Paris in the Fall: 15 Best Things to Do, Eat & See
There’s something magical about Paris in the fall. The leaves in the Tuileries are turning colors, you can wear a gorgeous peacoat while wandering through covered passages, the Beaujolais Nouveau wine is released for sale. It’s a wonderful time to visit the city.
I go to Paris every year to see my family, and fall is usually when I make the trip. I also particularly love visiting during shoulder season since the weather is still lovely and there are (slightly) fewer tourists.
Here’s everything you need to know to plan the perfect autumn vacation in Paris.
Paris in the Fall Quick Guide
Running short on time? Here’s a quick guide to planning the perfect Paris fall vacation
Where to Stay:
- Hotel de Londres if you want to be near the Eiffel Tower
- La Chambre du Marais for a trendy, local experience
What to Do:
- There are 10 of my favorite activities in this article, but you should visit the Orangerie or Rodin museums, try a French pastry class, and do a Seine river dinner cruise.
Where to Eat:
- My 5 favorite restaurants are below, but make a reservation for Bouillon Julien for something classically French and affordable.
Weather in Paris in the Fall
Fall in Paris brings some of the year’s most picturesque days, but the weather can be unpredictable. Not something you really need to worry about, you just need to pack correctly. I’ve been there for heat waves and for sweater weather.
The season stretches from late September through November, and each month offers a slightly different experience. Here’s what to expect, and how to dress for it.
September in Paris: The Tail End of Summer
Early fall in Paris is still close enough to summer to be warm. Highs hover around 70°F (21°C) during the day, dipping into the mid-50s°F (13°C) at night.
It’s one of the driest months of the season, with fewer rainy days and plenty of sunny days perfect for a Seine-side walk or a late afternoon at the Jardin du Luxembourg.
If you’re visiting in late September, bring light layers. A scarf and a jacket you can take off by midday will go a long way because it’s pretty warm during the day.
October in Paris: Crisp Air and Colorful Leaves
October is classic fall weather – crisp, cool, and ideal for strolls through Parisian parks. Expect daytime highs in the 60s°F (16°C), and lows that flirt with the upper 40s°F (9°C). If you come at the end of October, might see some rain. I find it’s usually more afternoon showers than full on downpours though.
This is when you’ll want to start dressing like a Parisian: trench coat, comfortable walking shoes (those cobblestones!), and an umbrella that folds into your bag.
The average temperatures and slightly overcast skies make for great museum days and cozy wine breaks in tucked-away bistros.
November in Paris: Shorter Days, Softer Light
By November, fall is getting a little closer to winter. Highs drop to the low 50s°F (10°C) and lows fall into the low 40s°F (5°C), with a higher chance of rain and more gray skies. But there’s a moodiness to the city this time of year that’s beautiful (fondue anyone?).
If you’re coming this month, you’ll want warmer layers, waterproof shoes, and maybe even gloves for evening walks.
What to Do in Paris in the Fall: My 10 Favorite Activities
First of all, there is no shortage of activities to do in Paris no matter when you visit (and I have a guide for one day in Paris and three days in Paris for you).
It’s very easy to get around the city (did you know you can buy metro tickets in advance?) and the weather is nice enough that it’s still very walkable.
I’ve included some of my favorite activities below, but please know you should build in plenty of time to eat bread, cheese and pastries, probably every day.
1. Visit My favorite museums and gardens in Paris
Fall is the ideal season for museum visits, not just because of the occasional rainy days, but because Paris’s art scene seems to wake up this time of year.
Many major exhibitions debut in October and November, making it a great time to discover both well-known institutions and smaller gems.
Musée Rodin is a favorite for me in the fall. It’s housed in an 18th-century mansion, so the museum itself is lovely, but I really love the garden. All of his sculptures are there and it’s one of the most peaceful spots in Paris. Seeing The Thinker surrounded by golden trees feels like a painting come to life.
These skip the line tickets also come with an audio guide – well worth it.
