Top Paris events for September include la rentrée - the return of Parisians to the city, feeling energized after a month or more of vacation relaxation and excited about all the activities, new shows at theaters, museums and concert halls, and festivals filling the September calendar.

The final games of Paralympics through the first eight days of September, so you can expect the city to be even more bustling than usual at this time of the year.

Plus, to make up for its late start at a couple of locations this year, Paris Plages, the city's popular "beach" event, continues through September 8.

If you're visiting Paris this month, celebrate the tail-end of summer at a free jazz festival at Parc Floral plus mostly-free music and film fests.  More top events include the fabulous European Heritage Days, Paris Fashion Week, and free cultural events across the Marais neighborhood.

Coming to Paris during September?

If you're planning a visit to Paris this month, consider booking your "bucket list" tours and activities now to get your top choices.

Top Paris attractions & experiences:

Most popular Paris destinations this month:


Will you see any fall foliage in the city's many famous parks during September?  Maybe.  Look for a few hints of gold and crimson toward the end of the month - but otherwise, expect to find lots of flowering plants still in full bloom and the lush beauty of late summer still evident everywhere you look. 

September days typically will be warm and mellow (sometimes even hot!) - but bring a warm sweater to wear at night.

Fun Things to Do in Paris in September:

Top photo:  Pool in Luxembourg Garden in early September, (c) Paris Discovery Guide

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European Heritage Days (Journées Européans du Patrimoine) - 2024

17th century Palais Royal in central Paris
Want to explore the splendid interior of 17th century Palais Royal?  European Heritage Days gives you the opportunity!

Over 300 Paris museums, historic monument, heritage sites, and public spaces give you free access during fascinating tours and presentations as part of France's European Heritage Days on September 20-22.  The theme this year is "Routes, Networks, Connections, and Maritime Heritage."

What's special?  Many of the city's most beautiful, fascinating, and historical institutes give access to private areas normally off-limits to visitors.

Head to venues as Banque de France, Élysées Palace, and Palais Royal where you can explore treasure-filled areas normally closed to the public, take behind-the-scenes tours at the Supreme Court, Chatalet Theatre, and the construction site at Notre Dame Cathedral, or simply get free admission to some of the city's most popular museums and cultural institutions such as Monnae (the Paris Mint) and La Conciergerie. 

Some of the most unusual offers last year included a guided walking tour around top collections a the Dior Gallery, Yves Saint Laurent Museum, and Palais Galliera (which have joined forces for this event), an insider's look at the 400+ year old "Lantern gazebo" at the head of the Belleville aquaduct, art workshops at the Louvre, and a special guided tours of three different circuits through Paris's Covered Passages.

Stay tuned to hear about this year's events closer to the dates!

Admission, tours, workshops, and other related events are free, but at some venues, you'll need to register in advance. 

Keep in mind that tours and presentations will be in French, so if your understanding of the language is, let's say, "imperfect," consider choosing an event where you'll be happy with just the visual part of the experience.

The complete schedule and related registration information (if required) will be listed on European Heritage Days' website, usually about 3 weeks before the event.

September Concerts in Paris - 2024

Philharmonie de Paris in Parc de la Villette
Red traffic lights reflecting on Philharmonie de Paris in Parc de la Villette on a rainy night

More Paris classical concerts during September

More Paris rock, electronic, pop, jazz, & other performances during September  

More concerts throughout the year

2024 Summer Olympics 

Paris summer and winter sales
Paris 2024 on the Paris City Hall (Hotel de Ville) - Photo credit: Houda Chabir-Robert

The 2024 Paralympics continue in Paris (and other parts of France) through the first eight days of September, so combined with the usual la rentrée of Parisians returning from vacation, the city will be even busier than usual.  Trains and RERs into and out of the city will feel packed - but getting around should generally be easier than during the summer.

