I often get asked when my favorite times to visit Paris are. As the founder of En Route to Rêverie I am apt to say something along the lines of “anytime in Paris is still being in Paris” but if I had to choose favorite months I’d choose June and October. June because I love being in Paris for my birthday and October because it is my favorite month of the year. 

Paris in October

October in Paris means the summer crowds are gone, Fashion Week has concluded and the colors are starting to change. You’ll often be welcomed by brisk temperatures, better priced accommodations (and airfares) and it is just a more relaxed, lovely vibe in the city.

Weather in Paris in October

I always like to be prepared for anything in October. It could feel like summer months or it could feel definitively like Fall. And early October can vary greatly from late October.

Generally I find the weather in Paris in October to be a bit more gray and you can almost certainly expect rain (typically it rains about a week’s worth throughout the course of the month), but in addition to rain you may be delighted with some Fall sun and crisp weather. (This is my favorite travel umbrella.)

In general, the weather is mild and typically makes October a good month for exploring the capital of France. You can often expect highs in the 60s and lows in the high 40s at night. 

What To Wear In Paris In October

October in Paris is for layers! You may get late summer weather in Paris in early or mid October or you may experience the season’s first chill later in the month. So it is best to check the weather forecast as you pack and be sure to bring a variety of layers when it comes to sweaters and knits and coats. 

Check Out My Sample Paris Packing Lists

Trench Coat with Black Pants and Loafers

I never go to Paris without a trench coat and especially in October! It’s the perfect topper much of the year when you travel to Paris and it always brings together an outfit. Pair it with a black pant, with cropped jeans or over a dress. This style is classic from J.Crew as is this one from Sezane both of which I own.

Blazer with White Tee and Jeans

In my book you can never go wrong with a tee and a blazer and a tried and true styling for me is with high waisted dark jeans (Agolde makes my favorites) and a slingback shoe or ballet flat.

For cooler weather, pack a long sleeved tee or bodysuit.

Trousers with a Sweater

I love a high waisted trouser paired with my favorite sneakers or Chanel Ballet Flats. This pair is the J.Crew Drapey Trouser and I recommend sizing up. I am wearing a size 8. 

Seen worn with this Sezane sweater in a size Small.

Slip Skirt with Knee High Boots

I love wearing a slip skirt year round but in the Fall I pair it with a boot with a walkable heel. It’s a great look for Paris because it goes seamlessly from day to nighttime if you don’t want to do an outfit change before dinner.

Leather Jacket + a Classic Button Down

Two timeless pieces in my wardrobe that I’ve had for years are my Vince and J.McLaughlin leather jackets and a well-fitting button down. These basics when paired with classic blue jeans are great to have on hand for Paris in the Fall.

This leather jacket is similar to the one I’m wearing above.

Black Jeans + Sneakers

Want to fit in amidst the Parisians? They love their Converse – particularly in black and they add a great sporty, chic edge to any look.

Quality sweaters

I believe in investing in quality cashmere sweaters that you can wear over and over again without much upkeep (poor quality cashmere will pill easily).  I recommend the quality of the Jenni Kayne Cashmere sweaters. And I have a lot of Sezane’s affordable knitwear, too.

For a more affordable option, Everlane fits the bill but you will have to remove pills after a lot of wear. Nothing a little fabric shaver can’t handle though!

And of course you know by now I love a striped knit. All my favorites are by the brand La Ligne.

Shop My Knitwear Collection.

The Black Dress

A dressed up evening is a must in Paris! For the night you’re heading to a fine dining establishment or fancy rooftop cocktails, a little black dress is in order! And don’t miss seeing the Eiffel Tower sparkle while you’re in it for a great photo opp! Make sure it is a silhouette you can pop a cute jacket over.

I have found many of my favorite little black dresses over the years at Shopbop.

If it’s going to be on the chillier side, I recommend you bring a good scarf with you and some tights to pair with your boots!

This cashmere travel wrap is the one I always bring – it is a part of my travel essentials as I wear it on the plane as a wrap to keep warm.

A classic coat silhouette

A classic wool coat is the perfect timeless silhouette to top any outfit in a simple, French inspired style. I recommend this classic car coat by Sezane. The Sezane Johnson coat is so stylish on (size up) and incredibly versatile.

For more of my coat collection, check out my Favorite Coats.

I also love adding a ruffled collar top under coats or sweaters in the Fall. Perfect for a feminine French detail.

A crossbody bag

For days exploring Paris in October, I love a chic, timeless crossbody bag. Current favorites of mine include this one, this one and this one.

Sweater Dress

Perfect for Fall & Winter, a sweater dress with knee high boots and a good tailored jacket is a great way to look chic from day to night.

I own this affordable style in two colors (size L) and this one, too.

I also love pairing a sweater dress with sleek sneakers.

Related: How To Style Sweater Dresses

Looking for more Paris Outfit ideas in October? Check out What to Wear in Paris in the Fall.

Best Things To Do In Paris In October

No matter the time of year, there’s always so much to do in Paris. But October is also home to a variety of events and annual traditions you can enjoy as well. Read on for some of my favorite ways to enjoy the month of October in Paris.

