Your Ultimate Guide to Paris in Autumn (Fall things to do)

Last Updated on 19th October 2022 by Sophie Nadeau

Burnt umbers, golds and ruby red leaves carpeting the cobbled roads: could the scene be any more picturesque?! The wind whips, even more, leaves are thrown into the sky and thoughts of being cold are soon forgotten. Paris may well be one of the most beautiful cities in the World… But even Paris becomes more beautiful come fall time! And if this descriptions hasn’t already convinced you to visit, here’s your ultimate guide to Paris in autumn, including insider tips and a packing guide!

What’s the weather in Paris in the fall?

If you’re looking to visit Paris this autumn, then you should know that the weather during your stay will depend entirely on which month you’ll be in the French Capital. For example, while the highs in September are as high as 22 (with lows of 13), October highs are more like 17 (with lows of 10), while November highs are 11 (with lows of 10).

Whichever month you visit, your best bet in terms of wardrobe is to bring plenty of layers, as well as waterproof shoes and a warm jacket. Bring layers so that you can remain warm while outdoors, but maintain a comfortable temperature when you’re on the metro or in a museum.

Things to do in Paris in the autumn

One of the most beautiful places to enjoy fall in Europe has got to be Paris. Between vin chaud (that’s hot wine- or mulled wine- in English) shared among friends, pretty as a postcard fall tones, and the chance to wear the chicest of outfits, you won’t want to miss out on an autumn-inspired trip to the French capital this year.

#1 Enjoy Paris coffee culture!

The iconic tree-lined boulevards and bursting with colour and it’s time to switch your sandals for scarves. There’s no better time to pick up a warm drink and people watch from one of the many terraced cafés that litter France’s capital. You could order a spiced wine, a standard espresso (for as little as €1), a herbal tea- the possibilities are endless!

Besides, any season that gives you a good excuse to head to one of the many Parisian coffee shops littered throughout the city has to be a good one, right? Think: creamy hot chocolates, generous helpings of cake and a chic atmosphere. For a greater insight into Parisian coffee, check out my local’s guide to coffee in Paris.

#2 Take a stroll through the city

Of course, one of the best things to do in Paris is simply to get a little lost and let your feet guide you where they may. This way, you’ll soon discover the best of hidden gems and forgotten corners that the City of Light has to offer. Coupled up with the beautiful fall tones, there’s no better time to enjoy one of the free and self-guided Paris walking tours.

#3 Enjoy the Montmartre grape harvest festival

For well over seventy-five years, autumn in Paris has been celebrated in Montmartre in a particularly curious way! After all, each year, at le Clos Montmartre, a harvest celebration takes place, allowing visitors access to the vineyard for one exclusive weekend only.

During the annual event, dances take place, as do talks about wine, and even a wine auction where bottles produced from the locally grown wine is sold with the profits going into community-based projects.

#4 Hide away from the rain

If you’re visiting Paris during the autumn, then chances are that it will rain at least once or twice during your visit! Luckily, there are plenty of things to do in Paris when it rains.

Between shopping along the secret passageways of Paris and discovering hidden gems dotted around the city, there’s a wealth of activities worth doing in the city, even when the weather is less than perfect!

#5 Snap photos of the fall foliage

If you’re in search of capturing some of the prettiest photos in Europe, then you’re in luck: Paris in the fall boasts some of the prettiest fall foliage thanks to the sheer number of wonderful day trips available to take from the city. Otherwise, check out my fall foliage in Paris guide for the insider scoop on the best of autumnal leaves in the City of Love.

#6 Enjoy hot chocolate!

When the days are cooler and the weather is worse, there’s perhaps no better way to shelter from the autumnal chill than by cosying up with a ‘chocolat chaud’.

Many say that the cafés of Paris serve some of the best hot chocolates in the world, and they’re probably not wrong! Hands down, the best place to head to is Angelina, where you’ll remember the creamy rich chocolate for decades to come.

