Welcome, listeners, to “Things to do in Paris” with your globe-trotting, competition-loving correspondent, Oly Bennet. It’s Sunday, October 26, 2025. Paris is buzzing with the electrifying energy of autumn—think crispy leaves, cool winds, and just enough sunshine to keep everyone smiling beneath their chic scarves. The atmosphere today? Absolutely crackling: the city’s streets are alive with art, music, and Halloween mischief, making for one fantastically eclectic day.

For those craving culture, the centrepiece is Art Basel Paris at the Grand Palais. This international contemporary art fair is unleashing a visual extravaganza from 206 of the world’s leading galleries, transforming the city into a living, breathing artwork. If you see a giant Kermit the Frog balloon floating above Place Vendôme, no, your eyes aren’t tricking you—this cheeky installation is part of the festivities. Over on Avenue Winston Churchill, it’s an open-air art museum out in the autumn air.

While we’re talking epic transformations, today marks the grand reopening of the Fondation Cartier for Contemporary Art, now in its new Palais-Royal digs. There’s a special inauguration event, so expect creative fireworks from Paris’s premier modern creators.

Sports fans, you’ll want to squeeze into La Défense Arena: the Rolex Paris Masters kicks off today, bringing indoor tennis royalty to slug it out on court. And in Saint-Denis, Les Voies Royales marathon welcomes runners and strollers alike to the finish line at Stade de France—if you ever wanted to feel like a champion, this is your moment.

Paris never sleeps, and neither do its musicians. The ARTE Concert Festival at La Gaîté Lyrique celebrates a decade with explosive free concerts—picture Mac DeMarco, Baxter Dury, and Camille Yembe rocking out, and yes, reservations are a must. For the nocturnal, Centre Pompidou is transforming into a multi-level club with DJs, immersive performances, and surprise sets from icons like Ed Banger, Christine and the Queens, and Sébastien Tellier. Get your groove on before the legendary museum closes for renovation—talk about a last hurrah.

If you’ve got mini-adventurers in tow, Parc André Citroën is serving up pure spookiness with the Parc de l’Étrange—13 haunted universes and pyrotechnic shows. Or head to the Paradox Museum in the 9th for Halloween decorations and a wild optical illusion treasure hunt. Family film buffs will feel at home at the Quai Branly Museum’s free Forêts et Merveilles festival, jam-packed with magical screenings.

Local news hot off the presses: the Fondation Cartier’s reopening is turning heads, while foodies are buzzing about Hoso Basque in the Marais—a Japanese cheesecake café cranking out sweet treats since July. Public transit is running smoothly despite the festival crowds, though heads up—major hubs near Grand Palais and La Défense may get extra busy, so plan your route like a local.

If you’re hungry for adventure, don’t miss the flea markets popping up all over town, especially in Yvelines—winter’s closing in and these are your last chances to score legendary Parisian bargains. Want something a little quirky? Try the Romantic Montmartre Outdoor Escape Game happening today—chase clues, solve mysteries, and discover the oh-so-swoony side of Paris.

Night owls, why not try a little salsa at La Pachanga or La Candela tonight? Paris’s dance floors are calling your name and there’s always time for a wild shimmy. Or check out L’Aprem Fou’s hip-hop night at Bareno—Paris’s music scene is as diverse as its pâtisserie menu.

Here’s an Oly Bennet tip: when navigating galleries, say “bonjour” with a big smile! Parisians warm up quick to friendly curiosity—plus, you never know which local is a secret art historian or tennis superfan.

And for tomorrow? The party’s just getting started. Halloween ramps up with new museum events and music shows. Stay tuned for insider tricks to squeeze every last joy from your Paris adventure.

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