When visitors ask me when the best time to visit Paris is, my answer is always the same: September. It’s one of those rare times of year when Paris seems to have it all. The weather is usually just about perfect, not too hot, not too cold, and with plenty of sunshine. Parisians are back from their famously long summer holidays, refreshed and in a good mood, the tourist crowds have thinned out a little, and the city is packed with fun events.
Honestly, what’s not to love? If you happen to be visiting during this fabulous month, here are my favourite things to do in Paris in September.
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Image Courtesy of Maison & Objet
See the latest design trends during Paris Design Week
If you love art, interiors or beautiful things in general, then you won’t want to miss Paris Design Week, held from September 10th to 19th, 2026. This year’s theme, “Pulse in Motion,” celebrates fresh ideas and new ways of living, so expect plenty of inspiring pop-ups, gallery shows and iconic spaces transformed by some of the world’s best creative minds.
There are hundreds of venues across the city, but the biggest is the Maison & Objet, a huge trade show where you can see thousands of amazing design items all in one place (WA*).
*WA = Wheelchair Accessible
Maison & Objet | Seine-Saint-Denis | WA | 10-19th September
Image Courtesy of Élysée Palace
Visit cool places that are normally off-limits
If you’re in Paris during the third weekend of September, don’t miss European Heritage Days (Les Journées Européennes du Patrimoine). It’s your chance to step inside incredible places that are normally closed to the public, from grand private mansions and artisan workshops to historic theatres and government buildings, all for free. I love this event and always check out some new spots every year.
You can even visit the President’s residence, the Élysée Palace, but the queues are totally insane, so I’d recommend exploring some of the city’s lesser-known gems instead. Have a look at the event map before your trip, as some sites require booking. Or, if you’d rather play it by ear, wander the Marais, where plenty of beautiful historic mansions open their doors without reservations.
Explore what’s on | Across Paris | 10-14th September
Image Courtesy of Boutique Tours
Make the most of the nice autumn days on a bike tour
September was made for cycling in Paris, so hop on a bike and explore the city with the wind in your hair on this amazing Paris highlights bike tour. You’ll cruise past top sites like the Eiffel Tower, Les Invalides, Place de la Concorde and the Tuileries Gardens, stop for stunning views along the Seine, and discover hidden corners like the Palais Royal and the delightful Rue Cler market street. It’s the perfect mix of famous landmarks and local favorites, while also making you feel more comfortable touring the city on your own after the tour.
Image Courtesy of Get Your Guide
Peek inside the studios of real artists
If you’re curious about Paris’s current art scene or simply want to do something cool and local, then head to Belleville on the weekend of September 26th to 29th for the Menilmontant artist open studio event. It’s a rare chance to meet working artists, explore their studios, and maybe even pick up an original piece.
While you’re in Belleville, make time for exploring the area, which is one of Paris’s coolest districts. It’s packed with colourful street art, independent cafés and creative energy. If you’re keen to learn the stories behind the fun murals, consider joining this street art tour.
Menilmontant Open Studio | 20th Arrondissement | 26-29th September
Image Courtesy of Techno Parade via Facebook
Dance through the streets of Paris during the annual Techno Parade
Love techno music or great party vibes? Then you have to plan your trip around September 19th. This is when the Techno Parade converts central Paris into one giant open-air dance floor.
Since 1998, around a dozen DJ floats have rolled through the streets blasting electronic music, with hundreds of thousands of people dancing alongside them. Whether you’re a hardcore techno fan or just want to soak up the atmosphere, it’s one of the city’s most energetic events, and a seriously fun way to spend an afternoon.
Find out more about Techno Parade | Across Paris | 19th September
Image Courtesy of Hotel Fondation
Soak up the last days of Paris rooftop bars
September is your last chance to make the most of Paris’s rooftop bars before many of them close for the season in October. Grab a cocktail, order a long lunch, and soak up the sunshine while you still can.
One of my favourites is the rooftop at the Fondation Hotel, tucked away in the 17th arrondissement and with a sweeping view of the city, while Le Jardin at Cheval Blanc is hard to beat if you’re after a chic lunch with stunning views. For even more sky-high spots, check out my guide to the best rooftop bars in Paris.
Image Courtesy of Paris-Versailles
Take part in a scenic race between Paris and Versailles
If your ideal sightseeing day involves running shoes rather than walking shoes, sign up for the Paris-Versailles race on September 27th. This iconic 16.2 km race starts at the Eiffel Tower and winds through the city’s leafy southwestern suburbs before finishing at the magnificent Palace of Versailles. It’s one of the prettiest races in France, and a fantastic excuse to see a greener side of Paris.
Think you’ll still have some energy left at the end? Reward yourself with a visit to the palace and its spectacular gardens. This excellent small-group tour of Versailles even offers an afternoon departure, ideal for post-race sightseeing at a more leisurely pace.
Sign up to race | Paris to Versailles | 27th September
Image Courtesy of Mathias Reding via Pexels
Catch the glamour of Paris Fashion Week
At the end of September, the fashion crowd descends on the city as Paris Fashion Week returns from September 28th to October 6th. The world’s biggest fashion houses and tomorrow’s rising stars unveil their Spring/Summer 2027 collections in some of the city’s most spectacular venues.
Scoring a seat at the shows is about as likely as bumping into your favorite celebrity at a corner café, but the excitement spills far beyond the catwalk. Head to the Tuileries Garden or Palais Royal to watch impeccably dressed editors, influencers, and models strut between shows, or linger outside the city’s chicest hotels for a little celebrity spotting.
You can also live out your Paris fashion dreams with some of these fun things to do for fashion lovers in Paris.
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