Paris in Autumn: 12 Best Things to Do in Paris in the Fall
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Autumn is the best time to visit Paris. The weather is mild and pleasant, the leaves are changing colors, the city is more calm with summer tourists away, and there are plenty of activities to do. In this article, I’m sharing everything you need to know about visiting Paris during autumn. You’ll discover tips for packing for Paris during fall, 12 of the best things to do in Paris and seasonal events for autumn 2023. Continue reading for your ultimate guide to Paris in autumn.
Fall Weather in Paris
During the fall, Paris weather is generally mild and quite sunny with a mix of cold winds and rainy days as the colder weather arrives. The temperature in Paris varies widely, but the average is between 45°F and 60°F.
The average temperatures in Paris in October are 63°F for the high and 50°F for the low, and the average temperatures in Paris in November are 52°F for the high and 43°F for the low.
Stroll though Parisian streets and gardens and you’ll be surrounded by beautiful fall foliage that makes the city look like a colorful painting.
The days are short during late October and November, and the sun can start to set as early as 5 p.m. Plan your day accordingly to make the most of daylight hours.
Don’t forget to check the weather for your travel dates to determine a more accurate forecast and plan for the variable fall weather in Paris.
What to Wear in Paris in the Fall
Packing for fall in Paris requires careful planning if you want to dress for the unpredictable weather. It’s best to pack plenty of layers, comfortable shoes, a warm jacket and an umbrella in order to be prepared.
A trench coat or other waterproof jacket is a chic outwear option that is perfect for the autumn months in Paris. You can wear it almost any outfit to keep you warm. Since it’s more lightweight than a wool coat, you’ll save room in your luggage too.
You can never go wrong with a classic blazer during the fall season, and you’ll definitely want to add one to your Paris packing list. It’s a versatile piece that you can wear from day to night with any fall look.
A knit dress will make you look instantly chic without the stress of putting together the right top and bottoms. Depending on the weather, you might need to wear a pair of tights underneath for extra warmth.
A versatile crewneck sweater is the perfect layering piece that will allow you to put together endless looks. Wear it with pants, jeans or a skirt or even wrapped around your shoulders for preppy Parisian style. Consider packing two or more sweaters in seasonal colors like camel, cream or burgundy.
Packing versatile pieces is essential if you want to get the most out of your travel wardrobe, and a classic button-down shirt is one to consider. Style with almost any combination of jacket and pants for a sophisticated fall style.
Along with dressier tops, you’ll want to pack several basic t-shirts and tank tops for Paris in the fall. You can wear them on their own, underneath a coat or blazer or with a sweater or cardigan. Add a few to your suitcase in neutral colors like black, white, cream and camel.
A pair of dark-colored jeans are must for Paris in the fall. I love slightly cropped straight-leg and skinny styles in the fall because they pair perfectly with block heels, sneakers and ankle boots. I would recommend packing two pairs of jeans, one in dark blue and the other in black, in order to easily mix and match with tops.
Black pants are a smart option for your fall travels in Paris. They’re dressier than jeans, so you can wear them both during the day and for fancier evening occasions.
Stroll around the city in comfort and style with a pair of chic ankle boots. Opt for one in black or brown and with a low block heel that’s ideal for walking. If you have room in your suitcase, loafers and ballet flats are also great options for fall in Paris.
Sneakers are always in my suitcase to wear in Paris. You won’t regret packing a pair of practical shoes to wear on days when you’re walking a lot (which is usually most days). My favorite pair are the Veja Campo sneakers, which you’ll spot many Parisians wearing.
Packing the right accessories will help you adapt your looks to the variable fall weather in Paris. A cashmere scarf, wool hat and crossbody bag are perfect to pair with any of your fall outfits. Lastly, don’t forget to bring along an umbrella for potential showers.