If you're among the many visitors coming for this great event, here are key dates and a link to additional information:

  • Paris 2024 Paralympics dates:  August 28 - September 8

Find out more about the 2024 Paris Olympics & Paralympics, including stadium locations, nearby attractions, how to get tickets, & fan zones

Paris Beaches - Paris Plages - 2024

Paris Plage - sand and beach umbrellas along the Seine River
Paris Plages: "Beach" along the Right Bank of the Seine River

Paris Plages ("Paris Beaches") transforms parts of Paris into fun-filled beaches each summer.  Due to their late start this year to accommodate the Olympics, the "beaches" will remain open through early September.

Although the event continues this year in its usual locations along the Rives de Seine, the areas along both sides of the Seine River) and the Bassin de La Villette, those locations will have a somewhat different schedule to accommodate the 2024 Summer Olympics. 

You'll find Paris Plages activities at three main locations: the Seine River Banks (Parc Rives de Seine) in central Paris, the newest location at Canal Saint-Martin, and La Villette Canal Basin in the 19th arrondissement. 

At the Bassin de Villette, you can cool off free of charge in the 4 huge Paris Plages swimming pools, enjoy kayaking, canoeing, stand up paddle, small boats, and other water sports, play pétanque and table football, and take part in other activities.  You'll also find lots of kids' workshops, special activities for 3-7 year olds, board games, exhibitions, and libraries. 

The Seine River Bank "beaches" focus on relaxation, while the plages at La Villette feature games and activities. Canal Saint-Martin is a mix of both.  Relax in deck chairs, visit the many floating theater, restaurants, ice cream stands, and bars along the water.

Paris Plage Dates & Times

Canal Saint-Martin:  Through September 8 (entertainment ends on Sept 1)

Rives de Seine (Seine River Banks) and Bassin de la Villette:  Through Sept 8

Open:  11am-9pm, and until midnight on weekends.

More about Paris Beaches

Day Trips from Paris:  September Picks

Chateau de Chenonceau in the Loire Valley
Chateau de Chenonceau in the Loire Valley

September is the perfect month to explore some of the exciting and famous attractions outside of Paris.  Here are 4 of the most popular day trips with transportation from Paris included:

  • Loire Valley Castles Tour - This fabulous all-day tour takes you through the beautiful Loire Valley where you'll visit 3 specular Gothic and Renaissance castles, wander through their gardens, enjoy a French wine tasting - Book now
  • Versailles Palace & Gardens - During this guided tour of the famous chateau with round trip transportation from Paris, you'll see the Hall of Mirrors and other famous rooms in the palace, and explore the lush gardens.  Book now
  • Disneyland Paris - Hop on an express shuttle bus from 4 convenient Paris locations and use your park ticket to speed through the entrance for a magical day at Disney - Book now
  • Monet's Giverny - Visit Claude Monet's home and see fall colors at the gorgeous garden and water lily pond that inspired his famous Water Lilies paintings in this half-day trip with a guide from Paris - Book now

Find out about other exciting Day Trips from Paris

Floating Markets Festival across from Notre Dame

Quai Montebello, site of the Southwest Floating Markets Festival across from Notre Dame Cathedral
Quai Montebello, site of the Southwest Floating Markets Festival across from Notre Dame Cathedral

Every year on the same weekend as European Heritage Days (September 15-17 this year; 10am-10pm on Friday and Saturday; 10am-7pm on Sunday), Quai Montebello along the Seine River across from Notre Dame becomes transformed by a fun gourmet event complete with free tastings:  the Floating Markets of the Southwest. 

Around 40 producers of food specialties from Southwestern France let you taste (and if you'd like, buy) their local products: foie gras, wines, duck, jams, cheeses, and special plums, garlic, grapes, and other produce.  Music and dancing by the river add to the fun.  More information:  event website

Bonus tip:  Once you've sampled the best of the Southwest, keep walking along the Seine toward the Latin Quarter to the east, and you may get to see more dancing along the Seine on the Jardin Tino Rossi platforms overlooking the river. 

Everyone is welcome, so join the dancing if you feel inclined.

