What to do in Paris this weekend of January 9-11, 2026?

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What to Do in Paris on the Weekend of January 9 to 11, 2026? A winter weekend in Paris can transform into a cultural, sporting, and festive interlude. Here is a verified selection of real events that will take place from Friday, January 9, to Sunday, January 11, 2026 — exhibitions  and other outings . Plan to make reservations (limited seats), dress warmly, and set out to explore!

Exhibitions in Paris this weekend

• John Singer Sargent, “Dazzling Paris”
  • Description: A retrospective dedicated to the American portraitist’s years in Paris, who left a mark on the artistic scene of the Belle Époque.
  • Location: Musée d’Orsay
  • Start: September 23, 2025
  • End: January 11, 2026.

>More info and reservation

• Pierre Soulages, “Another Light”
  • Description: A focus on works on paper and the search for the characteristic black light of the master of abstraction.
  • Location: Musée du Luxembourg
  • Start: September 17, 2025
  • End: January 11, 2026.
• Tyler Mitchell, “Wish This Was Real”
  • Description: The photographer’s first solo exhibition in France, exploring themes of identity and representation.
  • Location: Maison Européenne de la Photographie (MEP)
  • Start: October 15, 2025
  • End: January 25, 2026.
• Gerhard Richter (retrospective)
  • Description: A thematic journey covering several decades of one of the most influential contemporary painters.
  • Location: Fondation Louis Vuitton
  • Start: October 17, 2025
  • End: March 2, 2026.

Concerts and Performances

• Once Upon a Time… Ennio Morricone & Nino Rota (immersive symphonic concert)
  • Description: A program centered around the great themes of Morricone and Rota, conducted by Marcello Rota with historical soloists — an immersive visual and musical experience.
  • Location: Salle Pleyel
  • Start: January 9, 2026
  • End: January 10, 2026.
• Les Siècles & Bertrand Chamayou (orchestra/piano)
  • Description: A romantic and Wagnerian evening with period instruments, featuring concertos and orchestral excerpts.
  • Location: Théâtre des Champs-Élysées
  • Start: January 9, 2026
  • End: January 9, 2026 (Friday evening event).
• Vivaldi’s Four Seasons + A Little Night Music (concert)
  • Description: A complete interpretation of the Four Seasons, performed by the Hélios Orchestra and Glen Rouxel — church format for spectacular acoustics.
  • Location: Église Saint-Sulpice
  • Start: January 9, 2026
  • End: January 9, 2026 (first date of a series of performances).

Sports & Major Events this weekend

• Tournament of France (handball) — Tournament & concert
  • Description: First edition at the Paris La Défense Arena: preparatory matches of the French team against Austria, Iceland, Slovenia, with a musical show planned after the evening of January 9.
  • Location: Paris La Défense Arena (Nanterre)
  • Start: January 9, 2026
  • End: January 11, 2026.
• International Challenge of Paris (fencing, foil)
  • Description: A major step in the foil circuit, bringing together the world elite (individual and team events over three days).
  • Location: Stade Pierre-de-Coubertin
  • Start: January 9, 2026
  • End: January 11, 2026.
• HEXAGONE MMA 37 (gala)
  • Description: A mixed martial arts gala with professional fight cards, a sporting showcase at the Zénith de La Villette.
  • Location: Zénith Paris – La Villette
  • Start: January 9, 2026
  • End: January 9, 2026.

Outings, Evenings, and Good Deals

• Roller Disco Fever with Martine Patine
  • Description: A festive roller disco evening in the food-court atmosphere of Boom Boom Villette — skates available for rent, DJ set.
  • Location: Boom Boom Villette (Parc de la Villette)
  • Start: January 9, 2026
  • End: January 9, 2026 (evening).
• Vintage kilo sale Emmaüs Alternatives (solidarity shopping)
  • Description: An ideal opportunity to discover vintage pieces and refresh your wardrobe at low prices (priced by the kilo).
  • Location: Halle des Blancs Manteaux (Marais)
  • Start: January 9, 2026
  • End: January 10, 2026.

Practical Tips for Enjoying the Weekend

• Reserve your tickets in advance: Concerts, matches, and certain concert-exhibitions fill up quickly. Major exhibitions may require time slots.
• Transport: The metro is the fastest way during the day (plan for tickets / Navigo pass). For Paris La Défense Arena, prefer RER/Transilien or shuttles; for La Villette, lines 5/7/7bis according to access. Anticipate 30–45 minutes for travel between districts.
• Weather & attire: Early January is chilly — warm layers, comfortable shoes, and gloves. If you plan to spend the day outdoors (market or queue), consider bringing a thermos or stopping for coffee.
• Hours and controls: Check opening hours and welcoming measures (checks, possible restrictions) the day before — some places close earlier on Sundays.
• Budget & timing: Combine an exhibition (2–3 hours) with an evening concert; for a sports show (handball, MMA), arrive early to enjoy the atmosphere and avoid traffic at exit.
• Safety: Watch out for pickpockets in touristy areas and queues; keep your documents and tickets secure.

Paris offers a rich and varied weekend from January 9 to 11, 2026: major exhibitions (several ending on January 11), immersive concerts, large-scale sporting competitions, and original evenings to counter January’s gloom. Consult the official programs of the mentioned venues for precise times and ticketing before you go — and enjoy your weekend in the capital!