It’s that time of year again in France: la rentrée, or back to school season, back to work season, back to business season. September in Paris. The long summer days are shortening as autumn approaches, and the weather is starting to cool down. September tends to remain fairly hot in Paris, but comfortably so, making it a great time to visit the City of Light. Businesses that were closed for vacation in August will be open again, and people are generally bright-eyed and excited to get back to it. September in Paris offers a magical blend of warm weather and cultural events, from open-air concerts and art exhibitions to fashion shows at Paris Fashion Week.
With everything opening back up, you may be wondering what to do in Paris in September. Of course, you don't want to miss the classic boat tours along the Seine River, local tours of the city, vibrant outdoor markets in every arrondissement, and the last rays of picnic season along the canal, but there are a few other bigger events that we want to share with you today.
Best Things to Do in Paris in September 2026
Here are 5 things to do in Paris in September that you don't want to miss.
The Music Festival: Fête de L’Humanité
This popular and yearly festival has been around for nearly 100 years, with the inaugural festival in 1930. It’s a huge festival that attracts both well established and emerging musicians. This year, it runs from September 11th-September 13th. Find all the information here.
European Heritage Weekend (Journées Européennes du Patrimoine) in Paris 2026
Known in French as the journées européennes de patrimoine, these take place the third weekend in September each year across Europe. This year, those dates are the 19th and 20th of September. There are tons of incredible experiences you can check out - but we recommend choosing a few and getting there well before doors open because most locations quickly form lines out the door! Open experiences include the art studios in the Louvre, the salons de receptions at the Hôtel de Ville, and the Institute of France, among hundreds of others. You can find the program for the whole of France here.
Jazz à la Villette: Paris Jazz Festival in September
From the 28th of August to the 6th of September, get away from the crowds of central Paris and explore the 19th arrondissement up at La Villette. Jazz à la Villette is a yearly jazz festival boasting daily performances, sometimes multiple per day, and offering experiences for children as well. Find out more and book your tickets here.
And if you’re wondering what else there is to do or eat near La Villette - don’t worry. We’ve got you covered. Whether you want to rent a boat to paddle around the canal, grab a specialty coffee, or indulge in some amazing food, our guide to Paris will steer you through. No need to plan ahead with Paris in My Pocket because with our map, you’ll be able to find what you need nearby and rest assured that you’re going to have a great time.
Whiskey Live Paris & Cocktail Street Festival 2026
While we’re at La Villette, let’s talk about what else we have to look forward to in September. If you’re a whiskey drinker, you won’t want to miss Whiskey Live. The whole festival is cool, from the ateliers to the tasting booths, but what’s truly not to miss is Cocktail Street, at the Grande Halle de la Villette from September 26th to 28th. In the Grande Halle you’ll find almost 60 bars plus dozens of street food stands and various DJs. It’s bound to be a fun time.
La Fête de Paris
La Fête de Paris is a true Paris Party. Scheduled for the 12th and 13th of September at the Jardin des Grands Explorateurs (Place André Honnorat) in the 6th arrondissement, the festival's focus this year is celebrating history, patrimony, culture and art of the City of Light.
Oh, and no big deal, but there's also a Josephine Baker Ball that is the roaring 20’s theme on the agenda. Some events are free, and some are paid - Tickets for everything can be found here.
In other words… September in Paris is a vibrant time! It’s filled with diverse events and experiences that make the city even more enchanting. We've shared our top five recommendations, but there are plenty of other exciting happenings that add to the energy of the season. Whether you’re exploring renowned institutions or discovering something new, the blend of creativity, culture, history, and atmosphere during this time of year is truly special. It’s the perfect month to experience Paris at its dynamic best!
And don’t forget - if you’re looking for even more wonderful things to do, like the best museums in Paris, the most delicious places to eat, or that perfect cookie, check out our guide. You’ll get access to hundreds of recommendations, our map, and articles filled with advice - and did we mention it comes with access for life?
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