If you love high-end audio and home cinema, this is the event you have been waiting for. The Paris Audio Video Show 2026 is set to be the largest gathering of its kind in France. It brings together audiophiles, tech enthusiasts, industry professionals, and curious visitors under one roof. Whether you are a seasoned audiophile or simply exploring the world of quality sound and visuals, this guide covers everything you need to plan your visit.
What Is the Paris Audio Video Show?
The Paris Audio Video Show, commonly known as PAVS, is France’s premier hi-fi and home theater event. It began as the Festival Son & Image and has since grown into one of the most respected audio-visual exhibitions in Europe. Each year, the show attracts tens of thousands of visitors eager to experience cutting-edge technology firsthand.
The event is not just a trade fair. It is an immersive experience. Visitors can walk into meticulously designed listening rooms, attend live demonstrations, and speak directly with engineers and brand representatives. Therefore, it offers something you simply cannot get from reading a review online.
2026 Show Dates and Venue
The Paris Audio Video Show 2026 will take place from October 23 to October 26, 2026. The venue is the iconic Palais des Congrès de Paris, located at 2 Place de la Porte Maillot in the 17th arrondissement.
The Palais des Congrès is one of Paris’s most prestigious congress centers. It offers excellent acoustics, spacious exhibition halls, and a central location that is easy to reach by public transport. The combination of a world-class venue and world-class equipment makes the setting truly special.
Opening hours for the public days are typically 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Additionally, there is usually a dedicated professional day for industry insiders, running from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. It is worth checking the official website closer to the event for any updates to the schedule.
Ticket Prices
Attending the show is affordable, especially if you plan ahead and buy online. Here is a breakdown of the expected pricing for 2026, based on the show’s established structure:
- Online pre-sale (standard): €10
- Online pre-sale (reduced fare for students, persons with disability, jobseekers): €8, upon proof of eligibility
- On-site entry (standard): €20
- On-site entry (reduced fare): €8, upon proof of eligibility
- Children under 12: Free
Buying tickets online in advance is strongly recommended. Not only does it save you money, but it also helps you avoid queuing at the entrance. Additionally, pre-registration ensures your entry even during peak attendance periods, which tend to be Saturday afternoons.
Who Exhibits at the Show?
The Paris Audio Video Show consistently hosts over 100 exhibitors representing more than 300 of the world’s most respected audio and video brands. This range is one of the show’s greatest strengths.
The exhibitor list typically spans several key categories:
- Speakers and loudspeakers from boutique and large-scale manufacturers
- Amplifiers, both integrated and separate pre/power configurations
- Turntables, cartridges, and vinyl accessories
- Streaming devices and digital-to-analog converters (DACs)
- High-definition televisions and video projectors
- Headphones and personal audio gear
- Cables, power conditioning, and acoustic accessories
Brands from France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Japan, and the United States regularly participate. Some of the world’s most recognizable names in high-end audio make their appearances here, alongside newer boutique manufacturers who debut flagship products. For 2026, the show also continues to incorporate a Music, DJ, and Lights section, reflecting its broader appeal to music production enthusiasts and professionals.
What to Expect Inside the Show
Walking through the Palais des Congrès during PAVS is an experience unlike any other audio event. The show is organized across multiple floors and rooms. Each exhibitor typically sets up a dedicated listening space. This is not a noisy convention floor with competing sounds. Instead, the rooms are arranged so that each brand can present its equipment under controlled acoustic conditions.
However, the sheer variety of rooms can be overwhelming. You could easily spend an entire day exploring. Therefore, it pays to plan your route in advance.
Throughout the event, you can expect:
- Exclusive world premieres of new products
- Technical conferences and talks by industry experts
- Live demonstrations by engineers and brand specialists
- Opportunities to compare different systems back to back
Many visitors describe the experience as transformative. Hearing a truly high-end system for the first time often changes how people think about music. The clarity, the depth, and the sense of space in a well-set-up system can be genuinely moving.
Insider Tips for First-Time Visitors
Going to a large audio show for the first time can feel daunting. However, a little preparation goes a long way.
Arrive early on your chosen day. The show is busiest between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM, particularly on Saturdays. Getting there when the doors open gives you quieter access to popular rooms and more time with exhibitor staff.
Bring your own music. Most exhibitors welcome visitors to use their own source material for demonstrations. A USB drive or a phone loaded with tracks you know well will help you make fair comparisons between systems.
Wear comfortable shoes. The Palais des Congrès is a large building. You will walk a lot, and the experience is best enjoyed at a relaxed pace.
Take notes or photos. There will be a lot of information to absorb. A small notebook or your phone’s notes app helps you remember what you heard and liked. Additionally, many exhibitors offer business cards and brochures, so bring a bag.
Do not rush the listening sessions. The best moments at PAVS come from sitting down, closing your eyes, and truly listening. Give each room a fair chance before moving on.
Getting to the Palais des Congrès
The venue is extremely well connected. The Porte Maillot metro station on Line 1 is directly adjacent to the building. Bus routes and RER connections also serve the area well.
If you are traveling from outside Paris, the show is easily accessible from Charles de Gaulle Airport via the RER B and then a metro connection. From Orly Airport, a combination of OrlyBus and metro will get you there efficiently.
Parking is available near the venue, though it can be expensive and congested. Public transport is the more practical choice for most visitors.
Why This Show Matters to the Audio Community
Audio shows like PAVS serve a purpose that no magazine review or online video can replicate. They give listeners direct, hands-on experience with products. They also create a community. Enthusiasts meet, debate, and share discoveries. Manufacturers receive direct feedback from their audience.
For the audio industry, events like this remain essential. They are places where passion meets commerce, and where the craft of audio engineering is celebrated openly. In an era where most music is heard through compressed files and earbuds, the Paris Audio Video Show is a reminder of what is possible when sound quality becomes a priority.
Conclusion
The Paris Audio Video Show 2026 promises to be an unmissable event for anyone who cares about exceptional sound and visual experiences. Running from October 23 to 26 at the Palais des Congrès de Paris, the show offers affordable entry, an extraordinary lineup of exhibitors, and a unique atmosphere that rewards curious visitors. Whether you plan to shop, listen, learn, or simply explore, the PAVS is worth adding to your calendar. Book your tickets early online, bring your favorite music, and prepare to hear things that will stay with you long after you leave.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Paris Audio Video Show 2026 take place?
The show runs from October 23 to October 26, 2026, at the Palais des Congrès de Paris.
How much does it cost to attend?
Online pre-sale tickets are €10 for standard visitors and €8 for students, jobseekers, and persons with a disability. On-site entry costs €20 at full price. Children under 12 enter for free.
Is the Paris Audio Video Show open to the general public?
Yes, the show is open to all visitors. There is also a dedicated professional day for industry members.
What kind of products are showcased at the show?
Exhibitors display speakers, amplifiers, turntables, headphones, projectors, televisions, streaming equipment, and high-end accessories from over 300 brands.
How do I get to the Palais des Congrès de Paris?
The easiest way is by Metro Line 1 to Porte Maillot. The station is directly next to the venue. Public transport is recommended over driving due to limited and costly parking nearby.
