats, tea, and photocopies). To register, email as space is limited: pasoldla@gmail.com

October 30
WICE is offering a new workshop in English, Creating Fine Art Prints & Photograms with Cyanotype. This hands-on workshop invites participants to explore the captivating world of cyanotypes, an ancient photographic technique. It’s a fantastic opportunity for anyone interested in art to create stunning blueprints without needing a darkroom. The fee is €100.00 (WICE Member – €70.00). Discover more here: https://www.wice-paris.org/event-5778729

October 31
Musée Rodin (77 Rue de Varenne, 7th) presents Soirée Bienvenue en Enfer from 7pm to 11pm, with timed entries every 30 minutes (last entry at 9:30pm). This eerie Halloween night invites you to explore La Porte de l’Enfer through performances, immersive experiences, and interactive workshops. Guests are encouraged to wear their most frightening costumes. An ephemeral bar will be available offering themed elixirs and sweets. Tickets: €27 full price, €23 for members, €15 for youth and solidarity rates. Reservations open on October 11 at musee-rodin.fr.

October 31
Celebrate Halloween at the Musée du Quai Branly with the Soirée Zombis Pop, a night where art meets pop culture and the supernatural. Featuring a DJ set, concerts, zombie film screenings, SFX makeup demos, and more. Experience the myth of the zombie in new ways, from cinema and music to interactive video games and mini guided tours about its cultural roots. Open 8pm-1am at 37 Quai Jacques Chirac, 7th arrondissement. Free admission, no reservation required (space limited, get there early).

October 30– November 3
Stuff yourself with all kinds of chocolately goodies at the annual Salon du Chocolat, at the Paris-Expo – Porte de Versailles (metro line 12), 10am-7pm. Entrance €16 (€8 for kids under 12), €42 for families. You can get advance tickets online or ask at your favorite chocolate shop if they have any extra invitations. Avoid the weekend unless you’re a masochist!

October 22-November 3
The Jour des Morts (aka Dia de los Muertos, aka Day of the Dead, aka Toussaint in France) is officially November 1st, but there are events all over Paris in the week leading up to it, from celebratory altars and music concerts to parades and “catrinas” contests. There will also be special decorations and events for kids at the Jardin d’Acclimatation October 5-November 11.

October 2 – February 2, 2025
The Musée Bourdelle (18 Rue Antoine Bourdelle, 15th) presents Rodin & Bourdelle, a striking exhibition that brings together over 160 works from these two monumental sculptors. Rodin, a master of modern sculpture, and Bourdelle, his former student, share a deep connection with materials like marble and the unfinished aesthetic. The exhibition explores their shared influences, with pieces like La Main de Dieu by Rodin and La Main désespérée by Bourdelle. Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am-6pm. Tickets €10, reduced €8. Great little café upstairs.

October 8 – January 19, 2025
The Musée d’Orsay (Esplanade Valéry Giscard d’Estaing, 7th) presents Gustave Caillebotte: Painting Men, an exhibition that highlights the often-overlooked works of this discreet impressionist (and my personal favorite!). Through 70 modern masterpieces, including his famous Les Raboteurs de Parquet (The Floor Scrapers) the show explores how Caillebotte captures the nonchalance and struggles of Parisian men in the late 19th century. Open Tuesday to Sunday, 9:30am-6pm (until 9:45pm on Thursdays). Tickets €16, reduced €13, free for under-26.

October 10 – November 16
The Galerie Pascal Lansberg (36 Rue de Seine, 6th) presents Pierre Soulages, an exhibition focusing on the artist’s early works from the 1950s, before his famous outrenoir period. It features rare pieces that explore Soulages’ mastery of light and shadow, blending his signature dark palette with touches of blue, ochre, and yellow. Open Tuesday to Saturday, 11am-7pm. Free entry.