#7 Visit a Parisian museum

When the weather gets colder and the rain more frequent, why not take yourself to one of the dozens of museums that Paris has to offer? With over a hundred museums to choose from, you’re sure to find one that you like!

From unusual selections (a house museum in Montmartre- Purchase your Musée de Montmartre ticket here– and even a museum dedicated entirely to counterfeiting) to top cultural institutions such as the Louvre, there’s no better time to visit museums in Paris than during the autumn!

#8 Enjoy free museum entry during the Nuit Blanche

And while we’re on the subject of museums and galleries, note this down in your diary: each year, there’s an event called ‘Nuit Blanche’. On this night- and this night only- museums and galleries are free across Paris and open all night, allowing art and culture enthusiasts alike to enjoy late nights at their favourite cultural spaces. In 2022, Nuit Blanche will take place from the 1st to the 2nd of October.

#9 Stroll the streets of Montmartre

Though, of course, fall foliage can be enjoyed all the way across the French capital city during the fall, the one place where you can experience the prettiest of the leaves is in the 18th arrondissement, i.e Montmartre.

Of course, there’s the trees surrounding the Sacré-Coeur Basilica, but there’s also more off the beaten path destinations like rue de l’Abreuvoir and rue Cortot. For a full guide to the best of Montmartre in the fall, check out this Autumnal Montmartre photo guide.

Why you must visit Paris in the Autumn

And if the best things to do in Paris in autumn haven’t convinced you that a trip to the French capital should be imminently planned come fall, then these reasons to go to Paris late in the year will surely convince you that ‘Paris is always a good idea’…

Fall Fashion

Is there anywhere more chic than Paris? And as the cooler nights draw in, you can really start to make the most of fall fashion, layers and scarves all the way! And besides, how often do you really get to go out dressed in duvet-like clothes!

For recommendations of what to wear in Paris during the fall, I recommend bringing along plenty of layers (think cardigans, jackets, tights, and skirts), as well as chic ankle boots like these ones.

Parisian parks have never been lovelier than in the autumn!

Although it’s often said that compared with a city like London, Paris is severely lacking in green space, this most definitely isn’t the case! The thing about Paris is that you have to really look for parks and green spaces to visit.

It doesn’t mean that the small and secluded park spaces aren’t there, it just means that you have to search a little harder to find them! A personal favourite of mine is Parc Monceau, in the 8th-arrondissement.

Constructed during the 19th-century and complete with little follies and even its own Parisian carousel, you can’t go wrong by dedicating at least a little time during your stay to discovering this wonderful space!

You’ll get to enjoy Paris like a local!

Now that tourist season’s over, there are fewer people than ever in the city of lights. You’ll get a feel for what it’s really like to be a local in the city of lights. Not only this, but a large proportion of shops, businesses and cafés shutter their doors and go on holiday for a month in August.

You only have to walk around a less touristic area to realise that no boulangeries are open! By the time October/ November rolls around, the city is back up and running like clockwork! For more insider tips, check out my guide to visiting Paris like a local.

Sunrise is actually at an acceptable time.

No more setting your alarm for 4am. No more excuses for not brushing your teeth! In the Autumn, sunrise in Paris can be as late as 7:30 A.M. This means that it’s incredibly easy to see the sunrise every day (and hopefully capture a fantastic one).

Getting up for sunrise rather than heading somewhere for sunset means that you’ll likely miss all the tourists that flock to touristic sites as soon as breakfast is over! My go-to spot in Paris for capturing la dame de fer at sunrise is Trocadéro.

Raised on a platform and eastward facing, it’s the perfect place to watch the sunrise up above the horizon and behind the Eiffel Tower. If you don’t feel like checking out the Eiffel Tower, then there are plenty of other places to catch the sunrise from. What about Notre Dame or the Sacré-Coeur instead?

Taking day trips from Paris has never been easier

Paris in the fall happens to be one of the best times to experience day trips from the city like a local.  Versailles without the crowds, no crowding on public transport and fruit picking in rural France, Autumn is a fantastic time to visit France.

