The Toussaint school holidays in France are just around the corner, running from Saturday, 19 October to Monday, 4 November, 2024. In France, this break coincides with All Saints’ Day on November 1st, a public holiday dedicated to honoring loved ones who have passed. Since it’s a public holiday, many businesses and holiday camps close for the day.
As parents, we all know that the two-week Toussaint break can be both exciting and a bit challenging to navigate. This is a perfect time to consider enrolling our children in holiday camps (“stages vacances“). With a wide variety of options available—from arts and crafts to sports and cultural activities—there’s something to suit every child’s interests.
But with so many choices available, how do you decide what to sign your kids up for? Here is your guide to some fantastic options available across Paris during the upcoming school break. In my mind, I categorize the camps into two main types. The first category includes camps run by the City of Paris, which are conducted in French and offer a more affordable option for families. The second category consists of privately run camps, which offer a broader selection of activities in both French and English, but are more expensive.
While this list of holiday camps isn’t exhaustive, it still covers a wide range of options available in Paris. I’ve included camps that offer activities in both English and French, cater to different age groups, and provide a variety of experiences at different price points. I hope you find it useful and that it helps you find the perfect fit for your child, schedule, and budget.
October holiday camps run by the City of Paris
1. Centres de Loisirs
For super affordable supervised activities consider enrolling your child, aged 3 to 14, in one of the 302 Centres de Loisirs in local French public schools. Nearly every public nursery or elementary school in Paris hosts a leisure centre. Most families in Paris take advantage of these Centres during school holidays.
All children aged 3 to 14 who live or study in Paris, whether in public or private schools, are eligible to enroll in these leisure centres during the school holidays. The registration window for signing up for the October holidays is between 23 September and 7 October 2024. One of the benefits of these centres is flexibility—you don’t need to sign up for a minimum number of days, so you can just enroll your child for 1 or 2 days if that’s all you need.
If you miss the registration window, don’t worry! It has definitely happened to me several times. Your child can still attend, but a 30% surcharge will apply if they arrive unregistered or attend a different centre than originally signed up for. You can register through the Facil’familles website, and the cost for a full day at a leisure centre, including lunch, ranges from €2 to €30 per day depending on your income bracket.
2. Paris Sport Vacances
If your child is between 7 and 17, they can participate in two weeks of half-day sports camps for free, thanks to the Paris Sport Vacances program run by the City of Paris. The registration window is open from 26 September until 25 October 2024.
With hundreds of courses available, there’s something for every child, from basketball and rugby to football. You can choose from free half-day sessions in the morning or afternoon, or choose a full-day program (with meals and snacks at an extra charge). These courses take place Monday through Friday:
- Half-day (morning): 9am to 12pm
- Half-day (afternoon): 2pm to 5pm
- Full day: 9am to 5pm
To sign up for the sports camps, create a My Paris account and access the online schedule to explore available options, locations, and timetables. Be sure to calculate your family’s price bracket ahead of time for any paid options, as the default maximum rate will apply without the proper quotient calculation.
Privately run October holiday camps in Paris
I’ve included privately run October holiday camps that offer activities in both English and French, cater to different age groups, and provide a variety of experiences at various price points. The camps are listed in alphabetical order.
1. Academic Learning Center of New York (ALCNY)
The Academic Learning Center of New York (ALCNY) runs after-school programs at private schools in Paris (Concordia Bilingual School, Canadian Bilingual School, and Lennen Bilingual School), offering English language education through theme-based activities like robotics, music, visual arts, and sports.
During the October school holidays, ALCNY will offer a special themed camp: Harry Potter and the Enchanted House. This camp will run from 21 October to 1 November from 9am to 4pm, with extended hours available until 6pm. The camp provides an immersive experience for children aged 3-12, blending learning and play in a magical environment. The kids are grouped by age (3-5, 6-8, 9+).
