What to do in Paris on the weekend of October 3-5, 2025?

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The first weekend of October in Paris combines major retrospectives, contemporary creations, and concerts — perfect for a cultural getaway before the city fully transitions into autumn. Here is a selection of  events to make the most of these three days, followed by practical tips to enjoy the capital.

Exhibitions (4 must-see)

• John Singer Sargent — “Dazzling Paris”
  Short description: A retrospective of the American painter’s Parisian years, featuring paintings and portraits that marked the Belle Époque.
  Location: Musée d’Orsay.
  Start date: September 23, 2025.
  End date: January 11, 2026.
• Jean-Baptiste Greuze — “Childhood in Light”
  Short description: A fresh perspective on the work of the 18th-century painter centered around childhood themes.
  Location: Musée du Petit Palais.
  Start date: September 16, 2025.
  End date: January 25, 2026.
• Niki de Saint Phalle, Jean Tinguely, Pontus Hulten
  Short description: A major exhibition gathering works and correspondence between these three 20th-century figures.
  Location: Grand Palais.
  Start date: June 26, 2025.
  End date: January 4, 2026.
• The Seven Celestial Senses
  Short description: A dialogue between contemporary art and ancient objects, an immersive proposal by Hôtel de la Marine (note: last days).
  Location: Hôtel de la Marine.
  Start date: June 27, 2025.
  End date: October 5, 2025.

Shows and Concerts (6 ideas for the weekend)

• Tânia Carvalho — “Not Everything is Visible, Not Everything is Audible” (2025 Creation)
  Short description: A contemporary choreographic piece presented as part of the Autumn Festival, created for young dancer and musician ensembles. Three performances during the weekend.
  Location: Musée d’Art Moderne.
  Start date: October 3, 2025.
  End date: October 5, 2025.
• Ramon Lazkano — “The Left Hand” (creation/staged work)
  Short description: A lyrical project inspired by Maurice Ravel, presented by the Philharmonie as part of its 2025/26 season — a contemporary vocal and orchestral evening.
  Location: Philharmonie de Paris.
  Date: October 3, 2025 (main performance in the evening).
• Philip Glass — Aguas da Amazonia (concert)
  Short description: A staged interpretation of Philip Glass’s work, combined with live painting; a multimedia project presented by Third Coast Percussion and a visual artist. Two slots during the weekend.
  Location: Théâtre Claude Lévi-Strauss, Musée du quai Branly – Jacques Chirac.
  Start date: October 4, 2025.
  End date: October 5, 2025.
• Giselle — Ballet (Ballet of the Paris Opera)
  Short description: A great classic of the romantic repertoire, presented by the Paris National Opera Ballet (staging and cast from the Opera). Performances on Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon.
  Location: Palais Garnier (Paris National Opera).
  Start date: October 4, 2025.
  End date: October 5, 2025.
• Orchestre Paris Classik — Vivaldi/Haendel/Albinoni (Salon Gustave Eiffel)
  Short description: Baroque/symphonic concert in the Gustave Eiffel Salon (Eiffel Tower) — a very Parisian way to listen to The Four Seasons.
  Location: Eiffel Tower (Gustave Eiffel Salon).
  Date: October 4, 2025.
• Baptiste Herbin — “Django” Trio (jazz)
  Short description: A tribute to Django Reinhardt revisited by saxophonist Baptiste Herbin, jazz program at the Sunset Sunside club (two evenings).
  Location: Sunset (Sunset Sunside, rue des Lombards).
  Start date: October 3, 2025.
  End date: October 4, 2025.

Practical Tips to Enjoy the Weekend

• Book your tickets in advance: For highly publicized exhibitions (Musée d’Orsay, Grand Palais) and shows at the Philharmonie, Palais Garnier or Eiffel Tower, performances often sell out several days before the weekend. Tickets for Philip Glass or the ballet can go quickly.
• Smart timeline: Prioritize an exhibition in the morning (less waiting time) and then a concert or show in the evening. For the exhibition closing on October 5 (The Seven Celestial Senses), schedule it first on Saturday or Sunday morning.
• Transportation: The metro remains the fastest; for the Eiffel Tower or Musée du quai Branly, plan for some extra time if arriving at opening hour, especially on Sunday. For jazz clubs (Sunset), arrive early — limited seating.
• Accessibility and cloakroom: Check conditions (luggage, cloakrooms) for major venues (Opera, Philharmonie, Eiffel Tower) — a coat and comfortable shoes will ease your movements.
• Weather and attire: Early October can be mild but variable — a light jacket and a folding umbrella are handy for enjoying strolls between cultural appointments.

Suggested Cultural Itinerary (example to maximize the weekend)

• Friday, October 3 (evening): Arrival and dinner in the Marais or Saint-Germain area, then Jazz at Sunset Sunside (Baptiste Herbin) or the creation at the Philharmonie, depending on your tastes.
• Saturday, October 4: Morning exhibition at Musée d’Orsay (John Singer Sargent), lunch near the Tuileries, evening show/choreography at Musée d’Art Moderne (Tânia Carvalho) or concert at Quai Branly (Philip Glass).
• Sunday, October 5: Morning visit to the Petit Palais (Greuze) or Hôtel de la Marine (last day for The Seven Celestial Senses), then ballet in the afternoon at Palais Garnier if you’re looking for a more classic outing.

In Conclusion

This weekend from October 3 to 5, 2025, offers a beautiful mix — major retrospectives in museums, contemporary proposals from the Autumn Festival, and varied concerts (classical, modern minimalism, jazz). Plan early, combine an exhibition in the morning and a show in the evening, and let yourself be carried by the terraces and alleys of Paris between two cultural appointments. Enjoy your cultural stay in Paris!