Dancing along the Seine - Jardin Tino Rossi (Paris's almost-hidden waterfront park known for its modern sculptures)
Dancing along the Seine - Jardin Tino Rossi (Paris's almost-hidden waterfront park known for its modern sculptures)

Paris Exhibits - Must-See Shows for September 2024

Fondation Louis Vuitton, where the stunning architicture is part of the art
Ellsworth Kelly painting in the show (which closes this month) at Fondation Louis Vuitton

Here are just a few of the many wonderful exhibitions you can see in Paris this September:

  • Fondation Louis Vuitton: Ellsworth Kelly: Forms & Colors, 1949-2015 - More than 100 works by the American abstract painter and sculptor in celebration of the centenary of his birth, plus Matisse, The Red Workshop, an exhibit dedicated to the inspiration and history of the artist's 1911 painting, L'Atelier Rouge - Dates for both exhibitions:  May 5 - September 9, 2024 
    Tickets:  Book in advance
    Location: 8 Avenue du Mahatma Gandhi, Bois de Boulogne, Paris 16;  Metro: Les Sablons, plus about a 10-minute walk (or take the shuttle bus included with the ticket)
  • Atelier des Lumieres:  Egyptian Pharaohs - Discover ancient Egypt at the time of the Pharaohs in this virtual journey along the Nile River in Upper and Lower Egypt as you see legendary rulers, great battles, famous temples and tombs, and majestic landscapes; purchase online; you can also purchase at the door for 2€ more per ticket but there's no guarantee you'll get in as timeslots are often fully booked
    Dates:  Through January 5, 2025
  • Musée de Quai Branly:  Myriam Mihindou - An immersive musical installation celebrating Gabon's and the Republic of Congo's Punu culture by this contemporary Franco-Gabonese artist
    Dates:  Through Nov 10
  • Musée de Cluny:  The Marvelous Treasure of Oignies - 13th Century Sparks of Brilliance - Breathtaking gold and silver treasures from the Middle Ages, on display outside of Belgium for the first time. 
    Dates:  Through October 20, 2024

Find more Paris museum exhibitions for September & future months

Paris Museum and Attractions Passes

Get free admission and skip-the-line access to 60+ museums in and near Paris when you have a Paris Museum Pass for 2, 4, or 6 days.  (Access to special shows may require additional ticket.)  More info

Open Studios: Pere Lachaise Neighborhood 2024

Open Studio in Paris's Belleville neighborhood
Open Studio in Paris's Belleville neighborhood

Numerous artists live and work in the Pere Lachaise neighborhood near the famous cemetery in the leafy 20th arrondissement.  This month, emerging and established painters, sculptors, photographers, and print-makers in this area invite you to visit their Open Studios on Saturday, September 21. 

Don't miss this wonderful opportunity to browse original art, chat with the artists, and perhaps purchase a favorite piece!  Visiting the Open Studios also gives you also a great opportunity to explore this lesser-known authentic Parisian neighborhood and also perhaps visit nearby Pere Lachaise cemetery. 

Admission:  Free
More information:  Artists of the APLA website  (APLA = painting, sculpture, engraving, photography, and mixed media)

Jazz à la Villette 2024

Paris Jazz Festival at Parc Floral - photo credit Sébastien Bertrand
GoGo Penguin playing at Jazz à la Villette - photo credit Gael Varoquaux

The Jazz à la Villette Festival stages two weekends of superb musical events in Parc de la Villette's major venues:  Philharmonie de Paris, Grande Halle de La Villette, and Cité de la Musique.  

Don't miss this unforgettable experience of hearing some of the best French and international musicians at one of the world's leading jazz fests,  

There's also a special kids' program. 

The festival runs from August 29 - September 8. 

Lineup and more information:  Jazz à la Villette website

Paris Fashion Week: Womens Ready to Wear 2024

Fashion photography shoot at Palais Galliera
Fashion photography shoot at Palais Galliera

Paris Fashion Week for Women's Ready-To-Wear takes place in multiple locations around the city and features numerous events showcasing French and International designers such as Chanel, Galliano, Dior, Givency, Vuitton, Miu Miu, Alexander McQueen, Balenciaga, Saint Laurent, Sandro, Comme des Garçons, Courrèges, Maje, Vanessa Bruno, and Isabel Marant. 

