10 Must-Know Back-to-School Updates

© Bus Palladium - Matthieu & Pauline - Reformation

Back-to-school season is shaping up to be especially exciting this year! Between the most highly anticipated new restaurant of September bringing the all-you-can-eat buffet back in style, the wild new boutique from the brand sending the fashion world into a frenzy, the new series starring Jessica Chastain, the already iconic Soulages exhibition, and the grand return of the Bus Palladium, we’ve got the rundown of all the crazy news that’ll actually make you want to come back from vacation.

We mostly know him for his “Outrenoir” works—those layered black paintings reflecting light in unique ways. Yet, the work of painter Pierre Soulages began on paper as early as 1946 with walnut stain compositions that already stood out from the abstract art of the time. Broad, assertive strokes in dark hues using stain, gouache, and graphite, his paper works were long kept private by the artist and rarely exhibited. That’s about to change: the Musée du Luxembourg will host an entire exhibition devoted to his paper works starting September 17, featuring no less than 130 pieces, including over thirty never-before-seen! A golden opportunity to learn more about one of France’s abstract art icons.

Soulages, Another Light: Paintings on Paper, from September 17, 2025 to January 11, 2026, at the Musée du Luxembourg.

The legendary Lutetia Palace on rue de Sèvres offers a top-tier Parisian experience—luxury lodging, fine dining with two restaurants and two bars, and the renowned Akasha Spa. Starting this fall, this wellness haven will welcome treatments from myBlend, which our editorial team loves for its high-tech meets epigenetics approach. Treat yourself to a wellness reset with the Essential Facial and LED mask sessions.

myBlend at Spa Akasha, Mandarin Oriental Lutetia, 45 boulevard Raspail, Paris 6th. Opening September 12.

Rock’n’roll night owls mourned the closing of Bus Palladium in 2022. But the iconic Pigalle venue is rising from the ashes this November—as a one-of-a-kind 5-star hotel. In a bold, wild décor signed by Studio KO (Chiltern Firehouse, Le Bar des Prés…), the hotel will feature 35 rooms and suites, including the 80 m² Magic Rock suite designed for artists performing live on-site. Yes, there will be a stage! A new 200-seat concert hall will carry on the venue’s legacy, thanks to hotel group Chapitre Six, which already owns Monsieur Aristide, La Folie Barbizon, and La Ponche in Saint-Tropez.

Bus Palladium, 6 rue Pierre Fontaine, Paris 9th. Opening in November.

This October, influencers’ favorite brand is coming straight from Los Angeles to settle in the Marais, rue des Francs Bourgeois. It will be Reformation’s very first store in France, having only been available at a Bon Marché pop-up. Already a massive hit in the U.S. for its blend of eco-conscious fashion and irresistible design, Reformation’s mantra says it all: “Being naked is the #1 most sustainable option. We’re #2.” October is about to get fashion-forward and seriously sexy.

Reformation, 20 rue des Francs Bourgeois, Paris 3rd. Opening October 2025.

The unmissable show of the season? Without a doubt, Les Demoiselles de Rochefort live on the Théâtre du Lido stage. The pastel-toned musical film by Jacques Demy gets a theatrical revamp by Gilles Rico, with Michel Legrand’s timeless tunes—earworms for nearly 60 years—under the musical direction of Patrice Peyriéras. Costumes? None other than Alexis Mabille will dress the operatic singers playing the twin sisters Delphine and Solange, backed by 36 performers. We can barely contain our excitement...

Les Demoiselles de Rochefort, Théâtre du Lido, starting October 2. 116 bis avenue des Champs-Élysées, Paris 8th 

We got to sample their marble cake early—and trust us, you’re going to go wild when you see the window displays at Matthieu & Pauline. After making their name in high-end catering, the duo is opening a top-tier pastry shop in the 7th arrondissement. Expect ultra-refined sweet creations: couture tarte tatin, Paris-Brest, travel cakes, rice pudding, chocolate mousse, frozen desserts, confections, and specialty coffee. Let’s just say we’re counting down the days till the end of August.

Matthieu & Pauline – La Pâtisserie, 24 rue Cler, Paris 7th. Opening late August.

© Océane Toubert

The trend is confirmed: all-you-can-eat buffets are booming, and the French love them. Enter chef Eloi Spinnler—famous on social media and YouTube (he’s behind Orgueil and Colère)—with his new spot Envie. This modern, responsible buffet concept opens on 500 m² on rue du Temple, offering over 100 homemade dishes. The ethical approach is clear: pre-portioned servings, whole-animal cooking, and partnerships with food rescue charities. Time to rethink buffets.

Envie, 148 rue du Temple, Paris 3rd. Opening September 4.

One of the fall’s buzz-worthy hotel launches? Faubourg Galant Paris Handwritten Collection, near Opéra and the Grands Boulevards, offering 63 rooms including two peaceful, elegant suites. Expect a coworking space, stylish bar, wellness zone with sauna… We’re calling it: the next fashion week hotspot. Special mention for the bathrooms—decked out in black and white, featuring Typology products. So chic.

Hôtel Faubourg Galant, 16 rue Buffault, Paris 9th. Opening September 1.
© AbacaPress / Pascal Dieu

In soft opening this summer, The Dogry is already winning over the dog parents of western Paris. This XXL dog-sitting venue is the perfect solution for busy Parisians who can't walk their dogs at lunch. Designed like a true amusement park, it features a boutique, coffee shop for remote work while your pup plays, and two large underground areas for exercise or peaceful naps. But it’s for friendly dogs only! Founders Lenny and Eden conduct a chill screening to ensure harmony. Our tip? Visit before signing up for the €60/month membership.

The Dogry, 6 rue Déodat de Séverac, Paris 17th. Opening this summer.

This fall’s most anticipated series? That would be The Savant, starring Oscar-winner Jessica Chastain (Best Actress 2022 for The Eyes of Tammy Faye). Created by Melissa James Gibson (of House of Cards fame) and produced by Apple TV+ (which racked up over 80 Emmy noms this year), Chastain plays The Savant, a deep-cover investigator infiltrating online hate groups to dismantle extremist networks before they act. A bold #badbitch concept we’re so ready for!

The Savant, streaming on Apple TV+. First two episodes drop Friday, September 26, with weekly releases through November 7.

Also check out our August to-do list and 7 must-dos at Paris Plages.