Visiting Paris in autumn 2023? Audrey Hepburn already knew what she was talking about when she said, ‘Paris is always a good idea’. And especially Paris in the fall, one of our favorite seasons. Beautiful autumn colours, a lot on the (cultural) agenda and fewer tourists. During the fall, Paris takes on a special color and atmosphere that we absolutely love. The weather is also often very good and therefore ideal for a pleasant, romantic walk through Paris. Be sure to visit Paris in the fall.
One of the best things to do during the fall is just to get lost in the best neighborhoods in Paris. This way you will quickly discover the most beautiful hidden gems and forgotten corners in the city of lights. What to do if you visit Paris during the autumn holidays? From a nice autumn walk to a macaron making workshop in Paris. Have fun with these 7 fun (autumn) tips!
1. Exhibitions & events during autumn in Paris
Paris has over 130 museums and fall is a great season to visit some of them. La réntree is also the beginning of a new cultural season in Paris, with the launch of many new exhibitions. Certainly interesting to visit this fall are Modigliani in Musée de l’Orangerie, Chagall and Picasso in the Centre Pompidou or Van Gogh in Musée d’Orsay. Are you planning to visit several museums in Paris? The Paris Museum Pass offers access to 60 museums in and around Paris. You then have direct and unlimited access for 2, 4 or 6 days.
There are also many fun events during the fall such as Fête des vendanges de Montmartre, Salon du Chocolat or the Halloween Festival in Disneyland Paris.
2. Fall in the parks and gardens of Paris
Take an autumn walk in Paris. Especially the parks & gardens are at their best then. Stroll around Jardin des Tuileries, Jardin du Luxembourg or Jardin du Palais-Royal (known from the Netflix series Emily in Paris) and enjoy the beautiful fall colors. Take a takeway espresso and take a seat in one of the charming chairs and enjoy the last warm rays of the sun. Especially in the month of October it can still be pleasant weather to stay there.
Some more parks and gardens to enjoy autumn in Paris: Place des Vosges, Parc Monceau, Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, Parc Floral, Promenade Plantée, Bois de Vincennes & Bois de Boulogne. That time of the year again! Don’t forget the warm roasted chestnuts (available at the entrance of most parks).
3. Walk through the secret shopping passages
Looking for a piece of authentic Paris in the fall? Visit the beautiful covered passages of Paris. About 20 shopping arcades remain, almost all from the 19th century. With nice (book) shops, restaurants and even theaters. Most of the covered shopping arcades in Paris are almost all around the Grands Boulevards and so are easy to visit via a stroll. You can also opt for a guided tour with a fun route through the passages of Paris. Ideal for a rainy autumn day. A must to visit the passages in Paris during the autumn period.
Read also: 5x Covered passages & arcades in Paris + walking tour →
4. Enjoy a hot chocolate
There is no better time to drink a chocolate chaud than in the fall. One of the most famous spots in the city for a hot chocolate is Angelina tea room, with its beautiful Belle Epoque style on Rue De Rivoli. But you can also enjoy a delicious chocolate milk at Ladurée, in addition to the famous macarons. Another of our favorite places is Café de Flore in Saint-Germain-Des-Près. One of the oldest cafes in Paris and formerly a meeting point for artists, writers and philosophers of the 1920s.
5. Visit the famous cemeteries
Especially in autumn, the cemeteries in Paris are very beautiful because of the beautiful autumn colours. Be sure to visit the famous Père-Lachaise cemetery, the largest cemetery in Paris. Without a doubt one of the top 10 sights in Paris. A quiet and dreamy place that attracts more than 3 million visitors every year. But the lesser-known cemeteries such as Cimetière du Montparnasse and Cimetière de Montmartre are also definitely worth a visit in the fall.
6. Discover the Catacombs of Paris
Discover the haunted side of Paris with a visit to the catacombs. In the 18th century, the cemeteries in Paris were overcrowded and there was no room to expand. As a result, six million bodies were exhumed and moved underground to various tunnels that lie beneath the city. Go underground and get scared in the maze. Very nice to do during the autumn holidays and during Halloween!
7. Follow a workshop making macarons!
A day when the weather is a bit less? Experience Paris a little differently and follow a macaron making workshop. You can buy this French specialty on every street corner and Paris is known as the macaron capital of the world. You will learn how to make different macarons from an expert in a cozy workshop and afterwards you can simply take your creations and recipes home with you. Of course a lot of fun to do!
Read also: 7x Best macarons shops in Paris + workshop making class →
Paris in the fall is very nice and there is a lot to experience. Autumn is also the culinary season in France. The time of vintage festivals, various food markets and the high season of many typical French products. Enjoy autumn in Paris!
The best hotels to stay in Paris during autumn
- 7x Best hotels closest to Eiffel Tower with view
- 7x Best cheap hotels in Paris for every budget
- 6x Best boutique hotels in Le Marais Paris
- 5x Best boutique hotels in Montmartre Paris
- 12x Best and most romantic hotels in Paris
- 7x Most expensive hotels in Paris full of luxury
- 8x Best small and most charming hotels in Paris
- More hotels in Paris? Have a look at booking.com
