What’s On in Paris – October 2025

NOTE: Clocks in France turn back one hour on October 26th at 3am for Daylight Saving, a full week earlier than North America.

October 1–November 7
For just a few weeks this fall, the mythical Mausoleum of Lek & Sowat in the 19th arrondissement (near Porte de la Villette)—an abandoned 40,000m² supermarket turned clandestine canvas for French graffiti legends—opens to the public with free guided tours. Created in 2010 by the duo Lek & Sowat, the site became a secret playground where dozens of renowned street artists (including Seth, Bom.K, Gris1, Brusk, and many others) created monumental frescoes and art installations. Closed for many years, the Mausoleum now reveals about 60% of its preserved interior via a one-hour walk led by expert guides. Expect to bring a flashlight (or use your phone) and immerse yourself in this raw, experimental environment at the frontier of urban art and archaeology. Tours are limited to 20 people per slot, in French only, not accessible to reduced mobility visitors. New booking slots are released every Wednesday at 6pm on Explore Paris. A chance to step inside a legendary street art landmark before it disappears.

October 4
Versailles hosts its 14th “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 4-5
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 €35-€95, including rare finds from luxury fashion brands. They will also have plus-size selections and a dedicated children’s section. Entertainment (bingo, drag shows) and refreshments available. Admission is donation-based. 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 4–11
The Mid-Autumn Festival is celebrated in many Asian countries. In Paris, the Fête de la Lune takes places place in venues throughout the 13th arrondissement, with a full week of food, culture, and family-friendly events. Highlights include the RICE Market (Sat Oct 4, noon–11pm) transforming Boulevard Auguste Blanqui into an open-air Asian street food and makers market (50+ stands; free entry). Several events are at the Mairie du 13ème (Town Hall, Place d’Italie): the textiles exhibition “Ethnies du Viêt Nam: Parures et costumes traditionnels” (Oct 6–11, in the Galerie Athéna & Antichambre) and “Sous la même lune – Discover Cantonese Opera” (Tue Oct 7, 5:30–8pm; free as space allows). Film lovers can check Coming of Age 2025—shorts by young Sinophone directors—at Pathé Les Fauvettes (Oct 9–10) and Studio des Ursulines (Oct 11–12). Most events are free; some require advance booking. See the full program (in French) here.

October 4-November 2
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, including special decorations and events for kids at the Jardin d’Acclimatation. The big costume parade is on November 2nd at the Stravinsky Fountain (near the Pompidou Center) at 6pm.

Through October 5
Escape to a little island on the edge of Paris for 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. Bargain hunters can forget this one; it’s considered an expensive antique market, even by Paris standards. 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 5
For a very different experience from the chic antique markets of the Foire de Chatou, check out the neighborhood “vide grenier” (the Parisian equivalent of a garage sale) today from 8am-7pm under the metro viaduct between Nationale and Chevaleret stattions (13th arrondissement).

October 5 (and every 1st Sunday)
Many museums and monuments in Paris are open for free the first Sunday of the month. In September, that includes the Orsay, Picasso, 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 7–19
The Théâtre du Châtelet presents the world premiere of Hamlet/Fantômes, a bold reimagining of Shakespeare’s classic by Russian director Kirill Serebrennikov. This contemporary, polyglot production is structured in ten musical scenes, with all cast members portraying Hamlet in a fragmented, multilingual narrative (in French, English, Russian, and German). Featuring a new score by Blaise Ubaldini performed by the Ensemble intercontemporain, Hamlet/Fantômes merges theater, music, and identity in a powerful, sensory experience. Performances take place at the Théâtre du Châtelet (Place du Châtelet, 1st arrondissement). Tickets €8-€79, and schedule and booking at chatelet.com.

October 8-12
Head up to Montmartre for the 92nd 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 “Celebrating Youth (7 to 77)”. Here’s the description: “For 5 days and throughout the district, with a rich and diverse program combining numerous cultural, artistic, culinary and sporting proposals, always festive, this festival will be an opportunity to share, dream and rediscover together what drives us: a timeless youth, mixing all generations, a creative, united and committed youth, resolutely turned towards the future.” There will be grape stomping, food and wine tastings, a parade (on the 11th), 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).