Models strut down the runways wearing the collections you'll see in Paris stores next spring and summer.

The ticketed shows are generally by invitation only, so unless you're lucky enough to snag one, you can catch a glimpse of the models near the venue locations, typically in the 1st, 3rd, 4th, 7th, 8th, and 16th arrondissements. 

The Grand Palais, Palais Galliera, the Eiffel Tower and nearby Champs des Mars, Place des Vosges, Tuileries Garden near the Louvre, Palais Royal Garden, Hotel de Ville, Palais de Tokyo, and Pompidou are usually safe bets if you want to join the paparazzi, as well as designer ateliers in the Marais neighborhood.

Even if you're not remotely interested in fashion, this show may impact you if you're planning a trip to Paris in September because hotel rates usually soar MUCH higher during the event - so if you're cost-conscious, consider planning your visit for earlier in the month.

When:  September 23 - October 1

Paris Tours for Fashionistas

Paris Design Week 2024

Modern interior in a classical Haussmannian-style apartment in Paris - Photo credit: iStock.com/BertrandB
Modern interior in a classical Haussmannian-style apartment in Paris - Photo credit: iStock.com/BertrandB

Paris Design Week showcases the latest, greatest, and best of new and classic trends in home decor in over 300 galleries, workshops, design schools, and creative studios around the city for 10 glorious days from September 5-13. 

Similar to Paris Fashion Week, most exhibitions are for design professionals only.  Check the event website for more information (click "FR" on the far right of the top nav bar to get English).

However, if you're in Paris during this period, you'll see Paris Design Show banners in many neighborhoods, particularly in Saint-Germain, the Marais, and near Palais Royal/the Louvre in the 1st arrondissement.  Participating galleries and home decor boutiques will welcome your visit - so if this is of interest to you, be alert for browsing opportunities as you explore these neighborhoods.

Les Traversées du Marais (Free Cultural Events in the Marais) 2024

Les Traversees du Marais in Paris - 3 days of free cultural events
Wall mural in the Marais

Les Traversées du Marais, featuring 45 free cultural events, will inspire you to "travel" across the Marais neighborhood (3rd and 4th arrondissements), where you'll encounter a rich diversity venues offering concerts, live performances, film screenings, kids' events including story time, open artists studios, a culinary workshop, exhibitions, and lots of fun on the first full weekend of the month, September 1-3.   

Participating venues include Centre Pompidou, Swedish Institute, Museum of Arts and Crafts, Memorial de la Shoah, Victor Hugo House, Museum of Hunting & Nature, Musee des Arts et Metiers, Carnavalet Museum, the Swedish Institute, National Archives, Hotel de Sully, La Gaite Lyrique, the National Library, Picasso Museum, Cognacq-Jay Museum, and more.

Dates:  September 13 - 15 (not all venues participate each day)
Admission:   Free

More about the schedule and venue locations:  http://lestraverseesdumarais.com/

Car Free Day in September 2024

Champs Elysees on a car-free Sunday
Champs Elysées and the Arc de Triomphe - No cars!

Paris's annual Car Free Day takes place this year on Sunday, September 22 from 10am to 6pm, planned to coincide with European Heritage Days.  

As a bonus, you can enjoy the regular "first Sunday" car-free day on September 1, when Paris's first four arrondissements, Champs Elysees, and other neighborhoods throughout the city become pedestrian-only on the first Sunday of each month.

With most private vehicles (ie, cars, motorcycles, trucks) banned from city streets, this is your chance to walk freely in the spaces normally filled by traffic.  Take a deep breath and enjoy the cleaner air resulting from a variety of green initiatives!

Emergency and city worker vehicles, taxis, city buses, and tour buses are allowed, so be prepared to share the space with them as well as with bicycles, segways, and scooters.

