Paris in September (2025 Guide): What to do, Events & What’s On

Last Updated on 1st September 2025 by Charlotte Nadeau

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If you’ve chosen to visit Paris in September, then you’ve picked a good month. The crowds that fill the city come July and August start to dissipate and all of the Parisians are back from their month-long break (many stores and cafés close up shop for at least part, if not all, of the month of August). Here’s your complete guide to the best of September in Paris, as well as travel tips and events going on during the beginning of Autumn.

Is September a good month to visit Paris?

If you’re wondering whether you should head to the French Capital during the month of September, then although “it’s always a good time to visit Paris,” September is particularly great. After all, there’s still a summer vibe in the air, but the weather is cooler, making it the perfect time to explore the city.

Most businesses (shops, cafés, and museums) still operate at their typical high season hours, though thanks to back-to-school the crowds in the city are much fewer. September is also when you’ll get better weather than the late Autumn and the days are longer, allowing you more time to discover Paris…

Paris weather in September

Let’s start with one of the most important aspects of visiting Paris in September: the weather. Although not as cold as October, the average temperature in the city of light is still a cool 15 degrees, meaning that a Fall wardrobe is essential. Paris is a city best on foot and the warm, yet not too hot allows for the perfect temperature to wander around the city.

What to wear in Paris in September

The thing about Paris in the shoulder seasons (ie any months in spring or autumn) is that it has the potential to be very hot. It also has the potential to be very cold. And the problem is, you have no idea which one it will be until you arrive!

First things first: on your first visit to Paris, you’ll soon discover that even the locals now wear trainers, albeit fashion ones as these are one of the comfiest sets of shoes you can wear to discover Paris by foot. I personally love these fashion trainers, though these ones are more practical for getting around, carrying in your suitcase, and matching with little dresses!

The weather is pretty unpredictable in September, and you’d best be served by packing plenty of layers. I’d also recommend taking an umbrella and some semi-waterproof shoes in case of showers.

Things like jeans, cardigans, and fall dresses (I personally love this company’s ones and layer them with cute jackets and sneakers) worn together with little ankle boots work like these ones well in this kind of weather.

What to do in Paris in September

European Heritage Days

The third weekend of September signals the European Heritage Days weekend. This is a Europe wide weekend whereby many cultural places of interest and heritage open up their doors for free, or at a reduced price.

Also known as Journées du Patrimoine in French, there are plenty of free museums to visit, galleries to see and interactive workshops. You can find more information on the website here. In 2025, the European Heritage Days will take place on Friday the 19th of September to Sunday the 21st of September.

Paris Design Week

Starting during the Friday of the second week of the month, Paris Design Week is a celebration of all things creative. Food, fashion, and architecture are all praised within 180+ exhibitions found throughout the city.

You can find more information on the website here. The dates for the Paris Design Week 2025 will take place from September 4th to September 13th, 2025.

Techno Parade

Held annually near the end of the month, the Techno Parade Paris is a celebration of all things techno music and has taken place every year since 1998. The dates for the Techno Parade Paris have not yet been released for 2025. You can find more information on the website here.

Enjoy a wine tasting excursion from Paris (or in the city!)

For those who wish to sample some of the best wine in Europe, a trip to France is an absolute must. And while there are a few secret vineyards in Paris (yes, you read that correctly!), the best of French vineyards are to be found outside the city limits. Book a guided excursion to Champagne like this one or this wine tasting in Paris itself.

Enjoy the Fête des Vendages at the Montmartre vineyard

Since 1980, an annual Fête des Jardins has been held to celebrate the grape harvest at the end of September. For a few short weeks, the Vineyard of Montmartre is open to the public, through guided tour only, though the rest of the grape harvest festival is free to visit and is open to the public.

All in all, up to 1000 bottles of ‘Clos Montmartre’ are produced each year. They’re auctioned during the annual harvest festival and the profits made are put towards funding projects in the 18e arrondissement. The exact date of the grape harvest festival changes between September and October each year. In 2024, the festival will be held from the 7th – 13th October.

Take a château day trip from the city

Fewer crowds mean fewer tourists. September makes the perfect time to explore many of the Châteaux in the Île de France region. After all, many museums and castles, as well as other attractions still operate at summer opening times, only without the crowds. Here’s my ultimate guide to the best day trips from Paris. Some of my fall favourites are Fontainebleau (pictured below), Chantilly and Senlis.

Enjoy a Seine River Dinner Cruise

Though, of course, you can enjoy a romantic dinner cruise all year long, there’s perhaps no better time to enjoy the stunning city than when the days are long and the temperatures are warm. 

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!

Best Brunch Spots in Paris I’m loving this month!

Though many of my favourite brunch spots may be closed in August, they’re all open again for the start of Autumn. Perfect for those who wish to enjoy a lazy Sunday in the city or simply wish to catch up with friends, here are some of the best brunch spots in Paris (after all, brunch is the best meal of the day!):

Café Oberkampf. 3 Rue Neuve Popincourt, 75011 Paris, France

Sitting on a road of the same name, Café Oberkampf is easily one of the best brunch spots in Paris. And, after a month of closure for holidays during the month of August, it reopens for business.

While at this 11eme establishment, be sure to sample the shakshuka! Please note that as of August 2021, Café Oberkampf has permanently closed. The same menu can, however, be found at its still-open sister café, Café Mericourt.

Liberté Ménilmontant. 39 Rue des Vinaigriers, 75010 Paris, France

Popular among Parisians and visitors alike, the eatery at Menilmontant is open early each day, ensuring that you can get your morning coffee as early as possible! Want to learn more about coffee culture in Paris? I’ve previously written an article on The art of Ordering Coffee in Paris.

Le Pavillon des Canaux. 75019, 39 Quai de la Loire, 75019 Paris, France

Ever imagined drinking a cocktail in the bath (in front of everyone?). No, me neither. That was, until I visited Le Pavillon des Canaux, a quirky eatery alongside the Quai de la Loire. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a coffee, or even a small bite to eat. The place gets pretty popular, even in September, so make sure to visit early to secure te best seats.

Wild and The Moon, 55 Rue Charlot, 75003 Paris, France

Looking for the best of vegan in Paris? Well, with several locations dotted across Le Marais district (as well as further afield) of the city, Wild and the Moon has you covered.

From healthy smoothie bowls to melt in your mouth gourmet treats, there are all kinds of delicious breakfast foods available to those who eat a plant-based diet. There are also a wide array of speciality coffees available, with several different types of plant-based kinds of milk.

Best Rooftop Cafés and Bars in Paris I’m loving this month!

September is not synonymous with chilly. There’s still plenty of time to soak up the last of the summer rays and enjoy some wine with friends en plein air. So head out in the evenings and enjoy the sunset at some of the top bars in Paris. Hands down, here are my favourite rooftop bars in the city:

Le Perchoir Marais, 33 Rue de la Verrerie, 75004 Paris, France

Located in the very heart of the city, not far from Île de la Cité, Le Perchoir offers magnificent views over all of Paris. Open daily ’til late, it’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy a glass of wine. After all, from the top you can enjoy picture-perfect views of Le Marais…

Nüba, 36 Quai d’Austerlitz, 75013 Paris, France

Operating as a club by day and with a DJ at night, this bar is located along Quai d’Austerlitz and is regularly cited as being one of the best bars in Paris, if not all of Europe. And so if you’re searching for a fantastic view of the city and a great place to hang out with friends, this is it!

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.

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