Paris in the Fall: Weather, Festivals, & Things to Do

While many tourists rush to spend their summer vacations in Paris, you may be surprised at just how much Paris in the fall has to offer.

Fall is when the weather is cool, the trees turn golden, and the Parisians return to their city after the summer tourists have departed. 

You’ll get to see more of the real Paris, and local festivals and mild weather show you a side of Paris you might never have expected.

Autumn in Paris means mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, French onion soup, hot chocolate, wine festivals, afternoons spent in cozy cafe terraces, or rambling walks through the splendid gardens filled with russet, gold, and amber shades. You’ll make the most of your trip with just a few tips.

Why You Must Visit Paris in the Fall

Visiting Paris in the fall is absolutely a must if you want to see the real Paris and experience it like a local. 

You’ll have mild, sunny days filled with the season’s changing colors. Go to Angelina Delicatessen to drink their famous ‘African’ hot chocolate, eat roasted chestnuts along the Seine, and take in the beauty of Paris without the heaving summer crowds.

While the high season is over, many attractions will remain open, and some festivals run during fall, so you’ll still get to see the things you’d like – possibly with much shorter queues! 

Some prices may have been dropped, and you’ll likely be able to get cheaper accommodation in the fall.

Pssst: If you’re still not sure when to go, here’s a handy guide on the best time to go to Paris by month and season.

Where to Stay in Paris in the Fall

Looking for a place to stay in Paris in the fall is pretty easy, as there should be more available bookings to get a better room at a better price. Still, we recommend seeing if Mom’Art Hotel has open spaces.

Mom’Art Hotel is a friendly, welcoming boutique hotel in the heart of the 18th arrondissement, the historic Montmarte area famous for its artistic history, the Basilica of the Sacre-Coeur, and Le Moulin Rouge.

The arrondissement has many fantastic cafes, restaurants, and boutiques, and the hotel itself is only a short walk from the Anvers metro station.

The family-run hotel is bright and cheerful, and every individually decorated room has a desk, flat-screen TV, private bathroom, minibar, and Nespresso machine. 

Mom’Art also has a sauna where you can unwind, a fitness room, and an onsite restaurant with dishes created by chef Gregory Cohen. Enjoy a buffet breakfast before heading out to explore the charming neighborhood.

Besides being in the heart of the Montmarte arrondissement, this cozy boutique hotel has lovely staff, who always make sure your stay is a fantastic experience.

Click here to check availability

Already know the month you’re visiting the City of Light? Then check out our monthly guides for:

• Paris in September
• Paris in October
• Paris in November

Paris Weather in the Fall

Autumn is a good season to visit Paris, as it’s a quiet period just after the last of the summer visitors have left and before the Christmas vacationers begin arriving. 

This calm space means you can enjoy shorter queues, fewer crowds, and possibly lower rates. Because the bulk of the tourists is not there, you get to experience a more real Paris – seeing the city as her people do.

Paris in the fall is relatively cool, with an average daytime temperature of about 45°F. The days range from cloudy to sunny, with light showers and occasional rain in Paris. 

Overall, expect mild days with a pretty good chance of showers. It’s doubtful you’ll experience any snow in Paris in the fall.

What Should You Wear in Paris in the Fall

Dressing for the weather will make your autumn in Paris much more enjoyable, so be sure to pack the following in your luggage!

• Raincoat/waterproof jacket: It’s likely to rain during fall in Paris, so pack some waterproof outerwear like a raincoat or jacket. If you prefer to use a travel umbrella, be sure that it is sturdy and can stand up to the wind.
• Jeans, pants, and leggings: Long trousers like dark jeans or black pants will keep you warm and be easy to dress down or up, depending on how smart or casual you need to be. Choose comfortable materials, and pack a few extra pairs of simple leggings for those days when you need extra warmth.
• Sweaters and cardigans: The trick to enjoying Paris in autumn is to wear layers that are easy to remove. Many shops and cafes will be heated, so wear thin layers of long-sleeved tops paired with cardigans so you can stay comfortable indoors and out.
• Comfortable waterproof walking shoes: Pack a pair of flat boots and a pair of simple ballet flats that you can easily mix and match with your clothes. If you know you’re going to be doing a lot of walking, a pair of comfortable, grippy sneakers is a must.

