Paris Shows Preview - Part 1: The Overview

I’ve been fortunate to attend the January design shows in Paris for many years, and each time, I discover something unexpectedly inspiring that reignites my creative spark. This two-part post is designed to help you get the most of your visit. In Part 1, I’ll share an overview of the shows and offer tips for navigating the city. In Part 2, I’ll spotlight the brands and designers I’m most excited to see.

THE SHOWS

Maison et Objet is a major design trade show held every January and September at Paris Nord Villepinte, a sprawling exhibition center located about 20 kilometers north of central Paris. The event spans multiple halls and features thousands of exhibitors, showcasing products across home décor, furniture, textiles, lighting, crafts, and lifestyle. While many interior designers attending Paris Deco Off may overlook M&O, I recommend visiting—there are always hidden gems to discover. The venue is accessible via the RER B train (more details in the “Getting Around” section below), but be prepared for potentially long travel times if taking a taxi due to traffic, which can take an hour or more. It’s best to buy a pass in advance, as tickets on-site cost 80 Euros, but early purchases offer discounts. Convenient coat checks are available. There are lots of lunch and coffee options on-site. They range a lot in quality and price, and they doo get very crowded, so try to eat at off-peak times—or, if you are a client of one of the big brands, they often cater lunches. Be sure to download the Maison et Objet app for event updates and show details.

When: January 16-20, 2025
Where: Paris Nord Villepinte
Website: Maison et Objet
App: Maison et Objet App

Paris Deco Off is an essential event for anyone in the world of luxury textiles, wallcoverings, and surface design. Held alongside Maison et Objet, it takes place in showrooms across Paris, with the majority concentrated in two main areas: the charming Saint-Germain-des-Prés district and the historic Rue de Mail. These areas are home to some of the best design showrooms in the city, where top brands and emerging designers showcase their latest collections in an intimate setting.

When: January 15-18, 2025
Where: Various showrooms in Paris
Website: Paris Deco Off

Pop-ups have surged in popularity alongside the rise of Paris Deco Off and its offshoot, M&O in the City (Maison et Objet curates a large number of ateliers and showrroms across town; detail available on the M&O site.) While many are officially part of these events, others set up independently, creating their own unique experiences. These pop-ups often take place in distinctive locations like galleries, courtyards, and iconic Parisian landmarks, offering a dynamic, immersive atmosphere. A significant number are hosted in private apartments, providing a personal setting for designers to showcase their collections in real-life environments. The informal, flexible nature of these events fosters creativity and networking, making them a key feature of the Paris design scene. Most are concentrated in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés area.

GETTING AROUND

Metro/RER

Paris has a fantastic metro! The metro, RER (regional trains), buses, trams, and even some water transport are operated by RATP. I usually have good luck navigating by doing exactly what Google Maps tells me to. To pay your fare, Navigo Card via Apple Wallet allows easy access to Paris’s metro, RER, and bus services by simply tapping your iPhone or Apple Watch. The Île-de-France Mobilités app lets you buy single ride tickets on public transportation.

Protip: Check for strikes and closures on www.ratp.fr

Freenow Taxi App and Uber

Both Freenow and Uber are convenient car services, but traffic, one-way streets, and ride availability—especially during peak morning hours—can make the metro a quicker option. If you need to be somewhere early, booking an Uber ahead of time is reliable and convenient. Lyft does not opperate in Paris.

SCHEDULING

To make the most of your time, avoid running back and forth between neighborhoods! Try to arrange your schedule so you can see as much as possible within each area. I like to spend 1–2 days at M&O, one day on Rue de Mail, and 1–2 days in St. Germain. Setting aside a day or two for museums and textile-related retail visits is also highly recommended. It’s a long trip from California, so I always try to make the most of the time and explore as much as possible.

WHAT TO WEAR/BRING

It will be cold. It will be slushy. It might rain or snow the whole time. And you’ll be surrounded by incredibly chic people and designers who adore fashion. It’s a balancing act, but for me, comfort is non-negotiable. I make sure to bring plenty of reliable walking boots, a warm hat, a rain hat, nice gloves, a good overcoat, and an umbrella. At M&O, you can leave your coat at the coat check, but in Paris proper, you’ll be in and out all day, so a good coat and a few stylish scarves are essential.

An outfit from a day out in Paris last year, please note comfy shoes.

And never go anywhere without a backup battery and phone charger. Between photos and maps, I often go through three charges in a day!

GETTING TO M&O

M&O takes place at the Parc des Expositions in Villepinte, accessible by the RER B train, which runs through central Paris (stops include Gare du Nord, Châtelet-Les Halles, Saint-Michel Notre-Dame, and Luxembourg). Take the train toward Charles de Gaulle airport or Parc des Exposition and get off at Parc des Expositions. The fairground is a quick and obvious walk from the station. Expect a 40-55 minute ride, sometimes crowded— but if you can snag an express train it’s much faster and has fewer passengers. At the end of the day try to leave M&O at least 30 minutes before the close, as the trains going back to Paris are very crowded.

MAISON ET OBJET OVERVIEW

Maison et Objet 2025 and Perclers Paris have selected “Sur/Reality” as the theme, delving into surreal and fantastical design through both physical and digital experiences. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the surrealist manifesto, and I’ve been tracking surrealist influences over the past seasons. I’m excited about this theme, which promises to be anything but boring!

The show spans 7 large halls with over 2,300 exhibitors, so it’s nearly impossible to see everything unless you dedicate the entire duration of the show to exploring! Luckily, the halls are organized by product type and market level, making it easier to navigate. My personal favorite is always the Craft section. I also focus on areas like Signature, which showcases luxury home labels, as well as Home Linen, Home Accessories, and the Pattern Lab, which features textile designers who create artwork for the industry. Forever/Today is another hall that might warrant a peek if you have timet, although it tends to feature more “lifestyle” brands. I prefer to seek out designers and companies with a more defined point of view.

There are often country-specific sections set up by trade bureaus, and they’re definitely worth visiting. You’ll often find beautiful handmade objects on display, so be sure to stop and take a look.

THIS MAP IS FROM LAST YEAR (2024), so be sure to use the app and pick up an updated map when you arrive.

If you’re looking to shop, be sure to ask about minimum order quantities. The show is business-to-business, not necessarily to-the-trade, so it’s important to be clear about your needs. Many companies also sell their samples for cash on the last day of the show, so if you’re hoping to leave with some amazing cashmere, make sure to bring a wallet full of cash!

CURATED SPACES

I always seek out the What’s New? spaces to get an overview of the most exciting trends. These curated showcases offer a glimpse into the breadth of goods in the show in inspiring ways, but the locations can change from year to year, so be sure to grab a map or use the app when you arrive.

Curated spaces at Maison et Objet include:

Elizabeth Leriche 2024 *‘What’s New In Decor’* exhibition. ©Anne-Emmanuelle Thion, courtesy of M&O

WHAT’S NEW? IN DECOR by Elizabeth Leriche, featuring an immersive labyrinth, a Room of Dreams, and surreal spaces.

François Delclaux 2020 *‘Alive’* installation

WHAT’S NEW? IN RETAIL by François Delclaux, designed as a vibrant concept store with products inspired by themes like Curiosity Cabinet and Daydreams & Pleasure.

Le Café, inspired by a Gen-Z aesthetic by Uchronia for M+O 2022

WHAT’S NEW? IN HOSPITALITY by Uchronia, crafted by Julien Sebban, presents a time-warped hotel experience with sensory atmospheres, a bar, and a rejuvenating spa.