September in Paris 2023
Are you visiting Paris in September? September is a wonderful month to visit Paris, if not the most beautiful! September in Paris is the end of the summer – the beginning of fall, but it is still warm enough for enjoying al fresco dinners, drinks on a terrace, and other great outdoor activities in Paris.
If you are looking for a full Paris sightseeing and dining experience, visiting Paris in September is a great choice! In September, food and wine events are back in Paris, and they are a fun way to learn more about the local cuisine and taste new things.
So what is Paris like in September? Go on reading for what to do in Paris in September, the main events in Paris September 2023, and packing tips so you know what to expect in September in Paris.
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» Food & Drinks: Paris Food Guide
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Is Paris Busy in September? Crowds Forecast
Is September a good time to visit Paris to avoid crowds? September in Paris is still high season, and although it does not see the crowds of July and August, it is paramount to book accommodation and tickets to main attractions well in advance.
Basically, once you decide to come to Paris and have your train or flight tickets, book all these things the second after!
More than ever, people with flexible working schedules delay their summer holidays to September to enjoy Paris without the oppressively hot days of summer. If you decide to visit Paris in September, be sure you won’t be alone.
This year 2023, Paris and France will host the Rugby World Cup 2023 in September and October. France’s RWC 2023 will attract rugby fans from all over the world in addition to the regular crowds.
Below we list the main Paris attractions you will need advance tickets for and have added links to my favorite trusty providers for your convenience.
Paris Weather September 2023
In Paris, September is a month of transition, even if it feels more like summer than fall. If you visit Paris in early September, expect dry and sunny days. The average temperature in Paris in September is 21C maximum and 13C minimum, with an 11% probability of rainfall.
In Paris in late September, the temperatures get cooler, but it is still pleasant to explore and sit outside on a terrace.
What to Wear in Paris in September 2023
What to wear in Paris in September? September is mostly a summer month in Paris. However, as the month progresses, the temperatures get cooler.
During the day, especially at the start of the month, you are likely to be fine in short sleeves and sandals, but later in the evening, you will be happy to have an extra layer and closed shoes.
What to pack for Paris in September? Here’s the ultimate guide to packing for Paris in September with clothes to be comfortable and stylish. If you need ideas on how to combine things to blend in with locals, check out our Fall /Winter style guides for men and women.
Best Tips for Visiting Paris in September 2023
If you are visiting Paris for the first time and plan on visiting many tourist sights, consider the purchase of a Paris tourist pass to save time and money. Check out this Paris Pass Comparison to find the best tourist pass for you.
Alternatively, buy skip-the-line tickets or combo tickets for the top tourist attractions – these are the best combos and ticket deals.
September is “la rentrée” in Paris – when locals go back to work or school after the summer holidays. Avoid the peak hours in the Parisian metro for a more comfortable journey for everybody, without crowds.
After a quiet month of August, la rentrée also means the first transportation strikes in Paris and France of the season, and we already have one marked in red on our calendar.
Need insurance for France? HeyMondo offers travelers insurance that combines medical and travel-related coverage for single trips (leisure and business trips), annual multi-trip, and extended stays (with Covid-19 coverage included). And you will get a 5% off for being a World in Paris reader! – Click here for more information and a quote for your trip
Best Things to Do in Paris in September 2023 (and Events in Paris in September 2023)
If you visit Paris in September for the first time, you may want to tick some of Paris’s top tourist attractions off your bucket list. The itineraries below are thought for this, and they are planned around the main sights and the most popular neighborhoods in Paris:
- 1 day in Paris
- 2 days in Paris
- 3 days in Paris
- 4 days in Paris
- 5 days in Paris
- 6 days in Paris
- 7 days in Paris
Apart from the main attractions and other beautiful sights that you will find in our Paris Travel Blog, there are some fun seasonal activities and events in Paris in September 2023 that we always recommend.
ENJOY THE LAST DAYS OF THE ROOFTOP BARS IN PARIS
Enjoy your favorite drink from the best rooftop bars in Paris before they close until next summer. See Paris from above and how – little by little – the city changes colors.
Some of the best rooftop bars are located on the top of hotels, but they are also open to non-guests.
GET READY FOR AN UNFORGETTABLE RUGBY WORLD CUP 2023
Crouch, bind, and get set for another season of epic rugby ahead! All eyes are on France as they host the Rugby World Cup 2023 for a whopping third time and are dead set on making it one of the best tournaments in history.
France’s RWC 2023 will kick off in Paris on Friday 8 September 2023, with the opening match held at the Stade de France. This clash of the titans, France vs. New Zealand, is set to be one for the books.
If you are looking to get in on the action, whether you have tickets or not, check out this quick guide to the France Rugby World Cup 2023, which covers everything, from the qualified teams to the locations of the Rugby World Cup 2023 matches, dates of matches in Paris, and fan zones.
