What to do in Paris in September
September is an ideal month to visit Paris. The city is resuming its usual rhythm, the days are still sunny and the cultural calendar fills with unmissable events. Whether you’re an art lover, a history buff or just want a calmer Paris experience than in the summer, here are our suggestions for making the most of a trip to Paris in September. And what could be better than seeing the city from our Paris Discovery bus tour?
The big events in Paris in September
September abounds with events to mark the start of a new cultural season in Paris, making it the perfect time to experience the city differently. Festivals, heritage days and design events offer a variety of ways to immerse yourself in Parisian life and its must-sees.
European Heritage Days
From Friday 19 to Sunday 21 September, you’re invited to discover some of Paris’s most beautiful buildings. Places that, for the most part, are usually closed to the public are temporarily opening their doors. It’s a chance to experience Paris’s architectural and cultural heritage in a different way. To find out more about this incredible event, check out our article European Heritage Days in Paris in 2025.
Paris Design Week
From 4 to 13 September 2025, the French capital will be transformed into an open-air gallery. Created by the Maison&Objet trade fair, Paris Design Week shares the trends and energy of the design world with the wider public. Check out the various exhibitions, temporary installations, previews, talks and workshops in different parts of the city. A novel way to explore design in Paris!
Temporary exhibitions and new collections
September is the ideal time to visit exhibitions in Paris. Whether you want to explore contemporary art, major historical figures or immersive experiences, the city’s busy and varied cultural calendar has something for everyone.
The mystery of Cleopatra
Discover the mystery of Cleopatra at the Institut du Monde Arabe. This key female historical figure has been the subject of legends for centuries. The exhibition brings together paintings, sculptures, jewellery items and objects from the Louvre, the French national library and other prestigious institutions. It offers an insight into why this queen of Egypt continues to fascinate us to this day.
To experience it for yourself, hop off at stop 4 (Notre-Dame/Latin Quarter) on the blue line.
FAB Paris
The contemporary art fair FAB Paris is returning to the Grand Palais from 20 to 24 September, bringing together a hundred or so renowned exhibitors from around the world. The Nissim de Camondo museum is the guest of honour and will be displaying an exclusive exhibition of its late-18th-century decorative arts collections, designed by Alexandre Benjamin Navet.
To admire the various exhibitions, hop off at stop 10 (Pont des Invalides/Place de Finlande) on the blue line.
Paradox Museum
The Paradox Museum never fails to surprise with its fun visual installations. From the Reverse Room, where everything is upside down, to the Zero Gravity Room, which defies the laws of gravity, and the Paradox Sofa, perfect for snapping unusual pictures, each space offers a unique experience that will enthral kids and grown-ups alike and make for amazing photos.
Head to stop 1 (Printemps/Galerie Lafayette) on the blue line to explore these unique experiences.
Open-air activities in Paris
Take advantage of the fresh air and September sun to explore Paris in a different way. Its picturesque streets, parks, river cruises and markets offer the perfect setting for drifting along and soaking up the atmosphere of Paris.
Strolls around Parisian districts
There's nothing like getting lost in the streets of Paris. Wander along the cobbled streets of Montmartre and pop into the artists’ studios you come across along the way. The Marais, with its townhouses and trendy boutiques, is a blend of history and modernity. Meanwhile, Saint-Germain-des-Prés stands out for its bohemian atmosphere, legendary cafés and bookshops. These districts are easy to explore on foot or by bike and boast photo-worthy gems around every corner.
To continue exploring Paris at your own pace, follow one of our Tootwalks, themed self-guided walking tours. Each route lets you explore a particular district or aspect of the city at your own pace. Download the Tootbus app on the App Store or Google Play and start your tour whenever you want.
Parks and gardens in bloom
Paris is full of parks and gardens wonderful for relaxing in. Wander past fountains and along flower-lined paths at the Jardin du Luxembourg, perfect for some downtime with the family or a spot of reading. The Buttes-Chaumont offers more hilly scenery, ideal for a peaceful walk or picnic, while the elegant Parc Monceau boasts century-old trees and a peaceful atmosphere. Each park has its own charm and offers a chance to stop, slow down and enjoy a moment away from the hustle and bustle of the city. To explore even more green spaces, check out our article Top 20 Parks in Paris.
Cruise on the Seine
A cruise on the Seine lets you see Paris from a different perspective, offering spectacular views of the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Notre-Dame and Pont Alexandre III. Boat rides are particularly enjoyable in September, with the soft late-summer light reflecting off the water. Whether it’s a romantic, family or guided cruise, the Seine offers an unforgettable experience.
Combine our Paris bus tour with a cruise on the Seine for a full day of city sightseeing.
Parisian markets
The markets of Paris are fascinating. The Marché des Enfants Rouges, the oldest covered market in Paris, boasts colourful stalls of fresh produce, specialities from around the world, and small, friendly street food vendors. The flower market on Île de la Cité is mesmerising with its array of colours and smells.
For an easy way to get there, hop on board a bus tour and hop off at stop 4 (Notre-Dame/Quartier Latin).
To explore every side of Paris and enjoy the city to the full, take one of our Paris sightseeing bus tours and turn your day into a unique experience full of culture, scenery and discovery.