Just across the river, Musée de l’Orangerie offers another uniquely autumnal experience. The Orangeries houses Monet’s water lilies, and I think it’s pretty spectacular to see these and then wander through the Tuilerie gardens outside.
You absolutely need skip the line tickets for this museum, since it’s so small, I recommend these that come with an audio guide (which clearly I love).
2. Sip a Beaujolais Nouveau and People Watch
Paris in the fall is basically made for lingering. The cafés are less packed, the air has that just a bit cool, and suddenly it makes perfect sense to sit under a heat lamp with a glass of red and no real plans (though tbh I think that always makes sense).
Truly, just relaxing and people watching in Parisian cafés is one of my favorite things to do in Paris (and there are excellent coffee shops if you need a caffeine fix!).
If you’re here in November, the Beaujolais Nouveau is released on the third Thursday of the month, and the city actually celebrates it.
It’s a young wine (technically not “good” or high quality in the traditional sense) but it’s fun, festive, and everywhere for about a week.
You’ll see signs outside bistros, people raising glasses at 2 p.m., and if you’re near places like La Bonne Franquette in Montmartre or Les Noces de Jeannette in the 2nd, you’ll find a French crowd happy to toast the new vintage.
In October, you’ve got the fête des vendanges, Montmartre’s grape harvest festival. It’s one of the few times Parisians collectively get excited about something. Expect food stalls, parades, wine tastings, and a view from the top of the hill that’s even better with a plastic cup of red.
If you’re not already staying in Montmartre, it’s worth heading up for the afternoon. I recommend also watching the sunset from the steps of the Sacré Coeur.
3. Take a Baking Class in a French Bakery
If you’ve ever wanted to know how the French make their croissants so annoyingly perfect (hint: it’s butter), fall is a great time to find out. The weather nudges you indoors, and a warm bakery full of French butter and flour isn’t the worst place to be.
There’s a small-group baking class I love that takes place in an actual working boulangerie—not a demo kitchen, a real one. You’ll get your hands in the dough, learn how to roll and fold it properly, and walk out with your own batch of croissants or pain au chocolat (really I’m in for any excuse to eat more pastries).
The particular class I like fills up fast so you can check here to see if there are still spots open.
4. Picnic in Front of the Eiffel Tower
Fall is one of the best times to do a proper Paris picnic. The summer crowds are gone, the grass isn’t too packed, and the view of the Eiffel Tower is still unbeatable.
Grab a baguette or a sandwich from a nearby boulangerie, some cheese (I love Camembert if you’re into strong cheese), maybe a bottle of wine (or two), and find a spot on the Champ de Mars. Even if it’s a little gray out, it’s still lovely
And if the weather turns or the ground’s too damp, there are benches all along the Seine nearby that make a solid backup plan.
5. Take a Seine River Boat Cruise
I used to think these were just a tourist trap. Then I tried one with dinner and live music and honestly, it was great.
The Bateaux Mouches dinner cruise that I took is about three hours long, glides along the Seine, and includes a surprisingly solid meal (plus Champagne, of course). There’s live music, the Eiffel Tower sparkles, and the whole thing feels a little cinematic in a very French way.
The Seine river cruise is actually an activity I prefer in the fall, when it’s not so hot out (or on the boat). It’s calm, the city looks gorgeous from the water, and it’s an easy way to do something memorable without over-planning.
6. Do a Food Walking Tour in Montmartre or Notre Dame
I’ve done a lot of food tours over the years, and I pretty much always love them. This Secret Food Tour hits that perfect balance between local spots you wouldn’t find on your own and popular spots that are actually worth it.
You’ll try macarons, charcuterie, pastries, cheese, and more cheese—plus wine (obviously) and a guide who actually knows the neighborhood.
I also particularly like that this tour lets you choose between Montmartre and Notre Dame. The Montmartre version is a little more classic French food (crêpes etc) and the Notre Dame version is fancier with oysters and pastries.
