Key Events, Public Holidays and Paris Festivals 2026
Whenever you’re in Paris, there’s always something happening – after all, Paris is a moveable feast! From historic celebrations to lively festivals and thrilling sports events, Paris is a city that knows how to celebrate.
Curious about the holidays and most famous festivals in Paris in 2026? Whether you’re planning your trip to Paris around iconic events or simply want to experience the city’s vibrant culture, join me on this journey through Paris’s unforgettable celebrations of food, wine, and folk traditions.
Are You Planning a Trip to Paris Last Minute?
If you are booking a last-minute trip to Paris, I’ve got you covered! Below are our guides, top tours, hotels, and more:
» Plan: Paris Travel Planner; Paris Arrondissements Guide; Check out the best Paris Metro tickets for tourists
» Book your flight tickets with Omio; book your train tickets with Omio
Book your transfer from the airport to the city with Welcome Pickups.
» Where to Stay: Best Districts to Stay in Paris
- Le Pavillon de la Reine (historical 5-star hotel in Le Marais)
- Hotel La Comtesse (mid-range hotel with Eiffel Tower view from all the rooms!)
- Hotel Ducs de Bourgogne (super central 4-star hotel near the Louvre)
» Top-Rated Paris Tours & Tickets:
- Louvre Museum Skip-the-Line Ticket
- Eiffel Tower Summit Access Ticket
- Seine River Night Cruise
- Château de Versailles and Gardens
- Catacombs Skip-the-line tour with VIP access to restricted areas
Want skip-the-line access at museums & attractions in Paris? Get your hands on a Paris Museum Pass!
» Don’t leave without travel insurance! SafetyWing Essential plan works well for long and short trips (from 5 days up). Can also cover electronics theft through their add-on.
Table of contents:
- Public Holidays in France 2026
- School Holidays in Paris 2026-2027
- Major Events and Festivals in Paris 2026
Public Holidays in France 2026
These days are marked in red on our calendars, as we don’t work. Although France is a secular republic, most of the public holidays in France have a religious (Catholic) origin.
If any of these holidays fall near the weekend, we often take a “pont” (an extended long weekend) to travel. Keep in mind that train and flight tickets to and from Paris can be significantly more expensive during these periods.
- 1 January – New Year
- 6 April – Easter Monday
- 1 May – Labor Day
- 8 May – The Armistice, end of the WW2 in France
- 14 May – The Ascension, a religious festival
- 25 May – Pentecost Monday, a religious festival
- 14 July – National Day
- 15 August – Assumption of Mary
- 1 November – All Saints, a religious festival
- 11 November – The Armistice, end of WWI in France
- 25 December – Christmas Day.
School Holidays in Paris 2026-2027
During school holidays, children have two weeks off, and their parents usually take one week off to spend time with them and plan family activities and trips. Therefore, expect more crowds and higher prices on train and flight tickets during these periods in Paris.
School holidays in France are divided into geographical areas (A, B, and C). Each area has different dates for the school holidays – except for the Christmas and summer holidays, which are the same for everybody.
Paris belongs to the area “C.” These are the dates of the school holidays in Paris 2026-2027:
- Christmas holidays: from 21 December 2025 to 4 January 2026 (all of France)
- Winter holidays: from 21 February to 8 March 2026 (zone C)
- Spring holidays: from 18 April to 3 May 2026 (zone C)
- Long Weekend of the Ascension: from 14 May to 17 May 2026 (all of France)
- Summer holidays: from 4 July to 31 August 2026 (all of France)
- All Saints holidays: this year, only 1 November 2026 (all of France)
- Christmas holidays: from 19 December 2026 to 4 January 2027 (all of France)
If you want to avoid busy periods in Paris, don’t book your holiday during these time windows.
Events and Festivals in Paris 2026
Curious about what’s happening in Paris this week? Or next month? Here’s your guide to the upcoming events in Paris 2026
- Paris Events January
- Paris Events February
- Paris Events March
- Paris Events April
- Paris Events May
- Paris Events June
- Paris Events July
- Paris Events August
- Paris Events September
- Paris Events October
- Paris Events November
- Paris Events December
If you are looking for information about travel-related strikes, check out my dedicated article about transportation strikes in Paris.
