What’s On? Your Go-to Guide for Paris in October 2024

Last Updated on 30th January 2024 by Sophie Nadeau

Ah Paree: the City of Love, the City of Light, and one of the best places to see the fall foliage in Europe. Well, that is, if you’re planning to visit Paris in October, of course! Here’s your guide to the French capital in the early autumn; what to wear, where to go, and all that you simply must see (as well as the top events taking place in Paris during October)!

If you are looking on a quick answer as to whether it’s worth visiting Paris in October, then I would say that the city has plenty to offer visitors no matter what the time of the year. Read on to discover the best things to do in Paris during October, as well as some of the top reasons to visit…

Is October a good month to visit Paris?

If you’re a fan of fall in Europe, then a visit to the French capital during this time of the year is an absolute must. After all, the fall foliage is best during October in Paris, meaning plenty of pretty photo opportunities and lots of excuses to cosy up in quaint cafés or take yourself on strolls around otherwise forgotten museums.

With this being said, if you’re a fan of long days, summer clothing, and warm weather, then October is not the month you should be staying in the City of Love! Instead, opt to plan your visit for early September or late May when the crowds are fewer than in the summer but the weather is actually warm!

Is everything in Paris open during October?

Paris is one of those European destinations that is frequented by visitors all year long, and so whatever the time of the year you visit, everything will be open. With this being said, certain attractions such as parks and gardens will typically have shorter opening times outside of the summer months.

Crowds in Paris in October

It’s worth noting that, whatever the time of the year you choose to visit Paris, you’re more than likely to experience some crowds, particularly at the more touristic spots in the city.

Paris in October weather

Paris: temperatures 10°- 17°C and around 8 days of rain during the month of October.

One of the biggest considerations that travellers should take into account before heading to Paris in October is the weather. After all, shorter days, frequent cloud cover, and cooler weather are the only two guarantees when it comes to the weather in Paris in the early autumn. A

verage temperatures are around 12 degrees Celsius… But don’t let that put you off! After all, this is one of the European shoulder seasons, meaning fewer crowds and much lower prices than in the summer months.

What to wear in Paris in October

With the winter just around the corner comes a guarantee of ever-changing weather and that in-between summer dresses and winter jackets phase. In my personal experience, I’ve seen days where the sun can be shining and the sky can be blue, only for it to change completely within the space of just a few hours to heavy rainfall and windy weather.

As such, should you plan on visiting Paris in the fall, I recommend packing lots of layers. That is to say, jackets, cardigans, paired with shorter sleeves. While the air is crisp outside, museum spaces and the Paris metro can get pretty toasty, meaning that you’ll want to have the option to cool down or warm up as desired!

I personally love this company’s versatile dresses  and typically layer them with cute jackets and sneakers worn together with little ankle boots work like these ones well in this kind of weather.

Be sure to also bring along a pair of waterproof boots and a light rain jacket. Though Paris may be pretty when the leaves begin to change, wind speeds can pick up rapidly and light showers throughout the day are not unheard of. Although I enjoy travelling with an umbrella, I find that heavy winds in some city streets means that using an umbrella is often difficult.

Though you’ll soon discover that most people you meet will have a fantastic level of English, it’s only polite to learn a few words of the local language, in this case, French. Bring along a simple phrasebook like this one to help you get by. I also recommend bringing along a travel adapter like this one so you can charge all of your electronics during your stay!

What to do in Paris in October

#1 Visit one of the less-known museums of the city

Everyone has heard of the Mona Lisa in the Louvre and of the clock in Musée d’Orsay. But did you know that you can see one of the finest Italian art collections in the Musée Jacquemart André?

Or that you can visit the most Instagrammable staircase in Paris in the form of Musée Gustave Moreau? Want more information? Check out my guide to the best secret and small museums in Paris.

#2 Vendanges de Montmartre (Montmartre wine harvest)

Every year, a wine festival and bottle auction is held in Le Clos Montmartre (i.e. the best vineyard in Paris!) In 2024, the fête will be taking place between Wednesday the 9th – Sunday 13th of October.

As such, be sure to head to the 18th arrondissement to enjoy the wine festival and get the rare opportunity to enter inside the vineyard for yourself! Check for full wine harvest details here.

#3 Explore the city on your own

Now that the crowds are fewer, this is the perfect time to go it alone and get to know the city on a local level… All by yourself! So pack up your day bag, grab your camera and head out to one of the lesser-known corners of the French capital. After all, it’s in these moments which Paris truly reveals itself to you… For more solo inspiration in Paris, check out my solo traveller’s guide to Paris.

#4 Search for fall foliage

From the parks of Paris to the creepers growing up the buildings along the wide boulevards, there are pretty autumn leaves and fall tones to be spied around nearly every corner.

So grab your camera and head out on an adventure to see the best autumn leaves in the French capital! Helpful hint: I particularly love the fall foliage in Canal Saint-Martin around this time of the year, as well as the ever-beautiful Place des Vosges.