DON’T MISS THE MUSICAL FOUNTAINS OF VERSAILLES
The Gardens of Versailles are always a good idea, especially when the fountains are running! September is one of the best months to visit Versailles Gardens because it is still warm and sunny but not too hot, there are fewer crowds, and the Fountains of Versailles are still running.
If you visit Paris in September, the Musical Gardens Show usually takes place on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. The Musical Fountains Show usually takes place on Saturday, Sunday, and on holidays. On weekends and holidays, the Night Fountains Show closes the day with spectacular fireworks. For the Versailles show dates and Versailles Fountains schedule, check out our quick guide to the Fountains of Versailles.
If you don’t know how to organize your Versailles trip, we tell you everything in this Quick Versailles Guide.
LEARN ABOUT FRENCH WINES (AND TRY SOME GOOD ONES!)
September in Paris is a great month for wine tasting. French wines are world-famous, with many wine regions around the country producing excellent reds, whites, and rosés.
Learn about wine in France and the French wine regions by joining a wine-tasting experience. Paris has a wide offer of wine tastings and workshops, usually run by expert sommeliers, and it’s a great way to share your passion for wine with other wine lovers and learn how to identify the best French wines.
If you are looking for some ideas, this Wine Tasting Class with Sommelier always has good reviews. Some workshops like to pair wines with cheese, and if you like the idea, opt for this Wine and Cheese tasting workshop.
EXPLORE PARIS BY BIKE
Paris by bike is always a good idea (we always recommend it!), but if you can tour the city without sweating like a chicken, then it’s cool and also chic 😉
Check out this Paris by Bike Quick Guide to learn how to navigate the city on two wheels and for the best bike tours covering Paris. If you are interested in exploring beyond Paris, you can do Versailles by bike or the trail along Canal de l’Ourcq.
ENJOY A SEINE RIVER DINNER CRUISE
Seine river cruises are available all year, but when the Paris sky is grey and gloomy is less fun.
Sail along “Paris’ most beautiful avenue” at sunset whilst enjoying a delicious dinner and admire the historical monuments when they lit up, perhaps with a last glass of champagne: the Eiffel Tower, the Musée d’Orsay, the Conciergerie, and more.
Read about the best Seine river cruises in Paris to find the one that suits you best. If you can’t decide, this 3-course dinner cruise always has excellent reviews.
VISIT THE SMALL TOWNS NEAR PARIS
There’s always something to see in Paris, but there are some days when you want a slower pace. Thankfully, the surroundings of Paris boast some incredible small towns worth a day trip. After the summer holidays, these towns come to life in September, especially on the weekend with day-trippers.
Where to go for a day out of Paris? Provins is a pretty medieval town very easy to reach by train whilst Chantilly is famous for the Horse Museum and picturesque castle. If you want to get the most out of your day outside Paris, this guided tour to Giverny Gardens and Auvers-sur-Oise explores two beautiful places that inspired Monet and Vincent Van Gogh.
GET CULTURED DURING THE JOURNÉES DU PATRIMOINE (HERITAGE DAYS)
Les Journées du Patrimoine (the Heritage Days) is one of the main cultural events in Paris in September. During one weekend (this year, on 16-17 September 2023), most of the museums and attractions in Paris are open to visitors for free, and some of them propose guided visits, debates, small concerts, and other performances.
As you can imagine, the most famous museums see the longest lines. Instead, we recommend looking for the hidden gems – unknown places usually closed to the public – which see short or no lines. For example, the embassies or important banks’ headquarters are spectacular buildings (usually former private mansions) richly decorated which can only be visited during this special event.
EXPLORE THE GARDENS OF PARIS DIFFERENTLY
Exploring the parks and gardens of the city is always one of the best things to do in Paris in September. Paris has many beautiful gardens, and there is no time like the end of summer / early autumn to enjoy them.
For grand and beautiful, check out the Tuileries Garden, the oldest urban park in Paris, with a fascinating history. If you want to do something different, check out this self-guided scavenger hunt to learn more about the Tuileries Garden’s history whilst having fun.
On the Seine’s left bank, the Jardin des Plantes and the Luxembourg Gardens on the Left Bank are also lovely places for a stroll in September in Paris. The most adventurous will have fun exploring the Luxembourg Gardens with this self-guided treasure hunt.
WALK ON THE RAILS FOLLOWING THE PETITE CEINTURE
La Petite Ceinture was a 32 km railroad line that circumnavigated Paris and developed from 1852 to 1869. La Petite Ceinture worked until the 70s, when due to the metro’s growing popularity, it fell into disuse and was disaffected. After many years of total abandonment, the city recovered some sections and turned them into green, urban spaces perfect for a stroll.
If you like to explore hidden places in Paris and the romance of abandonment, check out our guide to La Petite Ceinture and choose your favorite section to explore. We recommend the section of Paris 15, but in the end, they are all beautiful!
