This October, Paris Turns Arty

There’s lots to do in Paris in October. Here are some ideas for interesting outings. Besides fairs (Mondial de l'automobile...) concerts and sporting events (BNP Paribas Masters...) Paris pays homage to art with numerous events including FIAC, Nuit Blanche and the inauguration of the Picasso-Giacometti exhibition at the Musée Picasso. Art lovers will be spoilt for choice!

Nuit Blanche in Paris

October in Paris really is the month of contemporary art. During the Nuit Blanche event, contemporary artists take over the City of Light from sunset. For the 15th edition of the ‘Sleepless Night’, a night-time trail will take visitors through various districts of Paris, unveiling one surprise after another: huge artworks, light installations and sensory experiences. It’ll be a night to remember!

Art Fairs

The art world meets up in Paris in the last week of October each year for what is commonly known as ‘contemporary art week’: seven exciting days during which the French capital turns into an art lovers’ mecca, hosting any number of art-related events.

The art fest gets off to a start with FIAC, the prestigious and must-do international contemporary art fair, which brings together some of the most famous artists at Grand Palais. Alongside the main event, other fringe fairs are also organized in various parts of the city during FIAC. The YIA Art Fair embrace a wide spectrum of the arts, while other events are more specific: design and art at Art Élysées, digital art at Variation (formerly Show Off), outsider art at the Outsider Art Fair and urban art at 8e Avenue. There’s something for all tastes!

Exhibitions

In May 2015, Picasso’s ‘Women of Algiers’ and Giacometti’s ‘Pointing Man’ sculpture were auctioned in record-breaking sales at Christie’s to become the most expensive artworks ever produced. Starting early October 2016, the Musée National Picasso will devote an exhibition titled Picasso-Giacometti to these two top-selling artists, focusing on their respective styles and their friendship. Another eagerly awaited event is the Louis Vuitton Foundation’s presentation of several major works of art (by the likes of Cézanne, Gauguin, Van Gogh and Matisse) acquired by one of the biggest collectors in the history of art, the Russian businessman Sergei Schhukin. The Grand Palais will be exhibiting the works of Diego Rivera, Frida Kahlo and José Clemente Orozco, while the controversial Tino Sehgal will be displaying his work at the Palais de Tokyo.

Music

American band Red Hot Chili Peppers will be playing the Accorhotels Arena from 15 to 18 October. The Cité Musicale Départementale de l’île Seguin is scheduled to open in October while, at the end of the month, electronic music fans will enjoy the Pitchfork Music Festival Paris at the Grande Halle de la Villette.

Other Fairs

From 1 to 16 October, car enthusiasts will flock to the Mondial de l’Automobile to check out new models and get a look at the cars of the future. More than one million visitors are expected to attend. As forfoodies, they will be in for a treat at the 22nd edition of the Salon du Chocolat from 28 October to 1 November. Children won’t be left out of the fun. If you’re in search of an entertaining family outing, head forKidexpo, the children’s fair, which will be celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2016 at Porte de Versailles from 20 to 24 October.

Sport

There are several international events on the Paris autumn calendar, notably the 38th edition of the 20 km de Paris, which draws more than 25,000 professional and amateur runners each year. The BNP Paribas Masters, one of the leading tennis events, is to be held at the AccorHotels Arena. If you’re a fan of equestrian sport, don’t miss the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe on 1 and 2 October at the Longchamp racecourse.