January in Paris: 8 shows and fairs to explore with family and friends
January promises to be a month full of discoveries in Paris! The capital hosts a varied programme of public shows and fairs: adventure, sports, wellness, contemporary art, urban culture, wedding plans and classic-car passions. They make perfect outings for a stay with family, friends or as a couple: you alternate between visits, “wow” moments, gourmet breaks and strolls through Paris.
By staying at the Hôtel R de Paris, in the heart of the 9th arrondissement (the Saint-Lazare district), you enjoy a practical base: you reach the major event venues with ease, then return without any fuss, to a peaceful haven.
The 8 events not to miss in January 2026
Here is our selection of the friendliest and most accessible shows (even if you are not an “expert” on the subject). The rule of thumb: choose 2 to 3 shows if you are coming for a weekend, or 3 to 5 if you are staying several days.
- Salon de la Plongée Sous-Marine (diving show, 8-11 January) - Paris Expo Porte de Versailles
- Salon de l’Escalade (climbing show, 10-11 January) - Paris Expo Porte de Versailles
- Les Thermalies (January) - Carrousel du Louvre
- Salon Bio & Bien-être (organic and wellness show, January) - Paris Expo Porte de Versailles
- Rétromobile (28 January - 1 February) - Paris Expo Porte de Versailles
- Art3F Paris (30 January - 1 February) - Paris Expo Porte de Versailles
- Mondial du Tatouage (30 January - 1 February) - Grande Halle de la Villette
- Salon du Mariage (wedding show, 31 January - 1 February) - Paris Expo Porte de Versailles
Early January: adventure and extreme sports
Salon de la Plongée Sous-Marine (8-11 January) - Porte de Versailles
A wonderfully transporting show: even if you do not dive, you will find a “travel & discovery” atmosphere with equipment, advice, encounters and often live demonstrations. It is the kind of outing that appeals to the curious and the passionate alike, because the world of diving is so visual and immersive.
- Why go: new products, destination ideas, demonstrations and a relaxed, public-friendly atmosphere.
- Who it is for: families, friends, travellers, adventure lovers.
- Visiting tip: plan a proper loop (stands + demonstrations) rather than heading straight through.
Salon de l’Escalade (10-11 January) - Porte de Versailles
Shorter but very lively, this show is ideal if you love thrills, sports culture and a sense of community. You can simply come and watch, or be tempted by the discovery and introduction areas when they are offered (depending on the year’s programme).
- Why go: demonstrations, encounters, inspiration (climbing gyms, equipment, practice).
- Who it is for: friends, teenagers, sports fans, the curious.
- Visiting tip: if you come as a group, agree on a meeting point (sports shows are often very busy).
Mid-January: wellness, relaxation and getaway ideas
Les Thermalies (January) - Carrousel du Louvre
The “gentle pause” show par excellence: thermal cures, thalassotherapy, spas, treatments, ideas for restorative escapes… You come to get inspired, compare, ask questions and leave with concrete leads (and sometimes good deals, depending on the exhibitors).
- Why go: wellness inspiration + personalised advice.
- Who it is for: couples, friends, lovers of relaxation.
- Pair it with: a stroll through the Tuileries / Louvre before or after, depending on your energy.
Salon Bio & Bien-être (January) - Porte de Versailles
Natural cosmetics, responsible products, gentle practices, workshops and talks: this show is a pleasure if you like “consuming better” and finding useful everyday discoveries. It can be very dense: it is best to come with an idea in mind (cosmetics, food, practices, etc.) so as not to spread yourself too thin.
- Why go: discoveries, workshops, conversations, new organic and natural products.
- Who it is for: lifestyle enthusiasts, wellness lovers, families (depending on the areas).
- Visiting tip: note the stands you want to revisit and come back at the end of your visit (it helps you avoid impulse purchases).
Late January: art, culture and passions
Art3F Paris (30 January - 1 February) - Porte de Versailles
A contemporary art show designed to be accessible: you stroll, discover a wide variety of styles, chat and let yourself be surprised. It is a great “inspiration” outing during a stay, even if you are not a collector.
- Why go: to discover, discuss, get inspired (and sometimes buy).
- Who it is for: art lovers, the curious, families with teenagers.
- Visiting tip: make a first “scouting” round, then a second, more targeted one.
Mondial du Tatouage (30 January - 1 February) - Grande Halle de la Villette
An impressive, highly visual convention with a unique atmosphere: styles from around the world, an artistic universe, urban culture, demonstrations… Even if you have no plans to get a tattoo, it is a surprising outing, full of energy.
- Why go: to discover styles, see artists at work, feel the atmosphere.
- Who it is for: friends, curious couples, enthusiasts, lovers of contemporary culture.
- Visiting tip: if you like taking photos, choose the quieter moments.
Salon du Mariage (31 January - 1 February) - Porte de Versailles
A show very much geared to your “project”: dresses, accessories, decoration, suppliers, ideas for staging, advice… It is useful even if you are only at the very beginning: you come away with inspiration and a clearer view of your priorities (venue, budget, style, schedule).
- Why go: inspiration + suppliers + trends + advice.
- Who it is for: couples, best men and maids of honour, accompanying families.
- Visiting tip: come with 3 goals (e.g. venue / photography / decoration) to stay efficient.
The unmissable one: Rétromobile
Rétromobile (28 January - 1 February) - Porte de Versailles
The great classic: exceptional vehicles, rare parts, the atmosphere of true enthusiasts… You can easily spend a long time here, as there is as much to admire as there is to learn. It is also a very “family” outing: even if you are not a car fan, you are swept up by the shapes, the history, the details.
- Why go: spectacular exhibition, varied themes, legendary atmosphere.
- Who it is for: families, enthusiasts, the curious, friends.
- Visiting tip: plan some breaks (this is a show with a lot of walking).