TOTAL JAZZ AT LA VILLETTE
Every year, the Festival Jazz à La Villette is a grand “Rendez-Vous” for jazz lovers. It is hosted by La Philharmonie de Paris and La Villette (Paris 19) and always comes with an interesting music program with the most innovative creators in all jazz styles.
This year the festival starts on Wednesday 30 August 2023 and ends on Sunday 10 September 2023. You can check the full program at La Villette’s website.
CELEBRATE THE GARDENS AND PARKS OF PARIS AT LA FÊTE DES JARDINS 2023
This year, la Fête des Jardins (Gardens Festival) takes place from 20 to 24 September 2023, and it’s the perfect time to get the most out of the gardens in Paris! Expect more than 400 free activities for all the family in the parks, woods, and public and private gardens of Paris and Ile-de-France.
Like Heritage Days, this “green weekend” is also an opportunity to access gardens that are usually closed to the public.
CHECK OUT THE TEMPORARY EXHIBITIONS IN SEPTEMBER IN PARIS 2023
If you are a frequent Paris traveler, perhaps you feel like visiting one of the top exhibitions in Paris during your stay. Here’s the list of the best temporary exhibitions in museums and galleries for Paris September 2023. There’s not much information for September yet, so keep on clicking for the latest updates!
Eternal Mucha – Grand Palais Immersif, from 22 March to 5 October 2023
Medieval Treasures from the Victoria & Albert Museum – When the English spoke French – Musée de la Marine, until 23 October 2023
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
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
Harry Potter, l’Exposition à Paris – Paris Expo Porte de Versailles, from 21 April 2023 to 1 October 2023
Money in Art – La Monnaie de Paris, from 30 March 2023 to 24 September 2023
Ramses & L’Or des Pharaons – Grande Halle de la Villette, from 23 April to 6 September 2023
Titanic l’Exposition – Paris Expo Porte de Versailles, from 18 July to 29 September 2023
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 YOUR VISIT TO PARIS IN SEPTEMBER 2023?
Have a look at your articles about Paris in August, Paris in October, and perhaps also Paris in November. Some of the activities proposed for these months are also good for September.
Where to Stay in Paris in September
As you make your bed, so you lie. Find the right accommodation in Paris – whether it’s a hotel or guesthouse, holiday apartment, or private apartment. We have them all! Book your accommodation by using the interactive map below.
The month of September can still be hot, and one of the best ways to deal with it is to mix sightseeing with a refreshing break at your hotel pool. Here’s the list of the best hotels with a pool in Paris that aren’t just limited to 5-star hotels.
Booking.com is our recommended site for booking your hotel in Paris. They have a wide variety of hotels 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 Paris’ top hotels also have unique 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 home from home, there are also cute apartments with a view of the Eiffel Tower to rent.
Check out the best apartments with a view of the Eiffel Tower
HOTELS AT SAINT-GERMAIN-DES-PRÉS
Saint-Germain in the Left Bank is a beautiful neighborhood to set your base 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
RELAIS CHRISTINE, Paris 6, $$$$
Set in a 17th-century mansion in the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, this is THE kind of hotel that comes to mind when we think about Paris and Saint-Germain. Check out the pictures; you will immediately fall in love with this hotel!
Click here for the Latest Prices
HOTEL TRIANON RIVE GAUCHE, Paris 6, $$$$
Conveniently placed close to the Luxemburg Gardens – on the way to Cité – and with comfortable rooms bigger than the Paris average, Hotel Trianon Rive Gauche is an excellent choice for this area and hotel category.
Click here for the Latest Prices
WELCOME HOTEL, Paris 6, $$$
This cute little hotel with comfortable rooms has the best possible location, between Boulevard Saint-Germain and Saint-Germain-des-Prés Church. Stay in one of the most pretty areas for the best price!
Click here for the Latest Prices
HOTELS IN THE LOUVRE DISTRICT
If you prefer to stay in the Right Bank, the Louvre District is a good option. Stay close to the Louvre, the Seine River, and the Tuileries Gardens in a lively area with many bars and restaurants nearby.
Click here for the best hotels in the Louvre District
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HOTEL PARIS LOUVRE OPERA; Paris 1, $$$
This hotel, set in a 17th-century building, is located only a 5-minute walk from the Louvre in a lively area with many choices for dining out. The rooms are small but very clean, comfortable, and cozy, which makes this hotel a good value for your money.
Click here for the Latest Prices
HOTEL BRITANNIQUE: Paris 1, $$$
This lovely 19th-century hotel with a nice feel and atmosphere is located only 700m from Notre Dame and close to other major landmarks. The comfortable rooms and beds and its welcoming staff will make you feel at home.
We hope you enjoyed this quick guide to September in Paris with the best things to do in Paris in September 2023 and the main Paris events September 2023 to help you plan your coming trip to Paris. Bon voyage!