What Should You Do in Paris in the Fall

There is plenty to keep you occupied in Paris in the fall; besides the usual tourist attractions, consider taking in some local festivals, touring offbeat neighborhoods, or relaxing in a cozy café with your favorite warming drink. 

With December fast approaching, many areas will have put up their Christmas lights and decorations, and a night-time walk will bring you to stunning sparkling displays. (After all, Christmas in Paris is a unique experience!)

1. Go on a Wine Tasting Experience

Visit Les Caves du Louvre and experience a unique wine tasting in what was once a royal wine cellar. 

Both a museum and a wine shop with a wide range of boutique wines, Les Caves du Louvres is located in the 1st arrondissement, close to other famous attractions such as the Louvre. 

You can learn all about French wine in an authentic Parisian wine cellar, take a guided tour and enjoy tasting the best of French wines. 

Good to know: this wine tasting experience is included in the Paris Pass. This pass offers discounts on a number of attractions in the city. Click here to buy yours!

2. Experience Halloween at Disneyland

Another kid-friendly (but let’s not pretend you need kids as an excuse to go to Disneyland) attraction is Disneyland Resort Paris.

If you arrive in late October or early November, part of the fun of Paris in autumn is Halloween at Disneyland. 

All the Disney villains get their moment to shine at Halloween, so if you have the day to spend, head to Disneyland park, only 20 miles east of the city, making it the perfect day trip from Paris.

With plenty to keep you entertained and a direct connection with trains to central Paris, it’s a great way to spend a Halloween-themed day out.

3. Take In the Colors of Fall Foliage

Make the most of the sunny weather and head to one of the glorious parks and beautiful gardens, like Bois de Vincennes, the second largest park in Paris, dating back to the 19th century. 

You could also visit the Jardin du Luxembourg just on the border of the Latin Quarter or Saint-Germain-Des-Pres in the 6th arrondissement.

These massive 25-hectare gardens are split into a French and an English garden area, and between these are a large pond and a geometric forest.

Between the woods, the statues, the fountain, and the orchards, there’s plenty of space to wander, and a visit to these public gardens in Paris won’t cost you a cent. 

There are many activities, and if you’re traveling with children, there are plenty of places for them to play and slide.

4. Celebrate the Arrival of Beaujolais Nouveau

If your vacation coincides with the third Thursday of November, you can enjoy a fabulous festival celebrated in the fall in Paris. 

Wine lovers rejoice – for on this day, France celebrates the release of Beaujolais wine (at precisely 12.01 AM) with a day of fireworks, wine, and festivities. Lots of wine.

Beaujolais Nouveau began life as a competition to determine whose wine would reach Paris first, and this easy-drinking wine is best enjoyed young. 

Festivities will be advertised and promoted all over Paris, so keep an eye open for the one you fancy, or find a wine bar or bistro you like and settle in with a glass or two.

5. Explore Offbeat Neighborhoods

If you love to look at local gardens, then wandering the Parisian streets of Cite Florale in the early part of fall is a must to add to your itinerary. 

A micro-district in Paris, this tiny pocket in the 13th arrondissement is a hidden gem filled with greenery and flowers. 

Much of the architecture is from the art deco period, and stunning houses are covered with trailing vines and ivy. It really is tiny – only six streets – and each street has its own garden.

Another neighborhood to visit is Butte-Aux-Cailles in the 14th arrondissement, with its cobbled, narrow streets, art deco architecture, and interesting cafes. 

A favorite place for artists, it’s filled with boutique shops, restaurants, and quirky places, and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a hidden village in the heart of urban Paris.

6. See a Cabaret Show

It seems impossible to believe anyone would go to Paris and not experience a cabaret show at least once, as Paris is famous for its staggering range of cabarets.

