What’s On in Paris – September 2024

September 1 (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, 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.

September 3 – 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.

September 5 – 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.

September 5 – 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.

September 6, 2024 – 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
The Château de Versailles jumps on the drone show bandwagon this summer with The Magic of the Drones, their new night fountains and fireworks show in the gardens. There are six dates available, July 27th, August 3, 9, 11, and 31st, and September 7th. tickets from €34. Can be combined with the Royal Serenade costumed concert in the Royal Apartments (I recommend making it a two-day event, staying at a hotel in Versailles, which are cheaper than Paris).

September 7
Riding high on Olympic glory, Curious Creature Productions invites you to score your Golden Ticket to DRINK & PLAY : SPORTY EDITION! Enjoy four short sports-themed, staged play readings (in English), accompanied by snacks and drinks. Doors open 19h30 at Le Pavé d’Orsay, 48 rue de Lille, 75007. Ticket price is €12 at the door, all inclusive. Reservations at curiouscreatureboxoffice@gmail.com

September 7-8
The Musée de la Grande Guerre in Meaux (an hour from Paris by train) is hosting its big historical WWI reenactment this weekend, with a demonstration of WW1 soldiers’ exercises, bayonet fencing, horseriding demonstrations, presentation and driving of a Saint-Chamond tank, hurling matches, parade of reenactors through town, and a hike in the footsteps of the troops of the Marne. The tickets are just €5 for one day or €8 for the weekend, and include entrance into the museum.

September 7-9
Caffeine addicts get ready for the Paris Coffee Show this weekend at the Parc Floral de Paris (Bois de Vincennes). “The Paris Coffee Show brings together all the players in the sector, from the bean to the cup — roasters, coffee shops, baristas. In France there are more than 800 roasters, with the emergence in recent years of new tasting methods (slow coffee, drinks and cocktails, food and coffee pairings, etc.), new tasting locations, new trends, etc.” This show will have stands, tastings, masterclasses, and food as well as coffee. Tickets €15.

August 28-September 8
The 2024 Paralympic Games take place throughout Paris from August 28-September 8th (there are still lots of tickets available!) See the full schedule of events here: https://olympics.com/en/paris-2024/schedule And the free fan zones to watch the events on the big screen throughout Paris here: https://secretsofparis.com/featured-events/free-olympics-events/ As of September 2nd there are still tickets available from €45 for the Closing Ceremony on September 8th.

Through September 8
Paris Plage is still taking place in 2024! It opens on the Canal St-Martin and Bassin de la Villette starting July 6th, with smaller Paris Plage activities on the Seine starting August 8th (after all of the Olympics Opening Ceremony stands are removed). There will be protected swimming zones, water sports, themed cruises, as well as the usual sun loungers, kids’ play areas, pétanque courts, morning yoga sessions, nightly dances, and canal-side refreshments. See the full program here (and the shortened English version here).

Through September 8
The annual open-air summer concerts in the Bois de Vincennes’s Parc Floral include the free Paris Jazz Festival (with French and international jazz concerts) and the free Classique au Vert featuring up-and-coming classical music ensembles and orchestras. Even when concerts are free; entry to the park is €2.50. 

September 9-13
La Maison Baldwin Centennial Festival honors the enduring legacy of James Baldwin with a week of “inspiration, dialogue, and celebration.” There will be multiple events, including writing workshops, panel discussions, film screening, art exposition, a celebratory gala, and “Baldwin in Paris” guided tours by an Entrée to Black Paris tour guide. See the website for full programming and ticket prices.