October 10-12
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 “bulb-o-mania” 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).

October 12
Feel like stepping into the spotlight? The Nolinski Paris (16 avenue de l’Opéra, 1st) hosts a monthly Showgirl Workshop led by dancers from Kalon. The afternoon includes a 30-minute Cardio Barre session to tone and warm up, followed by lessons in walking in heels and authentic showgirl choreography, then wraps up with cocktails and conversation in the hotel’s elegant Grand Salon. I tried it, a total blast! From 4–6pm. €70/person. Bring heels, leggings/shorts, and a crop top or sports bra. Advance booking required.

Through October 12
“Instants Données” is the latest exhibition at the Musée Maillol featuring 400 carefully selected photographs by the legendary French photographer, Robert Doisneau. Although best known for his post-card photos of Paris taken from the 1930s through the 1980s, the lovers kissing in front of the Hôtel de Ville, the “curved” Eiffel Tower, or even Picasso with “hands” made of petits pains. But he also documented the lives of Parisians we don’t normally see on camera: factory workers, poor children playing in the street, the homeless, prostitutes, miners, labor unionists on strike, humble café owners…. I loved him images of the suburbs of Paris, both the pre-war shanty towns and the post-war housing projects, “each ugly, but in different ways”, and the photos he took of artist and writer friends and their ateliers. Allow at least an hour to fully enjoy! Open daily 10:30am-6:30pm (Wednesdays until 10pm). Reserve online in advance, tickets €16.50 (€12.50 for ages 6-25).

October 16-19
As part of the Journées Nationales de l’Architecture, Paris will host several activities, including tours of the historic Cité Falguière artist ateliers and the Atelier-musée Chana Orloff at Vlla Seurat. Many architectural agencies will open their doors across Paris. More details: journeesarchitecture.fr.

October 17-19
The 7th 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 18
If you live in Paris, I highly recommend you learn how to save a life — in French! — at a free “Gestes qui Sauvent” (Life-Saving Skills) workshop organized by the City of Paris at the Maison de la Vie Associative et Citoyenne du 13e (11 rue Caillaux, 13th). Open to everyone ages 10 and up (minors must be accompanied), the 2-hour training covers essential emergency responses such as CPR, handling fainting or choking, and using a defibrillator. Even if your French isn’t perfect, this workshop will prepare you for worst-case scenarios. Free with advance registration required through the Ville de Paris website. Not convinced it’s for you? Read my article, “Do You Know the French Phrase for “Stroke”?

October 21-24
Buste de femme au chapeau à fleurs (Dora Maar), a long-hidden masterpiece by Picasso painted in 1943 and unseen for over 80 years, is on display at Drouot auction house before going up for sale. The portrait, depicting Dora Maar at the end of their relationship, combines vivid color with emotional intensity, an emblem of resistance during the Occupation. Estimated around €8 million, it’s one of the most significant rediscoveries of the artist’s wartime work. The public can see the painting Tues-Wed from 11am-6pm, Thurs from 11am-8pm, and on Friday from 11am-4pm. The auction begins at 5pm in Salle 9 at Hôtel Drouot (9 rue Drouot, 9th).

October 23
The Musée des Arts Décoratifs is offering a guided tour in English of the exhibition Paul Poiret: Fashion is a Feast, showcasing the revolutionary designer known for liberating women from corsets and introducing bold colors and flowing silhouettes. The 90-minute tour explores Poiret’s visionary style and its historical impact, room by room, with insight from a specialist guide. Tour runs from 11:30am to 1pm (6:30-8pm in October). Tickets €20 (€10 for students and under 25s), advance booking recommended. Museum entrance at 107 rue de Rivoli.

October 23-27
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), with formats ranging from short films to documentaries, animations, and even webdocs.