If you're visiting Paris, Car Free Day can be a wonderful opportunity to explore the heart of the city on a guided bicycle tour or electric bike tour.

Foire de Chatou (Antiques & Collectibles Fair at Chatou) - 2024

If you love searching for treasures at flea markets and antique shops, you won't want to miss France's biggest and oldest antiques fair held this month (and in March) a few miles outside of Paris (but easy to get to on the RER). 

What will you find?  Basically, everything that might fall under the label of "antiques," "vintage," and "collectibles" - fine art, furniture, decor, fashion accessories, jewelry, tableware, chandeliers and other light fixtures, toys, mirrors, books and maps, and so much more, from the 17th century through the 20th.

All of the 300 dealers at the fair are vetted professionals, and experts are on hand to certify authenticity, if needed.  Shippers are also available, in case you can't resist, for example, an 18th century marble fireplace mantle for your living room back home.

Dates:  September 27 - October 6
Admission:  10€
Location:  Ile des Impressionnistes (Isle of the Impressionists), Chatou, France

Directions:  Take the RER A toward Saint-Germain-en-Laye from Paris. Get off at the Rueil-Malmaison station and take the free shuttle to the fair (you can also walk - it's about half a mile), or go one stop farther and get off at the Chatou Croissy station (try to exit at the end of the train) and walk across the footbridge over the Seine River to the fair.  

Find out more about Foire de Chatou and other Paris flea markets, antiques auctions, and "brocantes"

Festival d'Automne (Autumn Festival) Paris 2024

Visual arts and music performance from a previous show at Bourse de Commerce/Pinault Collection
Visual arts and music performance from a previous show at Bourse de Commerce/Pinault Collection

The Paris Autumn Festival (which extends until the end of January) showcases the latest creations and artists (international as well as French) in contemporary dance, theater, music, cinema, and visual arts at a variety of venues around Paris, including Galeries Lafayette in the 9th, the Grand Hall at Parc de la Villette in the 19th arrondissement, the Pinault Collection at Bourse de Commerce and Louvre in the 1st, and Pompidou Center in the 4th, just to name a few.

This is a hugely popular festival, with over 50 events (many of which extend over several or more days) at over 70 venues in and near Paris.

Most events are ticketed, and many sell out quickly, so don't wait to book, which you can do through the event's website.  (Tip:  To see both the venues and the schedule, click the "Venues" tab on the nav bar.)

Dates:  September 8, 2024 - January 26, 2025

Aura at Les Invalides - 2024

Les Invalides - Site of a spectacular night show
Les Invalides - Site of a spectacular night show

The Aura immersive show takes place during evening hours and brings to life the architecture and history of the Invalides Dome with spectacular lighting effects, imagery, and music designed to showcase the site's beauty and heritage.

For about 50 minutes, brilliant video projections inside the interior of Les Invalides will take you through the creation of the dome and the panorama of events associated with this important monument. 

Please note:  This is walking experience as you move to different parts of the dome; you will need to take stairs outside and inside the dome, so not accessible for wheelchairs; also, please know that no restrooms are available onsite.

Book your Aura tickets

Dates: Through 2033
Location: Invalides Dome, 2 Place Vauban, 7th arr;  Metro: Ecole Militaire, Tour Maubourg, Varenne, Saint-François Xavier

Want to visit Les Invalides, Napoleon's Tomb, and the Army Museum during regular visiting hours?  Book priority entry tickets online.

Silhouette Short Film Festival 2024

Wrap up the summer and welcome early fall in Paris at the free outdoor Silhouette Concert and Short Film Festival held from August 30 - September 7 at Parc de la Butte du Chapeau Rouge in Paris's 19th arrondissement. 

During the festival's 9 days, you'll have the chance to see numerous different French and international short films in a variety of categories:  animation, drama, documentary, experimental, films for young audiences, and more. 

Each evening's program kicks off at 6:30pm, with the film portion beginning at 7:30pm.  Food and beverages are available for purchase at reasonable cost onsite.