#5 Stay up all night at the Nuit Blanche (now in June)

Another annual tradition during Paris in October is that of the ‘Nuit Blanche’. Literally translated as the ‘white night,’ literally hundreds of Parisian attractions, museums, and cultural centres remained open all night. As of 2024, this event has been moved to the 1st of June.

On this night, there are also other installations for you to enjoy. Four landmarks/ areas of the city (Île Saint Louis,  La Villette, La Porte Dorée, and Invalides) will all have open-air displays to enjoy and will be known as ‘constellations’ on the night.

#6 Marvel at some art at the International Contemporary Art Fair

Known as ‘FIAC’ for short, the 46th version of the art fair was held at the Grand Palais from the 21st of October until the 24th of October 2021. Featuring all kinds of installations, modern art pieces, and contemporary design from all over the world, this is a can’t-be-missed for all fans of art exhibitions. The FIAC was not being held in 2022 and 2023 due to renovations undergoing in the Grand Palais but shall return in 2024.

#7 Enjoy Halloween at Disneyland Paris

If you’re a fan of all things costume-related and dressing up for Halloween, then you may well want to head out on the ReR A and take the train to Disneyland Paris.

After all, the entirety of the month of October is dedicated to all things spooky in the land of fairytales, including daily Halloween themed parades. And, if you want to purchase your ticket in advance, then you can do so here!

#8 Take a Seine River Cruise

Though it may be a little too chilly to enjoy a Parisian picnic along the River Seine come October time, that doesn’t mean that the famous French waterway doesn’t have plenty more to offer.

Whether you’re looking for a romantic experience, or you simply want to see another side to Paris, consider embarking on a river tour during your time in the French capital. For a full break down of tours (as well as which cruise you should personally choose), check out this guide to choosing the best Seine River Cruise.

There are several options available, including this Early Evening Dinner Cruise on the River Seine. Finally, for those with time constraints who wish to simply see the sights of Paris on the water, this 1-Hour Illuminations River Cruise is short and sweet!

#9 Salon du Chocolat

As its name suggests, this festival is dedicated to all those with a sweet tooth! The salon is an annual trade fair comprising of some 500 participants from over 60 countries. Prices start from €13 per ticket.

As a result, you definitely shouldn’t miss this 20,000-metre squared exhibition space if you’re a fan of all things chocolate! Discover more details about the Salon du Chocolat here.

#10 Take a baking class

It may surprise you, but the top selling cookie in France is actually the macaron! And when the days are still drawing in early and the weather isn’t particularly great, then a great way to spend an afternoon is to take a Paris cooking class like this one.

#11 See the Eiffel Tower turn pink

If it’s your first time in Paris, then one of the main things that’s on your bucket list is probably getting to see the Eiffel Tower Sparkle. Well, as well as being illuminated for other events and causes over the year, on October the 1st, the Eiffel Tower is illuminated in pink for breast cancer awareness. The Eiffel Tower has been illuminated in pink each year on this date since 2013.

Where to stay in Paris

Mandarin Oriental: Located along rue Saint-Honoré, which is famous for its many shops, this five-star luxurious accommodation is home to highlights like a marble lobby and beautiful courtyard. Check availability and rates here!

Shangri-La: If you’re looking to seriously splurge on a romantic stay during your time in the city, then this hotel faces the Eiffel Tower, is home to a 2 Michelin star restaurant and spa facilities. Check availability and rates here!

Luxury experience: The Hoxton: For those who are looking for the ultimate luxury experience when staying in Paris, The Hoxton has it all. Charm and several beautiful communal guest spaces including a stunning bar and restaurant, other highlights of the hotel include breakfast options, WiFi, and room service. Check prices and availability here.

Mid-range boutique stay: Hôtel Fabric: As you might gather from its name, Hôtel Fabric is set against the backdrop of a former textile factory and simply oozes charm. Beautiful and with friendly staff, this four-star hotel is welcoming and is located just a fifteen-minute walk away from Le Marais area of the city. Check prices and availability here.

Mid-range: Hotel Petit Paris: Not far from the Luxembourg Gardens and close to the Latin Quarter of the city, this boutique hotel is in the perfect position for exploring Paris on foot. From here, it’s easy to explore top Parisian attractions such as the Paris Pantheon, as well as the Saint Germain des Prés area of the city. Check availability and rates here!

Affordable chic: Hôtel Chopin: Located within one of the covered passages of Paris, in the 9th arrondissement, and close to all the action (the nearby Grands Boulevards are full of bars and restaurants), Hôtel Chopin is a small hotel offering affordable rooms. Amenities include a restaurant and spa on site. Check prices and availability here.

Budget hostel: Generator Hostel: Those in search of an affordable option, Paris has a number of hostels which are fairly conveniently located. This hostel is situated close to the lively area of Canal Saint Martin and offers mixed-sex and female-only dorms. Check prices and availability here.

Enjoyed reading about the best things to do in Paris in October? Pin it now, read it again later:

Sophie Nadeau loves dogs, books, travel, pizza, and history. A Francophile at heart, she runs solosophie.com when she’s not chasing after the next sunset shot or consuming something sweet. She splits her time between Paris and London and travels as much as she can! Subscribe to Sophie’s YouTube Channel.

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