Paris in September – what’s on?

MyFrenchLife™ - Paris in September - Notre-Dame de Paris

In September, the warm summer months and long evenings spent exploring the City of Light are coming to an end. But this isn’t necessarily a bad thing!

The arrival of the month where the French head back to work can mean a new start and a new you. Take a look at what we recommend to get the most out of Paris in September.

Spend a day out with les petits

What is it?

Les Pestacles, a common mispronunciation French children use to say the word ‘spectacles’, is an event open to little Parisians through the summer until September. Offering a mix of music, circus, slam, dance, and educational activities, this is a great opportunity for your little ones to mix with locals of their own age and be immersed in French cultural activities.

Where: Parc Floral, Bois de Vincennes, route de la Pyramide, 75012.
When: Until 23rd September.
Métro: Château de Vincennes.
MyFrenchLife™ - Paris in September - Les Pestacles

Listen to some jazz

What is it?

Jazz à la Villette is ten days’ worth of jazz concerts, featuring artists like Gabriel Garzon Montato, The Heliocentrics and Hugh Coltman singing the songs of the famous Nat King Cole.

Where: Parc de la Villlette, avenue Jean Jaurès, 75019.
When: 3rd – 13th September.
Métro: Porte de Pantin or Porte de la Villette.

Indulge in French cuisine at the Fête de la Gastronomie

What is it?

The Fête de la Gastronomie is three flavourful days of tasting regional delicacies, meeting professionals from the food industry and sharing your passion for food! Taking place all over France, this celebration of French food and drink invites Francophiles to delight in banquets, picnics, markets, cooking workshops, dégustations and guided tours.

MyFrenchLife™ - Paris in September - Fête de la Gastronomie

Where: All over Paris and France.
When: 25th – 27th September.

Experience a one-of-a-kind art exhibition

What is it?

Visit the Palais de Tokyo to see ‘Acquaalta’, an art exhibition by French artist Céleste Boursier-Mougenot. Spectators will sail up a river in a small boat, through the exhibition itself. This is intended to make you feel part of it and give you the impression of navigating your own psyche.

Where: Palais de Tokyo, 13 avenue du Président Wilson, 75116.
When: Until 13th September.
Métro: Iéna or Alma – Marceau.

Relax at a literary café

What is it?

Paris has a number of literary cafés, perfect for MyFrenchLife™ readers who have a love of words, and they are all re-opening at the end of the summer. These cafés make an interesting place to sit and read, discover new authors and meet French people. They’re also especially good for those of us who work remotely!

MyFrenchLife™ - Paris in September - Le Thé des Ecrivains

Le Salon by Thé des Écrivains is a tea shop and library located in the heart of Le Marais, offering 5000 titles and hosting a number of debates, dégustations and literary events. Over in the 4th arrondissement, La Belle Hortense is a little different, proposing books and wine instead of tea – what could be better? And Le Petit Ney, nestled in the 18th arrondissement, allows you to bring your own food and hosts workshops, from writing to cooking and from slam to sewing.

Get creative and learn a skill

What is it?

Starting à la rentrée (the start of the school year), the Académie Musicale du 12e Daumesnil will offer classes for adults and children on music, theatre, drawing and painting. Paris is famous for its art and culture, so why not try your hand at the harp, cartoon drawing or music writing?

Enrolment will also start in September for courses at Les Ateliers Beaux Arts, where you can attend weekly workshops and choose from a wide array of subjects, including engraving, architecture, perspective, cinema animation and textiles.

Where: Académie Musicale du 12e Daumesnil, 8 rue de Wattignies, 75012.
When: From September.
Métro: Dugommier or Daumesnil.
Where: Les Ateliers Beaux Arts, various ateliers around Paris.
When: From September.

What will you be doing in Paris in September? Do you have any other suggestions? Let us know in the comments below or tweet us @MaVieFrancaise.


Image credits:
1. Notre-Dame de Paris, by Falcon® Photography, via Flickr.
2. Les Pestacles, via Ere de Jeu Facebook page.
3. Fête de la Gastronomie, via the Fête de la Gastronomie Facebook page.

4. Le Thé des Ecrivains, by Le Thé des Ecrivains management, via Yelp.

About the Contributor

Judy MacMahon

Experience FRANCE beyond the CLICHÉ with MyFrenchLife.org MyFrenchLife is for Curious Savvy Francophiles wherever you are. Meet Francophiles in France, online, and/or wherever you live. You’re very welcome to join us - Judy MacMahon - MyFrenchLife.org

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