It’s an easy way to try a bunch of delicious French food without having to commit to one restaurant or fight for a reservation.
7. Browse (and Eat) at Marché des Enfants Rouges
I love, love, love wandering through markets. It’s like a feast for my eyes and my tummy and I highly recommend you do it.
If you want to feel like a local without pretending you live in Paris, spend an hour at Marché des Enfants Rouges. It’s the city’s oldest covered market, tucked away in the Upper Marais, and it’s exactly the kind of spot you wish you stumbled into by accident.
You’ll find fresh produce and flowers, but also stalls serving everything from Moroccan couscous to Japanese bento boxes to French cheese plates. It’s casual, a little chaotic, and very satisfying. The fall produce (figs, squash, mushrooms) is on full display, and the people-watching is excellent.
Grab something warm, find a spot on a bench or just lean against a counter, and take your time.
8. Grab a Crêpe and Stroll Through Jardin du Luxembourg
This one’s simple and perfect. Pick up a crêpe from one of the stands just outside Jardin du Luxembourg (I usually go for mushroom and cheese or Nutella if I’m leaning sweet) and take it with you for a walk through the gardens.
In the fall, this park feels like it was made for the season. The trees are red or gold, the chairs are scattered under canopies of leaves, and it’s very serene. You’ll see joggers, kids with sailboats, and the occasional student sketching near the fountains. It’s very everyday-Paris, and that’s what makes it good.
I honestly love bringing a book and just sitting in the garden, casually reading, feeling very French.
No reservations, no entry fee, just you, a warm crêpe, and a lovely walk.
9. Catch a Burlesque Show at Crazy Horse
If you’re looking for something a little spicier, Le Crazy Horse should be on your list.
It’s a Paris burlesque show, but it’s more art and choreography than anything you can find in the states. The lighting effects, the music, the costumes (or lack thereof) – it’s all amazing and you can check out my full review here.
The venue itself is intimate, and almost every seat has a decent view, but it’s absolutely worth paying a little more to sit in the center. You’ll see the full symmetry of the performances, and you won’t be stuck in the back like I was.
Shows sell out a month ahead, especially in fall when people are looking for indoor evening plans, so book ahead here if it’s on your radar.
10. Day Trips from Paris
If you’re in town for more than a few days, a fall day trip is a great way to change things up without going too far. Paris has a lot to offer, but sometimes it’s nice to press pause on the city and see something quieter. These two are worth the effort.
Versailles
Yes, it’s famous. Yes, it’s touristy. And yes—it’s still worth it. It’s a magical palace and the gardens are gorgeous in the fall.
If you don’t want to deal with lines, this skip-the-line Versailles day tour makes it easy and includes a guide who will help you get there by train.
Giverny
If you like art, gardens, or just seeing how other people lived, go to Monet’s house in Giverny. I went with my uncle and cousin, and it ended up being one of my favorite day trips from Paris.
His gardens are still blooming in early October, and wandering through his home (where he actually painted those water lilies) is one of those quietly moving experiences. Plus I honestly love walking through old homes, especially the kitchens. It’s beautiful, personal, and less crowded than you’d expect.
This half-day Giverny tour takes you straight from Paris and includes special group entry, so you’re not stuck waiting around.
Where to Stay in Paris
It’s hard to go wrong when it comes to where to stay in Paris, but you don’t want to go too far out from major tourist attractions. Paris is organized into arrondissements (districts) and I have a complete guide to the best arrondissements in Paris here.
Arrondissements start at number 1, in the city center by the Louvre, and then spiral out like a snail from there. So long as you stay under the 10th arrondissement, you should be fairly central and it will be easy to get around.
I will say, if you want to stay in Montmartre (the 18th – where Sacré-Cœur and the Moulin Rouge are) that can also be quite lovely in the fall.
As far as specific boutique hotels in Paris that I recommend, I love the Hotel de Londres right next to the Eiffel Tower. It’s in an amazing tourist location with an acceptable price tag.
