In Paris, the art scene is happening; London had better look out

Paris is certainly being perceived again as a place to do business by international art dealers

October is the month when London and Paris go head-to-head, vying with each other to attract collectors to their prestigious contemporary art fairs.

In recent years, London has had the edge, at least in terms of hype. The Frieze and Frieze Masters fairs have generated far more noise than Paris’s rival, the Foire Internationale d’Art Contemporain, or FIAC. In addition, the French capital suffered as a visitor destination following the 2015 terror attacks. With a two-week gap between Frieze and FIAC, most art collectors travelling long distances have to choose between one or the other.

But Paris visitor numbers have bounced back.