Paris Newsletter - January 2026

Bonjour from Paris! As the holiday lights twinkle a little longer, January 2026 ushers in a crisp, invigorating start to the new year. While the weather might be chilly, Paris remains vibrant, offering a rich tapestry of cultural events, cozy cafés, and quiet moments perfect for discovery. It's a wonderful time to experience the city's authentic charm, far from the summer crowds, and delve into its artistic and historical depths.

This January is particularly rich in artistic offerings. Art enthusiasts have a unique opportunity to explore the first French retrospective of Brazilian avant-garde artist Lygia Pape: Weaving Space at the Bourse de Commerce. Running through much of the month, this exhibition features immersive light installations and emblematic works, promising a truly captivating experience. And for those interested in a different art form, the same venue also features an exhibition on minimalism for further contemplation. If you're keen to understand how centuries of art have shaped this city, consider our Paris Private Custom Tour. We can tailor a route to your interests, perhaps focusing on art history from the Louvre to modern galleries, ensuring you uncover Paris's artistic treasures at your own pace.

Music lovers are also in for a treat from the very first day of the year. Kick off 2026 with an intimate classical concert at the beautiful Eglise Saint-Louis-en-l’Île or the renowned Eglise Saint-Germain-des-Prés. Alternatively, a special New Year's Concert at La Madeleine Church offers a grand start to January. Later in the month, opera enthusiasts won't want to miss Tchaikovsky's Eugene Onegin at Opéra Garnier, directed by Ralph Fiennes in his opera debut. This cinematic production explores unfulfilled love within one of Paris's most iconic venues. For a deeper dive into the city's historic heart where many of these musical gems are found, join our Welcome to Paris! Historic Centre Guided Walking Tour. It’s an ideal way to get your bearings and soak in the atmosphere that has inspired countless artists and musicians.

Beyond the grand venues, January also brings some fascinating photography and film events. The major retrospective, Martin Parr: Global Warning at Jeu de Paume opening late in the month, features 180 witty and incisive photographs that offer a critical visual satire on overconsumption, mass tourism, and global imbalances. For film buffs, the Unifrance Rendez-vous festival mid-month showcases recent French cinema to international professionals, with public screenings often available. Exploring the streets of Paris is an art in itself. Why not discover the eclectic blend of history and contemporary culture with our Le Marais: Jewish Quarter & Parisian Chic Tour? We'll guide you through charming alleys and vibrant squares, offering insights into one of Paris's most beloved districts, where history and modern life intertwine seamlessly.

Whether you're drawn to art, music, or simply the magic of a Parisian winter, January provides a superb opportunity to experience the city's cultural pulse. Bundle up, grab a hot chocolat, and allow yourself to be captivated by everything Paris has to offer.

Date	Event	Category
January 26 - February 27	Eugene Onegin Tchaikovsky's Eugene Onegin at Opéra Garnier, directed by Ralph Fiennes in his opera debut, explores unfulfilled love in a cinematic production. Iconic venue and superb cast make it essential for opera enthusiasts visiting Paris.[3]	📅 Other	More details →
January 1	Jour de l'an National holiday in FR	🎄 Holiday
January 1	New Year's Eve 2026 Show and Fireworks Celebrations to ring in the New Year, typically featuring a show and fireworks display at the Arc de Triomphe.	🎄 Holiday	More details →
January 13-20	Unifrance Rendez-vous Major French film industry event showcasing recent cinema to international buyers and professionals. Tourists interested in film can attend public screenings and network in Paris's vibrant audiovisual scene.	🎪 Festival	More details →
January 21-25	Literature Live Festival A literature festival for those interested in live readings and discussions, with a specific theme each year.	🎪 Festival	More details →
January 23-25	Hyper Week-end Festival A festive event celebrating a range of cultural activities in Paris. Exact details of performances and venues are usually confirmed closer to the date.	🎪 Festival	More details →
January 1	Concert at Saint-Louis-en-l’Île Church A classical concert in the historic Eglise Saint-Louis-en-l’Île on the Île Saint-Louis offers tourists an intimate musical experience in one of Paris's charming island churches. Perfect for New Year's Day with its festive atmosphere and proximity to Notre-Dame.[2]	🎵 Concert	More details →
January 1	Concerts at Saint-Germain-des-Prés Evening classical concerts at the renowned Eglise Saint-Germain-des-Prés in the heart of Paris's Left Bank provide a magical setting blending history, architecture, and live music. Ideal for tourists exploring the vibrant Saint-Germain neighborhood.[2]	🎵 Concert	More details →
January 1	Piano Stars: Chopin at St Julien le Pauvre A piano recital featuring Chopin's works at Eglise Saint-Julien-le-Pauvre offers an enchanting evening of Romantic music in a medieval setting. Great for tourists who appreciate intimate solo performances.[1]	🎵 Concert	More details →
January 1	New Year's Concert Welcome the new year with a special concert at the beautiful La Madeleine Church.	🎵 Concert	More details →
September 10 - January 26	Lygia Pape: Weaving Space First French retrospective of Brazilian avant-garde artist Lygia Pape at the Bourse de Commerce, featuring immersive light installations and emblematic works. Part of the Brazil-France 2025 Season.	🖼️ Exhibition	More details →
November 18 - January 11	Lumières en Seine An interactive light show taking place in the Domaine National de Saint Cloud.	🖼️ Exhibition	More details →
January 30 - May 24	Martin Parr: Global Warning Major retrospective at Jeu de Paume featuring 180 witty and incisive photographs by renowned British photographer Martin Parr. A critical visual satire examining overconsumption, mass tourism, and global imbalances through humor and striking clarity.	🖼️ Exhibition	More details →