Sources: Paris Convention and Visitors Office, Paris Mayor's Office
The below calendar applies to October 2009.
Festivals and Seasonal Events
- Nuit Blanche (White Night): Don't miss this annual celebration of all things art and culture, in which hundreds of museums, galleries, and other spots around Paris keep their doors open until dawn with free exhibits, multimedia installations, and performances.
When: October 3rd, 2009
Where: Various locations around Paris-- (read Nuit Blanche 2009 guide)
- Vendanges de Montmartre (Montmartre Wine Harvest: Witnessing the Vendanges de Montmartre is a fantastic way to experience the best of Paris in autumn. The village-like Montmartre neighborhood boasts vines that still produce decent wines-- how many major cities can claim that? Each year, the harvest is celebrated with much fanfare, bringing together musicians, performing artists, wine connoisseurs and lovers.
When: October 7-11, 2009
Where: Metro Abbesses (line 12).
- International Contemporary Art Fair (FIAC): One of the most important annual events in Paris' contemporary art scene, the FIAC showcases work this year from 180 international galleries at three locations on the city's right bank.
When: October 22-25, 2009
Where: Grand Palais, Tuileries Gardens, Musée du Louvre
For more information: Visit the official website
- "Musical Waters" at the Chateau de Versailles
Experience the mingling of light, water, and classical music in the gardens of the world's most famous chateau. Perfect for a surreal mid-summer evening.
When: Every weekend through October 25th.
Where: Chateau de Versailles
Visit the event website for dates and times.
- The Autumn Festival: Since 1972, the Paris Autumn Festival or "Festival de l'Automne" has brought in the post-summer season with a bang by highlighting some of the most compelling works in contemporary visual art, music, cinema, theater, and other forms. Consult the official website for program details (in English).
When: Through December 19th, 2009.
Arts and Exhibits
- Renoir in the 20th century
The Galeries Nationales du Grand Palais is hosting a show exploring a little-known period from French artist Pierre Auguste Renoir: his last one. Decorative paintings, drawings, sculpture and other works show how Renoir's influence extended well into the 20th century.
When: Through January 4th, 2010.
Where: Galeries Nationales du Grand Palais
- Pierre Soulages
The National Museum of Modern Art at the Centre Georges Pompidou is running a retrospective on the work of contemporary French painter Pierre Soulages, considered by many critics to be one of the more important contributors to abstractionist painting in the post World War II period.
October 14th, 2009 through March 8th, 2010.
Location: Centre Georges Pompidou
Metro: Rambuteau
- Venetian Rivalries: Titian, Tintoretto and Veronese
A temporary exhibit at the Musée du Louvre takes a look at three painters from Venice's "golden" 16th century, exploring their breakthrough techniques and mutual influence.
Through January 4th, 2010.
Location: Musée du Louvre
Metro: Palais Royal-Musée du Louvre
- Louis XIV: The Man and the King
The first-ever major exhibit dedicated to the life, times and personal tastes and idiosyncrasies of France's "Sun King" will give visitors a chance to explore one of Europe's most powerful monarchs within the confines of the palace he commissioned. Personal effects and treasures from the king's royal collection make the exhibit especially intimate.
From October 19th, 2009 to February 7th, 2010
Location: Chateau de Versailles
RER: Versailles Rive Gauche (Line C)
More October Events: Shows and Trade Fairs
More on Visiting Paris in October: October Weather and Packing Guide
