Paris in the Fall is one of my favorite times to experience the city. After more than 50 trips to Paris as the founder of En Route to Rêverie, I continue to find September, October and November some of the loveliest months to visit thanks to beautiful changing leaves, cooler temperatures, seasonal food and wine and a packed cultural calendar.

If you’re wondering what to do in Paris in the Fall, I’ve rounded up my favorite autumn activities in Paris, from wandering the city’s most beautiful parks and exploring Montmartre to museum hopping, cozy café afternoons and seasonal events.

I’ve also included some of my favorite ways to experience Paris when the weather turns rainy or chilly. And if you’re planning an October trip specifically, don’t miss my recently updated Paris in October guide.

What to Do in Paris in Autumn: 20+ Things to Do in Fall

Is Fall a Good Time to Visit Paris?

Fall is a wonderful time to visit Paris, particularly if you prefer cooler weather, changing leaves and a city that feels more settled after the busy summer travel season. September can still feel quite warm and lively while October typically brings more noticeable Fall weather and foliage. By November, you’ll want warmer layers and should expect shorter days and a greater chance of rain.

Don’t miss my What to Wear in Paris in the Fall Guide

One of the biggest reasons I love Paris in the Fall is that you can combine outdoor sightseeing with some of the city’s best indoor experiences. Spend a sunny afternoon walking through the Luxembourg Gardens or along the Seine, then save museums, cooking classes, cafés and long French lunches for chillier or rainy days.

Fall also brings several beloved seasonal events and traditions, including the Fête des Vendanges de Montmartre in October and the arrival of Beaujolais Nouveau in November.

 So, what should you do when visiting Paris in Autumn? I’ve got you covered.

Paris in Fall by Month

Paris in September

Warmest of the three months, cultural season beginning, European Heritage Days, good terrace weather.

Paris in October

Fall foliage, Fête des Vendanges, Jazz Sur Seine, crisp weather and probably your sweet spot for the quintessential autumn Paris trip.

Paris in November

Colder and darker but cozy, Beaujolais Nouveau, museums, restaurants, cafés and the beginning of the transition toward the holiday season.

What to do in Paris in Autumn

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 in the French capital.

Visit the Parks.

Parisian parks are always a favorite way to spend my time when in the city of lights but particularly in Fall when the leaves have started to turn and the groundskeepers have installed beautiful florals in seasonal colors.

The famous Jardin du Luxembourg and the Jardin des Tuileries are particularly lovely in the Fall on sunny days. You can take in the Fall colors, read a book or picnic.

And the Luxembourg Gardens in particular are a wonderful spot to people watch or enjoy an afternoon reading session.

Indulge in French food. 

I love French cooking year round and primarily eat French dishes when in Paris no matter the time of year, but I find Fall a particularly good time to enjoy certain classic French dishes like boeuf bourguignon and coq au vin.

Related: The Best Traditional French Food in Paris

Eat at cozy restaurants. 

Relatedly, we love curating some of our favorite cozy restaurants in the city for our En Route to Rêverie clientele. 

Embrace the rain.

Sometimes autumn in Paris can mean the weather in Paris is a bit extra rainy. But fear not…I’ve got you covered in my What To Do in Paris When It Rains guide.

Rainy days in Paris can actually be my favorite at times. The city is so quiet and romantic. Just don’t forget to pack a great travel umbrella, too.

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 us to help you plan your trip, head to En Route to Rêverie to request our team’s help.

What our clients say about En Route to Rêverie

Museum hop.

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

The Rodin museum is wonderful year round but I enjoy the gardens in the Autumn as well in particular.

Drink the Beaujolais Nouveau.

Every November, the French celebrate the release of the “Beaujolais nouveau” wine. It is consumed immediately after harvesting and is beloved for its affordable price tag and easy drinkability. Beaujolais Nouveau Day is always worth celebrating in my opinion.

Nouveau is different to almost every other French wine and doing a wine tasting in Paris at one of its many wine bars is a great way to spend an afternoon or evening.

I have some wonderful wine bar recommendations I often provide to our En Route to Rêverie clients. And if you’re a big time wine connoisseur, you’re going to want to work with our wonderful partner who can make magic happen in Paris when it comes to wine. Think tastings with the top sommeliers in France, access to Champagne houses not usually open to the public, etc…

Wander Montmartre and Visit Le Clos Montmartre.

I love Montmartre in the Fall because so many of the homes and buildings are covered in leaves that begin to change creating a scene that feels out of a movie set. It’s utterly cozy and romantic to wander its streets during Autumn.

If you happen to be in Paris in early October, you may get lucky and be able to visit the Fête des Vendanges – an annual grape harvest festival.

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 most classic varieties of the wine-producing regions of France and is a great spot to visit for wine lovers! In the Fall, if your dates align, you can even attend the Montmartre Grape Harvest Festival.

Walk along the Seine.

The Seine is one of my favorite places to walk in Paris year round but particularly in the Fall when the trees lining portions of the river begin to change.

Pick up a coffee and walk along the Left Bank, cross Île Saint-Louis and Île de la Cité or simply choose a bridge and start wandering. It’s one of the easiest – and completely free – ways to enjoy a beautiful Fall day in Paris.

Experience Cultural offerings. 

Paris comes alive culturally in the Fall as museums debut major exhibitions and the city’s theaters, opera houses and concert venues begin their new seasons. If you’re visiting in September, October or November, I always recommend looking at what’s on during your exact dates before your trip. Some of my favorite Paris experiences over the years have been exhibitions I happened to catch while in town.