Proposed daily program:
- 9.00-9.30am: Welcome
- 9.30am-11.30am: 2 activities (sports and creative)
- 11.30am-1pm: lunch, rest, outdoor play
- 1pm-3.30pm: 2 activities (sports and culture)
- 3.30pm-4pm: games
Dates: 21 October – 1 November 2024
Locations & Addresses:
- Concordia Bilingual School (7 rue Cimarosa, 75016)
- Lennen Bilingual School (9-11 ave Villars, 75007)
- Canadian Bilingual School (91 Boulevard Exelmans, 75016)
Cost:
- Daily price per child: €125
- Weekly price per child: €565
2. American Children’s Theatre
The American Children’s Theatre in Paris offers year-round theater training in English. This year, the theater will run Halloween-themed camp weeks and workshops from 21 October to 1 November for children aged 3-12. The camps, led by theater professionals, are filled with singing, dancing, games, and theatrical fun.
The morning sessions are designed for children aged 3–10, while afternoon sessions cater to ages 6–12. All-day sessions and evening workshops (from 4.30pm to 6pm) are available for ages 6–12. Each session concludes with a live performance on Friday, complete with music, costumes, scenery, and props.
Proposed program:
- Halloween Spooktacular Musical Theatre Camps
- Special One-Day Workshop on 1 November: Morning and afternoon sessions available, emphasizing fun and exploration of different performance styles.
Dates:
- Week 1: 21 October – 25 October
- Week 2: 28 October – 31 October
- One-day workshop: 1 November
Address: Saint Michael’s Paris, 5 rue d’Aguesseau, 75008
Cost:
- Morning session: €150
- Afternoon session: €175
- Workshop session: €125
- All-day session (10am–4pm): €325
3. Apprends et Rêve
Apprends et Rêve is a Paris-based association in the 16th arrondissement that offers year-round workshops and themed holiday programs for children and teenagers. Activities include theater, circus arts, sports, drawing, creative activities and coding. The holiday programs are uniquely thematic, designed to explore specific topics in depth like a particular country or historical figure.
This year, there are multiple workshops and all-day camps are available for children aged 3 to 12 during the October school holidays. You can register for morning, afternoon, or full-day sessions from 9am to 5pm.
Dates: 21-31 October 2024
Address: 69 rue de l’Assomption, 75016 Paris
Cost: Prices vary for morning and afternoon classes, see the full program online. Prices start from about €130 per session per week.
4. Club des Enfants Parisiens
The Club des Enfants Parisiens in the 17th arrondissement offers activities for children aged 3 to 16 throughout the year. This year’s October holidays program runs from 21 October to 31 October 2024. The Club has 20 activity rooms, a lovely courtyard, and a tea room for parents. You can work quietly, relax, or enjoy organic juices, herbal teas, and homemade cakes while waiting for your kids.
This October, the club proposes 2 hour classes in the mornings and afternoons, with age-appropriate activities that include:
- Sports: Gymnastics, boxing, taekwondo, skateboarding
- Music: Introduction to piano, guitar
- Dance: Early learning for little ones, classical, hip-hop
- Arts & Crafts: Painting, pottery, cooking, sewing/styling
- Theatre and Singing: Expression through performance
- Chess and Programming: Critical thinking skills
Dates: 21-31 October
Address: 57 Rue Ampère, 75017
Cost: The cost of classes ranges from €170 to €280 per week
5. Energy Kids Academy
Energy Kids Academy is a private club dedicated to tennis, golf, soccer and gymnastics, offering door-to-door transportation. Located just 20 minutes from the Eiffel Tower, the club features a 5-acre park with sports facilities.
The October holiday camp runs from 19 October to 4 November 2024 and all activities are led in French. Enrollment is available for morning, afternoon, or full-day sessions. Parents can sign up children for consecutive days or mix their schedule.
Dates: 19 October to 4 November 2024
Address: Bièvres, 20 minutes drive from the Eiffel Tower
Cost:
- Morning session: €150
- Afternoon session: €170
- Full-day session: €200
- Weekly cost for five full-day sessions: around €1,000 (includes door-to-door transportation, lunch, snacks, and insurance)
6. Funny Club J2A
Funny Club J2A is a sports club that offers a fun and active October half term program from 21 to 25 October 2024 for children aged 4 to 12. The day starts at 9am and ends at 5.30pm, with two locations to choose from in Paris.