October 23–26
The Salon International du Patrimoine Culturel returns to the Carrousel du Louvre with its 30th edition, this year celebrating the centenary of Art Deco. Organized by Ateliers d’Art de France, the fair gathers more than 300 exhibitors from France and abroad—cabinetmakers, glassmakers, stonemasons, restorers, designers, schools, and start-ups—showcasing the diversity of heritage professions and savoir-faire. Visitors can attend live demonstrations, talks, and workshops, including a spotlight on new talents such as Pierre-Baptiste L’Hospital, winner of the Young Creation Métiers d’Art Prize 2025, who will present his shoemaking craft. Tickets: €16/day (€28 four-day pass; discounts available online before Oct 22). A must for anyone interested in cultural heritage, restoration, and craftsmanship, with a special Art Deco twist this year.

October 24 – November 1, 2025
The Parc André Citroën (entry at 56 rue Balard, 15th) transforms into Le Parc de l’Étrange, a 1.3-kilometre Halloween adventure of spooky lights, immersive sets, actors, and special effects. Wander through 13 themed zones—from the Forest of Whispers to the Astrologer’s Lair—and stay for nightly fireworks. The “Soirées d’Enfer” on October 31 and November 1 extend until midnight with extra shows and pyrotechnics. Family-friendly (which is rare for Halloween events in France!). Open nightly from 5:45pm until 11pm (until midnight on the 31st and 1st). Reservations recommended, tickets €24.90 (€19.90 for students, free for kids under 3).

Through October 25
The first gallery exhibition dedicated to the feminist street artist Miss.Tic since her passing opens in the 13th arrondissement, just steps from her former studio. Je Suis Partie pour Rester is more than a retrospective—it’s a poetic and personal journey through her work, featuring around 60 pieces alongside personal objects, unpublished photos, and original stencil matrices. Archival videos provide a rare glimpse into her creative process, all set in a raw concrete space near the BNF. The show explores major themes from her career—politics, eroticism, humor, and gender dynamics—with the sharp wit and modern poetry that defined her. Open Wednesday to Saturday from 2:30pm to 7pm, and Sundays from 3pm to 6pm. Free entry. Vernissage on Saturday, September 27 starting at 3pm. At the Mathgoth Galerie (1 rue Alphonse Boudard, 13th arrondissement).

October 29– November 2
Stuff yourself with all kinds of chocolately goodies at the 30th annual Salon du Chocolat, at the Paris-Expo – Porte de Versailles (metro line 12), 10am-7pm. Entrance €17 (€14 for kids under 12), €44 for families (less if you purchase early bird tix before October 5th). 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 31
Get into the spirit of the season with this one-night-only “Hallowe’en Wine Witching Walk & Tasting” through the haunted heart of the Marais with Geoffrey Fitch of Paris Wine Walks. Costumed participants stroll past centuries of dark history while sipping natural, organic, and biodynamic wines. The evening includes a blind tasting of sparkling wine, followed by an intimate tasting of orange wines with artisanal bread, cheese, and seasonal vegetables. The 2–3 hour walk (about 1 km) begins at 5:30pm and costs €95 per person. Ages 16+. Costumes encouraged!

October 31
The InterContinental Paris Le Grand (2 rue Scribe, 9th arrondissement) is hosting the Soirée de Gala et Bal du 7e Art, an elegant celebration of “Les Films des Années 60.” Guests will enjoy a red carpet welcome, a recital by soprano Daria Davidoff, a James Bond–inspired cocktail, and a four-course gala dinner by Chef Laurent André, followed by a grand ball with waltzes and classic film music. Highlights include live re-creations of dance scenes from The Leopard, My Fair Lady, and Les Demoiselles de Rochefort. Dress code: black tie or costume inspired by a 1960s film. From 7pm–1am, tickets from €290 (cocktail, dinner, and ball) or €90 to just attend the ball with a glass of Champagne.

October 31
The Saint-Denis Basilica (1 rue de la Légion d’Honneur, metro Basilique de Saint-Denis) hosts an intimate evening with Ensemble Dialogos, directed by singer and musicologist Katarina Livljanić. This a cappella program for two female voices explores the spirituality of medieval liturgical music, with ancient chants, early polyphony, and poetic texts “reflecting on exile and transcendence”. Tickets €20 (€14 under 26).