Le Marais is also a pretty trendy area for tourists and locals and usually where I try to stay. I recommend La Chambre du Marais – it’s a boutique hotel that’s beautiful and comes with a delicious pastry-filled breakfast, all without being outrageously expensive.
My 5 Favorite Hidden Gem Restaurants in Paris
Tagine at 404
Snails at Bouillon Julien
Mokonuts amazing cured salmon
Magma’s incredible tasting menu
There are a million guides to “where to eat in Paris,” but let’s keep this simple. These are my top 5 spots I’ve actually been to, would go back to, and would happily recommend to a friend visiting in the fall. French food is generally rich and delicious, and these ones will hit the spot no matter the weather.
You can also try making reservations at French restaurants using The Fork app – similar to Opentable and they even show you great nearby restaurants offering deals or promotions.
I highly recommend making a reservation at least a month out for all of these restaurants.
404
Literally my favorite restaurant in Paris – I go every single trip. It’s a Moroccan spot that literally makes you feel like you’re in Morocco. The tagines are excellent, and the mint tea at the end is delicious.
Bouillon Julien
A classic French brasserie with stained glass windows and a very retro vibe. You’re here for French onion soup, escargot, steak frites, and a shockingly affordable menu. There are a few “bouillons” in the city, but this is one of the only ones that takes reservations.
Magma
I took my mom to Magma for her birthday. It’s fine dining with a tasting menu that’s only €75/pp. Every dish was so beautifully plated I felt like I was dining at a Michelin star restaurant for just a fraction of the price.
Mokonuts
This restaurant is tiny and features just a few dishes and a few wines. It’s family run and maybe the best food I’ve had in Paris. They’re only open for lunch, and you’ll be lucky to get a reservation. I would try to get an earlier seating if you can, they had run out of a few items by the time we ate.
Pizzeria Popolare
This has delicious pizza, delicious cocktails, and hilarious dish ware (my boyfriend ordered a cocktail that came in a glass shaped like breasts, that I’m too afraid to post here in case my site gets flagged as adult 😂 )
Paris in the Fall FAQ
Yes! The weather is cooler, the crowds thin out, and the city feels more local. It’s a great time for museums, markets, and long café stays sipping on wine.
October is one of the best months and usually when I visit. Foliage is peaking, temperatures are comfortable, and events like the fête des vendanges give the city some extra charm.
Golden trees, overcast skies (in a good way), and fewer tourists. The gardens are especially beautiful.
My 12 favorite activities are in this article! You can see fall art exhibitions, visit the Rodin Museum, walk through Jardin du Luxembourg, hit up the fête des vendanges, and maybe book a food tour or river cruise.
Not compared to summer – it’s actually much more affordable. Flights and hotels tend to offer better rates, and many attractions are easier to access without premium pricing.
Layers are essential here. You’ll want a trench coat or pea coat, comfortable shoes, scarf, and something you can dress up a little at night.
The French don’t really wear athleisure, so if you’re trying to blend in, I’d skip the leggings.
Sure, I do. But you want to wear them like the French do: Pair with a darker coat or sweater and you’ll blend right in.
Less crowded than summer, but still lively. Major attractions are easier to navigate, and reservations are a bit easier to come by (though you still need to make them).
Final Thoughts: Why Paris in the Fall Is Worth It
There’s a version of Paris in every season, but fall might be the one that feels the most “local”. I love my annual visits and how the city is still lively, but slows down just enough to let you enjoy it. You can wander through art museums without elbowing quite as many people, sip wine on a quiet terrace, and still catch the Eiffel Tower sparkle, just while wearing a sweater.
If you’ve ever dreamed of experiencing the city like a local (without actually needing to move there), this is your time. Crisp air, fewer crowds, better food, and a calendar full of festivals and vin nouveau.
Paris in the fall is softer, slower, and honestly kind of perfect.
Cheers to your next adventure 🇫🇷🍁