Paris Events January 2026
1 January – New Year
Through 3 January – The Louvre is usually open late on Wednesdays and Fridays until 9 p.m., but during the holiday season, it stays open until 9 p.m. every evening – except on Tuesdays (always closed), 31 December, and 1 January. Be sure to reserve your timeslot online in advance! Tickets are available up until 7:30 p.m, and rooms start closing at 8:30 p.m.
3 January – Many museums and monuments in Paris (and the Parisian region) are open for free on the first Sunday of the month. Check out the full list of free museums in Paris on the first Sunday of the month
Through 4 January – You can still have fun at the Tuileries Garden Christmas Market
Through 6 January – Christmas at Disneyland Paris. You can buy your tickets to Disneyland Paris here.
6 January – Epiphany. Although it is not a holiday in France, the French celebrate this Catholic holiday with the Galette du Roi
7 January to 3 February – Winter Sales in all of France
10 January – Croissant National Day
15 January – Hommage à Molière. The annual Hommage à Molière takes place each year at the Comédie Française, where the famous French playwright died on stage in 1673. There is a free performance at 8 p.m., with tickets available directly at the Comédie one hour before the show
15 to 18 January – The District 13 Art Fair is back at Hôtel Drouot (9 rue Drouot, Paris 9) for three days, showcasing works by 170 of the world’s leading street art and graffiti artists. All the information is here.
14 to 27 January – Les Incontournables UGC. Watch the 20 best films of the previous year at any UGC cinema for only 5€. Check out the program and conditions in this post
20 to 29 January – Fashion Week. The Men’s Fashion Week is scheduled from 20 to 25 January 2026, followed by Haute Couture from 26 to 29 January 2026.
25 January – Traversée en Anciennes. Classic and vintage cars will be on parade in the morning, with a final gathering around Château de Vincennes at the end of the tour
28 January to 1 February – Retromobile at Paris Porte de Versailles (Paris 15). This is the fair for lovers of vintage cars, where 450 exhibitors will present more than 500 cars
See what it’s like to travel to Paris in January.
Paris Events February 2026
28 January to 1 February – Retromobile at Paris Porte de Versailles (Paris 15). This is the fair for lovers of vintage cars, where 450 exhibitors will present more than 500 cars
1 February – Many museums and monuments in Paris (and the Parisian region) are open for free on the first Sunday of the month. Check out the full list of free museums in Paris on the first Sunday of the month
1 February – Paris Follies Ballroom at La Coupole (102 Boulevard du Montparnasse, Paris 14) hosts a glamorous costume soirée celebrating the Golden Jazz Age (1923–1943) with live music, dancing, and vintage flair.
2 February – La Chandeleur. For La Chandeleur (Candlemas), the French eat crêpes! Here’s a list of the best crêpes in Paris (book in advance). You can also buy crêpes to eat on the go
Through 3 February – Winter Sales in all of France
6 February to 10 March – The 12th annual Mille & Une Orchidées exhibition returns to the historic Grandes Serres of the Jardin des Plantes (57 Rue Cuvier, Paris 5), showcasing the natural habitats of orchids through a lush botanical display, a photography exhibition, and two curated discovery trails. Visitors can wander a 1,000 m² floral installation featuring hundreds of rare and exotic orchids, attend workshops and demonstrations (in French), and browse a pop-up boutique selling orchids. More information here.
10 February – The finale of the Championnat de France des Écaillers (French oyster‑shucking championship) in 2026 is scheduled to take place in Paris on 10 February 2026. It will bring together the best professional écaillers (oyster shuckers) in a competition of speed, skill, and presentation, with the exact prestigious venue to be announced soon.