September 9-21
The Fête de la Lune, aka Fête de la Mi-Automne is one of the most important holidays in Paris’ Asian community (along with the more famous Chinese New Year in February). The Mairie of the 13th arrondissement is hosting several events throughout the month, including free arts exhibits at the Mairie on the Place d’Italie (forty works by masters of contemporary Chinese arts and crafts, including iron paintings by Chu Tieyi, silk embroidery by Zhu Xinling, Chinese paper folding by Huang Xiaoxian, knitting and weaving by Zhu Rongfan, blue porcelain, and many other works that are exhibited for the first time in Paris); a Dragon Ball in tribute to the author of 
Dragon Ball and Dr Slump, Akira Toriyama at the Mairie on the 17th September 7-9:30pm; and an Asian food market and gastronomy festival on September 21st from noon through 10pm on the Boulevard Auguste Blanqui between Place d’Italie and metro Corvisart. The full program is here (in French, use an auto-translator if needed).

September 10-15
Parcours des Mondes returns to the Saint-Germain-des-Prés district, showcasing art from Africa, Asia, Oceania, and the Americas. Over 60 galleries along Rue Mazarine, Rue de Seine, Rue Bonaparte and side streets will present rare and fascinating works, from tribal sculptures to surrealist-inspired pieces. Highlights include the exhibit Zones de contact exploring the link between Surrealism and non-Western art, and a retrospective of Malian artist Amahiguéré Dolo. Open 11am-7pm, with extended hours until 9pm on September 10th. Free entry. More info

September 13-15
Les Traversées du Marais is a free, three-day cultural festival in 27 cultural centers of the Marais district. On the program, around thirty artistic formats of all kinds and for all audiences. For this year’s 10th anniversary the theme is “Surprise”. See the full schedule here (click on each location to see the event taking place there).

September 13-15
The Grand Week-End du Musée de la Vie Romantique (16 Rue Chaptal, 9th) marks the end of the exhibition Les Chevaux de Géricault (The Horses of Géricault) with a free celebration before the museum closes for renovations. Enjoy outdoor cinema, kids’ workshops, guided tours, a dance party for children, and a DJ set in the museum’s garden. The event is open to all ages and offers a festive farewell before the museum closes for renovations. Free entry, with some activities requiring registration.

September 13-29
Village de Cirque #20 brings a vibrant festival of contemporary circus to Paris’s 13th arrondissement. Over three weeks, enjoy a mix of free and ticketed performances across three venues: RueWATT, Parc de Choisy, and Jardin des Grands Moulins (all in the 13th). The program includes acrobatics, clown acts, workshops, and live shows by top circus troupes like Cirque Queer, La Générale Posthume, and Collectif Malunés. Don’t miss the grand closing event on September 29th at the Parc de Choisie at 5pm for free: Inertie.

Through September 14
The Galleria Continua (87 Rue du Temple, 3rd) presents Eva Jospin’s first exhibition at the gallery, Tromper l’œil. Known for her intricate cardboard sculptures, Jospin explores landscapes and architecture in a fascinating blend of materials and techniques, including embroidery, drawing, and bronze. The exhibition showcases her mastery of trompe-l’œil, inviting viewers into mythological gardens, grottos, and Renaissance scenes that blur the line between reality and illusion. Open Tuesday to Saturday, 11am-7pm. Free entry. More info.

September 14
Paris will host a grand celebration to honor the athletes from the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The festivities begin at 4pm with a parade on the Champs-Élysées, followed by the medal ceremony at 7pm on Place de l’Étoile (Arc de Triomphe). French athletes, volunteers, and organizers will be honored, and the evening will culminate in a concert at 9pm, with DJs continuing the celebration until midnight. Attendance is free, but registration is required for security. If you didn’t get one of the few places open to the public, you can watch the entire thing as usual on France 2 television station (or online within France at France.TV).

Through September 15
The French Romantic painter Théodore Géricault devoted most of his short painting career to horses, drawing them at all hours of the day and night, racing, hunting, working, on the battlefield or in the stables. Two hundred years after his tragic death at age 32 (ironically after breaking his back in a fall from a horse on Rue des Martyrs), the new exposition at the Musée de la Vie Romantique celebrates his passion with over a hundred of his best paintings, drawings and sketches capturing equestrian beauty in all its forms. Entrance €10 (permanent collection is free; the little garden café is also worth a stop!)

