Autumn Festival in Paris – France 2025

Background & History

Since its inception in 1972, the Festival d’Automne à Paris has been a cornerstone of contemporary arts, showcasing a multidisciplinary program of theater, dance, music, visual arts, and cinema. Founded to promote innovative artists, it has grown into a major international event, collaborating with leading cultural institutions worldwide.

The 2025 edition, running from September 4 to December 31, features 83 events, including 65 creations and 25 world premieres, attracting approximately 250,000 spectators annually. Its “Portraits” series, launched in 2012, highlights luminaries like François Chaignaud and the JACK Quartet in 2025.

Cultural Significance

The festival celebrates global artistic innovation, blending disciplines and fostering cultural exchange. By presenting works from diverse regions like Korea, South Africa, and Iran, it positions Paris as a hub for contemporary creation. Its nomadic nature, utilizing nearly 60 venues across Paris and Île-de-France, democratizes access to art, engaging diverse audiences. The 2025 edition emphasizes inclusivity with accessibility initiatives for deaf, hard-of-hearing, and visually impaired attendees, reinforcing its role in cultural dialogue and societal reflection.

Event Highlights

• Multidisciplinary performances: theater, dance, music, visual arts, and cinema.
• “Portraits” of artists François Chaignaud and JACK Quartet.
• Focus on choreographer Nacera Belaza with a new creation at the Musée du Louvre.
• Free events like Lygia Pape’s participatory performance and visual arts exhibitions.
• World premieres by artists like William Kentridge and Miet Warlop.
• Educational initiatives, including workshops and cultural-health programs with AP-HP.

2025 Program

• Opening Event (September 13, 11th Arrondissement, Métro Parmentier): Lygia Pape’s Divisor, a free participatory performance.
• Key Performances:
  • La Vertigineuse Histoire d’Orthosia (September 20-21, Théâtre de la Ville – Sarah Bernhardt): Joana Hadjithomas and Khalil Joreige’s performance/installation.
  • Radio Vinci Park (Reloaded) (October 18-20, Bourse de Commerce): François Chaignaud and Théo Mercier’s dance portrait.
  • Bruits Marrons (October 7-8, Cergy): Dance and music exploration.
  • Microcosms by Ryoji Ikeda (December 6, Philharmonie de Paris): Chamber music with Ensemble Modern.
  • Faustus in Africa! (September 11-19, Théâtre de la Ville): William Kentridge’s theatrical work.
  • Les Ombres (December 8-18, Bourse de Commerce): Nacera Belaza’s dance focus.
  • Último Helecho (November 28-30, Théâtre de la Ville): Nina Laisné and François Chaignaud’s dance/music portrait.
• Additional Events:
  • Free visual arts exhibitions like Paris des vi(ll)es (October 9-December 9, Théâtre de la Ville) and Astérismes (October 22-29, IRCAM-Centre Pompidou).
  • Conferences, such as Felwine Sarr’s École du soir (October 19, Cité internationale des arts, free).
• Note: Full program at festival-automne.com from summer 2025.

2025 Theme

The 2025 festival emphasizes contemporary creation through two artists, “Portraits” (François Chaignaud and JACK Quartet), and a focus on choreographer Nacera Belaza. It explores themes of cultural identity, global narratives, and interdisciplinary innovation, with works addressing social and environmental issues through performances like Tapajós and Le Vortex Nukak.

Organizing Committee

Managed by the Festival d’Automne à Paris team, led by artistic director Emmanuel Demarcy-Mota, in collaboration with 60 partner venues, including Centre Pompidou, Philharmonie de Paris, and Odéon-Théâtre de l’Europe. Support comes from sponsors like Fondation d’entreprise Société Générale and public partners. Contact +33 1 53 45 17 17 for inquiries.

Date

• Date: September 4 to December 31, 2025
• Time: Varies by event; typically evenings (7:00 PM-10:00 PM)

Duration

• Duration: 4 months (119 days)

Venue

• City: Paris and Île-de-France, France
• Main Venues and Addresses:
  • Théâtre de la Ville – Sarah Bernhardt: 2 Place du Châtelet, 75004 Paris
  • Bourse de Commerce – Pinault Collection: 2 Rue de Viarmes, 75001 Paris
  • Philharmonie de Paris (Salle des concerts – Cité de la Musique): 221 Avenue Jean-Jaurès, 75019 Paris
  • Odéon-Théâtre de l’Europe: Place de l’Odéon, 75006 Paris
  • Fondation Cartier pour l’art contemporain: 261 Boulevard Raspail, 75014 Paris
  • Musée du Louvre: 75001 Paris
  • Ircam-Centre Pompidou: 1 Place Igor-Stravinsky, 75004 Paris
  • Église Saint-Eustache: 2 Impasse Saint-Eustache, 75001 Paris
  • Musée de l’Orangerie: Jardin Tuileries, 75001 Paris
  • La Conciergerie: 2 Boulevard du Palais, 75001 Paris
  • Cergy (specific venue TBD): 95000 Cergy
  • Métro Parmentier (outdoor): 75011 Paris
  • Cité internationale des arts: 18 Rue de l’Hôtel de Ville, 75004 Paris
  • Librairie 7L: 7 Rue de Lille, 75007 Paris
  • Musée du quai Branly – Jacques Chirac: 37 Quai Branly, 75007 Paris
  • Théâtre de la Concorde: Specific address TBD, Paris
• Note: Venues span Paris and Île-de-France; check festival-automne.com for exact locations.

