Letter from Paris: September 16, 2026 News Digest

Céline Dion is back! Bonjour Paris was there to see the first show of her Paris residency, and all we have to say is “wow.” From the monumental set design by Willo Perron and the parade of haute couture costumes (Dior, Schiaparelli, Alaïa, oh my!), from the gospel choir to the band, the concert was an emotional and inspiring comeback that delighted the star’s legions of adoring fans. Find out more in this week’s Bonjour Paris newsletter.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Céline Dion (@celinedion)

Céline fever is sweeping through Paris. The city staged a giant karaoke party (10,000 people at the place de la Bataille-de-Stalingrad!), boat companies are hosting themed river cruises, star pastry chef Pierre Hermé launched a limited-edition macaron box in her honor, and hotels are rolling out special themed packages. Le Méridien Paris Arc de Triomphe, for example, is offering the “Paris, I’m Ready” Suite which is decked out like a backstage experience with “dressing-room mirrors, dramatic lighting, vinyl records, and silver accents… drawing inspiration from Céline Dion’s glamorous world.”

European Heritage Days (Journées du Patrimoine) will be taking place this weekend, an opportunity to get a glimpse inside buildings usually closed to the public, like the Elysée Palace. Themed, guided tours also take place at museums and monuments— all free of charge. Expect long lines, but smaller sights, such as the Chateau de la Reine Blanche in the 13th, are generally easier to access. Check the website and sign up, where possible, in advance.

With seven months to go before the French presidential election, politics are heating up and candidates are making their case. France 24 reports that the cost of living is the biggest concern among voters. “A new Ipsos survey reveals a country gripped by pessimism, with soaring prices the top worry for French voters ahead of the April 2027 presidential election. Candidates from far-right leader Marine Le Pen to the far-left’s Jean-Luc Mélenchon are racing to make the cost of living the defining issue of their campaigns.” According to The Economist, “France’s centre has one question: who can beat Marine Le Pen?”

Eiffel Tower staff recently went on strike to protest the removal of female staff during a Hindu group’s private visit. The iconic monument was closed. French authorities have since launched an investigation into the incident. As reported by RFI, “A row over the treatment of female staff at the Eiffel Tower has put a Hindu movement at the centre of a  controversy in France. An India specialist told RFI that BAPS, which has close ties to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has become an important vehicle for his soft-power diplomacy abroad.”

Pope Leo is planning an official visit to Paris on September 25 and 26, before continuing on a national tour that will include stops in Lourdes and Metz. This is the first Paris trip by a pontiff since 2008. On Friday, catch a glimpse of the Popemobile as the Pope journeys from Notre-Dame-des-Champs Church to Place Saint-Michel, via Boulevard Montparnasse and Boulevard Saint-Michel. Vespers will be celebrated at Notre Dame cathedral, with a procession on the forecourt. Stay tuned for more details in an upcoming BP article.

Oh and did you hear that Paris is America’s hot new retirement destination? Business Insider says that “A wave of Americans are making permanent moves to France — and some are paying way too much.” Looking at real estate? Check out our property listings on Bonjour Paris and sister site FrenchEntrée.