Sources: Paris Convention and Visitors Office, Paris Mayor's Office
The below calendar applies to September 2012.
Festivals and Seasonal Events
- "Musical Fountains" at the Chateau de Versailles
Experience the mingling of light, water, and classical music in the gardens of the celebrated chateau outside Paris. Perfect for a relaxed half-day getaway from the city bustle.
When: Every weekend through October 28th, 2012.
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, coming soon).
When: September 3rd-December 15th, 2012.
- European Heritage Days (Journees du Patrimoine)
For one day each year in the fall, as part of the continental event known as European Heritage Days, Paris monuments, government buildings, city halls and others open their doors to the public for a behind-the-scenes look at some of Paris' most fascinating places.
When: September 15th-16th, 2012
Where: Various locations around Paris-- see here for more information.
Arts and Exhibits
- C'etaient des enfants (They were children)
A moving free exhibit at the exhibition space in Paris' City Hall (Hotel de Ville) traces the tragic story of the nearly 12,000 Jewish children deported from France by the Nazis during World War II-- a vast majority of whom were Parisians. Fewer than 200 returned from the death camps alive. This somber look at one of the darker chapters in Paris' history, featuring dozens of never-before seen documents such as letters, photos, and drawings, was designed to keep the maxim "never forget" alive and well.
When: Through October 27th, 2012.
Where: Hotel de Ville - 29 rue de Rivoli
Metro: Hotel de Ville or Chatelet
- Trompe l'oeil (Tricking the Eye)
A show which opened last month at Paris's Arts Décoratifs museum celebrates the "trompe l'oeil" technique and the complex art of deception. The exhibit features over 400 works, from paintings and sculpture to textiles, highlighting techniques of trickery originating in ancient Greece.
Location: Musee des arts decoratifs
107 rue de Rivoli,1st arrondissement
Metro: Louvre-Rivoli or Palais Royal
Tel: +33 (0)144 55 57 50
When: Through November 2013
Visit the official website
Read our full review here
- Gerhard Richter
An important exhibit consecrated to contemporary German painter Gerhard Richter at the Centre Georges Pompidou gives an intimate glimpse into the work of one of the 20th century's most fascinating artists.
When: Through September 24th, 2012.
Where: Centre Georges Pompidou
- Modigliani, Soutine and the Legend of Montparnasse - The Jonas Netter Collection
This exhibit at the Pinacotheque gallery near Madeleine is highlighting how highly influential Alsatian art collector Jonas Netter essentially brought the works of artists such as Modigliani, Soutine and Utrillo to the attention of the greater public. Several never-before exhibited works by Modigliani await at this show, which also provides a glimpse into the explosion of artistic production in Montparnasse in the early 20th century.
Location: Pinacotheque de Paris
28 place de la Madeleine
Metro: Madeleine or Opera
When: Through September 9th, 2012
More September Events in Paris: Shows and Trade Fairs
More on Visiting Paris in September: September Weather and Packing Guide