Packing List for Paris in the Fall
Trench coat (sold out, similar here and here) / Tweed blazer / Knit dress (similar here) / Crewneck sweater / Button-down shirt / Long-sleeve top / Jeans / Black pants / White tee / Gray blouse / Blazer / Slip skirt / Ankle boots / Sneakers / Ballet flats / Baguette bag
The Best Paris Fall Activities
1. Sip on a Coffee or Hot Chocolate
When the weather gets cooler, it’s essential to warm up with a hot drink. Visit your favorite café and enjoy a coffee while you read, write, dream or people watch. If hot chocolate is your thing, stop by Angelina for a signature hot chocolate. Otherwise you’ll find an espresso or café au lait almost anywhere in Paris. Here are some of the best cafes and coffee shops in Paris to enjoy your favorite hot beverage:
2. Enjoy a Seasonal Read
If you’re a bookworm like myself, then explore Paris’ bookstores for a seasonal read. Check out the city’s most famous bookstore, Shakespeare and Company, then take a two-minute walk to visit the Abbey Bookshop for an extensive selection of books in English. Near the Seine you’ll find several bookstands where you can purchase second-hand books for a few euros. During my most recent trip to Paris, I found the French version of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets at a bookstand near Notre Dame. It was the ideal read for spooky season.
3. Stroll through the City
Paris is the perfect city to get lost in, as you’ll always find something new around every corner. With the gorgeous fall leaves and crisp air, autumn is the ideal time to walk through the city. If you’re more of a planner, explore Paris with a self-guided walking tour (you can find several free tours online). Other beautiful spots to take a stroll through are Paris’ several parks and gardens like the Jardin du Luxembourg and the Jardin des Tuileries.
4. Take a Day Trip to a Nearby Castle
Autumn is the perfect time to visit some of the castles surrounding Paris. Imagine strolling through the gardens of a beautiful château with the crisp, fall weather and the gorgeous fall foliage… it’s magical! There are also almost no crowds or long lines at popular attractions like Château de Versailles during this time of the year. Sometimes fewer visitors also means lower prices! Just make sure that you check the opening times of the château before you visit, as hours can change seasonally.
5. Visit Museums
On cool and rainy days, it’s the ideal time to visit Paris’ top indoor attractions. There are hundreds of museums throughout the city that you can always find a new place to explore. Check out the Vampire Museum (perfect for Halloween season) in the 20th arrondissement or visit a famous museum like the Louvre. Autumn is the perfect time to visit museums as you’ll also experience fewer crowds.
6. Indulge in a Glass (or Two) of French Wine
Fall is the best season for wine in France. Several wine festivals and fairs take place during the autumn months including the Montmartre Harvest Festival (October), Le Grand Tasting at Grand Palais (November) and the Beaujolais Nouveau Day (November). The Montmartre Harvest Festival is one of my favorite events full of concerts, wine tasting, food, wine auctions and street performances. It’s a lively celebration during the Paris’ autumn season.
7. Stay Up All Night During the Nuit Blanche
Every year the Nuit Blanche event offers free entry to museums and exhibits across Paris to enjoy all night long. There are also large artworks and light displays throughout the city. It’s an incredible occasion for art lovers and night owls to experience their favorite places late at night.
8. See a Play or Film
When the weather is often unpredictable, it’s always a good idea to have a plan B. On cold, rainy fall days that keep you indoors, see a play or film. Many new films come out during the fall season too. There are several fantastic movie theaters in the Latin Quarter, and if you love classic films, then check out La Filmothèque. You can also see countless plays throughout Paris, but just make sure to find tickets in advance.
9. Visit the Catacombs
If you really want to get into the Halloween spirit, then discover the Paris Catacombs, a series of underground ossuaries that hold the remains of 6 million people. The extensive network of tunnels were once quarries used to yield stone for Paris’ beautiful buildings, but the catacombs are far from charming! This attraction is perfect if you’re ready to be spooked by the world’s largest grave.
10. Indulge in Seasonal Sweets
Fall in Paris means savoring delicious seasonal treats. Head to a local patisserie and try a warm croissant or a freshly baked baguette. Don't forget to sample chestnuts roasted on street corners or indulge in a slice of tarte tatin (an apple tart), clafoutis (a cherry fruit dessert) or a crêpe.