ONO (8 rue Léontine 75015 Paris)
- 9 am-12 pm: Fun English Workshop
- 12 pm-1 pm: Lunch and quiet time
- 1 pm-5 pm: Sports and games (judo, baseball, basketball, treasure hunt)
- 5 pm-5:30 pm: Pickup
Les Pépites (43 Blvd Garibaldi, 75015 Paris)
- 9 am-12 pm: Baking Workshop
- 12 pm-1 pm: Lunch (included in the price)
- 1 pm-5 pm: Sports and games (handball, football, athletics, treasure hunts)
- 5 pm-5:30 pm: Pickup
Dates: 21 – 25 October 2024
Address: 15th arrondissement, Paris (ONO and Les Pépites)
Cost:
- ONO: €70 per day or €330 per week
- Les Pépites: €80 per day or €380 per week
7. Helen Doron
The Helen Doron English School, part of the Helen Doron Educational Group, specializes in teaching English to children and teenagers. The school offers an immersive, interactive experience for children as young as three months up to 18 years. For the October school holidays, Helen Doron is offering two weeks of English language camps led by native English-speaking teachers. The camp alternates between language sessions and sports or creative activities. There are options to join a half day or a full day program.
The school has 4 centres in Paris (6th, 15th, 16th, 17th arrondissements) and each centre offers its own program for the October school break at different prices. For example, the program and prices for their centre in the 6th arrondissement are as follows:
Program for children aged 4 – 11:
- Week 1: 21-25 October from 9.30am to 1pm / 5pm
- Week 2: 28-31 October from 9.30am to 1pm / 5pm (4 days)
Check their website for afternoon programs for older students (in college and lycée).
Dates: 21 – 31 October 2024
Address: Various locations in the 6th, 15th, 16th, and 17th arrondissements of Paris
Cost (centre in the 6th arrondissement):
- Week 1: €360 for half day / €690 for full day
- Week 2 (4 days): €290 for half day / €550 for full day
8. Koenig School
L’Ecole Koenig is a bilingual school located in the 15th arrondissement of Paris, with a special emphasis on music education. Its music conservatory offers classes and instrumental lessons to children, including those who do not attend Koenig. The school also organizes holiday camps focused on music exploration for all children.
The Koenig School holiday camps are designed for children aged 3 to 8 and feature English, French, and music programs. Throughout the week, participants will engage in artistic and craft activities, take daily music classes in small groups to explore the wonderful world of notes and rhythms, and have opportunities to try out the piano and other instruments.
This October, the holiday camp runs from 21 to 25 October, from 9am to 3pm (with extension possible to 5.30pm).
Dates: 21 to 25 October 2024
Address: 33 rue Fondary, 75015 Paris
Cost: €550 per week (€160 extra for extension from 3pm to 5.30pm)
9. Lab School Paris
Lab School is a bilingual school in Paris that offers holiday camp activities throughout the year. For the October school break, it offers two weeks of programs:
- Week 1: 21-25 October – Collage Workshop for children aged 8 to 11 (10am to 12pm and 1.30pm to 4.30pm). Led by filmmaker, photographer, and visual artist Perrine Michel.
- Week 2: 28 October – 1 November – Youth Theatre Workshop for children aged 7-11 from 10am to 12pm. Run by Yellow Brick Theatre who have been teaching theatre workshops in Paris schools for 12 years.
Dates: 21 October – 1 November 2024
Address: 46 rue de Montreuil, 75011 Paris, 11e Arrondissement
Cost:
- Week 1: €400 for LAB school children, €450 for non-LAB school children
- Week 2: €230 for LAB school children, €250 for non-LAB school children
10. Pari-Grandir
Pari-Grandir is a network of bilingual (French/English) centers in Paris , providing after-school activities during term time and throughout school vacations with the aim to teach French children English. During the October school holidays, two themed weeks are offered for children aged 3 to 10:
- Week 1: 21 – 25 October 2024 – Casa Colombia themed week with activities like English club, garden games, and a museum outing to Musée du quai Branly – Jacques Chirac.