14 February – Saint Valentine’s Day. Celebrate Saint Valentine’s in the City of Love. Here are some romantic things to do in Paris with your other half
14 February – The Soirée LOVE at the Musée Rodin is an annual Valentine’s‑Day‑themed evening celebrating love with music, dance, workshops, and special activities
15 February – Carnaval de Paris. Also known as “Promenade du Boeuf Gras,” the parade starts in Place Gambetta (Paris 20) and weaves its way to Place de la République
16 February – International Syrah Day. Don’t miss this opportunity to taste some of the best Syrahs in France, like a Côte-Rôtie, Saint-Joseph, Cornas, or Crozes-Hermitage
18 February – Chinese New Year’s Parade in Paris 13. This year, China celebrates the Year of the Horse!
19 February – The Lunar New Year Food Market turns Boulevard de Belleville into a sprawling open-air street food destination, with over a dozen vendors serving an incredible variety of Asian dishes, from banh mi bao burgers to chiffon cakes and everything in between. Open from 6 p.m to 10:30 p.m. at 1–34 Boulevard de Belleville in Paris 20, between Ménilmontant and Couronnes metro stations (Line 2). Entry is free, just like a traditional market.
See what it’s like to travel to Paris in February.
Paris Events March 2026
1 March – Many museums and monuments in Paris (and the Parisian region) are open for free on the first Sunday of the month. Check out the full list of free museums in Paris on the first Sunday of the month
1 March – Traditional Chinese New Year Parade in Paris 13. This is the city’s largest and most iconic Lunar New Year procession! It usually begins in the early afternoon and winds through the Asian district around Avenues d’Ivry, de Choisy, Rue de Tolbiac, and Boulevard Masséna, with colorful dragon and lion dances, music, traditional costumes, and cultural performances lining the streets.
Thursdays through 5 March – The prestigious Comédie‑Française (Place Colette, Paris 1) is holding its fourth annual sale of rare stage costumes and accessories from its extensive period collection, priced €50–€500. More information and the exact dates here.
8 March – Half Marathon of Paris! This iconic race attracts thousands of runners of all levels and is known for its lively atmosphere and scenic urban course. Expect road closures throughout the itinerary.
8 to 15 March – The Paris‑Nice! One of France’s most iconic cycling races, the starting point this year is in Achères (a town near Paris).
Through 10 March – The 12th annual Mille & Une Orchidées exhibition returns to the historic Grandes Serres of the Jardin des Plantes (57 Rue Cuvier, Paris 5), showcasing the natural habitats of orchids through a lush botanical display, a photography exhibition, and two curated discovery trails. Visitors can wander a 1,000 m² floral installation featuring hundreds of rare and exotic orchids, attend workshops and demonstrations (in French), and browse a pop-up boutique selling orchids. More information here.
13 March – World Riesling Day! This is the perfect excuse for a day trip to Colmar or Strasbourg in March
14-15 March – Salon du Vintage at the Carreau du Temple (4 rue Eugène Spuller, Paris 3), offering a large space devoted to vintage clothing, accessories, vinyl, and small furniture from the 1950s to the 1990s.
TBD March – Course des Cafés. For this coffee race, each participant will be equipped with a tray on which a glass of water, a croissant, and a coffee will be placed. The goal is to cross the finish line as quickly as possible without dropping anything. This quirky race departs from the Hotel de Ville at 10 a.m
TBD March – The festival Paris Music is a multi‑day music event featuring concerts in unusual and cultural venues across the city and showcases a variety of musical genres and artists in settings like museums, cultural sites, and clubs. More information and dates here.
13 to 22 March – The Foire de Chatou, on the Île des Impressionnistes, features antiques, brocante (second‑hand goods), art, furniture, jewellery, and more from professional exhibitors. This is one of France’s largest and most respected fairs for collectors and antique lovers, with stands selling rare and vintage pieces.
19 to 22 March – Salon des Vins et des Vignerons Indépendants at Espace Champerret (Paris 17). Click here for more info
20 March – Macaron National Day
20 March – Spring in Paris
22 to 24 March – The Printemps du Cinéma 2026 is a nationwide cinema promotion where films are shown in the participating cinemas at a reduced flat rate of €5 per ticket.
27 March – Cheese National Day
TBD March – Hôtel de Ville Open House. The Hôtel de Ville holds an “open house” in March as part of its spring public access program. It allows visitors to explore the historic building, its grand halls, and sometimes temporary exhibitions.
