Your Guide to a Budget-Friendly Weekend in Paris: January 23-25, 2026
Planning your weekend in Paris and the Île-de-France region doesn’t have to be expensive. We’ve compiled a comprehensive guide to free and affordable activities happening from January 23rd to 25th, 2026. Whether you’re interested in culture, food, leisure, or family outings, this list will help you make the most of your time in the capital.
Key Events Not to Miss This Weekend
Here are some of the standout events and activities taking place this weekend:
- “Rêveries de pierres” Exhibition at L’École des Arts Joailliers (9th Arrondissement)
Dates: November 6, 2025 – March 29, 2026
Discover 200 exceptional minerals alongside texts by Roger Caillois. This poetic and enchanting exhibition offers free admission with reservation. - Prix d’Amérique Festival 2026 at Paris-Vincennes Racecourse
Dates: January 23-25, 2026
Experience horse races, live concerts with GIMS & Yann Muller, a giant food court, and kids’ entertainment. A vibrant festival for all ages. - Lueurs de Mantes: Free Luminous Trail in Yvelines (Mantes-la-Jolie)
Dates: January 15 – February 1, 2026
The third edition of this immersive light trail transforms the city center into an open-air museum with 8 new artworks, a drone show, and intimate concerts. - Scallop and Saint Vincent Festival 2026 in Montmartre
Dates: January 24-25, 2026
A Parisian tradition celebrating scallops from Saint-Brieuc Bay. - “Objets divers et variés” by Song Dong at Le Bon Marché (Free Exhibition)
Dates: January 10 – February 22, 2026
Chinese artist Song Dong showcases everyday objects as living memories in this free, immersive exhibition with monumental installations. - Luminiscence l’Odyssée Céleste at Saint-Eustache Church
Starts: January 23, 2026
A new immersive 3D sound and light show transforming the vaults of this Parisian monument.
Weekend-Specific Events (January 24-25, 2026)
Several events are exclusively scheduled for this weekend:
- Nuits de la Lecture 2026: Free Interactive Shows at Grand Palais
Dates: January 24-25, 2026
Engage in new and exciting worlds with various animations for the whole family. - Winter Crossing of Paris 2026 in Vintage Vehicles
Date: Sunday, January 25, 2026
The 26th edition of this festive and unusual vintage car parade organized by Vincennes en Anciennes. - Nuits de la Lecture 2026: Nocturnal Reading at BnF Richelieu (Oval Room)
Immerse yourself in Raymond Queneau’s poetic world under the majestic ceilings of this historic site. - Nuits de la Lecture 2026: Open Mic’ & Family Writing Workshop at Palais Galliera
Dates: Friday, January 23 & Sunday, January 25, 2026
Literature, art, and fashion converge in this unique cultural experience. - Nuits de la Lecture 2026: Reading Marathon at Bibliothèque Mazarine (Institut de France)
Date: January 24, 2026
A reading marathon in the historic Mazarine Library. - Nuits de la Lecture 2026: Poetic Journey & Writing Games on RER C
Transform your daily commute into a literary performance with writing workshops and readings onboard. - Nuits de la Lecture 2026: Literary Evening & DJ Set at Ground Control
Date: January 23, 2026
A free and exciting program for all at Ground Control. - La boum des kids 2026: Free Kids’ Party at Badaboum
Date: January 24, 2026
Popcorn, face painting, and a free dance party for children and families. - Nuits de la Lecture 2026: Workshops & Shows at Mobilier National
A timeless evening of performances and workshops celebrating history, art, and words. - Nuits de la Lecture 2026: Travel Stories in Music at Institut du monde arabe
Date: January 25, 2026
A free poetic and musical journey through distant travel stories. - History Game Fair at Musée de la Grande Guerre (77)
Date: Sunday, January 25, 2026
Relive great battles with board games, tournaments, conferences, wargames, and role-playing. - Paris-Versailles-Mantes Walk 2026: Night Hike Registration Open
Night of January 24-25, 2026
The 89th edition of this mythical night hike with four routes from 12 to 52 km.
New This Weekend
- Doris Brynner: Iconic Fashion Exhibition at Sotheby’s Paris
Dates: January 23-26, 2026
An exhibition dedicated to Doris Brynner, a figure of 20th-century cosmopolitan elegance, coinciding with Haute Couture Fashion Week.
Last Chance to Enjoy
- IPSAIR PARIS 2026: Free Event for Air and Space Enthusiasts
Dates: January 22-24, 2026
An immersive experience with flight simulators, a planetarium, astronaut suits, model exhibitions, and conferences. Free upon registration. - Les Thermalies 2026: Water and Wellness Fair at Carrousel du Louvre
Dates: January 22-25, 2026
The 44th edition dedicated to water-related wellness, thalassotherapy, and spas.
100% Free Activities
- Lueurs de Mantes: Free Luminous Trail in Yvelines (Mantes-la-Jolie)
Dates: January 15 – February 1, 2026
An immersive light trail transforming the city center. - Scallop and Saint Vincent Festival 2026 in Montmartre
Dates: January 24-25, 2026
A Parisian tradition celebrating scallops. - “Objets divers et variés” by Song Dong at Le Bon Marché (Free Exhibition)
Dates: January 10 – February 22, 2026
A free, immersive exhibition by Chinese artist Song Dong. - Nuits de la lecture 2026: Free Interactive Shows at Grand Palais
Dates: January 24-25, 2026
Interactive shows for the whole family. - “Rêveries de pierres” Exhibition at L’École des Arts Joailliers (Free Exhibition)
Dates: November 6, 2025 – March 29, 2026
A free retrospective exhibition honoring Roger Caillois.
