5 Interesting Ways to Welcome La Rentrée

Place des Vosges in Fall. Image by Emile Lombard.

“La Rentrée,” or “the re-entry,” is how the French mark the end of the summer vacances and celebrate the beginning of fall. Paris certainly begins autumn in style, and we have compiled a list of five must-see events in Paris this September. From concerts to art exhibits, la rentrée offers something for everyone!

Festival d’Automne

One of 12 installations representing each month of the year by Ugo Rondinone. Image by Jean-Pierre Dalbéra.

For its 44th year, the Paris Autumn Festival will be featuring art exhibits, theatre productions, dance performances, and many more attractions. There are more than 60 different exhibitions for attendees to explore throughout the three-month-long festival, which will be held in various locations in Paris. Each experience is sure to be unique, so be sure to check out the festival website for more detailed information.

Starting Sept 9, 2015, and continuing through the end of the year.
Website

Daum, Variations d’Artistes Exhibition

Dali’s Porte-manteau-montre glass sculpture, created with the ancient method, pâte de verde.

The French crystal studio Daum has provided the Espace Dali Center with some of their most phenomenal pieces. Specializing in ancient glass techniques, the studio worked with a series of famous artists who were leading the Art Nouveau movement at the time, to produce a range of intricate, imaginative and aesthetically spectacular crystal sculptures.

Website
September 11th, 2015 – January 3rd, 2016

Festival d’Ile de France

Welcoming in the wet weather season at one of the many concerts held during the 2014 Festival. Image by Elen Nivrae.

The Festival d’Ile de France is a celebration of diversity in true Parisian style. The month long festival brings new sounds and musical performances from around the world to a range of venues throughout the city – from the more traditional theaters and parks, to hidden castles, churches and even old warehouses.

September 6th – Oct 11th, 2015

Journées Du Patrimoine

Inside the Palais Bourbon. Image by gavial bzh.

Journées du Patrimoine, or Heritage Days, is a French tradition that started in the 1990s, and Paris is especially passionate about this week of culture. More than 400 events take place in Paris, featuring free visits to many of Paris’s historical buildings, behind-the-scenes tours of venues like television stations, and many events just for children. Be sure to check out our curated list of sights to see, or check the official website for a full list!

September 14th – 20th, 2015
Website

A Brief History of the Future

The Louvre museum and I. M. Pei’s glass pyramid lit up at night. Image by Adrien Sifre.

Experience the Louvre like never before through this exhibit that explores life in the past, present, and future. The installation highlights artists’ interpretations of different historical eras and features pieces from masters of all styles. From the rise of great empires to the multifaceted world of today, this exciting exhibit showcases the many aspects of our world as we know it.

September 24th, 2015 – January 4th, 2016
Website