For 2026 specifically, the fall calendar includes the Festival d’Automne, major exhibitions at institutions including the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay and Grand Palais and European Heritage Days in September.

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. 

My En Route to Rêverie clients are treated to a special discount for all La Cuisine Paris classes.

Go on a self-guided coffee tour.

Paris coffee culture has much improved over the years and there are so many spots you can get cozy at over a good cup of coffee. Here are some of my favorite coffee shops in Paris.

Enjoy café culture.

My favorite pastime in Paris is to take a good book to a café and just sit outside enjoying a glass of wine or a coffee while reading and people watching. I get chills thinking about the joy this brings me. Better yet? Put your phone on airplane mode and totally tune out.

Indulge in hot chocolate.

No better time to drink thick, creamy French chocolat chaud than in Fall (and of course, Winter). I love the hot chocolate at the famed Angelina but also at Laduree (whose ambiance I prefer. Their Saint Germain location is my favorite).

But my very favorite hot chocolate spot is reserved for my En Route to Rêverie clients!

Visit Versailles.

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

For our En Route to Rêverie clients, we arrange private tours where you can get access to parts of the palace that others can’t! Our clients who use our private guides always come back saying it was some of the best money they spent on their trip. (We all know not all guides are created equal!) 

Tour the Palais Garnier.

Home to the Paris Opera, this stunning building is worth a tour. En Route to Rêverie clients can arrange private or after hour tours with us. I’ve done the after hours tour and it is next level.

After your tour, be sure to pop by nearby Galeries Lafayette Gourmet afterwards for a delicious treat or stroll the happening Rue de la Paix.

Visit The Catacombs.

One of Paris’ spookiest spots, The Catacombs holds the history of many Parisians. Head underground and get a dose of fright in the city’s underground maze of stories known and unknown.

As they are a little spooky, Fall (and especially October) makes for an especially good time to take a tour below ground.

Flânerie.

There’s no better city on earth to stroll with no real destination in mind than Paris and Autumn is a particularly beautiful time of year to do it.

You’ll take in the city’s many sights but also see it as the colors change and as businesses embrace seasonal decor.

Take in some jazz.

For any En Route to Rêverie clients going to Paris in October, I always recommend Jazz Sur Seine. It’s an annual festival usually over two weeks with loads of jazz shows at venues all over the city. Doesn’t get much better than a crisp night with cool jazz spreading over the city of Paris.

Catch a walking tour.

If you feel overwhelmed with discovering Paris and its various neighborhoods, a walking tour is a great way to explore. Guides are so knowledgable about French history and also how the various neighborhoods have changed.

Fall is a great time for good weather in Paris often so a walking tour is a great reason to be outside. I have some wonderful tour guides I recommend to my En Route to Rêverie clients.

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Paris in Fall FAQs

What is Paris like in the Fall?

Paris in the Fall is absolutely beautiful and one of my favorite times to visit. September can still feel like an extension of summer while October typically brings cooler temperatures and changing leaves throughout the city. By November, days are shorter and chillier, making it an especially good time for museums, cozy restaurants and long afternoons in cafés.

Fall weather in Paris can be unpredictable, so I always recommend packing layers and being prepared for both beautiful sunny days and rain.

What month is best for Fall foliage in Paris?

October into early November is typically your best bet for seeing Fall foliage in Paris, though exactly when the leaves change varies from year to year depending on the weather.

Some of my favorite places to enjoy the changing leaves are the Jardin du Luxembourg, Jardin des Tuileries, Palais Royal and around Montmartre. I also love simply walking along the Seine on a beautiful Fall day.

Is September or October better for Paris?

Both September and October are wonderful months to visit Paris, but they offer slightly different experiences. September typically has warmer weather and longer days, making it particularly good for walking, dining outdoors and sightseeing.

October is my personal favorite if you’re hoping for a quintessential Paris in Autumn experience. Temperatures are cooler, leaves begin to change and there are wonderful seasonal events happening throughout the city.

Is Paris rainy in the Fall?

It certainly can be! Paris weather is famously unpredictable and Fall can bring rainy days alongside beautiful stretches of sunshine. I never let rain deter me from enjoying the city and some of my favorite Paris memories have actually taken place in the rain.

Pack a small travel umbrella and have a few indoor activities in mind. My What to Do in Paris When It Rains guide has plenty of ideas for rainy days.

What should I wear in Paris in the Fall?

Layers are key when dressing for Paris in the Fall. What you’ll need can vary considerably depending on whether you’re visiting in early September or late November, but I typically recommend sweaters, blazers, a trench or wool coat depending on the forecast and comfortable shoes you’ll be happy walking in all day.

For more detailed packing and outfit advice, see my What to Wear in Paris in the Fall guide and What to Pack for France in Fall.

Are there fewer tourists in Paris in the Fall?

Paris remains a popular destination throughout the Fall, particularly in September and October, so I wouldn’t plan a trip expecting an empty city. That said, once the peak summer travel season ends, the city can begin to feel less overwhelmingly busy.

If avoiding crowds is important to you, November generally feels less busy than September and October and can be a lovely time to experience a cozier side of Paris.

You’ll be hard pressed to make any wrong decisions when it comes to spending your time in Paris in Autumn but these are certainly my favorite ways to spend my days in the city during this time of year. 

Do you need ideas on what to wear in Paris in the Fall? Don’t miss the What to Wear in Paris in the Fall Guide and the French Wardrobe Staples For Fall Guide.

If you’re looking for a more customized trip to Paris, you can request our help planning your trip via En Route to Rêverie. 

You May Also Like:

• The Best Shoes to Wear in Paris.
• Paris Café Etiquette.
• What to Pack for France in Fall.

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