Once every two years, Paris becomes the automotive capital of the world. For seven days in October, the city draws hundreds of thousands of car fans, engineers, journalists, and industry leaders to experience the future of driving up close. The 2026 edition is particularly significant. It marks the 91st edition of one of the oldest and most respected motor shows on the planet, with a lineup of manufacturers, world premieres, and interactive experiences that signals just how much the automotive world has changed.
This guide gives you everything you need to know before you go, from dates and venue details to the top attractions you cannot afford to miss.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
| Event Name | Mondial de l’Auto 2026 (Paris Motor Show) |
| Edition | 91st |
| Press Day | Monday, October 12, 2026 |
| Public Days | Tuesday, October 13 – Sunday, October 18, 2026 |
| Venue | Paris Expo Porte de Versailles, Paris, France |
| Address | 1 Place de la Porte de Versailles, 75015 Paris |
| Exhibition Halls | 5 halls across the venue |
| Expected Visitors | More than 500,000 |
| Exhibitors | Around 158 |
| Car Manufacturers | Approximately 48 |
| Accredited Journalists | Around 4,000 |
| Organizer | Hopscotch Groupe and Plateforme Automobile (PFA) |
| Official Website | mondial.paris |
History and Significance of the 91st Edition
The Paris Motor Show has been running since 1898, when Albert de Dion first organized it as a way for the fledgling automotive industry to showcase its potential. In the 128 years since then, it has grown into one of the most visited auto shows anywhere in the world. The 2016 edition alone drew 1,253,513 visitors, making it the most attended motor show globally that year.
The 2026 edition builds directly on the success of the 90th anniversary show in 2024, which organizers describe as a record-breaking celebration of automotive passion. However, the 2026 show raises the ambition even further. The confirmed return of major European brands that skipped previous editions, the arrival of around 20 Chinese manufacturers, and the introduction of the brand-new Autonomous Lab make this the broadest and most ambitious gathering the Paris show has assembled since 2018.
Additionally, the show holds a particular emotional significance for French car culture. It takes place in Paris, at the same legendary venue that has hosted it for generations, and it brings together everything from the world’s largest automakers to independent craftsmen and heritage car enthusiasts.
Dates and Schedule Breakdown
October 12 is reserved exclusively for press and industry professionals. This day gives journalists, analysts, and exhibitor teams the space to conduct launches, preview sessions, and media briefings before the public arrives. All major world premieres and brand announcements take place during this press day.
The public days run from Tuesday, October 13, through Sunday, October 18, 2026. All five halls at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles are open for general visitors throughout the public run. The venue stays open each day from morning until late evening, giving visitors flexibility to plan their time.
| Date | Day | Access |
| October 12, 2026 | Monday | Press and industry only |
| October 13, 2026 | Tuesday | Public opening day |
| October 14, 2026 | Wednesday | Open to all visitors |
| October 15, 2026 | Thursday | Open to all visitors |
| October 16, 2026 | Friday | Open to all visitors |
| October 17, 2026 | Saturday | Open to all visitors |
| October 18, 2026 | Sunday | Final public day |
Tickets are available through the official website at mondial.paris. Booking in advance is strongly recommended. The show draws over half a million visitors across seven days, and peak days such as the first public day and the final Saturday tend to be the busiest.
Venue: Paris Expo Porte de Versailles
Paris Expo Porte de Versailles is the largest exhibition center in France. It sits in the 15th arrondissement of Paris, directly accessible via metro line 12 at the Porte de Versailles station. Tramway line T2 also stops at the venue entrance on Avenue Ernest Renan, and several bus lines serve the area throughout the day.
For the 2026 edition, the show occupies five full halls of the venue. The entire space dedicates itself to the motor show, allowing visitors to move freely between indoor and outdoor areas. The organizers describe the experience as a journey through the heart of today’s and tomorrow’s automotive culture. There are no fragmented zones or partially empty halls. The full scope of the show spreads across the venue in a connected, immersive layout.
If you drive to the event, note that parking near the venue fills up quickly on public days. Public transport remains the most reliable and stress-free way to arrive.
Confirmed Exhibitors and Brands
The 2026 show assembles the widest range of manufacturers the event has seen in nearly a decade. Confirmed participants span European legacy brands, American manufacturers, and a significant contingent of Chinese automakers.
European and international brands confirmed for the show include Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Volvo, Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Smart, Lucid, Iveco, Aixam, Kilow, and Moke. Eight brands from the Stellantis group will also participate, including Peugeot, Citroën, and Opel, among others.
Chinese manufacturers occupy a dedicated pavilion and represent one of the most distinctive elements of the 2026 lineup. Brands confirmed include BYD, Denza, Xpeng, Zeekr, Changan, Geely, Li Auto, GAC, Dongfeng, Aito, Maxus, Linktour, and Liux 212. This concentration of Chinese electric vehicle brands gives European visitors a rare opportunity to interact with models that remain largely unavailable in mainstream Western showrooms.
Notable absences include Toyota, whose non-participation the organizers have acknowledged publicly. However, the overall scale of confirmed brands makes this the most comprehensive gathering since the 2018 edition.
Top Attractions You Cannot Miss
World Premieres and New Production Models
World premieres remain the heartbeat of every major motor show. The 2026 edition is expected to unveil several significant production models and concept vehicles. Key anticipated launches include the Hyundai Ioniq 3, an electric compact car designed for European urban markets, the Audi A2 e-tron, BMW’s new i3 model, the Volkswagen ID Cross electric SUV, and the Skoda Epiq concept vehicle. Chinese brands are also expected to reveal models making their European debut for the first time.