And the best part of all this? Fewer queues! In the summer, you can spend up to four hours queuing to enter the Château of Versailles. For this reason, alone, I definitely prefer Paris in the fall! As a bonus, it’s also worth mentioning, for the most part, fewer crowds mean lower prices! Think: cheaper accommodation and cheaper restaurants!

Just make sure that you check the opening times of an attraction/ château before you visit! Many places close at earlier hours or are completely closed on more days throughout the European shoulder seasons. Otherwise, check out these fall-inspired day trips from Paris to further ignite your wanderlust!

Fall Day trips from Paris

Cooler weather, golden leaves, and all the hot beverages: autumn in Paris and its surrounds is simply magical and there may well be no better time to visit the French capital.

Here’s a complete guide to fall day trips from Paris you’ll love! Complete with plenty of fall foliage, Châteaux and oodles of history, you’ll most likely struggle in deciding which trip you’d like to take first…

Fontainebleau: Forest & Château

Complete with a forest which transforms into a beautiful tapestry of oranges, reds, and yellows in the autumn months, Fontainebleau finds its roots as a palatial hunting lodge. Dating all the way back to the 12th century, today Fontainebleau is a grand Château akin to Versailles without the crowds.

As such, the French Château makes for the perfect day escape if you want to experience more of the French countryside, love history and are looking to head somewhere a little different.

Highlights of the last location from where Napoleon spoke to his soldiers includes a magnificent horseshoe staircase, as well as a beautiful lake where you can rent rowboats by the half-hour.

Purchase your Fontainebleau entrance ticket here in advance

Chantilly: Domaine & Château

Of all the fall day trips from Paris on this list, a trip to Château de Chantilly and the Domaine de Chantilly ranks as one of my top three. Beautiful and magical, the castle is located just a half hour train ride away from Paris’ Gare du Nord. If you time your trip right, be sure to make your way to the château for sunrise when candy colours dance across the sky and the light is just right.

Once there, you’ll find a Château dating all the way back to the 16th Century, and the very ‘Hameau’ (hamlet) which inspired that of Marie Antoinette’s ‘Hameau de la Reine’ at Versailles.

Elsewhere on the grounds, the Musée Condé is home to one of the largest art collections in France, second only to the Louvre. There is also a forest and formal gardens to explore, as well as the nearby town.

Purchase your Chantilly ticket here in advance.

Bois de Vincennes & Fortified Château

Complete with a French Château, you can’t go wrong by dedicating a few hours to exploring the Bois de Vincennes and its surrounds. Commissioned by Napoleon in the 19th century, the park is the second largest in the city.

Vincennes can easily be reached at the very end of Metro line 1, making it an incredibly easy day trip from the city centre. In the woods, you’ll find plenty of green spaces, as well as a fortified French Château complete with one of the last remaining ‘Sainte Chapelle’ churches in France and graffiti from prisoners which dates back to the middle ages.

Purchase your Château de Vincennes entry ticket here in advance.

Bois de Boulogne

Fall is your final opportunity to rent a boat and spend the afternoon (or at the very least, an hour or two) paddling along the Bois de Boulogne Central lake. And with views over to the Eiffel Tower (yes, you can really see the Iron Lady from the middle of this lake), you can’t go wrong by spending a few hours enjoying nature and admiring the fall colours.

You can even pack a picnic and enjoy your food atop of the lake. Other Bois de Boulogne activities include the architecturally interesting Louis Vuitton Foundation and the Jardin d’Acclimitation (both are worth checking out).

Versailles: Palace, Fruit Picking & Town

With fewer tourists and shorter queues, now is the best time to visit Versailles before the winter chill sets in. While the crowds are fewer in the summer and the light is still pretty good for snapping photographs, some of the best places to snap photos at Versailles are in the Hameau de la Reine and around the Grand Trianon.

And you don’t just have to head to Versailles to see the Château either. Instead, there are plenty of things to see in the rest of the town that doesn’t involve the royal palace at all. In the town of Versailles itself, you’ll find plenty of galleries, museums, and formal gardens. Nearby, you’ll also find the perfect opportunity to go fruit picking in Versailles at La Cueillette de Gally.