Go up the Eiffel Tower

Once the trees have changed colors it is so fun to see Paris from above. The Eiffel Tower makes the perfect vantage point to see the Fall trees.

If you’d like to skip the line or get a private tour, be in touch to arrange it via our En Route to Rêverie Atelier.

Utilize an expert to maximize your time

Overwhelmed by how to spend the days you have in Paris? Hiring an expert can help you prioritize your time and really maximize what you’re able to accomplish while in the city of lights.

If you’d like help maximizing your time while in Paris in October, head to En Route to Rêverie to get started booking a Plan with our Atelier!

Visit Le Clos Montmartre

Did you know there is a secret vineyard in Paris?  La Vigne de Montmartre is the oldest vineyard in the capital. It consists of the the most classic varieties of the wine-producing regions of France and is a great spot to visit for wine lovers to do some wine tasting.

Related: A Guide to Paris’s Montmartre Neighborhood

Attend the Fête des Vendanges (Grape Harvest Festival)

Also for those visiting Paris who like to wine taste, October is home to the Fête des Vendanges at the onset of the month.

Famous for its white-domed basilica of Sacré-Cœur, Montmartre comes together with more than 40 bars and restaurants in the 18th arrondissement taking part in this festival. There are concerts, street performances, tastings of artisanal and regional products, exhibitions and more.

Take a day trip to Disneyland Paris

Visiting Paris with kids? A short train ride away from Paris is Disneyland Paris. It’s a great day trip from Paris if you have the time.

Want help navigating a day trip to Disneyland Paris? I can help with that through En Route to Rêverie.

Take in a Jazz Show

Jazz Sur Seine is the Paris Jazz Club Association’s massive annual event featuring 150+ concerts at 20 different clubs around the city. Ticket prices vary according to venue and artist. 

At small clubs, just the cost of a drink or a 10€ cover will get you in. It’s a great programming option to enjoy on your trip to Paris if you’re a live music fan.

Attend Nuit Blanche

Nuit Blanche is an annual all-night arts festival in Paris. It translates to “white nights” and all across Paris on this night you will find concerts and exhibitions at cultural institutions including museums in Paris open and free of charge.

I’ve had the chance to take in Nuit Blanche on a couple occasions and it is such fun to experience the French capital come so alive at night.

Take a cooking class

On a day where the weather may be less than stellar, head indoors to my favorite cooking school in Paris: La Cuisine Paris. Their croissant class is particularly good in the Fall but you can’t go wrong with whichever class you take.

If you book with me at En Route to Rêverie you’ll get 10% off a class in Paris.

Or, if weather allows and you’d rather not be in a classroom, La Cuisine Paris also does walking tours in various neighborhoods.

Visit Versailles

You’ll be greeted by far less tourists and the weather should allow you to still enjoy both the palace interiors and the spectacular gardens. 

If you’re interested in a private guide to really enjoy the best of the Chateau, we can help arrange this via En Route to Rêverie. Our private tours are usually a highlight for our clients.

Salon du Chocolat

This is a beloved annual event in the French capital. It is the world’s largest event dedicated to chocolate and cocoa and takes place at the end of every October. 

Over the course of five days at the Porte de Versailles you can attend this trade show and experience loads of chocolates from around the world as well as see live performances and more. 

Climb the Arc de Triomphe

I love seeing Paris from above atop the Arc de Triomphe – especially later in October when most of the trees have changed color! If you’re blessed with sunny days, pick one to do this memorable experience.

Cruise the Seine River

One of the best ways to see Paris and familiarize yourself with it if you’re new to the city of light, is a cruise down the Seine. Most of the public ones are about an hour and narrated so you can learn a lot and see many of the most famous monuments like Notre Dame and the Eiffel Tower while you cruise along. Be sure to buy your ticket in advance. 

Interested in a private boat? We can arrange that for you with our amazing En Route to Rêverie cruise partner who has chic, comfortable boats with wonderful captains who arrange a little apero for you on board. 

If you’d rather avoid the boats, you can always enjoy strolls or evening hangs on the Seine riverbanks. 

Museum Hop

Into international contemporary art or love special exhibitions? No matter your art preference, Paris has over 100 museums to keep you entertained.

And many new and special exhibits begin in the Fall so you can be among the first to enjoy them when you visit Paris in October. Consider the Paris museum pass if you plan to be doing a lot of museums. 

Stroll the Parks

Enjoying the Parisian parks is a favorite pastime of mine no matter the season but the Fall foliage and Fall florals in the famed parks make October extra special to enjoy them. I especially love the landscaping and fall colors in the Jardin des Tuileries and the Luxembourg Gardens this time of year.

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Heading to Paris? Book En Route to Rêverie and get customized recommendations based on your travel preferences to make your next trip to Paris the best one yet.

And shop more seasonal fashion finds for your trip to Paris in The Shop.

Have you been to Paris in October?

You May Also Like:

• French Wardrobe Staples For Fall.
• The Best Shoes to Wear in Paris.
• Even more things to do in Paris in Autumn.

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