Catch one of the iconic performances at such legendary venues as Moulin Rouge, Le Lido, Cesar Palace, and Le Crazy Horse.

If you’re looking for a night out that’s more than just drinking wine, you must head down and get a ticket to one of the top cabarets in Paris to experience humor, glamor, song, dance, and brilliant acts.

Dress up and enjoy an evening of spectacular entertainment, food, and wine.

7. Enjoy the First Signs of Christmas

Oh, Christmas in Paris is really magical. If your trip falls later in the season, you’ll be lucky enough to see the Christmas lights and displays and enjoy the food and drink at the Christmas markets in Paris. 

The center of Paris will be strung with masses of lavish displays. A walk down the Champs-Elysees will be an explosion of illumination, with the avenue trees strung with lights and the shops decorated with festive cheer. 

Book a Paris Christmas lights bus tour, and take a guided evening walk through the best of the light and Christmas displays Paris has.

Christmas markets will offer mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, and other warming delights to help you get into the Parisian holiday spirit. 

Pick up some arts and craft Christmas presents to take back home while enjoying sausages and cheese. 

You can find pop-up Christmas markets throughout the city, but the biggest is La Magie de Noel in the Tuileries Gardens.

Events in Paris in the Fall

Several events are on during the fall in Paris. Why not add one of these to your itinerary?

1. Nuit Blanche

• When: October 01, 2022

See Paris by moonlight and city light in the annual Nuit Blanche event. A series of art installations, concerts, and art exhibitions are set up all through the city, showcasing the creative side of Paris. Public transport stays open all night for Nuit Blanche, so you’ll have no trouble exploring this contemporary festival.

2. Autumn Festival in Paris

• When: September 01, 2022- February 18, 2023

The Autumn festival began in 1972 and has grown into a multidisciplinary celebration of film, theatre, music, and dance. Many venues across Paris take part, hosting various acts to entertain, awe, and amuse.

3. Fashion Week

• When: Dates vary; Womenswear from September 26-October 04, 2022

Fashion Week is a semiannual event when designers present their collections in Paris. As it’s one of the ‘Big Four’ of the international Fashion Weeks, Paris is a great place to see the best of the next season’s fashions, from both smaller designers and big industry names like Dior, Chanel, and Givenchy.

4. Fête des Jardins

• When: October 22-23, 2022

The festival of Paris Gardens is a way to celebrate the city’s parks and gardens as the season changes. If you’re a nature-lover, this festival is an opportunity to explore the green spaces of this beautiful city with over 150 venues opened to the public and many free activities organized throughout Paris.

5. Foire d’Automne

• When: October 21- 30, 2022

A ten-day expo emphasizing innovation, cooking, travel, beauty, and housing, this Paris fair is an excellent place to see upcoming trends and rediscover pleasure. Housed in the largest exhibition complex in Paris, the expo welcomes Parisians and visitors and showcases a huge variety to explore.

6. Salon du Chocolat

• When: October 28-November 01, 2022

A chocoholics’ dream, the Salon Du Chocolate is the largest event dedicated to cocoa and chocolate. You’ll get to see live demonstrations, animations, International pastry competitions, and even a fashion show. Most importantly, you’ll discover incredible new chocolates and treats, from bars to truffles, and a massive range of selections.

Things to Remember When Traveling to Paris in the Fall

There are a few things to keep in mind when you visit Paris in the fall, and knowing these things will make your trip smoother and more enjoyable.

Remember to book your accommodation well in advance, as the popularity of off-season prices can mean the best rooms are quickly snapped up. 

Of course, you expect that traveling in fall means the weather will be crisper and milder. Still, you should prepare for some wet and windy days and pack appropriately (and have a few cozy indoor activities planned for those days). 

If you’re traveling later in the season, like late October and November, the weather can feel gloomy, and some of the big attractions and tour operators close for the low season. 

Always check availability and opening times to ensure the things you want to see will be available.

By planning well and being prepared, you can have a truly wonderful vacation in Paris during the autumn months, as the city still has loads to offer.