January in Paris: 8 trade shows and fairs to explore with family and friends
January promises to be a month full of discoveries in Paris! The capital hosts a diverse program of trade shows and fairs for the general public: adventure, sports, wellness, contemporary art, urban culture, wedding planning, and automotive passions. These are perfect outings for a stay with family, friends, or as a couple: a mix of sightseeing, "wow" moments, gourmet breaks, and strolls through Paris. By staying at the Hôtel R de Paris, in the heart of the 9th arrondissement (Saint-Lazare area), you'll benefit from a convenient base: easily reach major event venues and return home without any hassle, in peace and quiet. The 8 events not to miss in January 2026 Here is a selection of the most welcoming and accessible trade shows (even if you're not an "expert" on the subject). The right approach: choose 2 to 3 shows if you're coming for a weekend, or 3 to 5 if you're staying for several days.
- Scuba Diving Show (January 8–11) – Paris Expo Porte de Versailles
- Climbing Show (January 10–11) – Paris Expo Porte de Versailles
- Thermalies (January) – Carrousel du Louvre
- Bio & Wellness (January) – Paris Expo Porte de Versailles
Retromobile (January 28 – February 1) – Paris Expo Porte de Versailles
Art3F Paris (January 30 – February 1) – Paris Expo Porte de Versailles
World Tattoo Convention (January 30 – February 1) – Grande Halle de la Villette
Wedding Fair (January 31 – February 1) – Paris Expo Porte de Versailles
Early January: Adventure and Extreme Sports
Scuba Diving Show (January 8–11) – Porte de Versailles
A truly unique show: even if you don't dive, you'll find a "travel & discovery" atmosphere with equipment, advice, Meet-ups and often activities. It's exactly the kind of outing that appeals to both the curious and the passionate, because the experience is visual and immersive.
- Why go: New products, destination ideas, demonstrations, and a friendly, family atmosphere.
- For whom: Families, friends, travelers, adventure enthusiasts.
- Visit tip: Plan a proper loop (stands + activities) rather than a straight run.
- Why go: demonstrations, meetings, inspiration (rooms, equipment, practice).
- For whom: friends, teenagers, athletes, curious minds.
- Visiting tip: if you are coming in a group, arrange a meeting point (the "sports" trade shows are often very lively).
- Why go: Wellness inspiration + personalized advice.
- For whom: Couples, friends, relaxation enthusiasts.
- To combine: A stroll through the Tuileries Gardens/Louvre before or after, depending on your energy level.
- Why go: discoveries, workshops, discussions, new organic/natural products.
- For whom: lifestyle enthusiasts, wellness lovers, families (depending on the area).
- Visitor tip: make a note of the "needs improvement" stands and come back at the end of your visit (avoid impulse purchases).
- Why go: to discover, discuss, get inspired (and sometimes buy).
- For whom: art lovers, curious minds, families with teenagers.
- Visitor tip: do a first "scouting" tour, then a second, more focused one.
- Why go: to discover styles, see artists' work, experience the atmosphere.
- For whom: friends, curious couples, enthusiasts, lovers of contemporary culture.
- Visitor tip: if you like taking photos, choose quieter moments.
- Why go: inspiration + vendors + trends + advice.
- For whom: couples, witnesses, accompanying families.
- Visitor tip: come with 3 objectives (e.g., venue / (photo/decor) to remain efficient.
- Why go: Spectacular exhibition, varied themes, legendary atmosphere.
- For whom: Families, enthusiasts, the curious, friends.
- Visitor tip: Plan to take breaks (it's a show where you do a lot of walking).
Climbing Show (January 10–11) — Porte de Versailles
Shorter but very lively, this show is perfect if you love thrills, sports culture, and a sense of community.
You can simply come and browse, or be tempted by the discovery/introductory areas when they are available (depending on the year's program).Mid-January: Wellness, relaxation, and getaway ideas
The Thermalies (January) — Carrousel du Louvre
The ultimate "gentle break" trade show: thermalism, thalassotherapy, spas, treatments, ideas for rejuvenating getaways... Come to find inspiration, compare, ask questions, and Leave with concrete ideas (and sometimes great tips, depending on the exhibitors).
Organic & Wellness Fair (January) — Porte de Versailles
Natural cosmetics, ethical products, gentle practices, workshops, and conferences: this fair is a great place to be if you enjoy conscious consumption and discovering useful everyday products.
It can be very dense: it's best to come with a specific idea in mind (cosmetics, food, practices, etc.) to avoid getting overwhelmed.Late January: Art, Culture, and Passions
Art3F Paris (January 30 – February 1) — Porte de Versailles
A contemporary art fair designed to be accessible: stroll around, discover a wide variety of styles, chat, and be surprised.
It's a great "inspiration" outing for a trip, even if you're not a collector.Mondial du Tatouage (January 30 – February 1) — Grande Halle de la Villette
An impressive, highly visual convention with a unique atmosphere: styles from all over the world, artistic universe, urban culture, demonstrations… Even if you don't plan on getting a tattoo, it's an amazing, energetic outing.
Wedding Fair (January 31 – February 1) — Porte de Versailles
A very "project-oriented" fair: dresses, accessories, decorations, vendors, design ideas, advice… It's useful even if you're just starting out: you can gather inspiration and a clearer vision of your priorities (venue, budget, style, timeline).
The unmissable: Rétromobile
Rétromobile (January 28 – February 1) — Porte de Versailles
The classic: exceptional vehicles, rare pieces, an atmosphere of enthusiasts… You can easily spend a long time there, because there is as much to admire as there is to learn. It's also a great family outing: even if you're not a car enthusiast, you'll be captivated by the designs, the history, and the details.
