Bienvenue listeners to Things to do in Paris! Today is Thursday, September 18, 2025, and let me tell you—Paris is positively buzzing. The weather’s serving up perfect late-summer vibes: warm, mellow sunlight with a gentle breeze that’s ideal for roaming boulevards or sipping café crème streetside. There’s an electric sense of anticipation in the air, because the city is gearing up for a weekend packed with culture, family fun, and wild events that will put even the most seasoned sports enthusiast’s pulse into overdrive.

Right now, Paris isn’t just rolling into autumn—it’s sprinting. People are pouring out for the last days of Paris Design Week, so if you love snazzy sofas or avant-garde lamp shades, dash over to the galleries and unusual venues scattered across the city. It’s free, it’s festive, and you just might see a chair that looks suspiciously like a croissant.

If you’re craving something quirky and competitive, the LEGO Grand Tournament is turning the Champs-Élysées into a massive playground this weekend. Picture this: 256 family teams battling it out with just 300 LEGO bricks each, all while charming festival workshops swirl around, and the Arc de Triomphe looks on in majestic approval. Even if you’re not competing, it’s a jaw-dropping spectacle for all ages, complete with giant brick sculptures, DJ sets, and the possibility to win a trip to Denmark. Très sportif, très fantastique!

Art and design fans—Art Basel Paris 2025 has 203 galleries from 40 countries descending for exclusive exhibits, artist talks, and fierce art market energy. Whether you know your Picassos from your Legos or just want a taste of Parisian chic, the Grand Palais pop-up is the place to be.

Tonight, if you want to catch the city's nocturnal sparkle, look no further than the top Parisian terraces. Local guides recommend these high-in-the-sky hotspots to soak up sunset views over the rooftops—sip a spritz, snack on fromage, feel fancy for a night.

There’s a little wrinkle in today’s plans: according to the Paris Tourist Office, an inter-professional strike is causing severe disruptions on the metro and RER, plus some bus and tram lines. So channel your inner Tour de France cyclist, grab a Vélib’ bike, or glide through town on a scooter. Pro-tip from Paris regulars: surface streets are still lively and walkable—the perfect excuse to wander!

Families, Paris has you covered. The century-old Carrousel des Tuileries is spinning next to storybook statues at Jardin des Tuileries for just €3 a ride. The Jardin du Luxembourg offers puppet shows, pony rides, and enough green space for cartwheels (Oly-tested, Oly-approved!). Parc de la Villette is bursting with dragon playgrounds, adventure zones, and splash pads—let the kids unleash their wild side.

Hungry for something new? There’s buzz about Le Bon Vivant, a just-opened bistro in the Marais serving “fusion crustacean tapas”—yes, lobster and cheese are dancing together. Locals say reservations are wise and the vibe is très contemporain.

And do not, under any circumstances, miss the final exhibition at the Pompidou Centre before renovations close it until 2030. Wolfgang Tillmans’ evocative photo show is a once-in-a-generation event. Also, mark your calendar: the Notre-Dame towers are reopening this Saturday for Heritage Days, with free entry and a fresh new visitor route.

Now for your Paris pro-tip—when in doubt about public transport, track updates using the city’s Vélib’ bike app and save yourself hours lost underground. And if you’re searching for a hidden gem, check out TRIBU, the playful café for families in the 9th arrondissement, where games, snacks, and laughter are always on tap.

Looking ahead, Paris is about to get even wilder! Tomorrow promises circus festival thrills at Cergy Soit!, magical garden nights at Château de Dampierre, and—get this—a Sleepy Hollow immersive adventure for daring families. Tune in again for all the details on tomorrow’s epic lineup.

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