The Best Things to Do in Paris in the Fall and Autumn
Paris, the City of Light, is beautiful in every season, but the fall months bring an extra layer of magic. From the golden fall foliage in Parisian parks to cozy cafés serving rich hot chocolate, autumn in Paris is a season full of charm, color, and culture. Whether it’s your first time visiting or you’ve been before, the fall season is the perfect time to discover both classic and popular attractions, as well as hidden gems. This complete guide will help you make the most of your trip, with detailed travel tips, seasonal highlights, and the best ways to enjoy Paris in September, October, and November.
Why Paris in the Fall Is a Good Idea
Autumn is considered a shoulder season in the French capital, which makes it a wonderful time to explore. You’ll enjoy fewer crowds than in the summer months, lower prices on hotels, and a calmer atmosphere. It’s a great time to take walking tours, visit beautiful gardens, and experience local autumn festivals.
The average temperatures in the autumn months range from mild sunny days in early October to crisp, cool late November evenings when Christmas lights start to twinkle along the Champs-Élysées. While you might experience rainy days, they provide the perfect opportunity to dive into museums, sip hot chocolate, or curl up in a café with a good book.
Paris Weather in the Autumn Months
- Late September: Still warm, with plenty of sunny days and lingering energy from the high season.
- Early October: A great time to visit, with crisp fall colors in the Jardin des Tuileries and Luxembourg Gardens.
- Late October: Cooler, with more rainy days, but fewer tourists at popular attractions like the Louvre Museum and the Eiffel Tower.
- Late November: Cold crisp air, but magical with Christmas lights, fewer tourists, and festive markets.
Packing essentials? A trench coat, a leather jacket, and comfortable shoes for long walks are always a good idea.
Best Things to Do in Paris in the Fall
Explore Parisian Parks in Fall Colors
The beautiful gardens of Paris transform in the autumn months, making it one of the best times to visit. One of my favorite activities is to get a coffee from Nuances or Copain and go sit in the Luxembourg Gardens for a few hours.
- Jardin des Tuileries: Known for its fall colors and great places to sit with a good book.
- Jardin du Luxembourg: This green space is a perfect place for a bike ride or stroll on a sunny day.
- Bois de Vincennes: A vast park where fall foliage shines, and a great way to escape the city.
Visit Your Favorite Museum
Autumn is ideal for museum-hopping thanks to shorter long lines and new cultural programming. Consider buying a Paris Museum Pass to skip line tickets and avoid extra costs.
- Louvre Museum: A must-see, and a good time to visit with fewer tourists in the galleries.
- Musée d’Orsay: Famous for Impressionists, and often has new exhibitions in the fall season.
- Rodin Museum / Musée Rodin: Surrounded by beautiful gardens glowing with fall foliage.
- Grand Palais: Known for its autumn festival and new exhibitions.
Sip Hot Chocolate and People-Watch
On cooler rainy days, cozy cafés are the perfect place to warm up. Famous spots like Angelina serve decadent hot chocolate, while smaller cafés in Le Marais or the Latin Quarter are great for reading a good book or simply enjoying the crisp air outside.
You can also visit cafés such as Café de Flore or Les Deux Magots for famous hot chocolate as well.
Admire the Eiffel Tower in Autumn Light
No visit to Paris is complete without seeing the Eiffel Tower, and the fall season offers a unique backdrop. The Champ de Mars lawns are framed by golden fall foliage, and fewer crowds make it a perfect opportunity for photos. Sunset on a crisp autumn evening is breathtaking.
Discover Paris by Walking Tour or Bike Ride
A walking tour through the Latin Quarter or Le Marais is a great way to discover the history, architecture, and culture. For something different, rent a bike and enjoy a bike ride through Luxembourg Gardens, along the Seine, or through the Parisian parks during fall foliage.
Experience Parisian Festivals and Events
- Montmartre Harvest Festival / Fête des Vendanges: Also called the Montmartre Grape Harvest Festival, this annual grape harvest festival is a wonderful time with food, wine, and parades.
- Nuit Blanche / White Night: An autumn festival of art installations and live music across the city.
- Paris Fashion Week: A perfect time for style lovers in late September and early October.
- Heritage Days: A public holiday weekend in September when landmarks open free of charge.
- Beaujolais Nouveau Day: A wine festival celebrated in late November, perfect for tastings.
- Le Grand Tasting: A gourmet event for wine tastings and pairings.
Day Trips from Paris in the Fall
Autumn is a perfect opportunity to take day trips from the city.
- Disneyland Paris: Festive decorations appear in late October with a Halloween theme, and by end of the month you’ll see early Christmas displays.
- Wine Tastings in Champagne: The harvest season makes this the perfect season for a guided wine festival or wine tastings tour.
- Loire Valley châteaux: Stunning with fall colors, and fewer visitors compared to high season.
Hidden Paris: Cemeteries, Cafés, and Culture
For something atmospheric:
- Père Lachaise Cemetery: The final resting place of Oscar Wilde, Jim Morrison, and more—extra atmospheric in the fall season.
- Rue Cler: A food lover’s dream street, perfect for walking tours and tastings.
- Flea Markets: From Clignancourt to Vanves, browsing antiques is a great way to spend a rainy day.
Paris in the Evenings: Live Music and Culture
Autumn nights are alive with cultural experiences:
- Palais Garnier: Opera and ballet in a stunning setting.
- Live music: Check out venues across the Latin Quarter and Le Marais.
- Watch Seasonal concerts: In a beautiful church like Saint-Chapelle or Église Saint-Germain-des-Prés.
Seasonal Food and Wine Experiences
The fall season in Paris means rich flavors and plenty of wine tastings.
- Michelin star restaurants offering autumn menus.
- Wine festivals like Fête des Vendanges and Le Grand Tasting.
- Cozy bistros serving stews, truffle dishes, and roasted chestnuts.
Packing Tips for Paris in the Fall
- A trench coat or leather jacket for layering.
- Cozy scarf to stay warm.
- Umbrella or a raincoat for rainy days.
- Comfortable shoes for walking tours and museums.
- A good book for downtime in beautiful gardens or cafés.
You can find an entire guide on what to pack for Paris in the fall HERE.
The Ultimate Guide to Paris in the Fall
Paris in the autumn months is truly the perfect season to experience the city. From fall foliage in Parisian parks to cultural autumn festivals, cozy cafés, and world-class museums, the fall season is a great time to visit. With fewer crowds, lower prices, and a mix of sunny days and cozy rainy days, you’ll find that autumn is the perfect opportunity to see Paris in its most enchanting light.
Whether you’re here for the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, wine tastings, or simply to wander the streets of the French capital, this ultimate guide shows why fall is one of the best times to experience the magic of the City of Light.
Want more of my Paris recommendations?
Download Your Essential Guide to Paris by LVOG, a 117-page downloadable digital guide featuring where to stay, where to shop, essential tips, where to eat, and more!
Read the Comments +