September 15
Le Petit Ballon is hosting La Ground Foire aux Vins at Ground Control (in the 12th) from 12pm-8pm. The event features wine and beer tastings from 30 winemakers and brewers, masterclasses led by experts like sommelier Antoine Pétrus and biérologue Cyril Hubert, blind tastings, food pairings, quizzes, live music, and more. Tickets are €10, and the event includes food stands from Ground Control’s resident vendors.

September 15th and 17th
Two French classics films will be shown with English subtitles hosted by Lost in Frenchlation: Intouchables the the Arlequin Cinema (Rue de Rennes) on the 15th, and La Dîner des Cons at the Epée du Bois cinema (Rue Mouffetard) on the 17th. See their full schedule and ticketing options on their website.

September 18-22
Join the global movement for a cleaner planet with World Cleanup Day. Citizens, companies, schools, and communities across France will take part in this initiative, organizing cleanups to tackle litter and pollution. The event encourages everyone to get involved and help create a waste-free environment. Just grab your gloves (although some groups provide them) and join the cause anytime from September 18 to 22. For more details, visit the official World Cleanup Day – France website and click on the map to find cleanups in your neighborhood (the white icons are the ones open to the general public).

September 19
Le Food Market is a monthly open-air food market in Belleville along the boulevard between metros Ménilmontant et Couronnes. Unlike most food markets, this one isn’t for purchasing ingredients to take home and cook up, but is a market of food stands with chefs from local restaurants. This month’s theme is “Indian Summer” with “BBQ & Ice cream”. There are seating areas to sit and enjoy your food or you can order to go. From 6-10:30pm.

September 20-22
The French daily newspaper Le Monde is hosting the Festival du Monde celebrating their 80th anniversary at Le Monde headquarters in the 13th arrondissement (Avenue de France, next to the Gare d’Austerlitz). Most of the events inside are debates, meetings with the newspapers editorial team, tours and workshops (all in French, and many already all reserved), but the square in front of the building will have free performances, shows, food trucks, and cultural events open and free to the public throughout the weekend, including a Swan Lake Solo dance by Olga Dukhovnaya, Brazilian jazz performances, breakdance initiations, and Club 2050 disco -techno-ecolo dance party.

September 21
Drag Control #4 takes over Ground Control (12th) for a full day of drag performances, workshops, and festivities from 12:30pm to 12:30am. Expect a vibrant lineup of drag queens, kings, and queer performers, alongside activities like a makeup workshop, drag bingo, and children’s storytelling. The event wraps up with a DJ set to keep the energy high. Free entry, with some activities requiring registration. See the full schedule on their website.

September 21
Bal Swing at La Maison des Métallos (94, rue Jean-Pierre Timbaud, 11th) offers a fun, swing-filled evening from 8pm to 11:55pm. This free event is open to all and includes live music and dancing. Advance reservations are already full, but if you’re in the neighborhood or really want to swing dance, you can try getting in at the door on the night of the event, but may have to wait in line depending on the crowd.

September 21
Join the Fête du Vélo at Parc de Choisy (13th) from 9am to 10:30pm, celebrating cycling with activities like workshops for kids, BMX initiation, bike repairs, and a second-hand bike market. Enjoy family bike rides around the neighborhood or the adventurous “rando-vélo” through Île-de-France. The day ends with outdoor film screenings: Leurs Odyssées at 7:30pm and Jour de Fête at 9pm. Free entry. Full program in French here.

