Quick Tips for Visiting the 2026 Fête des Tuileries
- Location: Tuileries Garden in Paris, located between the Louvre and the Place de la Concorde
- When: June 21 - August 24, 2026 (late June to late August annually)
- Cost: Free entry, rides €5-10
- Payments: Card or cash for rides. Bring cash (€20-€50 in small bills) for games and treats like crepes, churros or cotton candy, as some vendors may not accept cards.
- Hours: 11:00a.m. to midnight
Pro Tip: Visit on weekday evenings (after 6pm) for shorter lines and less crowds. For the best photos, plan your visit around sunset (9:00–9:30 PM in summer) to capture the fair’s glowing lights against the Paris skyline—the cooler evening air also makes rides and garden strolls more comfortable for kids and families.
What is the Tuileries Festival?
During the summer holidays, from late June to late August, there is a festival set up in the 1st arrondissement of Paris, France, called the Tuileries Festival (or Fête des Tuileries in French). It's one of the best activities in Paris for kids and families, though anyone can stop by and enjoy! Located in the Tuileries Garden near the Louvre, there are around sixty rides and attractions such as bumper cars, claw machines, a ferris wheel, merry-go-round, and a log flume. There are delicious food stalls set up throughout the festival and garden paths to explore. Admission is free, while rides and attractions will cost money — it is fairly inexpensive; even on a small budget it is possible to make the most out of your experience.
Rides and Attractions
The Fête des Tuileries offers family-friendly rides perfect for kids and adults, making it one of the top Paris summer attractions. While at this funfair event we took my nieces on a few rides. The air swings cost €7 per person, and most other rides we went on were €5 per person. You do not have to buy tickets in advance - you can just pay in line, perfect for those who don't know how many they'd like to ride. The rides we were on accepted both cash and card payments which was very convenient.
The best thing to do at the 2026 Fête des Tuileries is to go on the Ferris wheel, which cost €10 per adult and €5 per child. It was definitely my favorite activity as the views were absolutely breathtaking. From the top, you are able to see all the iconic Parisian landmarks including the Seine River, Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Tuileries Garden, and the Sacré-Cœur Basilica. It genuinely feels as if you can see the whole city - it's the best panoramic view in Paris short of the top of the Eiffel Tower!
Sweet Treats and Garden Strolls
After craving sweets, we stopped by one of the many gelato stands to grab a cone while my nieces got some cotton candy. I got a pistachio and caramel swirl, and my boyfriend got a Nutella and banana swirl — it was one of the best I have had! We took our sweet treats and went for a walk in the Tuileries gardens, enjoying the beautiful sights, flowery smells, and ancient statues.
The food stalls are designed for on-the-go eating to enjoy treats while exploring the attractions, but there are a few places to rest your feet while you eat. You could also head to the Tuileries Gardens to sit in the grass and have a bite. The food at this festival is typical of fairground meals, with vendors selling croustillant, hot simple sandwiches, beignets, crêpes and churros.
Evening at the Festival
The Fête des Tuileries is open from 11:00a.m. until midnight. We stayed until 10:30p.m. to see the sun set over Paris and watch as the playful neon lights came on to brighten the sky. There is an entrance to the metro right next to the festival entrances, so it is very easy to get back home no matter where you are staying within the city.
FAQs About the 2026 Fête des Tuileries
Q: What Should I Wear and Bring?
Wear comfy shoes and pack a small backpack with water, sunscreen, and cash. A reusable water bottle saves money and reduces waste - refill at Tuileries Garden fountains.
Q: Is the Fête des Tuileries free to enter?
Yes, entry is free, but rides cost €5-€10 (cash or card accepted).
Q: What are the best rides at the Fête des Tuileries?
The Ferris wheel (€10 adults, €5 kids) offers stunning Paris views, while bumper cars (€5) are great for families.
Q: How do I Pay For the Rides?
Pay at ticket booths or directly at rides (cash or card). Ask about group ride passes or multi-ride tickets to save, especially for families.
Q: When is the best time to visit?
Weekday evenings after 6:00p.m. or sunset (9:00–9:30p.m.) for shorter lines and a magical setting.
Q: Is it good for kids?
Yes! With kid-friendly rides like the merry-go-round and treats like cotton candy, it’s a top Paris family activity.
Q: How Can I Get There?
Use the nearby metro for easy access and late-night returns. The Fête des Tuileries is steps from the Tuileries and Concorde metro stations (Line 1), making it easy to arrive and leave, even after the fair closes at midnight. Check the Paris Metro app (Bonjour RATP) for real-time schedules to plan your trip, especially if staying late for the evening lights.
Q: What Else is There to do Nearby?
You can combine your festival lisit with a Le Marais, Louvre, or Place de la Concorde stop for a full Paris day, all in walking distance from the Fête des Tuileries. Visit the festival in the evening after exploring these iconic Paris hotspots for a budget-friendly, action-packed day. Be sure to check Louvre hours and book your tickets in advance!