29 March – Daylight Savings in France. In France, the clocks will change for Daylight Saving Time on Sunday, 29 March, at 2:00 a.m., when clocks are moved forward one hour (to 3:00 a.m). This marks the start of heure d’été (summer time) and means later sunset evenings across the country.
31 March. The last day to visit the Gardens of Versailles for free!
See what it’s like to travel to Paris in March.
Paris Events April 2026
1 April – Monet’s House and Gardens in Giverny opens its doors to visitors. Learn how to plan a day trip to Giverny from Paris
1 April to 31 October – Grandes Eaux et Jardins Musicaux de Versailles (Water and Music Festivals) in the Gardens of Versailles. It is possible to do the show alone or in combination with the Château de Versailles
5 April – Many museums and monuments in Paris (and the Parisian region) are open for free on the first Sunday of the month. Check out the full list of free museums in Paris on the first Sunday of the month
7 to 12 April – Journées Européennes des Métiers d’Art. This is a European-wide festival of artisans (artists, jewelry makers, designers, furniture makers, and ironsmiths) who open their workshops to the public. Use the “near me” function on the website to find the open studios. Entry is free
12 April – Paris-Roubaix, considered one of the world’s most dangerous cycling races. You can check out the itinerary here
13 April – Marathon of Paris
11 to 13 April – The Paris Café Festival at the Carreau du Temple (Paris 3) celebrates specialty coffee with tastings, barista showcases, workshops, and hundreds of roasters and coffee brands.
14 April – World Tannat Day. Let’s celebrate this tannic red wine red by drinking a Madiran wine from the south-west
17 April – World Malbec Day. Let’s celebrate this grape born in south-west France and its bold, velvet flavors by drinking a glass of wine from the Bergeracois or Northern Gascogne wine production areas
18 to 20 April – Rhum Fest celebrates rhum at Parc Floral in Paris. Click here for the full program
18 April – Le Disquaire Day. The Record Store Day is celebrated today at over 200 independent record shops in 90 cities throughout France and Belgium. In addition to unique collections and limited-edition records available for purchase, there will be live events, DJ sessions, showcases, and art exhibitions. Check out the website for the full program and participating record stores in Paris
19 to 22 April – Urban Art Fair. This international contemporary street art fair takes place at the Carreau du Temple in Paris 3, and brings together over 40 galleries and more than 100 artists, with exhibitions, live performances, music, talks, and installations celebrating urban art culture.
25 April – World Viognier Day. World Viognier Day is always celebrated on the last Friday of the month, this year on 25 April. Let’s celebrate this French white grape, known for its luscious textures and exotic flavors, by drinking a glass of Château-Grillet or Condrieu
Check out the best things to do in Paris in April.
Paris Events May 2026
1 May – Workers’ Day (public holiday)
1 May – World Sauvignon Blanc Day. Let’s celebrate this zesty, aromatic white grape that thrives in the Loire Valley, perhaps by drinking a glass of Sancerre or Pouilly-Fumé wine
3 May – Many museums and monuments in Paris (and the Parisian region) are open for free on the first Sunday of the month. Check out the full list of free museums in Paris on the first Sunday of the month
TBD May – The Fête du Pain, the bread festival (Parvis du Notre Dame), promotes traditional French breadmaking and includes the Best Baguette in Paris contest
8 May – The Armistice (national holiday), end of the WW2 in France
9 May – Nuit des Cathédrales. For the Night of Cathedrals, the participating cathedrals open their doors until midnight and offer a varied cultural and spiritual program, including concerts, exhibitions, conferences, shows, guided tours, meditations, prayers, and periods of silence
9 May – Printemps des Cimitières. Enjoy guided walk tours (in French) and other activities in the most beautiful cemeteries in Paris. The full program is available here
9 to 11 May – Tous à L’Opéra! This nationwide festival brings everyone to the opera, including those who might not normally visit. Check out the full program for Paris
11 to 24 May – The Festival de Jazz Saint-Germain-des-Prés is an annual jazz celebration held in the historic Saint‑Germain‑des‑Prés neighbourhood, with concerts in some of its most iconic venues. It showcases both renowned and emerging jazz artists. Check out the full program here
18 May to 7 June – Roland Garros (the French Open). This is the only Grand Slam tournament held on a clay court
21 to 24 May – Taste of Paris at the Grand Palais. Taste of Paris is one of the most famous food festivals in France.