September 21-22
This weekend is the 41st annual Journées du Patrimoine, or Heritage Days, with two themes this year: “Heritage of routes, networks and connections” and “Maritime heritage”. Over 350 historic sites will be opened to the public in Paris, many which are only open for this occasion. See the full schedule at the website (an English version is available and clearly marked). Some places require reservations in advance, and others are free to visit without, but may have long lines. I always try and find a few sites grouped in the same neighborhood to maximize time. Tickets for the President’s Palace (Palais Elysée) that we visited last year (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N7CqDfy2Dfo ) went on sale at 6pm on Monday, and were all gone within the hour, but there are many other lovely sites to visit, so don’t get too fixated on the places everyone else goes. 😉

September 21-22
Hôtel Le Marcel (11 Rue du 8 Mai 1945, 10th) is selling off their furniture and décor before they begin complete renovations, offering a wide variety of contemporary items including glassware, furniture, lighting, and more, priced between €10 and €500. The sale runs from 10am to 6pm each day, near Métro Gare de l’Est (exit 6). “Don’t miss this chance to find elegant pieces for your home at great prices!”

September 21, 2024 – 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.

September 23 – 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.

September 25
As part of their Evenings with an Author series, the American Library in Paris is hosting the talk, “Imperfect Life in a Perfect City: The Paris of Today” with authors Simon Kuper and Pamela Druckerman. In-person spots are all reserved, but you can watch via live Zoom link from anywhere in the world: https://americanlibraryinparis.org/event/kuper24/

September 26
La Fête des Puces is an annual evening festival at the Puces de Paris St-Ouen (flea market) from 7pm until 11pm. This year’s theme is “Corpus, its language in the arts”, in partnership with the designer Simon Porte Jacquemus. Entry is free with invitation, which you can get from any of the participating individual markets or vendors at the flea market (such as Marché Dauphine or Marché Paul Bert).

September 26-29
One of the last artist open houses for Parisian artist studios, don’t miss this weekend’s Portes Ouvertes des Artistes de Ménilmontant (20th arrondissement). The main gallery has maps and examples of different artists’ works, Ménils8, 8 rue Boyer, 20th, metro Gambetta. Free entry from 2-8pm, lots of events around the neighborhood during the festival.

September 27 – 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).

Through September 28
The magical Candlelit Evenings at the Château Vaux-le-Vicomte are back! Open every Saturday (through Sep 28th) from 5:30pm (last entry 9:30pm), with 2000 candles, an immersive show in the Grand Salon, several dining options, and fireworks show at 11pm before closure; reservations required. Free parking and regular shuttles from the train station in Melun. Tickets €22 (Château and Gardens), €16 for gardens only. Read the Secrets of Paris article about it here.

September 28-29
After being closed all summer, the Jeu de Paume (1 Place de la Concorde, 8th) is celebrating its 20th anniversary with a free, festive weekend of photography and contemporary art. The program includes guided tours, workshops, film screenings, artist talks, and family-friendly activities. Highlights include a cyanotype workshop, a Chantal Akerman film screening, and a DJ set in partnership with Radio Nova. Open 11am-7pm both days. Free entry for all events. More info.

Through September 28
The Bibliothèque Forney (1 Rue du Figuier, 4th) presents Paris 1924: Advertising in the City, an exhibition that transports visitors to the vibrant atmosphere of Paris during the 1924 Olympic Games. Explore the streets of a city filled with eye-catching posters, newspaper clippings, and commercial ads, showcasing the energy of the Roaring Twenties. From automobile promotions to theater programs, the exhibition offers a visual journey through vintage advertising. Open Monday to Saturday, 1pm-7pm. Free entry. More info.

Through September 29
The Fondation EDF (6, Rue Récamier, 7th) presents Demain est annulé (Tomorrow is Cancelled), an exhibition exploring environmental themes through immersive and thought-provoking contemporary art. Highlights include Bianca Argimón’s hyperrealistic installation and Moffat Takadiwa’s upcycled sculptures. The space itself in a little passage next to a hidden garden near Bon Marché is worth a peek. Open Tuesday to Sunday, 12pm-7pm (until 10pm on Thursdays). Free entry.

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 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.

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.

Planning Ahead

October 2, 2024 – 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, 2024 – 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, 2024
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, 2024
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.

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.