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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 in the fall. You’ll discover tips for packing for Paris during fall, 12 of the best things to do in Paris and seasonal events for autumn 2026. Continue reading for your ultimate guide to fall in Paris.
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 through 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.
12 Best Things to Do in Paris in the Fall
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 cafés and coffee shops in Paris to enjoy your favorite hot beverage:
2. Enjoy a Seasonal Read
In case you’re a bookworm like myself, then explore Paris’ bookstores for a seasonal read. I would start at 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 Around 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. If it’s your first time in Paris, you definitely won’t want to miss famous museums like the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay and Centre Pompidou (currently closed for renovations). 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. Even beginners to French wine can enjoy!
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 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 I highly suggest visiting the Paris Catacombs, a series of underground ossuaries that hold the remains of more than six million people. Originally, this vast network of tunnels served as limestone quarries that provided stone for many of Paris’s beautiful buildings. However, the catacombs feel far from charming today. Instead, the dim passageways lined with carefully stacked bones create a haunting atmosphere. 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. However, in the fall, it offers a particularly beautiful perspective of the city. As the trees lining the riverbanks begin to change color, you’ll enjoy lovely views of the autumn foliage along the water. Additionally, many companies offer both daytime and evening cruises. As a result, it’s easy to choose an option that fits your schedule. Along the way, you’ll also take in iconic views of the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, and other famous landmarks from the Seine.
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 Fall Events 2026
Here are some of the top exhibitions and festivals in Paris for fall 2026:
What to Do in Paris in September
- Aug. 28–Sep. 7, 2025: Jazz à la Villette
- Aug. 29–Sep. 14, 2025: Fusion Concept Festival
- Aug. 29–Oct. 12, 2025: La Fête à Neu-Neu at the Bois de Boulogne
- Sep. 4–8, 2025: Paris Design Week
- Sep. 4–8, 2025: Maison & Objet Fair
- Sep. 4, 2025–Jan. 24, 2026: Festival d’Automne
- Sep. 12–14, 2025: Fête de l’Humanité
- Sep. 12–14, 2025: La Parisienne Festival
- Sep. 12–Oct. 12, 2025: Photoclimat
- Sep. 13–15, 2025: Paris Coffee Show
- Sep. 13–15, 2025: Sirha Omnivore Paris
- Sep. 17, 2025–Jan. 11, 2026: Soulages, une autre lumière at the Musée du Luxembourg
- Sep. 20, 2025: Nocturnes Electro at the Château de Versailles
- Sep. 20–21, 2025: European Heritage Days
- Sep. 21, 2025: Paris Zoo Run
- Sep. 23, 2025–Jan. 11, 2026: John Singer Sargent. Dazzling Paris at the Musée d’Orsay
- Sep. 26–27, 2025: Dream Nation Festival
- Sep. 27–28, 2025: Fête des Jardins
- Sep. 28, 2025: Paris-Versailles Race
- Sep. 27–29, 2025: Cocktail Street Festival
What to Do in Paris in October
- Aug. 29–Oct. 12, 2025: La Fête à Neu-Neu at the Bois de Boulogne
- Sep. 12–Oct. 12, 2025: Photoclimat
- Sep. 17, 2025–Jan. 11, 2026: Soulages, une autre lumière at the Musée du Luxembourg
- Sep. 23, 2025–Jan. 11, 2026: John Singer Sargent. Dazzling Paris at the Musée d’Orsay
- Sep. 4, 2025–Jan. 24, 2026: Festival d’Automne
- Oct. 1–7, 2025: Paris Fashion Week
- Oct. 2–12, 2025: Bizarre Festival
- Oct. 4–5, 2025: Animal Expo at the Parc Floral de Paris
- Oct. 4–5, 2025: Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe
- Oct. 4–5, 2025: Brunch Electronik
- Oct. 8–12, 2025: Montmartre Grape Harvest Festival (Fête des Vendanges)
- Oct. 9–12, 2025: Salon de la Photo
- Oct. 7, 2025–Jan. 11, 2026: Créations, copies et faux dans les arts précieux at the Musée de Cluny
- Oct. 12, 2025: Vredestein 20km
- Oct. 13, 2025–Feb. 1, 2026: Kandinsky. The Music of Colours at the Philharmonie de Paris
- Oct. 14, 2025–Feb. 15, 2026: Les 150 ans du Palais Garnier at the Palais Garnier
- Oct. 22–26, 2025: Paris Asian Art Fair
- Oct. 23–26, 2025: Moderne Art Fair
- Oct. 23–26, 2025: International Cultural Heritage Fair
- Oct. 24–26, 2025: Art Basel Paris
- Oct. 25–Nov. 2, 2025: Rolex Paris Masters
- Oct. 29–Nov. 2, 2025: Salon du Chocolat
- Oct. 30–Nov. 2, 2025: Paris Games Week
- Oct. 31, 2025: Halloween
What to Do in Paris in November
- Sep. 17, 2025–Jan. 11, 2026: Soulages, une autre lumière at the Musée du Luxembourg
- Sep. 23, 2025–Jan. 11, 2026: John Singer Sargent. Dazzling Paris at the Musée d’Orsay
- Sep. 4, 2025–Jan. 24, 2026: Festival d’Automne
- Oct. 7, 2025–Jan. 11, 2026: Créations, copies et faux dans les arts précieux at the Musée de Cluny
- Oct. 13, 2025–Feb. 1, 2026: Kandinsky. The Music of Colours at the Philharmonie de Paris
- Oct. 14, 2025–Feb. 15, 2026: Les 150 ans du Palais Garnier at the Palais Garnier
- Oct. 25–Nov. 2, 2025: Rolex Paris Masters
- Oct. 29–Nov. 2, 2025: Salon du Chocolat
- Oct. 30–Nov. 2, 2025: Paris Games Week
- Nov. 1, 2025: La Toussaint
- Nov. 4–10, 2025: Pitchfork Music Festival Paris
- Nov. 6–9, 2025: Made In France Expo
- Nov. 11, 2025: Armistice Day
- Nov. 13–16, 2025: Paris Photo Fair
- Nov. 15–16, 2025: Paris Supercross
- Nov. 15–25, 2025: Chéries Chéris Festival
- Nov. 18, 2025: Spotify Equal Festival
- Nov. 20, 2025: Beaujolais Nouveau Day
- Nov. 24, 2025–Jan. 2026: Illuminations on the Champs-Elysées
- Nov. 26–30, 2025: Salon Créations et Savoir-faire
- Nov. 28–29, 2025: Le Grand Tasting Paris
Autumn is one of the best times to visit the City of Light. Now that you know the best seasonal activities and events along with what to pack for Paris in the fall, you’re sure to fully enjoy your autumn adventures in the city.
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What are your favorite things to do in Paris in the fall? Let me know in the comments below.
