The Complete Guide to French Culture: Art, Cuisine, Sport Events in Paris

For centuries, Paris has set trends in art, culture, design, music and countless other spheres of life. The City of Lights remains a popular cultural hotspot for the French, tourists, and anyone looking to discover something new. Discover the best museum and art exhibitions, musical events, and other highlights with our Paris culture guide for 2023.

Cultural Highlights of Paris: What to See and Where to Go

This year is an exciting one for Paris and there’s something to appeal to culture vultures of all tastes. Take a look at these museum and art exhibition highlights.

1. The 80s: Fashion, Design and Graphics

Venue: Decorative Arts Museum (Musée des Arts Decoratifs)

Until 16 April 2023

Immerse yourself in the look of the 1980s at an exhibition of more than 700 items of fashion, furniture, album covers, photographs, video clips, posters, fanzines, and more.

2. Kimono Exhibition

Venue: Musée du Quai Branly

Until 28 May 2023

Discover the fascinating history of the Japanese kimono, from centuries past through to modern use by Galliano, McQueen, and other designers, and subversive use by young generation in Japan.

3. Sarah Bernhardt

Venue: Petit Palais

14 April until 27 August 2023

Celebrate the mystique of Sarah Bernhardt, the first true French international celebrity, in the centenary year of her death. See almost 400 works and objects that belonged to this legendary actress at an exhibition that covers all aspects of her life at Petit Palais. You’ll understand why we simply had to include this in our Paris culture guide.

4. Ramsès et l’or des Pharaons (Ramses and the Gold of the Pharaohs)

Venue: Grande Halle de la Villette

7 April until 6 September 2023

Marvel at the expertise of Ramses-era Egyptian goldsmiths at an exhibition of 181 items and artefacts, from royal funerary masks and jewels to amulets, sarcophagi, and more, at this exhibition. Some of the objects on display have never been shown outside of Egypt. At the end of tour, you can use VR to explore the temples of Abu Simbel.

5. Basquiat x Warhol, à Quatre Mains

Venue: Fondation Louis Vuitton

5 April until 28 August 2023

In mid-1980s New York, Jean-Michel Basquiat and Andy Warhol created more than 160 artworks together. See approximately 100 of those now legendary canvases as well as works produced by contemporaries such as Jenny Holzer, Kenny Scharf, and Keith Haring.

Musical Highlights In 2023

What would our Paris culture guide be without mentioning some of this year’s sweet sounds and banging tunes? If you’re a music fan, you won’t want to miss out on these highlights.

1. Josephine Baker the Musical

Venue: Théâtre Bobino

Until 22 March 2023

See the fabulous life of Josephine Baker brought to life in a new musical with toe-tapping jazz and flamboyant costumes. Born in a Missouri ghetto, Baker became the 20th century’s most famous French showgirl. Baker subverted stereotypes, fought for the French resistance, championed women’s liberation, and campaigned against segregation.

2. Marvellous Island Festival 2023

Venue: Plage de Torcy

27-28 May 2023

Enjoy world-class electronic music at the Marvellous Island Festival, which boasts the Beach and 360° Digital, and Hippie Stages. This annual festival takes place on the east side of Paris.

3. We Love Green Festival 2023

Venue: Plaine de la Belle Etoile

2-4 June 2023

If you love indie music and the environment, don’t miss out on this year’s We Love Green festival in a beautiful park in the heart of the French capital. In addition to the curated indie music line-up, the festival also hosts a Think Tank to encourage idea exchange among scientists, artists, and activists and to promote environmental innovation.

4. Paris Jazz Festival

Venue: Parc Floral de Vincennes

29 June – 7 September 2023

Enjoy one of the world’s best musical events with the 25th edition of the Paris Jazz Festival, which takes place over four weekends. The full line-up of performers will be released mid-May.

Other Parisian Cultural Highlights

Are you hungry for more arts and culture in Paris? Here are a few more highlights to consider adding to your itinerary.

1. On the Roads of Samarcande: Wonders of Silk & Gold

Venue: Institut du Monde Arabe

Until 4 June 2023

Explore several hundred unique treasures from the historic Silk Road, exhibited for the first time outside of Uzbekistan’s museums.

2. La Nuit aux Invalides (The Flight of the Eagle)

Venue: Musée de la Armée, Les Invalides

June – September

See the life, military achievements, and imperial reign of Napoleon Bonaparte through a unique lens at this spectacular 360-degree exhibition. The show ends with an illuminated night walk to the Dome church where Napoleon is buried.

3. Quinzaine des Fiertés (Fortnight of Pride)

Venue: Various

Celebrate Paris’ LGBT community by attending some of the concerts, conferences, movie screenings, parties, and other activities that comprise Quinzaine des Fiertés or Pride Fortnight. The two-week celebration culminates in the Paris Pride parade on 25 June 2023.

Sport Event

Rugby World Cup 2023

Venue: Various

Experience the thrill of Rugby World Cup in Paris’ Stade de France. Discover the best places to watch the matches, explore the city's iconic landmarks, and indulge in delicious French cuisine. Don't miss this opportunity to be part of the rugby fever in the City of Love.

Where to stay in Paris

Find the perfect base for enjoying the many different events described in our Paris culture guide at Fraser Suites Harmonie La Defense. Located near excellent transport links in the city’s major financial and business district, our hotel offers you modern conveniences, great amenities, and all the comforts to make your stay in Paris a special one. Explore our offers and start planning your time in the French capital.