21 May – World Chardonnay Day. Let’s celebrate the most planted white grape variety with a Burgundy wine or a glass of champagne
23 May – Nuit Européenne des Musées, when many museums in Paris and France stay open until midnight. Check out the full program
25 to 31 May – Paris Beer Festival. This week‑long festival showcases the craft beer scene with tastings, events in participating bars, and beer shops around the region. It culminates with a Grand Final weekend (30–31 May 2026) at Ground Control (Paris 12), featuring dozens of local, French, and international microbreweries pouring nearly 200 artisanal brews alongside music, talks, and food options. Check out the full program
Check out the best things to do in Paris in May.
Paris Events June 2026
Through 7 June – Roland Garros (the French Open). This is the only Grand Slam tournament held on a clay court
5 to 7 June – We Love Green Festival. This is an environmentally friendly music festival in the Bois de Vincennes. The full program is available here
6 June – Nuit Blanche is the city’s annual all‑night contemporary art festival, when public spaces, museums, parks, and surprising venues across Paris and Île‑de‑France are transformed by artistic installations, performances, projections, and interactive works from evening into the early morning.
7 June – Many museums and monuments in Paris (and the Parisian region) are open for free on the first Sunday of the month. Check out the full list of free museums in Paris on the first Sunday of the month
6 June to 19 September – Night Fountains Show in the Gardens of Versailles (Saturdays and holidays). You can buy the tickets here
13 June – World Chenin Day. This day is a tribute to Chenin Blanc, a highly versatile grape variety known for producing a wide range of wine styles that thrives in the Loire Valley
13 to 14 June – Médievales de Provins. France’s most important Medieval Fair takes place in the lovely Medieval town of Provins
21 June – Fête de la Musique. This French festival celebrates music and the arrival of summer in Paris
TBD June to TBD July – Festival Chopin, at the Orangerie du Parc de Bagatelle. Enjoy six candlelit concerts, two-weekend recitals, and the traditional “Piano à Portes Ouvertes” day. The full program is available here
24 June to 21 July – Summer Sales in all of France
TBD June to TBD September – Classique au Vert. This Paris festival of classical music concerts takes place at Parc Floral. The full program is available here
TBD June to TBD September – Paris Jazz Festival at Parc Floral. The full program is available here
Check out the best things to do in Paris in June.
22 June to 14 July – Festival Chopin, at the Orangerie du Parc de Bagatelle. Enjoy six candlelit concerts, two-weekend recitals, and the traditional “Piano à Portes Ouvertes” day. The full program is available here
14 July – Fête Nationale (France’s National Day). The most spectacular celebrations and parades take place in Paris! Here’s where to watch the Eiffel Tower fireworks on 14 July.
26 July to 17 August – Les Arènes Lyriques Montmartre, classical music concerts in the neighborhood of Montmartre. The full program is available here
27 July – Final Stage of the Tour de France at the Champs-Elysées
5 July to 31 August – Paris Plages is back along the banks of the River Seine and the Canal de la Villette
2 to 25 July– Les Etés du Louvre. Don’t miss this open-air festival at the Cour Carrée du Louvre. The full program is here.
Check out the best things to do in Paris in July.
26 July to 17 August – Les Arènes Lyriques Montmartre, classical music concerts in the neighborhood of Montmartre. The full program is available here
5 July to 31 August – Paris Plages is back along the banks of the River Seine and the Canal de la Villette
15 August – Assumption of Mary (public holiday)
18 August – International Pinot Noir Day. It is time to celebrate one of the world’s most elegant and complex wine grapes, which thrives in the coldest wine regions of France like Burgundy, Loire Valley, Alsace, and Champagne
20 August to 24 August – Rock-en-Seine Festival at Parc National de Saint Cloud. The full program is available here
25 August – The city celebrates the liberation of Paris from the Nazis (25 August 1944)
28 August – International Cabernet Sauvignon Day. Celebrated annually on the Thursday before Labor Day in the United States, Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the world’s most renowned red wine grapes, known for its bold structure, hints of oak, and rich flavors of blackcurrant and blackberry
Check out the best things to do in Paris in August.
