Paris in October is a spectacle of light, art, and intellectual energy, and at its heart lies Art Basel, the world’s most prestigious contemporary art fair. We’ve curated this updated guide to help you navigate the city’s vibrant art scene.
LessThe fair itself returns to the Grand Palais from October 24 to 26, 2025, with a record number of exhibitors. Beyond the main venue, don’t miss the “hors les murs” program, which features monumental outdoor installations on Avenue Winston Churchill and at the Hôtel de la Marine.
A short stroll along the Seine leads to Le Voltaire, a beloved institution steeped in history. Occupying the ground floor of Voltaire’s former residence, this family run, ‘secret canteen for artists and academics’ honours French history in its own right. Helmed by Chef Tony Ducroq crafts French classics from sole meunière to profiteroles as timeless as the philosopher’s musings.
This culinary gem, guided by Chef Pierre Touitou, marries quality and minimalism, influenced by his father’s iconic Parisian brand APC. The mise-en-scene menu, featuring current standouts from saffron cuttlefish to barbecued pear, strikes a balance between precise preparation and subtle innovation.
In a 17th-century hôtel particulière, Ogata distills Japanese culture into a refined dining experience. Paris meets Kyoto as Chef Shinichiro Ogata crafts dishes that honor ingredients' purity and a philosophical approach to food. It’s a harmonious melding of art, food, and craft, from red snapper with shiso to ritual tea ceremonies.
Dandelion, originating from the French term “dent de lion” or “lion’s tooth,” is the neo-bistro making a roar under ex-Parcelles chef Morgane Souris and ex-Septime’s Antoine Villard. With a vintage 1970s ambiance and standout dishes from caramelized veal sweetbreads to chou tropézien, this energetic bistro brings a welcome retro Parisian flair back to the neighborhood.
What’s a Fashionphile without a perfect post-Basel haunt? Sugar is where fashion insiders slip away after dark. Chef Anton Vasyliev's Basque-inspired, candlelit haven seduces with effortlessly elegant dishes and cocktails that invite conversation (and perhaps a bit of flirtation). Here, dining is as much about the food as it is about the style—the crowd is chic, the vibe magnetic.
Marin Montagut’s atelier is a treasure trove for the stylish wanderer. From hand-painted porcelain to artisanal tarot decks, each item is a keepsake of Paris’s bohemian soul. Browsing this artful boutique feels like unearthing a collection of heirlooms passed through generations of chic Parisians.
A haven for fashion collectors, The Parisian Vintage offers rare gems like Christian Lacroix surrealist brooches and Courrèges two-piece sets. Curated with an eye for drama and originality, this boutique is a treasure trove for those seeking bold, statement pieces that blend fashion history with avant-garde flair.
Cours de Vosges, nestled in Le Marais, reimagines 16th-century aristocracy through a modernist lens. The hotel’s 12 rooms, brimming with artistic influence from ceramics to sculptures, invoke an intense sensory immersion. Designer duo Yann Le Coadic and Alessandro Scotto channel French history’s drama while weaving in touches of contemporary elegance.
Up in the clouds casting views across the Eiffel Tower to Montmartre, Hotel Madame Rêve is situated in the city’s historic central post office. Under the direction of Laurent Taïeb, the 82-room hotel dazzles with its fusion of French artistry, from murals to modern design touches that set the tone for contemporary luxury in the city.
“Sensual and rigorous… raw and modernist,” defines designer Philippe Starck’s contemporary vision at Brach Paris: a new luxury incomer for the 16th arr. With Bauhaus-inspired furniture, contemporary art-filled rooms, and a rooftop garden, it’s a striking contrast to the district’s classic bourgeois charm. Sunday brunches here feel like an insider’s treat, where art and lifestyle blend effortlessly.
Nestled in the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, L’Hotel is a true cultural treasure. Once home to Oscar Wilde, the hotel’s 20 unique suites and theatrical interiors designed by Jacques Garcia blend Parisian elegance with Wilde’s eccentricity. With dramatically draped four poster beds, Parisienne city scapes and an intimate subterranean hammam, L’Hotel has attracted luminaries from Frank Sinatra to Tilda Swinton with its old-world grandeur.