October 16 – November 23
Cœur de Lumières presents Le Roman de Saint-Sulpice, a spectacular light and sound show at Saint-Sulpice Church (6th). This immersive experience brings to life the rich history of Paris, following families from the Fronde in 1648 to the eve of the French Revolution, set against the backdrop of the church’s construction. Featuring light projections, a professional cast, live music, and aerial choreography. Note that it’s all in French, but there is a small text guide with QR code to scan for English summaries. Tickets €19-€55 (from €5.99 for kids); special discount for Categories 1 and 2 on October 16th and 17th.

Through November 2
Galerie Minsky (37 Rue Vaneau, 7th) is one of the many galleries honoring the centennial of surrealism, with an exhibition dedicated to the bold and fantastical works of Leonor Fini. Showcasing pieces from 1927 to 1995, the exhibition highlights her unique blend of eroticism, dreams, and androgyny. Fini’s powerful female figures and fragile, sensual male subjects blur the boundaries between genders and reality. Open Tuesday to Saturday, 10:30am-1pm, 2pm-6pm. Free entry.

Through November 16
The Hôtel de Ville (Place de l’Hôtel de Ville, 4th) presents Paris se présente au monde, an exhibition that offers both residents and visitors a lively and unique portrait of the city through interesting anecdotes and statistics about the city. Discover how Paris reflects its diverse population, eco-conscious initiatives, and dynamic urban culture. The exhibition features large-scale portraits, interactive installations, and even a time capsule for future generations. Free entry with online reservation. More info and reservations.

Through November 17
Don’t miss “We Are Here”, the free exposition of the world’s greatest street artists at the Petit Palais. Over 200 extra-large contemporary artworks and installations by artists like Shepard Fairey, Invader, Seth, Hush and Vhils are found mixed right into the permanent collection of the beautiful Petit Palais, the city’s Fine Arts Museum in the gardens of the Champs Elysées. Watch the video here to get an idea of what to expect.

Through December 15
The Espace Monte-Cristo (9, Rue Monte-Cristo, 20th) presents Les Mondes Imaginaires, an immersive journey into fantastical realms through the works of artists like Eva Jospin, Tadashi Kawamata, and Agnès Varda. Encounter enchanted forests, mystical creatures, and explore surreal landscapes that blend nature and imagination. The artworks blend nature and fantasy, creating a unique experience that transports you to otherworldly dimensions, perfect for those seeking creative and imaginative adventures. Open Tuesday to Sunday, 11am-6pm. Free entry.

Through December 31
The Maison de Famille de Louis Vuitton (16, rue Louis Vuitton, Asnières-sur-Seine, closest metro Gabriel Péri) presents La Malle Courrier: Louis Vuitton and Sport, an exhibition celebrating the brand’s iconic trunks and their connection to sports. Discover vintage treasures like tennis racket covers and bowling bags, alongside custom trunks made for the 2024 Olympics. I’ve never actually visited this location, so not sure if it’s worth the trek, but for Vuitton fans, give it a try. Open Saturday and Sunday, 11am-5pm. Free entry.

Through January 5, 2025
The wonderful Musée Jacquemart-André (158 Boulevard Haussmann, 8th) celebrates its reopening after a full renovation with Masterpieces from the Borghese Gallery. For the first time, works by Caravaggio, Raphael, Bernini, and Botticelli travel from Rome to Paris. Highlights include Boy with a Basket of Fruit by Caravaggio and Lady with a Unicorn. Open daily 10am-6pm (until 10pm on Fridays). Tickets €18, reduced prices available. Don’t forget to visit the museum’s gorgeous salon du thé.

Through September 7, 2025
The Bibliothèque Nationale de France (5 Rue Vivienne, 2nd) presents Le monde pour horizon, a year-long, three-part exhibition showcasing rare maps, prints, manuscripts, photos, costumes, and stage jewelry. Highlights include Hokusai’s The Great Wave and Toulouse-Lautrec’s Divan Japonais poster. With rotating exhibits every four months, visitors can return for new discoveries throughout the year. Open Tuesday 10am-8pm, Wednesday to Sunday 10am-6pm. Tickets €10, reduced €8.