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01/31/23
Festival of Lights Paris 2022-2023
The Paris Festival of Lights is a must-festival of winter in Paris. After the success of the first three editions, named Espèces en Voie d’ Illumination (370,000 visitors in two months), Océan en Voie d’Illumination, and Évolution en Voie d’Illumination, the Jardin des Plantes will once again brighten up the festive year-end with this extraordinary Paris light show of giant sculptures.
If you visit Paris in December or January, don’t miss this wonderful night show!

What is the Paris Festival of Lights?
The Festival of Lights Paris (Festival des Lumières in French) is a night exhibition that takes place at the Jardin des Plantes, one of the most beautiful gardens in Paris, located in the 5th arrondissement.
This Paris light festival is an enchanting experience for kids and adults, with monumental light structures set in the alleys and pitches of this beautiful garden.
This festival of lights at Jardin des Plantes always has a different subject, usually related to endangered species around the world.

READ MORE – Quick guide to Paris for Kids
Jardin des Plantes Paris Light Show 2022: Mini-Mondes en Voie d’Illumination

After three brilliant seasons, the fourth edition of the Jardin des Plantes Festival of Lights 2022 is named Mini-Mondes en Voie d’Illumination. This exhibition is dedicated to the littlest creatures living in this world and we are sure it will steal your heart.
During this night walk, visitors will immerse themselves in the universe of the tiny or even the microscopic, and they will discover the functioning of a surprising ecosystem.
Butterflies, spiders, snails, shrews, we discover more closely the life of the world of these mini creatures before joining a pond where dragonflies, mosquitoes, and frogs evolve among others.
This open-air exhibition combines art, science, and poetry. Admire past biodiversity while letting yourself be carried away by the magic of lights.
The final goal of the Festival of Lights Paris 2022 is to better understand the importance of small species whose role is nevertheless essential.
The entrance to this exhibition is through Place Valhubert, and you must book your tickets online in advance.

The Paris Light Festival – a Foretaste

Here’s a foretaste of what to expect in the Paris Festival of Lights 2022 at Jardin des Plantes. Follow us on a magical moonlit stroll to discover some lovely sculptures from the previous exhibitions of this Paris Lights Festival.
Winter nights in Paris are cold, but we are sure that these giant lanterns (and perhaps a cup of vin chaud) will warm your heart!





Festival of Lights Paris 2022 – Basic Information

» Location: Jardin des Plantes in Paris 5. The access is through 2 Place Valhubert (Seine side). Closest Métro Stations: Gare d’Austerlitz lines 5 and 10.
» Opening times: every day from 14 November 2022 to 15 January 2023. Closed on 24 December and 31 December.
» Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday, outside school holidays: 6 pm – 9:30 pm. Friday-Saturday + school holidays: 6 pm – 11 pm. Visitors can access the Paris light show until one hour before the closing time.
» Tickets can be purchased only online. Tickets are for a specific date and time slot, and they cost from 15€ (reduced price) to 17€ (full price). Free entrance for kids under three years.
Jardin des Plantes Festival of Lights 2022 – Our Best Tips

» For this light show, Paris is already in high season, warming up for the winter holidays, so be sure to book your tickets online well in advance.
» Avoid if possible the weekends and Christmas holidays. This festival is always a big success from the very first day and everybody wants to visit it!
» We are unsure about the best time to visit the Paris Light Festival. From 6 pm to 8 pm, overexcited kids are running everywhere, while later, there are fewer kids, but it’s much colder. Up to you, depending on what you resist best!
» The Festival of Lights Paris 2022 covers most of the surface of the park, so allow 1-1.5 hours to visit everything. Wear extra-warm clothes!
» We also recommend bringing a thermos flask with hot tea or similar to keep your body warm; Paris in the wintertime is cold!
» If you are traveling on a budget and don’t want to spend 15 €, you can see the giant lanterns during the day for free. However, they are not as beautiful as when they are lit up at night.
About the Jardin des Plantes in Paris

The Jardin des Plantes de Paris is a park and botanical garden located in the 5th district of Paris which opened to the public 400 years ago. In addition to the typical green spaces and flower beds, there is also a menagerie, greenhouses, several museums, food stands, and a carousel.
The Jardin des Plantes is great for kids and adults to learn about flowers and plants or just for a stroll.
What to Do Near the Jardin des Plantes in Paris?