What are the main events in Paris?

Paris hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including festivals, heritage days, and design events that allow visitors to immerse themselves in the city's culture and must-see attractions.

What is European Heritage Days in Paris?

European Heritage Days in Paris invite visitors to discover some of the city's most beautiful buildings, many of which are usually closed to the public, offering a unique experience of Parisian architectural and cultural heritage.

What exhibitions can I visit in Paris?

Paris offers a wide range of exhibitions including contemporary art fairs like FAB Paris, immersive experiences such as the Paradox Museum, and historical exhibitions like The Mystery of Cleopatra at the Institut du Monde Arabe.

How can I explore Paris outdoors?

Visitors can enjoy strolling through Parisian districts like Montmartre, the Marais, and Saint-Germain-des-Prés, relax in parks and gardens such as Jardin du Luxembourg or Parc Monceau, take a cruise on the Seine, or visit local markets including Marché des Enfants Rouges and the flower market on Île de la Cité.

How can I easily visit Paris attractions?

To explore Paris conveniently, you can use Tootbus sightseeing bus tours, which allow you to hop on and off near major attractions, combining sightseeing with comfort and flexibility.

What to do in Paris in September

Q: What is Paris Design Week?

Paris Design Week transforms the city into an open-air gallery with exhibitions, temporary installations, previews, talks, and workshops showcasing trends and creativity in the design world.

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 20 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 2026.

Paris Design Week

From 10 to 19 September 2026, 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!

French Food Forum

From 10 to 13 September 2026, discover the Village International de la Gastronomie on Place de la Concorde. For its 10th edition, the event brings together more than 60 countries and French regions, showcasing cuisines from around the world through tastings, cooking demonstrations, concerts and shows. A must-visit event for food lovers, offering a chance to travel across five continents without leaving 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.

Step into Claude Monet’s world at the Musée de l’Orangerie

Discover Claude Monet at the Musée de l'Orangerie with the Monet, Painting Time exhibition. From 30 September 2026, nearly forty paintings explore the artist’s relationship with changing weather, light and seasons. From Haystacks to Rouen Cathedral, as well as the famous Water Lilies, the exhibition reveals another side of the Impressionist master’s work.

Extend your visit with Claude Monet, Along the Water, a virtual reality experience that invites you to step into the artist’s world.

Get off at stop 6 Concorde on the blue line.

Experience Ancient Egypt at the Atelier des Lumières

Step into the world of the pharaohs at the Atelier des Lumières, where images of pyramids, temples and treasures from Ancient Egypt are projected onto the walls in large format, accompanied by music. This immersive experience takes you on a journey through nearly three thousand years of history and reveals the great mysteries of this fascinating civilisation.

Discover Gianni Versace at the Musée Maillol

Until October, discover Gianni Versace at the Musée Maillol through a retrospective dedicated to one of Italy’s most iconic fashion designers. Nearly 450 pieces, including original creations, accessories, sketches, photographs and videos, trace his career and reveal the inspirations behind his bold and colourful universe.

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.

Paris sightseeing bus tour

Take a Paris sightseeing bus tour and discover the capital’s iconic landmarks along the way. Admire the Eiffel Tower, Champs-Élysées, Arc de Triomphe and Notre-Dame from the bus. Thanks to the hop-on hop-off system, get off at any stop to explore the area, then hop back on whenever you like to continue your Paris adventure.

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.