October 2026 is not only a busy month for professionals. For the general public, Paris lines up five very different events covering photography, cars, video games, contemporary art and chocolate. Enough to fill several weekends or extend a stay in Paris with themed outings. From the 9th arrondissement, Hôtel R de Paris makes it easy to reach the main exhibition venues — Porte de Versailles, the Grand Palais and the Grande Halle de La Villette — by public transport.
Early in the month: photography and cars
Salon Photo & Vidéo — 8 to 11 October 2026
Previously known as Salon de la Photo, this annual event returns under the name Salon Photo & Vidéo at the Grande Halle de La Villette. It is the key rendezvous for photographers, videographers, keen amateurs and creative visitors looking for equipment, techniques and encounters with the community. Workshops, demonstrations, exhibitions and a photo and video brand village make up four immersive days dedicated to the world of images. Official website to be confirmed.
- Dates: 8 to 11 October 2026
- Venue: Grande Halle de La Villette, 211 avenue Jean-Jaurès, 75019 Paris
- Audience: photo and video enthusiasts of all levels
- Getting there from the hotel: metro line 5 to Porte de Pantin — around 25 min
- Tip: workshops and demonstrations fill up quickly — check the programme as soon as it is published and reserve the sessions that interest you
Mondial de l'Auto — 13 to 18 October 2026
The 91st edition of the Mondial de l'Auto returns to Paris Expo Porte de Versailles after its 2024 edition drew more than 500,000 visitors. The focus is on the electric transition and new mobility: concept cars, world premieres and a test track reserved for electric vehicles. It is an event the whole family can enjoy, with late openings planned on Friday and Saturday evenings.
- Dates: 13 to 18 October 2026 (12 Oct = press and trade day only)
- Venue: Paris Expo Porte de Versailles, 1 place de la Porte de Versailles, 75015 Paris
- Audience: general public, families
- Indicative prices (based on 2024): adults €14–18 depending on the slot / children aged 11–17 €9 / free for children under 11
- Getting there from the hotel: metro line 12 to Porte de Versailles — around 25 min
- Tip: Friday and Saturday late openings are usually less crowded — a good option if you want to enjoy the show without peak weekend pressure. Tickets on mondial.paris
Third week: video games and contemporary art
Paris Games Week — 21 to 25 October 2026
France’s biggest video game fair returns to Porte de Versailles. Five days of new releases, preview demos, e-sports tournaments and entertainment for players of all ages. Paris Games Week usually attracts more than 300,000 visitors and remains one of the busiest events on the Paris calendar — book your ticket online to avoid long queues.
- Dates: 21 to 25 October 2026
- Venue: Paris Expo Porte de Versailles, 75015 Paris
- Audience: players, families, gaming culture fans
- Tip: visit on a weekday if possible — the weekend gets very busy. Online ticketing is strongly recommended. Official website: parisgamesweek.com
- Getting there from the hotel: metro line 12 to Porte de Versailles — around 25 min
Paris+ par Art Basel — 23 to 25 October 2026
Paris+ par Art Basel is the contemporary and modern art fair that brings together the most demanding international galleries at the Grand Palais — a sharp selection spanning modern art, emerging artists and major market names. It is both a professional event and one that remains open to the public: a chance to discover in three days what the world’s leading galleries are presenting, within the unique setting of the restored nave.
- Dates: 23 to 25 October 2026
- Venue: Grand Palais, 3 avenue du Général Eisenhower, 75008 Paris
- Audience: art lovers, collectors, curious visitors
- Getting there from the hotel: metro line 1 or 13, then Champs-Élysées–Clemenceau — around 20 min
- Tip: Thursday preview openings (by invitation) are highly selective; Friday is usually the best slot for the general public before weekend crowds build up. Official website: artbasel.com/paris
End of the month: the gourmet event
Salon du Chocolat & de la Pâtisserie — 28 October to 1 November 2026
The 31st edition of the Salon du Chocolat takes place at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles: five days devoted to chocolate in every form, with more than 500 exhibitors from 60 countries. On the programme are the Pastry Show (live demonstrations by leading chefs and master chocolatiers), gourmet workshops, tastings, competitions and monumental chocolate sculptures. It is also one of the rare fairs that truly brings together families, enthusiasts and professionals in the same festive atmosphere — ideal during the All Saints’ holiday period.
- Dates: 28 October to 1 November 2026
- Venue: Paris Expo Porte de Versailles, Pavilion 5, 75015 Paris
- Audience: general public, families, professionals
- Tip: the fair coincides with the All Saints’ school holidays, so weekend attendance is high. Go on a weekday if you can, and plan your workshops in advance. Online tickets on salon-du-chocolat.com
- Getting there from the hotel: metro line 12 to Porte de Versailles — around 25 min
How to organise your fair outings in October
Three of the five fairs take place at Porte de Versailles, which simplifies logistics if you plan to combine several visits. Group the Mondial de l'Auto, Paris Games Week and Salon du Chocolat according to your dates, while avoiding weekends if you want a more comfortable experience. For the Grand Palais (Paris+ par Art Basel) and La Villette (Salon Photo & Vidéo), allow around 20 and 25 minutes respectively from the hotel by metro. To keep your energy up between fairs, our selection of restaurants and bars around the hotel offers easy addresses for dinner or a break without straying far.
As October is one of the busiest months in Paris, between Fashion Week and the All Saints’ holiday, it is best to book your accommodation in advance. Our rooms in the 9th arrondissement provide a central, practical base for a stay filled with outings, with direct transport links to all the exhibition venues.