20 to 21 September – Journées Européennes du Patrimoine (European Heritage Days), with many museums and other cultural buildings free to visit
22 September – Fall in Paris
TBD September – Techno Parade de Paris, which seeks to promote techno music culture in Paris. Update: no Techno Parade this year 🙁
27 to 29 September – Cocktail Street Festival. Check out the full program here
Check out the best things to do in Paris in September.
Paris Events October 2026
1 October to 2 November – Halloween in Disneyland Paris. You can buy your tickets to Disneyland Paris here
8 to 12 October – Fête des Vendanges (Grape Harvest Festival) in Montmartre, Paris. This is one of the most popular Paris festivals, so it is usually very crowded!
18 to 20 October – Nuit des Châteaux. Visit historic castles near Paris and throughout France, all lit up at night. The list of castles participating in the event here
24 October – World Champagne Day. Let’s toast to the world’s most festive drink, exclusively produced in the Champagne Wine Region. Known for its elegance and fine bubbles, here are some curious facts about champagne wine
29 October to 2 November – Salon du Chocolat at Porte de Versailles. You can start warming up with this self-guided chocolate tour in Paris
31 October – Halloween. Check out how to celebrate Halloween in Paris
Check out the best things to do in Paris in October.
Paris Events November 2026
1 October to 2 November – Halloween in Disneyland Paris. You can buy your tickets to Disneyland Paris here
29 October to 2 November – Salon du Chocolat at Porte de Versailles
1 November – All Saints (national holiday)
7 November – International Merlot Day. This is the perfect excuse to visit Bordeaux and its wine area, especially Garonne’s Right Bank (Saint-Emilion, Pomerol,..), where Merlot is king
11 November – The Armistice, end of WWI in France
13 to 16 November – International Photography Fair (Paris Photo) at Grand Palais
19 November – The arrival of the Beaujolais Nouveau. This day marks the release of the Beaujolais Nouveau, a young, fruity wine made from the Gamay grape variety in the Beaujolais Wine Region
24 November – International Carmenère Day. Originally from Bordeaux, where you can still find it in some blends, Carmenère found a second home in Chile, where it is the signature wine
TBD to TBD November – Le Grand Tasting (the Grands Vins festival) at the Carrousel du Louvre
TBD November to TBD January 2027 – Christmas at Disneyland Paris. You can buy your tickets to Disneyland Paris here
TBD November to TBD January 2026 – Illuminations de Noël at Champs Elysées. The holiday season in Paris officially begins with the ceremony of turning on the lights of the Avenue des Champs Elysées
12 November to 18 January 2026 – Festival des Lumières (Paris’ Light Festival) at the Jardin des Plantes
TBD November to TBD January 2026 – Christmas Markets in Paris. Here’s the list of the best Christmas Markets in Paris
Check out the best things to do in Paris in November.
Paris Events December 2026
From TBD November to TBD January 2027 – Christmas Markets in Paris. Here’s the list of the best Christmas Markets in Paris
TBD November to TBD January 2027 – Christmas at Disneyland Paris. You can buy your tickets to Disneyland Paris here.
6 to 7 December – Fête de la Sainte Barbe. The Army Museum at Les Invalides celebrates the Fête de la Sainte Barbe (patron saint of French artillery and firefighters) with a week of free activities for the whole family.
4 December – International Cabernet Franc Day. Let’s celebrate Cabernet Franc, a grape variety known for its elegance, medium body, and flavors of red berries, herbs, and floral notes, often with a touch of spice. Cabernet Franc is a key player in Bordeaux blends and shines as a single-varietal wine in the Loire Valley
21 December – Winter in Paris
25 December – Christmas (national holiday). Check out our guide to Christmas in Paris
TBD December to TBD January 2027 – Festival du Merveilleux at the Musée des Arts Forains (Paris 14)
31 December – New Year’s Eve. Here’s what to do in Paris on New Year’s Eve
Check out the best things to do in Paris in December.
And there you have it, the list of the most famous celebrations and festivals in Paris this year. What Paris events don’t you want to miss?
