November in Paris 2023
Are you visiting Paris in November 2023? Paris in November is calm, a resting month before the start of the Christmas or festive season. November in Paris is the beginning of the low season, almost the only time of the year without many tourists. This means that you will see a more authentic city if you decide to visit Paris in November.
In Paris, November comes with shorter or no lines, lower prices, and more hotel availability. However, the weather in Paris in November is not at its best, with more chances of rain. There are not many seasonal festivals or events either.
Is November a good time to visit Paris? All considered, visiting Paris in November can be a great idea for a cultural trip or a weekend getaway to change of air. Go on reading for what to do in Paris in November, the main events Paris November 2023, and packing tips so you know what to expect in November in Paris.
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Is Paris in November Busy? Crowds Forecast
Is November a good time to visit Paris to avoid crowds? Paris in November is calm. If you don’t like crowds or waiting in line to visit museums or monuments, this is definitely the best month to come!
However, beware that the 1st of November (la Toussaint) and the 11th of November (the Armistice of WWI) are holidays in France. This year the 1st of November falls on Wednesday, so we expect some people may take a couple of days off for the last mini-holiday in France or abroad before the Christmas holiday.
Also, kids in France will have school holidays from 21 October to 5 November 2023 (Vacances de la Toussaint), and French families often use these days off for a cultural trip to Paris.
If you decide to visit Paris in November, try to avoid Paris in early November, during these holidays. If you are not flexible with your dates, start booking things right now, especially if you need train tickets from /to Paris or tickets to the top attractions in Paris.
November Weather in Paris
How is the weather in November in Paris? The weather in November is hard to predict. With a bit of luck, November can have some first days still warm and sunny, but Paris in late November takes a wintery aspect, and it is usually cold.
If we stick to the statistics, the average temperature in Paris in November is 12C maximum and 7C minimum, with a 15% probability of rainfall.
If you decide to visit Paris in November, you can still consider day trips from Paris to explore the countryside, but we recommend having a B plan if it rains.
What to Wear in Paris in November 2023
What to wear in Paris in November? The key to dressing in Paris in the fall is layers. During the day, you are likely to be okay with long-sleeved tops or a light, mid-season jacket, but later it can be cold, and you probably will need one more layer.
The weather in November in Paris calls for good walking shoes, closed-toe and waterproof, scarves, a cardigan, and a foldable umbrella.
What to pack for Paris in November? Here’s the ultimate guide to packing for Paris in November with clothes to feel comfortable and stylish. If you need guidance on how to combine things to blend in with locals, check out our style guides for Paris in the fall (men and women):
Before leaving home for Paris, it is a good idea to check the weather forecast (temperatures and rainfall) and review your Paris packing list.
Best Tips for Visiting Paris in November
If you visit Paris in early November – around the 1st of November or the 11th of November – plan and book everything in advance because the 1st of November is a holiday in many places in Europe (France included). The 11th of November is also a holiday day in France.
Always have a B plan for rainy days in Paris in November. If you need some ideas, check out our list of fun things to do during a rainy day in Paris.
A week before the departure, have a look at our Transportation Strikes in Paris post, which is always up to date. Just in case . . .
By the end of November, the first Christmas Markets in Paris start to open, and some streets start to dress up for the festive season. This is a good opportunity to enjoy a bit of Christmas in Paris without the crowds (and the higher prices).
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Best Things to Do in Paris in November 2023 (and Top Events in Paris November 2023)
If you haven’t been to Paris before, you may want to tick some of Paris’s top tourist attractions off your bucket list. The itineraries below are thought for people visiting Paris for the first time, and they are planned around the main attractions and the most interesting neighborhoods in Paris:
- 1 day in Paris itinerary
- 2 days in Paris itinerary
- 3 days in Paris itinerary
- 4 days in Paris itinerary
- 5 days in Paris itinerary
- 6 days in Paris itinerary
- 7 days in Paris itinerary
Apart from all these places, you may want to add some seasonal activities for your Paris November trip. These are the best things to do in Paris in November 2023:
VISIT A CEMETERY
In France, on 1st November (La Toussaint), we honor the dead. This is a Catholic tradition and also a national holiday in France, and people like to go to the cemeteries to visit the graves of their relatives.
Paris boasts beautiful cemeteries spread all around the city, which are quiet places perfect for a stroll. Some cemeteries (Saint Vincent Cemetery in Montmartre) are more intimate, while other cemeteries (Père Lachaise Cemetery and Montparnasse Cemetery) are monumental and attract tourists.
