Paris Photo and Photo Days transform Paris in November 2025

According to our survey, November 2025 will be a decisive month for photography in Paris: two international events will overlap to offer enthusiasts and professionals an unprecedented panorama. Our sources reveal that over 230 exhibitors and dozens of cultural venues will be mobilized, creating a rare cultural intensity.

Photo Days 2025: an open-access festival

Created six years ago, Photo Days has already established itself as a major cultural event. Taking place in a variety of venues across Paris, from the Bourse de Commerce to independent galleries, it showcases the emerging and international voices of contemporary photography. Running from November 3 to 30, 2025, Photo Days encourages a multi-faceted approach, with installations, guided tours and lectures.

Open access attracts both the informed and the curious, offering rare visibility to artists often overlooked by the major fairs. Professionals confirm that this year’s edition will intensify exchanges, notably thanks to the presence of the International Photography Festivals Association on November 13. A strategy that reinforces its role in the global network.

During our previous visit, we noted a real effort to make contemporary photography accessible, notably through interactive and free formats. This inclusive approach contrasts sharply with other Parisian events focused on the art market.

Paris Photo 2025 at the renovated Grand Palais

At the same time, Paris Photo returns to its iconic setting, the recently renovated and reopened Grand Palais. From November 13 to 16, 2025, over 230 exhibitors from 30 countries will occupy 21,000 m², bringing together institutions, galleries and collectors around historical and contemporary photography. The VIP opening on November 12 will, as usual, attract major collectors and publishers.

In contrast to the mainstream nature of Photo Days, Paris Photo embodies the professional, commercial side of photography, with an increased presence of international galleries. Experts estimate that the event generates up to 12.5% of the global photographic art market, according to the most recent figures available. Its worldwide reputation makes it an essential reference.

A month of photography in November

The concomitance of the two events offers a rare density, with a succession of vernissages, portfolio readings and conferences. Our observations show that between November 15 and 19, several exclusive guided tours and key moments such as the presentation of the Grand Prix de Photographie will mark Photo Days. The public will be able to move freely from fairs to institutional venues.

This dialogue between events demonstrates the evolution of a model: on the one hand, a fair organized around collectors and markets, on the other an inclusive, open festival. Together, they give Paris a central position in the global visual arts calendar.

“Paris Photo is the place to be for photography enthusiasts and professionals alike” – Paris Photo organizer

This polarization creates an attraction comparable to Fashion Week in the fashion world, reinforcing Paris’ position as a cultural and economic epicenter.

Focus on the emerging women’s scene

This year, Paris Photo confirms its special focus on women artists with the Elles x Paris Photo program. Our monitoring indicates that this project remains unique among the major fairs, responding to a growing need for visibility and rebalancing. In parallel, Photo Days promotes young artists with portfolio readings open to critics and curators.

The interaction between these initiatives opens up new perspectives for contemporary photography. The galleries present confirmed that they are increasingly integrating emerging female talent, a tangible sign of structural change.

“Photo Days offers a unique panorama of contemporary photography” – Photo Days Artistic Director

This dual commitment, both inclusive and commercial, reflects the current state of a changing market where diversity and societal values are gaining ground.

International impact and 2025 outlook

The presence of delegations such as the IPFA confirms the global scale of these events. The institutional exchanges on November 13, organized as part of Photo Days, will give greater visibility to European and Asian festivals, consolidating Paris’ role as a photographic hub. Unlike previous editions, this synergy is already attracting the attention of foreign museums.

Professionals also point out that the reopening of the Grand Palais enhances its symbolic impact. The monumental architecture reinforces the prestige dimension and attracts more foreign collectors. According to several players in the field, attendance is set to far exceed that of 2024.

No polemics have been reported to date, reinforcing the reliable and stable reputation of both events. Institutional partners such as the City of Paris and the Tourist Office are clearly supportive. In this favorable climate, November 2025 promises to be a showcase of confidence.

Last but not least, the cultural dynamic will continue with other openings linked to luxury and creation. The recent opening of the temple of luxury on the Champs-Élysées is a good illustration of the capital’s artistic and commercial effervescence.