- Week 2: 28-31 October 2024 – Lost in Wonderland themed week with activities including croquet games, art, a tea party, scavenger hunts, and a disco party.
Children can participate in either half-day or full-day sessions (8am-6pm).
Dates: 21-31 October 2024
Address: Various centers across Paris
Cost: Varies by location but approximately €130 per day or €600 per week (€480 for Week 2 due to the public holiday on 1 November)
11. Petite Forêt
Just a stone’s throw from Parc Monceau, Petite Forêt is a trendy play café featuring a play area for kids and a workshop corner. It’s designed for families, offering a space where parents can relax and recharge while children play and learn in a fun environment. Open year-round, it’s a great spot for moms to enjoy yoga, pilates, and fitness workshops, while babies and toddlers can participate in activities like dancing, music, and messy play (for ages 0 to 6). Petite Forêt is also a popular venue for hosting children’s birthday parties.
They offer creative and unique holiday courses for children aged 3 to 8, including programs during the October school holidays. Activities include creative arts, motor skills games, cooking, and children’s book sessions. There are options to join for a full day, a half-day, or for the entire week.
Dates: 21-31 October 2024
Address: 10 rue Laure Diebold, 75008 Paris
Cost:
- Full day (9am – 5.30pm): €90
- Morning (9am – 12pm): €40
- Afternoon (1.30pm-5.30pm): €50
- Full week: €450
12. Roaming Schoolhouse
Roaming Schoolhouse offers after-school classes and holiday camps for English-speaking children in Paris. As a mobile school, they hold classes where there is sufficient demand, primarily targeting children enrolled in the French education system who regularly use English. The school runs programs throughout the year, including October school holidays.
Roaming Schoolhouse camps provide English-speaking children aged 4 to 14 with a week of engaging activities like sport, drama, art, science, and English. Each camp is unique, with past themes including Fantasy Worlds, Countries, Halloween, Colors, Winter, and Famous People.
Classes run from 9.30am to 5.30pm, with an hour for lunch and two 30-minute breaks. Drop-off is between 8.30am and 10am, and pick-up is from 4.30pm to 6pm. Mornings typically focus on educational activities like phonics, storytelling, reading, and writing, while afternoons are more creative, featuring drama, art, games, and sports. Field trips are occasionally organized to places like the American Library or a museum related to the camp theme.
This October, the Roaming Schoolhouse offers a Halloween-themed camp from 21 to 25 October at École Sainte Catherine in the 5th arrondissement.
Dates: 21-25 October 2024
Address: École Sainte Catherine, 13 bis rue des Bernardinsm 75005
Cost: €350 per week
13. Rock U
Rock U is a performance-based rock band program for kids, teens, and adults. It’s designed for English-speaking students in the Paris area, from grades 3 to 12 (CE2 to terminale), who already play an instrument—although beginners are welcome. The program also offers adult bands.
During the October school break, Rock U. invites participants to join a rock band. Whether your child already plays an instrument or sings, or if they’ve always wanted to try drums, bass, guitar, keyboards, and more, this program is for them. The band will learn songs throughout the week, explore different music styles and instruments, and create videos of their performance. All ability levels and instruments are welcome.
Each session includes two bands: one for children aged 8 to 11, which runs from 11am to 12.30pm, and another for teens aged 12 to 16, which takes place from 1pm to 2.30pm.
Dates: 21 – 31 October 2024
Address: 29 Ave de Suffren, 75007, Paris
Cost:
- Week 1: €230 per week
- Week 2 (4 days): €195 per week
I hope you’ve found the ideas for October holiday camps in Paris useful and that it helps you find the perfect fit for your child, schedule, and budget. Share with other parents and leave any comments/feedback on camps you may have experienced yourself in the comments section below.