Provins: Medieval Town

Located about an hour and a half from Paris city centre, you’ll find the wonderful medieval town of Provins. Once home to a great medieval fair (where merchants from all over the country would meet and trade), today it is designated a UNESCO world heritage site and is even home to some medieval tunnels of unknown origin.

Once in Provins, you’ll find gems such as the Tour Cesar (a well-preserved medieval tower), as well as the remains of the medieval fortified wall. Best visited in the autumn, when the fall colours provide a pretty backdrop to the town, Provins has all the atmosphere and very few people around, making it the perfect day trip from Paris.

Towns of L’Isle Adam & Auvers-Sur-Oise

Final resting place of Van Gogh, as well as his brother Theo, Auvers-Sur-Oise is often overlooked in favour of more famous French towns. However, once there, you’ll find a grand Château complete with perfectly manicured gardens, an ancient church and a museum dedicated entirely to Absinthe. Even if you’re ‘not a museum person’ the history of Absinthe is well worth discovering.

Just along the River Oise, around a fifteen-minute drive from Auvers-sur-Oise, you’ll find the charming settlement of L’Isle Adam. This riverside resort town has a beach and is ever popular with Parisians and tourists alike. Both towns can easily be combined to make a lovely, but alternative, fall day trip from Paris.

Blandy Les Tours & Château Vaux le Vicomte

Due to their close proximity to one another, a trip to Blandy Les Tours and Château Vaux le Vicomte can easily be combined to form one magical fall day trip from the City of Lights.

While Blandy Les Tours is a heavily reconstructed medieval Castle and fortress, Château Vaux le Vicomte has all the trappings of a Versailles like Palace. And, in fact, is a cautionary tale in never boasting about your wealth. Both castles look lovely set among acres of woodland and farmland. And even more so once the fall colours are upon us.

Meaux: The Foodie Trip!

The quaint town of Meaux is easy to reach via train from Paris and is famous for two foods which taste delicious (though not necessarily together!). Brie de Meaux and Meaux mustard are both specialities of the French settlement and can be found in stores throughout the area.

Other highlights of Meaux include a rather impressive history dating all the way back to Roman times when the city was known as ‘Latinum’ and its nickname was ‘Meldi’. Included within this line-up is a beautiful Romanesque-Gothic cathedral and the Musée de la Grand Guerre (this WWI museum also happens to be the largest of its kind in Europe).

Parc de la Vallée aux Loups

One of the lesser known and off the beaten path things to do in Paris during the fall is to head to the south of the city and visit a pretty and unique park. The Parc de la Vallée aux Loups is located in Hauts-de-Seine and is just a short bus ride away from the end of the line 13 in southern Paris.

Boasting an arboretum, one of the most impressive bonsai collections in France, and plenty of beautiful landscapes, the arboretum came about in the 18th-century when the owner of Châteaubriand decided that an English style garden would make a nice addition to his estate. In the fall, the amount of maples transforming into golden hues are particularly notable.

London: The all-out fall foliage inspired day trip from Paris

If you’re visiting Paris in the fall and wish to see the pretty fall colours of another European capital, although London is a little further than most fall inspired day trips from Paris, it is totally worth the journey. This is especially the case if you’re running a little short on time.

The best way to visit London as a day trip from Paris is via the Eurostar, a tunnel which runs under the English Channel (which is interestingly known as ‘La Manche’- literally ‘the sleeve’- in French).

Once you’ve arrived at King’s Cross St Pancras International, some of the best photo spots for autumnal tones can be found in London’s many parks, as well as in the mews streets around South Kensington and Chelsea. For more inspiration, check out our guide from getting between Paris and London.

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Sophie Nadeau loves dogs, books, travel, pizza, and history. A fan of all things France related, she runs solosophie.com when she’s not chasing after the next sunset shot or consuming something sweet. She currently splits her time between Paris and London. Subscribe to Sophie’s YouTube Channel.

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