Why I Love Paris in Autumn
It’s no secret that I love Paris in the fall. In fact, I think that fall is the best time to visit Paris if you can get the time off. As the summer crowds disperse and the leaves turn golden and red, the city’s parks provide a colorful backdrop for fall strolls, and you’ll be able to walk through Paris with plenty of room to breathe.
If you visit Paris in autumn, it’s also easier to find cheaper flights and lower accommodation prices throughout the city. As a bonus, lines for the main tourist attractions are shorter, and patience is higher as the city quiets down in preparation for the winter holidays.
Paris is always a good idea, but the city is even more charming in the fall season. Keep on reading this quick guide to autumn in Paris with what to see, what to wear, and my best tips.
Are You Planning a Trip to Paris Last Minute?
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» Plan: Paris Travel Planner; Paris Arrondissements Guide; Check out the best Paris Metro tickets for tourists
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» Where to Stay: Best Districts to Stay in Paris
- Le Pavillon de la Reine (historical 5-star hotel in Le Marais)
- Hotel La Comtesse (mid-range hotel with Eiffel Tower view from all the rooms!)
- Hotel Ducs de Bourgogne (super central 4-star hotel near the Louvre)
» Top-Rated Paris Tours & Tickets:
- Louvre Museum Skip-the-Line Ticket
- Eiffel Tower Summit Access Ticket
- Seine River Night Cruise
- Catacombs Skip-the-line tour with VIP access to restricted areas
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When is Fall in Paris?
So, when is fall in Paris? The fall season in Paris corresponds to September, October, and November. If you have already booked your plane or train tickets to Paris, check out my guides for these three months.
Best Things to Do in Paris in the Fall
Just in case you weren’t already convinced, here are the best things to do in Paris in the fall and my top tips for getting the most out of this beautiful season in Paris.
VISIT A MUSEUM OR TWO
Fall in Paris is a good time to check out a museum or two. There are around 130 museums in Paris, so you will be spoilt for choice!
In addition to their fantastic permanent collections, September is also the start of a new cultural season when new exhibitions launch. Check out Paris’ wide selection of temporary exhibitions and other cultural events here.
The Louvre is never quiet, but you can minimize queuing time by booking a skip-the-line ticket. Other beautiful museums to visit in Paris in the fall are the Rodin Museum – its sculpture garden under the fall foliage is super beautiful – and the Musée du Quai Branly if you like Indigenous art and culture. Personally, I like to visit Monet’s water lilies at The Orangerie when it rains – admiring these artworks with the sound of the rain is super relaxing.
If you’re planning on visiting a few museums, a Paris tourist pass can help save you time and money. The Paris Museum Pass, available for 2, 4, or 6 days, is the most popular, but there are other options worth exploring. Check out my Paris Pass Comparison to find the most suitable tourist pass for you.
LOOK FOR THE MOST BEAUTIFUL FALL FOLIAGE IN PARIS
Paris is a beautiful city to explore at any time of the year, but it is especially remarkable in the fall. The vibrant fall colors provide a stunning backdrop to the city’s many parks and gardens.
October tends to be the best month for fall colors in Paris. Taking time out among these natural wonders is spectacular in fall; the spectrum of colors is magnificent, all those bright, crunchy leaves.
So, where are the best places to see fall foliage in Paris? Visitors can enjoy the changing colors of fall with a long walk in the Luxembourg Gardens, the Tuileries Gardens, or the lesser-known Promenade Plantée (Paris 12), Parc Buttes-Chaumont (Paris 19), and the Jardin des Plantes (Paris 5), to name a few. Get a hot drink at a café in the park, walk on the leaves, or simply take a stroll to enjoy the fresh autumn air.
ESCAPE INTO THE FOREST FOR MORE FALL COLORS
September and October are the peak months for fall foliage, and forests near Paris like Fontainebleau, Compiègne, or Versailles are some of the best spots to visit as temperatures drop from their humid highs, and the trees explode with hues of red, orange, and gold.
