Les Traversées du Marais
The free cultural festival of the Marais
About Traversées du Marais
Created in 2015 by the Marais Culture+ network, the Les Traversées du Marais festival is an entirely free cultural event that transforms the historic Marais district into a vast playground for artistic discovery over a weekend in September. More than 30 cultural institutions—museums, galleries, art centers, memorials—open their doors and offer shows, concerts, performances, workshops, and unique tours, providing the public with a unique experience in the heart of Paris's 3rd and 4th arrondissements.
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Les Traversées du Marais: A District, Thirty Institutions, One Festival
Since 2015, the Les Traversées du Marais festival has revealed the exceptional cultural richness of one of Paris's most emblematic districts. Born from the initiative of the Marais Culture+ network, a collective founded in 2014 to promote the remarkable density of cultural institutions in the Marais, this free festival offers a weekend of multidisciplinary artistic discoveries each year.
A Unique Cultural Network in France
The Marais concentrates an unparalleled density of culture in Europe within a few hectares: the Centre Pompidou, the Musée Picasso-Paris, the Archives nationales de France, the Mémorial de la Shoah, the Institut suédois, the Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature, the Musée Carnavalet, the Maison de Victor Hugo, and many other exceptional venues. The Marais Culture+ network brings together over 30 of these institutions to offer, over a weekend, a shared, coherent, and entirely free artistic program.
A Multidisciplinary and Accessible Program
Each edition of the festival is built around a unifying theme. Participating institutions offer events designed specifically for the occasion: contemporary dance performances, concerts, artistic performances, poetry readings, screenings, unique guided tours, installations, and participatory workshops. The public is invited to *cross* the Marais from one venue to another, discovering varied and often surprising artistic experiences.
The festival is aimed at all audiences—families, art lovers, the curious, neighborhood residents—and its entirely free access guarantees maximum openness. No reservations are necessary: simply show up, subject to the capacity of each venue.
A Festive and Friendly Weekend
Beyond the artistic program, Les Traversées du Marais celebrates the spirit of the neighborhood. Moments of conviviality—neighborhood banquets, open-air DJ sets, walking tours—punctuate the weekend and transform the Marais into a shared festive space, where art is experienced in the streets as much as in the museums.
Traversées du Marais — edition 2026
The 12th edition of the Les Traversées du Marais festival will take place in September 2026. The Marais Culture+ network will offer another weekend of free cultural discoveries in over 30 Marais institutions.
12th Edition - September 2026
The Les Traversées du Marais festival returns for its 12th edition in September 2026. The Marais Culture+ network will once again bring together over 30 cultural institutions in the district for a weekend of entirely free shows, concerts, performances, tours, and workshops.
The full program will be announced in autumn 2026 on the festival's official website.
Highlights Traversées du Marais 2026
To Remember for 2026
- 12th edition of the festival
- Over 30 participating institutions
- Weekend in September
- Entirely free access
Prices Traversées du Marais 2026
Practical information — Traversées du Marais
Practical Information
Access and Transport
Metro: Lines 1 (Saint-Paul, Hôtel de Ville), 11 (Rambuteau, Arts et Métiers), 8 (Chemin Vert, Saint-Sébastien - Froissart).
Bus: Lines 29, 69, 76, 96.
Prices
The festival is entirely free, subject to availability.
Venues
Events take place in over 30 cultural institutions spread across the 3rd and 4th arrondissements of Paris: museums, galleries, art centers, libraries, and heritage sites.
Practical Tips
- Consult the program on the official website before your visit to plan your route.
- Wear comfortable shoes for walking around the district.
- No reservations are needed, but arrive early for the most popular events.
- The Marais district offers numerous dining and café options.
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Travel to this festival
Book your train or bus to reach Traversées du Marais at the best price.
Sponsored link
Where does it take place — Traversées du Marais
Quartier du Marais - 3e et 4e arrondissements
Le Marais, 75003 Paris