Photo : Clément Dorval / Ville de Paris
City Jobs, Life Jobs: 3 days to discover the behind-the-scenes of the City of Paris
Forget the usual tourist path and step behind the velvet curtain to discover how this city actually functions. From hidden technical labs to iconic service roles, meet the people keeping Paris alive and maybe even uncover a hidden career path of your own.
About
Explore the inner workings of the city with the Métiers de Ville, métiers de vie event, running from October 8 to October 10, 2026. Over these three days, the City of Paris opens its doors to reveal the diverse professions that keep the capital running smoothly. From meeting frontline staff to visiting usually restricted sites, citizens are invited to discover the expertise behind public services. All activities are offered free of charge, with some workshops specifically open to younger visitors as well. Please ensure you check the registration requirements for each individual event to secure your spot.
For 3 days, you are invited to discover and know your city in a different way: with a rich and diverse program, we offer you an immersion in the heart of your public services.
Discover the program, register for workshops, and meet our agents committed daily at your side!
Discover the unusual behind-the-scenes of your City
Did you know that at the City of Paris, there are engineers and technicians working in labs? Curious to discover the "behind the scenes" of the City of Paris canteens? Have you ever entered the Bourse du Travail?
The City of Paris opens its doors to you: visit these unusual or generally inaccessible places and meet your agents in the field!
What if you became a librarian, gardener, or lifeguard?
It is also an opportunity to discover more unexpected professions, or to exchange with your agents present daily!
From the archaeologist to the printer of the City of Paris, from the garbage collector to the urban planning instructor, from agents in nursing homes to those in gymnasiums: the City of Paris is rich in its professions, its commitment, and its skills.
For some of you, take advantage of these few days to perhaps project yourself into a future job: the teams will be able to answer all your questions and perhaps give birth to vocations!
The City of Paris is recruiting for certain jobs, go to Home - Working for Paris
… but also original activities and workshops!
And if you took advantage of these few days to participate in unexpected workshops? Come and survey a street in Paris; discover the Pantin cemetery by bike, go down into the Paris sewers, learn self-defense moves... All these workshops will be offered free of charge, upon registration. The detailed program is coming very soon!
In one click, find the map of appointments and the slots available for each trade!
Our take on this event
The Métiers de Ville, métiers de vie event offers a unique look at the municipal services that shape daily life. From October 8 to October 10, 2026, you can engage directly with the men and women who serve the city, including engineers, gardeners, and pool lifeguards. This is a rare chance to step behind the scenes of facilities like the Bourse du Travail or the city's canteen kitchens.
The program features a wide array of activities ranging from site visits to hands-on workshops. Whether you want to learn about urban topography, cycle through the Pantin cemetery, explore the Paris sewers, or practice self-defense, there is something for every curiosity. The event also serves as a platform for those interested in learning more about the career paths available within the City of Paris administration.
Participation in all workshops and tours is completely free. However, due to the nature of these sessions, registration is required for all activities. We encourage you to browse the full program to view available time slots and confirm the age requirements for each specific workshop.