These unveilings take place primarily on press day, October 12, with display models remaining accessible to the public throughout the show’s run.
The Autonomous Lab
The Autonomous Lab is an entirely new feature introduced for the 2026 edition. Located in Hall 7.1, it gives visitors the chance to experience autonomous vehicle technology firsthand in a way that almost no other public event has offered before. The lab is open every day by reservation only and is accessed via Gate H. The experience is free for visitors once inside the show, but the reservation must be made in advance.
For most European visitors, this is the first practical opportunity to sit in and experience the full capabilities of autonomous driving systems. It is one of the most talked-about new additions to the show and is likely to be among the most popular experiences throughout the week.
The Prestige Zone: 700 Square Meters of Exceptional Vehicles
A dedicated 700-square-meter space brings together prestigious brands and rare models, some of which appear in public for the first time anywhere in the world. This zone sits apart from the main manufacturer halls and offers a more intimate viewing experience. It covers heritage vehicles, limited-edition models, and coachbuilt creations that appeal to enthusiasts and collectors rather than mainstream buyers.
Chinese EV Showcase
The Chinese manufacturer section represents one of the most commercially significant parts of the entire show. BYD, Xpeng, Geely, and more than a dozen other brands will display their latest electric vehicles, many of which are preparing for European market entry or have recently arrived. This section gives visitors a direct comparison between established Western brands and the newer Chinese players that are reshaping the global EV market.
Therefore, anyone serious about understanding the direction of the electric vehicle industry should plan time in this pavilion specifically.
Classic Cars and Motorsport Culture
The show does not limit itself to new production vehicles. Classic car displays, motorsport heritage exhibits, and cultural showcases add depth and variety to the experience. These areas attract families, photographers, and lifelong enthusiasts who want to see automotive history alongside the latest technology.
Industry Conferences and Manufacturer Presentations
Throughout the public days, manufacturers and industry bodies run presentations on the show floor covering topics such as the electric transition, autonomous driving regulation, urban mobility, and low-emission zone policies. Dialogue sessions between manufacturers and government representatives are also planned. These talks are accessible to general visitors and offer genuine insight into where the industry is heading.
Practical Visitor Tips
Planning ahead makes a significant difference at an event of this scale. Here are the most important things to know before you arrive.
- Book tickets online at mondial.paris before you travel. Prices and availability are more favorable in advance than at the door.
- Reserve your Autonomous Lab slot online when booking your ticket. Availability fills quickly across the six public days.
- Use public transport. Metro line 12 to Porte de Versailles is the fastest and simplest way to reach the venue from central Paris.
- Allow at least one full day for the show. The five halls cover a vast area, and rushing through them in a few hours means missing most of what makes the event special.
- Hotels in Paris fill up fast during the show week. If you are traveling from outside the city, book accommodation well in advance. The show draws visitors from more than 100 countries, and central Paris hotels reach capacity quickly each edition.
- Arrive early on weekdays if you prefer more space around the exhibits. Saturdays tend to draw the largest public crowds.
Conclusion
The 91st Paris Motor Show runs from October 12 to 18, 2026, at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles, with October 12 reserved for press and public days from October 13 through 18. More than 500,000 visitors are expected across seven days, with around 48 manufacturers and 158 exhibitors filling five dedicated halls. The confirmed return of Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Ford, Volvo, and the full Stellantis lineup, alongside approximately 20 Chinese EV manufacturers, makes this the most diverse gathering the show has assembled since 2018.
The brand-new Autonomous Lab in Hall 7.1 lets visitors experience self-driving technology firsthand by free reservation. World premieres, the Prestige Zone, the Chinese EV showcase, classic car displays, and industry conferences round out an event that covers the full spectrum of automotive culture. Book tickets and Autonomous Lab slots early, plan at least a full day on site, and travel by public transport to make the most of one of the most important automotive events in the world this year.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the exact dates of the 2026 show and who can attend on each day?
The show runs from October 12 to 18, 2026, at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles. October 12 is reserved exclusively for press and industry professionals. The public is welcome from Tuesday, October 13, through Sunday, October 18. All five halls are open to general visitors throughout the public days.
How do I get tickets and how much do they cost?
Tickets are available through the official website at mondial.paris. Buying in advance online is recommended both for better pricing and to avoid queues on the day. Prices for the 2026 edition are published on the official site. Reservation for the Autonomous Lab experience is free but must be made separately and in advance.
What is the Autonomous Lab and how do I access it?
The Autonomous Lab is a new feature for the 2026 edition located in Hall 7.1. It allows visitors to experience autonomous vehicles firsthand in a controlled environment. Access is by reservation only, free of charge, and available daily throughout the public run via Gate H. Reservations are made through the official website when purchasing tickets.
Which major car brands are confirmed for the 2026 show?
Confirmed participants include Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Ford, Volvo, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Lucid, Smart, and eight Stellantis brands. A dedicated Chinese manufacturer pavilion features BYD, Xpeng, Geely, Zeekr, Changan, Li Auto, GAC, Dongfeng, and more than a dozen other brands making their European debut or expanding their presence.
What is the best way to get to Paris Expo Porte de Versailles during the show?
Metro line 12 to Porte de Versailles station is the most direct public transport option from central Paris. Tramway line T2 also stops at the venue on Avenue Ernest Renan. Several bus lines serve the area throughout the day. Driving to the venue is possible but not recommended during show days, as parking near the site fills up quickly and traffic in the surrounding area builds significantly.