October 31
The Musée Rodin invites you to its 3rd “Bienvenue en Enfer” (“Welcome to Hell”) Halloween night from 7pm to 11:30pm. Wander through haunted gardens and shadowy galleries inspired by Dante’s Divine Comedy and Rodin’s Gates of Hell, with eerie music, interactive tours, a “Black & White Drawings” workshop, and a pop-up bar serving themed cocktails. Costumes are encouraged. Tickets €27.

October 31
La Felicità (5 Parvis Alan Turing, 13th arrondissement, metro Chevaleret) goes infernal for Halloween with Bienvenue en Enfer, a free party themed around the seven deadly sins. From 7pm to 2:30am, Station F’s massive food hall goes all out for Halloween with themed dishes, cocktails, and a DJ set. Each of the seven food stands embodies one of the sins — from Gluttony to Lust — in a mix of music, dining, and mischief. Costumes encouraged. Free entry, no reservations.

November 1, 2025 (Book now!)
Step into the elegance of the Jazz Age at Paris Follies: Downton Abbey Feeling (La Coupole, 102 boulevard du Montparnasse, 14th arrondissement, from 10pm to 7am). Hosted by La Baronne de Paname, this glamorous costume ball channels the spirit of the Roaring Twenties as inspired by Downton Abbey, with live jazz from The Serpentine Orchestra, ballroom dancers, burlesque acts, and vintage dance lessons by Chapoustache. Dress code: formal, creative, or extravagant. Tickets €26 in advance, €30 at the door.

November 14 (Book Now!)
Le Cordon Bleu – Masterclass Pastry with Amanda Bankert (vegan) at Hôtel de la Marine (Place de la Concorde). The Boneshaker Donuts founder leads a 3-hour hands-on session (2:30–5:30pm; in French & English) creating an Autumn cranberry–pumpkin spice entremet—plant-based, ultra-indulgent, and beginner-friendly. €165, very limited spots; book via Le Cordon Bleu Paris.

Through December 13
De Paris à Belém: 10 ans d’actions mondiales pour le climat is a new free exhibition at the l’Hôtel de Ville (5 rue Lobau, 4th arrondissement) marking the 10th anniversary of the Paris Agreement (COP21) and looking ahead to COP30 in Belém. It features powerful visuals like a monumental work by Shepard Fairey (Obey) on the façade and striking photographs by Sebastião Salgado, alongside interactive installations for all ages. The exhibit also highlights the role of cities in global climate action (read this interview with the Canadian Cities Guru Brent Toderian about the exhibit). A child-friendly visitor path includes a booklet and works created by Paris youth. Open Tuesday through Saturday. Free admission, but online reservation required.

Through December 14
Fluctuart presents a Carte Blanche retrospective of JonOne (John Andrew Perello), retracing the career of the groundbreaking urban artist from his early graffiti works in Harlem to his large-scale abstract canvases in Paris. The exhibition brings together historic and new pieces, highlighting his constant experimentation with form and color. Open Wednesday to Sunday from noon, with guided tours available Friday through Sunday. Free entry.

Through January 11, 2026
Paul Poiret, Fashion is a Party expo is on at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs (107 rue de Rivoli, 1st arrondissement), open Tuesday to Sunday, 11am–6pm (late opening Thursday until 9pm). Closed Mondays. Admission €15 (€11 reduced). This major retrospective traces the creative universe of Paul Poiret, the early 20th-century designer known for liberating women from corsets and revolutionizing fashion. Featuring 550 works—from garments and accessories to decorative arts and archival images—the show highlights his influence across fashion, interiors, fragrance, and high society festivities, from the Belle Époque to the Roaring Twenties.

Outside Paris

Through November 2
The Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte marks the 150th anniversary of Alfred Sommier’s purchase of the estate with a special exhibition, “Vaux-le-Vicomte, rebirth of a masterpiece.” On view are rare objects, family archives, and documents that trace how the 19th-century industrialist and art patron revived the abandoned château in 1875, restoring it to its 17th-century grandeur. The story of this extraordinary heritage rescue is told through the eyes of those who carried it out—and continued by his descendants today. Exhibition included with the regular château entry. Open daily 10am–7pm (last ticket 5:30pm). One hour from Paris, train and shuttle options available (see practical info on the website).