Contact Information

• Official Website: festival-automne.com
• Email: billetterie@festival-automne.com
• Phone: +33 1 53 45 17 17
• Social Media:
  • Facebook: festivaldautomne
  • Instagram: festivaldautomne
• Note: Contact for bookings, inquiries, or accessibility needs.

Ticket Information

• General Admission: Varies by performance; many visual arts events and conferences are free.
• Ticket Prices:
  • La Vertigineuse Histoire d’Orthosia: $8.72-$16.35
  • Radio Vinci Park (Reloaded): $10.90-$32.70
  • Bruits Marrons: $6.54-$19.62
  • Microcosms by Ryoji Ikeda: $28.34-$35.97
  • Subscription Fee: $2.18 per subscription
  • Non-subscription Booking Fee: $1.09 per ticket (except youth category)
• Purchase: Online at festival-automne.com (downloadable tickets) or by phone (+33 1 53 45 17 17). Credit cards (Mastercard, Visa, E-card) and gift vouchers accepted; 3-time payment option for orders over $32.70 until October 31.
• Reduced Rates: Available for youth, students, seniors, and the disabled; upload proof to your account.
• Note: Create alerts for sold-out shows; cancellations offer refunds, vouchers, or donation options.

Cultural Experience

The festival immerses audiences in contemporary arts, blending global perspectives with Paris’s cultural heritage. Performances in iconic venues like the Louvre and Philharmonie de Paris create a dynamic, nomadic experience. Attendees can expect thought-provoking works, from avant-garde theater to experimental music, in a sophisticated yet accessible atmosphere. Dress ranges from casual to semi-formal; comfortable shoes are advised for navigating multiple venues.

Food & Drinks

• On-site: Limited; some venues like Philharmonie de Paris offer cafés ($5-$15 for snacks, coffee, or wine).
• Nearby: Parisian restaurants serve classics like croque-monsieur, steak-frites, or crêpes ($10-$25).
• Cash and cards accepted; cash preferred for smaller vendors.
• Tip: Book restaurants near venues like Odéon or Centre Pompidou in advance.

Family & Accessibility

Select events are family-friendly (e.g., participatory performances); check festival-automne.com for age suitability. Accessibility features include sign language, audio descriptions, and tactile tours for deaf, hard-of-hearing, and visually impaired attendees. Wheelchair access varies by venue; contact billetterie@festival-automne.com for details. Well-behaved dogs are allowed in outdoor events; guide dogs are permitted throughout.

Getting There

• By Air: Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG, 18 miles, 40-minute drive) or Orly (ORY, 12 miles, 30-minute drive).
• By Train: Gare du Nord or Gare de Lyon; 10-20 minute metro to central venues.
• Public Transport: Métro (Lines 1, 4, 7, 11), RER, or buses; Navigo pass ($8-$10 daily) recommended. Check ratp.fr.
• By Foot: Central Paris venues (e.g., Théâtre de la Ville, Odéon) are walkable (10-15 minutes apart).
• Note: Cergy events require a 30-minute RER A ride from Paris.

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers assist with ticketing, ushering, and promotion. Benefits include free event access and networking. Apply via billetterie@festival-automne.com.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Sponsors fund productions and gain brand visibility. Contact +33 1 53 45 17 17 or billetterie@festival-automne.com for details.

Local Attractions

• Centre Pompidou: 75004 Paris (modern art).
• Louvre Museum: 75001 Paris (art and history).
• Notre-Dame Cathedral: 6 Parvis Notre-Dame, 75004 Paris.
• Saint-Germain-des-Prés: 75006 Paris (historic district).
• Parc de la Villette: 211 Avenue Jean-Jaurès, 75019 Paris (near Philharmonie).

Accommodation Tips

Book early at hotels like Hotel du Louvre (Place André Malraux, 75001) or budget options in the Marais. Airbnb in the 4th or 6th arrondissements is convenient. Expect higher rates during fall; check parisinfo.com.

Safety and Etiquette

• Arrive 15-30 minutes early for performances; late entry may be restricted.
• Photography policies vary by venue; check festival-automne.com.
• Carry cash for small purchases; ATMs are widely available.
• Respect venue rules; bags may be checked.

Community and Economic Impact

The festival attracts 250,000 visitors, boosting Paris’s economy through tourism and cultural engagement. It supports artists, venues, and local businesses, while educational programs (1,300+ high schoolers involved) and accessibility initiatives foster inclusivity, reinforcing Paris’s status as a global arts capital.