Go beyond the Château de Versailles or the Château of Fontainebleau and explore their forested areas on a day hike. You can also explore the Park of Versailles by bike, thanks to two bike rental spots on site. This Versailles bike tour from Paris is also popular.
If you prefer to stay closer to Paris, Bois de Vincennes and Bois de Boulogne are also good options for an autumn stroll. The first is dominated by the medieval Château de Vincennes, which you can also visit. Combine your stroll in Bois de Boulogne with lunch at the Chalet des Iles, a magical place nestled on one of the two islands in the lower lake.
EXPLORE PARIS BY BIKE
Autumn in Paris is the best time to explore the city on two wheels. This guided bike tour is a fun way to explore the most famous landmarks in Paris. If you prefer a self-guided bike ride, check out this quick guide to Paris by bike with all the do’s and don’ts to navigate the city, where to rent a bike, plus some ideas for bike itineraries.
If the city traffic looks too chaotic for you, I recommend this beautiful trail along Canal de l’Ourcq that starts at Stalingrad Square – Bassin de la Villette in Paris 19.
SOAK IN PARIS FALL FESTIVALS
Throughout the fall, there are many seasonal events in Paris to keep locals and visitors entertained. The Journées du Patrimoine (the Heritage Days) on 21-22 September 2024 and the Nuit des Châteaux on 18-19-20 October 2024 are only a few examples of fun Paris fall festivals not to miss if you are in the city. Check out this list of the most popular events in Paris for more seasonal festivals and dates.
While you’re at it, why not taste your way through Paris and try to tick off several traditional French dishes? Fall in Paris also comes with many French food festivals where you can taste and buy local products.
Halloween is not a big deal in France. But there are always spooky attractions and activities to celebrate Halloween in Paris, and have a great deal of spooky fun!
TIME FOR WINE
Fall truly is wine time in France. Grapes are harvested between September and October, so oenophiles should take advantage of this auspicious season to sample bottles from the best wine regions in France.
There are many autumnal wine festivals and fairs in Paris, like the Montmartre Harvest Festival (11 to 15 October), Le Grand Tasting at Grand Palais (this year on 1 and 2 December), or the Beaujolais Nouveau Day (21 November), which is celebrated all around France.
And if you have a couple of spare days, the wine regions of Alsace, Bourgogne, and Champagne make for excellent road trips or weekend getaways from Paris by train.
TIP: Don’t forget your wine suitcase or wine tote bag to bring your best findings back home!
EXPLORE LA PETITE CEINTURE OF PARIS IN THE FALL
La Petite Ceinture (the Little Belt railway around Paris) was a 32 km railroad line that circled Paris, developed during the Second Empire (1852-1869). Originally built to transport material goods from depot yards to the core of Paris, “Le Chemin de Fer Petite Ceinture” became, since 1862, also a service for passengers.
La Petite Ceinture’s decline started with the construction of the Parisian Metro and the passenger service stopped in 1934, when the metro reached its maturity. Today, some sections of la Petite Ceinture are converted into public green spaces, and they are great places to explore in Paris in the fall. If you like to explore hidden gems and the romance of abandonment, check out this guide to La Petite Ceinture of Paris.
VISIT A CEMETERY
Paris boasts beautiful cemeteries spread around the city, quiet places perfect for a stroll. Some cemeteries (Saint Vincent Cemetery in Montmartre or Picpus Cemetery) are more intimate, while other cemeteries (Père Lachaise Cemetery, Montmartre Cemetery, and Montparnasse Cemetery) are monumental and attract tourists.
If you can, visit one of the best cemeteries in Paris right after La Toussaint. The cemeteries of Paris are gorgeous under the fall colors, and the flowers on the graves have been renewed.
If you prefer something more spooky, visit the Catacombs of Paris. Originally, the catacombs were stone quarries, but they turned into the final resting place of millions of bones when the cemeteries within the city limits of Paris closed. There are no individual gravestones – just markers to show which cemetery the bones came from. And statues and urns scattered around add to the spooky feel. For the ultimate Catacombs experience, book this VIP Catacombs guided tour, a skip-the-line tour that gives you access to some restricted areas.