If you can, try to visit one of the best cemeteries in Paris in November, right after La Toussaint. The cemeteries of Paris are gorgeous under the fall colors, and the flowers on the graves have been renewed.
WALK THE COVERED PASSAGES OF PARIS
If you are wondering what to do in Paris in November when it is cold, we can help. November in Paris is the perfect time to visit some of the most beautiful covered passages of Paris, a labyrinth of covered commercial passages built during the 18th century across the city. These covered passages, all bathed in natural light, are decorated with beautiful mosaic works and iron latticework.
After some years of abandonment, the covered passages of Paris were restored to their former glory, and they are today real Art Nouveau / Neoclassical architectural gems. If you know where to look, you will find delightful ancient boutiques, cute cafes, and other curiosity shops.
TAKE A FOOD TOUR IN PARIS
Food tours in Paris are a good option when the air is fresh, but it is not too cold to wander outside. Discover the best food in Paris and some good addresses to eat or buy while learning fascinating historical facts and anecdotes about the neighborhood that you are exploring.
The most popular neighborhoods for food tours are Le Marais, Saint Germain-des-Prés, and Montmartre. Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood is also very reputed for its pastries and chocolate tours, like this popular, top-rated Saint Germain Pastry and Chocolate Walking Tour.
GET INSPIRED DURING THE MONTH OF PHOTOGRAPHY IN PARIS
In Paris, November is the month of Photography, and there are numerous fairs and exhibitions to honor the world of cameras, pictures, and great photographers.
In the second week of November (9 to 12 November 2023), Paris Photo, the world’s biggest photography fair, occurs at the Grand Palais Ephemère (Champ de Mars, near École Militaire). Plus, there are always many small photo exhibitions, free or for a small fee, where photography passionates can admire the work of some of the most iconic photographers but also new talents.
CELEBRATE THE ARRIVAL OF THE NEW BEAUJOLAIS
In November, Paris and France celebrate the Beaujolais Nouveau’s arrival (this year, on Thursday, 16 November 2023), when it is possible to taste this wine’s latest vintage everywhere in the city.
This tradition seems to be more popular abroad than in France (we are not particularly fond of this wine…), but it makes just another excuse to toast and celebrate with friends and family. Cheers!
HOT CHOCOLATE AND PEOPLE-WATCHING IN A TERRASSE CAFE
When the air gets crisp, it is a good moment to cozy up with a good book and a steaming cup of hot chocolate somewhere picturesque.
The neighborhoods of Le Marais, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, or Montmartre are some good places to find lovely cafés, but there are pretty cafes all around Paris.
If the weather is good, enjoy lounging at one sidewalk terrace café in Paris for people-watching. It’s as simple as that.
DO THE GRAND TASTING
Exceptionally, this year the Grand Tasting is in December
The Salon Grand Tasting is THE event for wine lovers in November in Paris.
From 1 to 2 December 2023, explore the best of France’s wine regions, and perhaps buy some bottles in this festival of Great Wines held at the Carrousel du Louvre in Paris.
TIP: Don’t forget your wine suitcase or wine tote bag to bring your best findings back home!
HAVE FUN AT THE LANTERN FESTIVAL
Feel like experiencing a magical moment in Paris in November? Then, head to the Parc de La Villette on [Saturday TBD] for the Lantern Festival, a beautiful celebration of magic, love, and hope.
Light up your handmade lantern and join the lantern parade along with musicians Zalindê and Doubayabi. After the lit parade across the park, the celebration will wrap up over some spicy tea to warm up.
DISNEYLAND PARIS’ ENCHANTED CHRISTMAS STARTS IN NOVEMBER!
This year, Christmas in Disneyland Paris lasts two months, from 12 November 2023 to 8 January 2024! Immerse yourself in a warm, festive atmosphere at Disneyland Paris, with light shows and streets adorned with Christmas decorations.
Click here to buy your Disneyland Paris tickets
A day trip to Disneyland Paris from Paris is very easy to organize (check all the options in this Paris-Disneyland quick guide). For a unique Disneyland Christmas trip, however, we recommend spending one night or two at one of the hotels near Disneyland Paris with a free shuttle bus which are also decorated for the festive season.
EXPLORE THE FIRST CHRISTMAS MARKETS IN PARIS
Around the second half of November, the first Christmas Markets in Paris start to open, and some streets start to dress up for the festive season.
