Nuit Blanche Paris

Nuit Blanche, literally a sleepless night, is Paris's celebrated all-night arts festival, held on one night each autumn. For a single evening the city hands itself over to contemporary art: museums throw open their doors for free late into the night, monuments and public squares host light shows and installations, and unexpected corners of Paris become stages for performance, video and sculpture. It's one of the most atmospheric ways to experience the city, wandering illuminated streets among crowds of Parisians out until sunrise.

What makes it special is the sense of discovery. There's no single venue; instead a trail of artworks threads across neighbourhoods, often clustered along a themed route so you can walk from one glowing installation to the next. Expect projections on historic facades, immersive light and sound pieces, pop-up performances and long but good-humoured queues at the most talked-about works, all completely free to enjoy.

Tips for going

Plan a route in advance from the official programme, as trying to see everything is impossible and the best pieces draw long lines late on. Go on foot as much as you can, since the pleasure is in the walking, and wear comfortable shoes and a warm layer for the October night. Public transport runs extended hours, but central areas get very busy, so start early in the evening to beat the biggest crowds at headline installations.

Nuit Blanche unfolds across central Paris, with installations concentrated in different districts each year. Fly into Charles de Gaulle (CDG) or Orly (ORY). From CDG, the RER B train runs to central hubs like Châtelet-Les Halles and Gare du Nord in around 35 to 45 minutes; from Orly, use the Orlyval to Antony then the RER B, or tram-and-metro links. Once in the city, the Métro is the easiest way to hop between installation zones, and services typically run later than usual on the night. Châtelet is the most central interchange, but check the festival map for the neighbourhood hosting the works you want to see.

• Before you go, read the UK government's FCDO travel advice for France (entry requirements, safety and local laws).
• Flight delayed or cancelled on the way? See our Travel Disruption guide for your rights and live alerts.