Culture
Exhibitions to See This Weekend
- “Revoir le Château-Neuf” at Musée Ducastel-Vera (Saint-Germain-en-Laye)
Until March 8, 2026
An exhibition on the vanished Renaissance castle, brought back to life with archives and 3D reconstructions. - “Rêveries de pierres” at L’École des Arts Joailliers
November 6, 2025 – March 29, 2026
A free retrospective exhibition on Roger Caillois’s stone collection. - “I love Sushi” at Maison de la culture du Japon (Free Exhibition)
January 20 – April 11, 2026
A unique and free exhibition dedicated to Japanese gastronomy’s iconic sushi. - “The Beat Goes On!” at Quai de la Photo (Free Photo Exhibition)
January 9 – April 24, 2026
A free photo exhibition exploring clubbing culture. - Saint Laurent Rive Droite: Free Man Ray Exhibition
From January 16, 2026
“Objets de mon Affection” by Man Ray, where everyday objects become surreal.
Food & Drink
Restaurants
Discover new and affordable dining options:
- Le Petit Bouillon de la gare d’Asnières-sur-Seine
The first “Bouillon” in Hauts-de-Seine, offering traditional French dishes at affordable prices. - Hong Bao at Westfield 4 Temps (La Défense)
An immersive Chinese restaurant with homemade Biang Biang noodles, fluffy baos, and steamed dumplings. - Bouillon Julien (Paris)
A stunning Art Nouveau restaurant offering an affordable culinary experience year-round. - Monsieur Claude by Danny Khezzar (Rueil-Malmaison)
A quirky, suspended restaurant transporting you to the Roaring Twenties. - Là-Haut (Suresnes)
A chic bistro perched on Mont Valérien with breathtaking views of Paris and La Défense, serving refined seasonal cuisine. - Ukiyo Ramen (Pigalle, Paris 9th)
Ramen and donburis made with homemade noodles and delicious broths.
Brunch & Tea Time
- All-You-Can-Eat Brunch with a View in Yvelines (Domaine de la Corniche)
Enjoy a buffet brunch on the terrace with stunning views of the valley and the Seine every Sunday. - The Enchanted and Affordable Tea Time at Jardin de Mademoiselle (Paris 7th)
A charming tea room offering flexible and budget-friendly tea time formulas. - Violetta et Alfredo Tea Time (Paris 9th)
An excellent and affordable tea time for €22 in an enchanting Parisian tea room. - La Pâtisserie de Saison (Paris 13th)
One of the oldest Chinese bakeries, offering original banh mi, baos, and various pastries.
Bars
- Cœur Sacré (Montmartre)
A new vibrant spot with a creative boutique, fine grocery, bakery, exhibition space, coffee shop, and a rooftop bar-restaurant. - Le Nouvel Institut (Paris 5th)
A well-known, affordable, festive, and sports-friendly bar in the 5th arrondissement. - J’peux pas j’ai Poney (near Bercy)
A friendly board game and video game bar for fun with friends. - Free Salsa, Bachata, and Kizomba Party at Rosa Bonheur d’Asnières (92)
Every Sunday, dance away the Sunday blues on the péniche Rosa.
Leisure
On Stage This Weekend
- “Et la lumière fut!” at Théâtre de Passy
Until May 11, 2026
A luminous and joyful musical comedy by Swing Cockt’Elles. - Le Sebastopol Comedy Club (Paris)
An unusual stand-up comedy stage featuring confirmed artists every weekend.
Sports: Events and Tips for the Weekend
- Alpine Concept Store in Paris: Driving Simulators & GP Broadcasts
An immersive concept store for motorsport enthusiasts, featuring car displays, F1 simulators, GP broadcasts, and a motorsport bar. - Climbing District Saint-Lazare: Climbing Gym & Coworking Space in a Chapel
An atypical climbing gym with a old library feel, also offering free Wi-Fi and a coffee shop.
Gaming & Immersive Experiences This Weekend
- L’Aventure Fantastique: Immersive Experience (Escape Game & RPG)
An immersive experience in a medieval fantasy world in the Parisian underground. Use promo code for 20% off. - LockedUp Escape Game at Carré Sénart
Four incredible immersive rooms with various adventures. Use promo code SORTIRLOCKEDUP10 for 10% off. - The Edge: Virtual Reality Revolution in Paris (3rd Arrondissement)
A monumental VR space offering immersive experiences inspired by “Ready Player One.”
Families
- You Kids: New Indoor Leisure Park in Yvelines (Montigny-le-Bretonneux)
A new indoor play park for children aged 6 months to 12 years, featuring trampolines, obstacle courses, ball pits, and a mini driving school. - Science Expériences at Bercy Village
A unique concept combining a museum and an amusement park, making science come alive for children through scientific experiments, virtual reality, and video mapping. - Winter Season at Hippodrome Paris-Vincennes
November 16 – February 22
Spectacular trot races, festive atmosphere, gourmet food, and free admission.
Weather Forecast (January 19-25, 2026)
The weather this week in Paris and Île-de-France will alternate between mildness and morning freshness. Temperatures will range from 0°C to 12°C, with sunny spells on Tuesday and Friday afternoons. Expect possible polar cold and snow towards the end of January.
Transportation Updates (January 19-25, 2026)
Public transport in Paris and Île-de-France will experience disruptions from January 19th to 25th, 2026, with night closures on many metro, RER, tram, and Transilien lines due to maintenance work. Check real-time traffic information before traveling.
Source: sortiraparis.com