Address:  5 Avenue Debidour, Paris 19
Metro:  Pré St-Gervais or Telegraph; Tram 3bis: Robert Debré Hospital
Admission:   Free
More Information: Event website

Festivals du Parc Floral:  Paris Jazz Festival, Classic in Green, Pestacles, Nocturnes - 2024

People sitting on grass in Bois de Vincennes waiting for a concert to begin
People sitting on grass in Bois de Vincennes waiting for a concert to begin

Parc Floral (the Paris Botanical Garden) in Bois de Vincennes hosts four concurrent musical festivals:  Paris Jazz Festival, Classic in Green (classical music), Pestacles (a children's concert series for ages 4 and up), and Nocturnes (night concerts of contemperary, jazz, or classical music).

The outdoor concerts take place every Saturday and Sunday on several stages in the park.  All of the 25 concerts are free this year, although Parc Floral charges a small 2.60€) entrance fee during summer and early fall. 

Check the Festival's website to download a brochure with dates, lineups, and concert times.  Most take place in the afternoon and early evening, except for the Nocturnes concerts which tend to be late at night.  The brochure is in French, but the information is easy to figure out even if you only know a few words.  Important tip:  if you see "gratuit," that means the concert is free.

Bring a blanket and a picnic or buy wine and a sandwich at the park's snack bar, and get ready for a relaxing afternoon and evening enjoying the sunshine, flowers, wandering peacocks, and virtuoso musicians. 

Dates: Through September 8

Getting there:  Bois de Vincennes, located in 12th Arrondissement on the eastern edge of Paris, is easy to reach - just hop on RER A train or Metro Line 1 to the Chateau de Vincennes Metro Station - the park is about a 3-minute walk from the station.  You can find out more about Parc Floral here.

Bonus activities:  Arrive early and stroll through Parc Floral's famous gardens, or explore Bois de Vincennes' other attractions such as its spectacular zoo, Lac Daumesnil (rent a row boat!), the aquarium, and 14th century Château de Vincennes.

Paris is Worth a Party Festival - to be confirmed for 2024

Looking for something fun and unusual to do in Paris?  You can travel back in time to celebrate 1,500 years of Parisian life in the Paris is Worth a Party festival in Place Saint-Sulpice (in front of the Saint-Sulpice Church at 2 Rue Palatine, 6th arr). 

In addition to exhibitions of Paris from the Middle Ages to the Liberation (World War II), you'll see costumed actors portraying craftsmen, marching in a parade from the Pantheon, and entertaining you with dance, music and poetry. 

Although admission is free (with donations gratefully accepted) for everything except a medieval banquet, you must get tickets in advance.  

Dates:  September 9, 10

Les Extatiques Festival at La Défense - Cancelled for 2024 due to the Olympics

Calder's Red Spider sculpture on the La Défense Esplanade
Calder's Red Spider sculpture on the La Défense Esplanade with the Grande Arche in the background

Please note:  Due to the 2024 Paris Olympics Games scheduled for this site, this festival will not take place this year. We're leaving the following information from last year up in case you're planning a 2025 trip so that you can see what usually happens:

The annual Les Extatiques Festival at La Défense, located in Paris's skyscraper-filled business district just beyond the city limits, features new monumental sculptures by eight contemporary French and International artists. 

Look for the sculptures along La Défense's Esplanade, a long park-like paved space that functions as an outdoor art gallery (and also hosts La Défense's enormous Christmas Market).  You'll find them in the stretch between the Grande Arche and the multi-colored Bassin pool and fountains.

Dates: 
Admission:  Free
Metro:  La Défense (about a 5-minute ride from the Charles de Gaulle/Etoile station on Line 1; if you walk down the whole 1 km (.6 m) length of the Esplanade, you'll end up at the Esplanade de La Défense station and can hop on the metro there to go back to Paris - or continue walking for another mile or so to the Arc de Triomphe.
While you're there:  Admire the futuristic architecture of the surrounding buildings on both sides of the Esplanade


More about Paris in September


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