French design exhibitions highlight contemporary and historic works in 2026

The Design Parade festival in Hyères marks its 20th anniversary for object design and 10th for interior architecture. Hosted at the historic Villa Noailles until 30 August, the event presents the "20+10: Génération(s) Design Parade" exhibition, juried by Sofia Lagerkvist, Anna Lindgren and Laura Gonzalez, and showcases finalists and recent laureates. Scenography by Joachim Jirou Najou creates a dialogue between projects and the villa’s spaces, emphasizing the festival’s role in nurturing emerging designers.

From 11 April to 25 July 2026, the Musée de la ville de Saint‑Quentin‑en‑Yvelines runs the "Le temps des vacances 1956‑1982" exhibition. It traces the rise of leisure and mass tourism in post‑war France through design objects, photographs and architectural pieces. The free‑entry show offers guided tours, sign‑language interpretation and family workshops, inviting visitors to explore the cultural shift toward paid holidays and travel.