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What to Do in Paris in November? 8 Must-See Events

undefined undefined 30 septembre 2026 undefined 18h00

undefined undefined 2 novembre 2026 undefined 16h38

The Editor

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Festivals galore, queer cinema, grand openings, photo exhibitions, Christmas lights… In November, a wonderful series of events awaits us in our favorite art and culture venues in Paris. Here are 8 must-see events.


The Women Get Involved Festival

A contemporary music festival exclusively dedicated to female artists and presented throughout France, The Women Get Involved launched in 1997 in response to how concert venues and festivals treated female musicians' work. And until November 29, the festival's 27th edition takes over concert halls and alternative venues in Paris and its surrounding areas. The night you won't want to miss? November 13 at Bal Chavaux, with Baby Berserk, No Sex Last Night, Exchpoptrue and Nevroses Nocturnes in DJ set.

Women Take Over
October 30 to November 29, 2026
Learn more


The Pitchfork Music Festival Paris

The flagship musical event of autumn is back in the capital for a brand new edition. I'm talking about the Pitchfork Music Festival, which from November 2 to 8 takes over the city's best concert venues, from Badaboum to Élysée Montmartre, passing through Mécanique Ondulatoire, Trabendo, Supersonic, POPUP! and many more. Emerging and established talents invite you to an amazing lineup of live shows that will have your head spinning and, most importantly, let you discover brand new hidden musical gems.

Pitchfork Music Festival Paris
November 2-8, 2026
More info


The opening of Les Grandes Serres de Pantin

Former industrial warehouses transformed into cultural spaces, food court, offices... Les Grandes Serres de Pantin is getting ready to open its doors on November 6, 2026. A brand new hybrid venue to discover along the Ourcq Canal during a festive opening weekend. From November 6-8, the new residents are offering an eclectic program mixing concerts, exhibitions, workshops, DJ sets, wine tastings and even a lovely brunch on Sunday.

Les Grandes Serres de Pantin
1, rue du Cheval Blanc – Pantin
Opening weekend November 6-8, 2026
Free admission with registration for most events
More info


Paris Photo at the Grand Palais& 

Once again this year, Paris Photo is set to dazzle the capital, thanks to an exceptional 29th edition at the Grand Palais. Beyond showcasing the spectacular evolution of this art form over the decades, this major event will be the perfect moment to examine the role and significance of this medium today. On the agenda, four days dedicated to photography, blending historical and contemporary works, emerging and established artists, award ceremonies, performances, and so much more.

Paris Photo
Grand Palais
17, Avenue Eisenhower – 8th arrondissement
November 12-15, 2026
More info


The 48 Hours of Steeplechase: Head to Auteuil Racecourse for a Weekend… in the Mountains

This is THE unmissable grand finale of the year at Auteuil, Paris's temple of steeplechase racing. On November 14 and 15, the 48 Hours of Steeplechase will wrap up the season by bringing together the best jockeys in the discipline and Parisians. To make this happen, Auteuil Racecourse is pulling out all the stops and teaming up with Val Thorens, transforming its spaces for two days into a true ski resort right in the heart of Paris. Mountain vibes and thrilling jumps are on the agenda, along with a series of winter activities featuring immersive experiences on snowy peaks.

, mechanical bulls (a mountain version of the mechanical bull) and other activities for kids and adults alike. Ready to experience a mountain weekend without leaving the capital?

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The 48 Hours of Jumping
Auteuil Racecourse
2, route d'Auteuil aux Lacs – Paris 16
Saturday, November 14 & Sunday, November 15, 2026
More info & tickets


The LGBTQIA+ Film Festival Chéries-Chéris

MK2 Beaubourg, Library and Quai de Seine will be buzzing with activity and welcoming some (very) fabulous guests. True to tradition, it's once again in these highly coveted dark rooms at the heart of the capital that the LGBTQIA+ Chéries-Chéris festival selection will be screened. For this 32nd edition, the program celebrates the richness of perspectives and creative voices in queer cinema, from intimate stories to collective struggles. An event we can't wait for, with The Blood Countess by Ulrike Ottinger opening on November 17th, and La Bola Negra by Javier Calvo and Javier Ambrossi closing on November 24th.

Cherished-Cherished
November 14-24, 2026
More info


The A Weekend in the East festival in the 6th

Born in 2016, A Weekend in the East is back for its 10th edition! This year, we're heading to Krakow, Poland's second-largest city, with prestigious patron and guest of honor: directors Krystian Lupa and Katarzyna Kalwat. Between visual arts, cinema, theater, music, dance and literature, the festival once again takes over this year the cultural landmarks that make the 6th arrondissement famous in Paris, from the École des Beaux-Arts to the Nouvel Odéon cinema, passing through the L'Écume des pages bookstore and the Odéon-Théâtre de l'Europe.

Festival A Weekend in the East
November 16-28, 2026
Learn more


The Christmas Lights on the Champs-Élysées (with Cate Blanchett!)

Much to the dismay of the capital's little Grinches, the Christmas lights on the Champs-Élysées are officially back starting Sunday, November 22. And because good news never comes alone, a major guest is gracing us with her presence. Alongside Paris Mayor Emmanuel Grégoire, Champs-Élysées committee president Marc-Antoine Jamet, and the 8th arrondissement mayor, Catherine Lécuyer, none other than international actress Cate Blanchett will be present at this inauguration as the face of the 2026 edition. And really, who better than Carol to kick things off?

Champs-Élysées Illuminations – Paris 8
Sunday, November 22, 2026