11. Cruise the Seine
A Seine River cruise is delightful any time of year, but in the fall, it offers a unique perspective of the city. As the trees lining the riverbanks change color, you'll have a lovely view of the autumn foliage. Many companies offer daytime and evening cruises, so you can choose the one that suits your schedule and enjoy iconic views of the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, and other landmarks from the water.
12. Discover Hidden Courtyards
Paris is known for its hidden courtyards and passages, which are often tucked away between buildings and offer a glimpse into the city's history. These charming hidden spaces are perfect for a leisurely exploration. Some notable passages to seek out include Passage du Grand Cerf, Passage des Panoramas and Passage Jouffroy.
Paris Events Fall 2023
Here are some of the top exhibitions and festivals in Paris for fall 2023. Discover more seasonal events on the Paris Je T’aime site. You can also explore what to do in Paris in October, what to do in Paris in November, what to do in and other events by month.
September
September 9, 2023: Louise Attaque Concert
September 10, 2023: La Parisienne Race
September 10-12, 2023: Omnivore Food Festival
September 12, 2023: Trésors en noir et blanc exhibition at Petit Palais
September 13, 2023 to January 21, 2024: Gertrude Stein and Picasso Exhibition at the Musée du Luxembourg
September 14-17, 2023: Mozart's Requiem Show by Bartabas
September 15, 2023 to January 21, 2024: Nicolas de Staël Retrospective at the Musée d’Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris
September 16-17, 2023: European Heritage Days
September 20, 2023 to April 7, 2024: Sport and Fashion Exhibition at the Museum of Decorative Arts
September 24, 2023: Paris-Versailles Race
September 25, 2023 to October 3, 2023: Fashion Week
September 29, 2023: Première Classe Show in the Jardin des Tuileries
Jazz à La Villette
Techno Parade
Nocturnes Electro
Fête de l’Humanité
La Fête au Bois de Boulogne
October
October 1, 2023: Battle Pro International Breakdance Final
October 5-8, 2023: Salon de la Photo
October 8, 2023: 20 km de Paris
October 9, 2023: Blink-182 Concert
October 12, 2023: Pink Martini Concert
October 14, 2023 - January 6, 2024: Beyond Rembrandt Exhibition
October 14, 2023 - January 6, 2024: The Manuscripts of the Dukes of Bourbon Exhibition
October 17, 2023: Isabelle Boulay chante Piaf symphonique Concert
October 18, 2023: Shaka Ponk Concert
October 19-22, 2023: Paris+ by Art Basel
October 19, 2023: The Treasure of Notre-Dame Exhibition at the Louvre
Animal Expo
Montmartre Grape Harvest Festival (Fête des Vendanges)
Taste Week
Villes des Musiques du Monde’ Music Festival
Mon premier festival
Asia Now, Paris Asian Art Fair
Salon du Chocolat
Sophie Calle. ‘À toi de faire ma Mignonne’ Exhibition
Van Gogh at Auvers-sur-Oise Exhibition
Picasso. 2023 drawings Exhibition
Musée national de la Marine Reopening
Rolex Paris Masters
Yonex French Open Badminton Tournament
International Armchair Rugby Cup
Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe
November
November 2-5, 2023: International Cultural Heritage Fair
November 2-6, 2023: Paris Games Week
November 8-11, 2023: Paris Photo Fair
November 9-12, 2023: Salon des Produits Made In France (MIF Expo)
November 15 - December 3, 2023: Notre-Dame de Paris Musical
Salon du Cheval (Paris Horse Show)
Salon du Livre et de la Presse Jeunesse
Moto Légende Trade Fair
Paris Night Market
Beaujolais Nouveau Celebration
Autumn is one of the best times to visit the City of Light. Now that you know what to pack for Paris in the fall and the best seasonal activities, you’re sure to fully enjoy your autumn adventures in the city.
What are your favorite things to do in Paris in autumn? Let me know in the comments below.