If you like the idea of getting a glimpse of Paris at Christmas time in November without the crowds, have a look at the best Christmas Markets in Paris to see their opening times this year and program.
CHECK OUT THE TEMPORARY EXHIBITIONS IN NOVEMBER IN PARIS 2023
At the end of the summer, the new cultural season starts in Paris, usually with many temporary exhibitions in the main museums or art galleries. The list of temporary exhibitions in museums and galleries for Paris November 2023 is not complete yet (it’s too early for some dates). Keep clicking for the latest updates!
Chagall, Paris – New York – Atélier des Lumières, from 17 February 2023 to 7 January 2024
Paul Klee, Painting Music – Atélier des Lumières, from 17 February 2023 to 7 January 2024
Notre Dame de Paris, from Builders to Restorers – Cité de l’Architecture et du Patrimoine, from 15 February 2023 to 29 April 2024
Yves Saint Laurent – Shapes and Forms – Musée Yves Saint Laurent Paris, until 14 January 2024
Naples in Paris – Musée du Louvre, until 8 January 2024
Amedeo Modigliani. A painter and his dealer – Musée de l’Orangerie, from 20 September 2023 to 15 January 2024
Ron Mueck – Fondation Cartier, from 8 June to 5 November 2023
La Mode en Mouvement – Palais Galliera, from 16 June 2023 to 15 March 2024.
NEED MORE IDEAS FOR NOVEMBER IN PARIS 2023?
No problem! In addition to this list of things to do in November in Paris, have a look at our articles about October in Paris and also December in Paris; some of the activities proposed in these articles are also good ideas for Paris in November.
Where to Stay in November in Paris
We recommend Booking.com for booking your hotel in Paris. They have a wide variety of accommodation of all kinds and good rates. In addition, they propose the option to cancel for free, most of the time up to 24 hours.
SLEEP WITH EIFFEL TOWER VIEWS
If you have the budget, why not treat yourself to the pleasure of waking up with an amazing Eiffel Tower balcony view?
Some of the best hotels in Paris also come with awesome views of the Eiffel Tower, especially beautiful during its night show!
Check out the best hotels with Eiffel Tower Views
The good news is that a cozy room with Eiffel Tower views is not exclusive to the best hotels in Paris. If you are looking for a more local experience, there are also beautiful, fully equipped apartments to rent with amazing Eiffel Tower views
Check out the best apartments with view of Eiffel Tower
HOTELS AT LE MARAIS IN PARIS 4
Le Marais is a central neighborhood in the Seine’s Right Bank, perfect to set your base in Paris, especially if you are visiting Paris for the first time. It is beautiful, well connected by the metro, and with many beautiful cafes and restaurant options.
Click here for the best hotels in Le Marais in Paris 4
HOTEL DE JOSEPHINE DE BONAPARTE, Paris 4, $$$$
Located in a former convent, this charming hotel is inspired by Napoleon’s wife, Joséphine de Bonaparte. Its uniquely decorated rooms are elegant and romantic, and its cozy saloons are the perfect place for a last glass of wine.
Click here for the Latest Prices
HOTEL FRANCE LOUVRE, Paris 4, $$$
Hotel France Louvre is a typical Haussmaniann-style hotel located in Le Marais. The rooms are small but cozy, all elegantly furnished in Louis XIV style. Some of them have lovely views over Hôtel de Ville and Tour Saint Jacques.
Click here for the Latest Prices
HOTELS AT SAINT-GERMAIN-DES-PRÉS
The neighborhood of Saint-Germain, on the Left Bank, is a great place to put your luggage down in Paris, especially if you are visiting Paris for the first time. It is picturesque and central, with many entertainments, beautiful cafes, and restaurant options.
Click here for the best hotels in Saint-Germain
XRELAIS CHRISTINE; Paris 6, $$$$
This hotel is set in a 16th-century private mansion in the heart of Saint Germain-des-Prés. Its rooms are unique, and designed in different styles. Guests can enjoy elegant common spaces, a garden, a spa, and a fitness center.
Click here for the Latest Prices
HOTEL CHAPLAIN PARIS RIVE GAUCHE: Paris 6, $$$
This chic and modern hotel is located only a few meters from Luxembourg Gardens and is one of the best mid-range hotels in Saint-Germain. The rooms are fancy and colorful. We especially like its chic dining area and floral courtyard, where you can have breakfast or a drink.
We hope you enjoyed this quick guide to November in Paris, with the best things to do in Paris in November 2023 and the main events in Paris November 2023. Bon voyage!