Tips for Visiting Paris in Autumn
SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER ARE STILL HIGH SEASON IN PARIS
Not many people realize that September and October are still high season in Paris. Sure, the summer crowds are gone, but the weather is still good, making September and October two great months to visit Paris.
Fall in Paris 2024 will be exceptionally crowded. People who weren’t interested in the Olympics and could wait, will visit Paris in autumn. Expect an increase in international tourists, especially in September and October.
If you decide to plan a Paris autumn trip in September or October, it is good to book hotels and main attractions well in advance!
Below, I list Paris’ main attractions you will need advance tickets for and have added links to my favorite trusty providers for your convenience. For the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, and Versailles, you will be asked to choose a date and time slot for your visit.
LEARN ABOUT THE FALL HOLIDAYS IN FRANCE
In November, the low season starts in Paris. The long lines disappear, people are more relaxed, and you can even get some smiles. However, there are some periods with holidays and Paris festivals where it is still necessary to book things in advance:
School holidays from 19 October to 11 November 2024 (Vacances de la Toussaint). Commonly, families from other parts of France travel to Paris for a cultural trip.
1 November 2024 – La Toussaint (All Saints Day) is a public holiday in France and other parts of Europe. This year, 1 November falls on a Friday, so it will be an excellent opportunity for a fabulous weekend getaway to Paris.
11 November 2024 – Armistice WW1 is also a public holiday in France. This year, 11 November falls on a Monday, so it will be an excellent opportunity for the French to have a fabulous weekend getaway to Paris.
Out of these periods, it is still a good idea to make hotel reservations early to score the best deals. Fall in Paris is more affordable than the busy summer months, but hotel prices tend to rise if you book at the last minute.
USEFUL ITEMS TO PACK
What to wear in Paris in the fall? My top tip for a Paris autumn trip is to dress in layers and wear comfortable closed shoes or sneakers (you will walk a lot!). Don’t forget to pack a travel umbrella and a light scarf for the seasonal rain and chill.
Paris Fall Wear 2024
Have a look at these style guides and packing lists for the Paris fall season – men and women – with some tips for a more local look.
CHECK THE WEATHER FORECAST
If you visit Paris in September or October, you can expect warm-mild temperatures, shorter days, and good hours of sunshine. As the season progresses, the temperatures get cooler, and the weather starts to be hard to predict.
Before leaving home, it is good to check the weather forecast and review your packing list accordingly. And remember to dress in layers to be comfortable day and night.
HAVE A B PLAN
In autumn, Paris sees some showers, but according to statistics, there’s not much more rain in autumn in Paris than in winter or spring.
However, if you planned a great day exploring Paris and it starts to rain, you may want to have a B plan in mind, as rainy days in Paris are better spent in a museum or doing something indoors.
You can explore the beautiful covered passages of Paris or look at one of the free museums in Paris that don’t need any reservation. If you need more ideas, check out this list of fun things to do on a rainy day in Paris.
USE THIS PARIS AUTUMN TRIP TO RELAX
From the beginning of December to New Year’s Eve, your schedule will be nonstop busy, so it may be a good idea to use this fall trip to Paris to refresh your mind and body before the celebrations begin.
In autumn, the cold temperature and the soothing ambiance of nature allow you to spend time and calm your senses, even if you are exploring a new city like Paris. Sure, when you visit Paris in autumn, you want to see some of the main tourist sites, but you can also take long strolls or take a break on a pretty café-terrace to enjoy the fall colors with a hot drink.
Autumn in Paris – Conclusion
Paris in the fall means fewer crowds, lower prices, and more quality time. If you’re a person who looks forward to details and enjoys traveling based on emotion, then autumn is the perfect season for you to start.
Have you visited Paris in autumn? What are your favorite things to do in Paris in the fall?
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