What to do in Paris this Sunday 13 September: our pick of outings and things to see
A Sunday in September in Paris, and the dilemma sets in from the moment you wake up: a charity run, regional gastronomy, a Viking re-enactment or a family day out. On this 13 September 2026, the capital and the Île-de-France are offering a packed programme, and what to do in Paris today is far from a single-answer question. Here are the events worth pencilling in to plan your day.
Sport, history and the great outdoors to kick off the morning
For fresh-air lovers, the Course du Cerveau takes place at the Domaine national du Château de Saint-Germain-en-Laye. Three distances are on offer: 2.5 km, 5 km and 10 km, open to runners and walkers alike. The event brings together athletes and families in a spirit of solidarity, raising funds for brain research.
In the Yvelines, the Fête Médiévale Endesumar pitches its Viking camp at the Château de Rangiport in Gargenville. Ragnarök combat displays, a fire show and a Scandinavian market animate this historical re-enactment weekend, with 13 September marking its final day. A wonderfully offbeat outing for history enthusiasts and curious minds alike.
Along the Seine, the riverbanks play host to the Traversée de Paris et des Hauts-de-Seine, a 28 km rowing race. Spectators are welcome to cheer on participants from the banks this Sunday.
Gastronomy and culture in the heart of Paris
13 September marks the launch of the Rendez-vous des Terroirs 2026, the debut edition of a food festival taking over La Grande Menuiserie in the 7th arrondissement. Open to the public on Sunday 13 and Monday 14 September, the event brings together 70 producers and artisans, celebrated chefs, tastings and culinary demonstrations. A celebration of flavour designed for food lovers and families alike.
For design enthusiasts, Paris Design Week 2026 runs through to 19 September. Free installations are accessible across several venues throughout the capital all week long. It is also the final day of Parcours des mondes, the fair dedicated to the arts of Africa, Oceania, the Americas, Asia and archaeology, in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighbourhood.
The Festival des Places, meanwhile, offers two free days of dance and music in Paris’s public spaces, at the place du Châtelet on 13 September. A programme open to everyone, no ticket or booking required.
What to do in Paris with the family this Sunday
Families have several strong options for this Sunday. The Ferme de la Villette opens its doors as part of the Matins Fermiers, a morning dedicated to discovering the farm and its animals, designed for young and old alike.
- The Cité des sciences is hosting Décollez Jeunesse, a free weekend dedicated to space exploration, in partnership with the CNES and ESA, with workshops and activities for children.
- The Fête à Neuneu continues at the Bois de Boulogne through to 11 October, with thrill rides and attractions for children.
- The Féerie des Enfants is set up in Rueil-Malmaison through to 27 September, with rides and entertainment on the forecourt of the Hôtel de Ville.
- France Miniature celebrates its 35th anniversary in Élancourt in the Yvelines, with an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the park and free entry for visitors who are also turning 35.
The Domaine de Sceaux also inaugurates on 13 September the exhibition Princesse rebelle, devoted to Marie-Caroline, Duchess of Berry. The historical display runs through to 14 February 2027, making it a date worth keeping in mind for the longer term.
Concerts, shows and things to do across Île-de-France
The Fête de l’Humanité 2026 closes its edition this Sunday at the former base aérienne 217 in Le Plessis-Pâté, in Essonne. The line-up for this final day includes Soprano, Louane, Maureen, Oumou Sangaré, Kery James, Kneecap, Danyl, Les Wampas and The Avener. An eclectic bill to round off this major open-air music event.
For those who prefer to stay within Paris, the exhibition We are (still) here at the Petit Palais offers a free urban art trail, running through to 20 September 2026. Time is running short to catch it. Equally, the Rooftop Nijinsky, perched atop the Théâtre du Châtelet, welcomes visitors through to 21 September for cocktails and DJ sets with sweeping views over Paris.
Finally, what to do in Paris this Sunday if you are after something a little more unusual? The exhibition Tout est en ordre at the Institut suédois, free and delightfully offbeat, blends art and fashion around the Swedish sense of order, running through to 4 October. A venue worth slipping into the schedule to round off an already full day.
Practical information before you head out
Before setting off, it is worth noting that a strike notice from professional firefighters is in effect from 8 September to 20 October 2026. This national action is not expected to directly disrupt transport, but it is advisable to check real-time traffic information for the Métro, RER and Transilien this Sunday. Knowing what to do in Paris on 13 September also means planning your journeys in advance to make the most of the day.
