Autumn in Paris, a season apart
What if autumn was the perfect time to discover Paris in a different way?
When the light becomes softer and the city slows its pace slightly, the capital reveals a singular atmosphere, conducive to discovery, culture and chosen pleasures. Parks with changing colours, major artistic events, gourmet experiences and major events punctuate the season. It's the perfect way to make the most of Paris.
Fresh air in Paris in autumn
In Paris, the Indian summer often lasts until October. Temperatures remain pleasant and the city regains a calmer pace after the hustle and bustle of summer. It's the perfect time to take advantage of the green spaces before autumn sets in with its warm hues.
The Jardin des Tuileries, the Parc de la Villette, the Musée de Sculptures en Plein Air and the Jardin des Plantes are all great places to take a stroll, punctuated by the gradual change in nature. The tree-lined paths, the open vistas and the new-found calm invite you to take a stroll.
Every year around 23 September, the Fête des Jardins et de l'Agriculture Urbaine celebrates the arrival of autumn in Paris's parks and gardens. Workshops, concerts and guided tours give you the chance to discover urban nature from a different angle.
Festivals, trade fairs and major events
Autumn festivals
Since 1972, the Festival d'Automne à Paris has played a major role in the cultural life of the capital. Hosted in iconic venues such as the Musée d'Orsay, the CENTQUATRE and the Grande Halle de la Villette, it offers a demanding contemporary programme of exhibitions, dance, theatre, music, performances and screenings. Each edition invites new artistic discoveries.
At the end of October, the Nuit des Châteaux (Night of the Castles) gives visitors the chance to visit outstanding heritage sites such as the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte after dark. In mid-October, the Journées Nationales de l'Architecture (National Architecture Days) open the doors of places that are usually closed to the public, and encourage discussions with architects.
Autumn trade fairs
Porte de Versailles hosts a succession of major trade fairs in late October and early November. Paris Game Week brings together video game enthusiasts for previews, events and meetings.
The Paris Manga & Sci-Fi Show, held at Paris Nord Villepinte, attracts fans of pop culture, manga and fantasy worlds. Costumes are not compulsory, but they add to the atmosphere.
The Salon du Chocolat is one of the gourmet highlights of the season. Tastings, meetings with producers and chocolate-makers, and an emblematic fashion show are sure to delight visitors. In November, the MIF Expo Paris showcases French expertise through committed brands and designers.
On the contemporary art front, Paris+ by Art Basel (formerly FIAC) moves to the Grand Palais every autumn. Around a hundred international galleries present their artists, making the event an essential part of the artistic calendar.
Seasonal festivals and traditions
Few visitors know it, but Paris also produces wine, particularly in Montmartre and Bercy. Every year in early October, the Fête des Vendanges de Montmartre brings the famous hilltop to life in a friendly atmosphere, with tastings, concerts, events and workshops.
Wine lovers also gather around Beaujolais Nouveau, launched on the third Thursday in November. Wine bars, restaurants and brasseries offer tastings and food pairings, extending the evening well into the late hours on Parisian terraces.
For a more festive atmosphere, the Fête à Neuneu - in the Bois de Boulogne - runs from early September to mid-October. Finally, the Fête de la Science, held over two weeks in October, invites young and old alike to discover scientific culture through experiments, workshops and open days at Paris museums, institutes and universities.
Halloween & Día de los Muertos
In recent years, Halloween has become an integral part of the Parisian calendar. Shop windows are decked out with seasonal decorations, bars and clubs are offering themed evenings and some activities are reinvented for the occasion. Virtual Room, for example, offers immersive virtual reality experiences, ideal for thrill-seekers.
Île-de-France theme parks such as Disneyland® Paris and Parc Astérix put on spectacular programmes every year, with sets, parades and special entertainment.
At the Jardin d'Acclimatation, the Día de los Muertos festival celebrates Mexican tradition through music, colour and entertainment, offering an original cultural experience in a verdant setting.
Culture, museums and major exhibitions
Autumn is a great time to explore Paris museums. On the first Sunday of the month, several museums - Arts et Métiers, Gustave Moreau, Eugène Delacroix, Musée d'Orsay, Musée du Quai Branly, Musée Picasso and Musée de l'Orangerie - are open free of charge.
From 1 November to the end of March, other monuments are joining the initiative, including the Panthéon, the Arc de Triomphe, the Sainte-Chapelle, the Conciergerie and the Rodin museum. It's an ideal opportunity to (re)discover our heritage, while taking into account the fact that visitor numbers are often higher on these days.
The cultural season also sees the launch of a number of major temporary exhibitions, while the Paris Opera unveils its new season in September. Classical repertoire and contemporary creations make up the eagerly awaited programme.
Autumn sports events
Autumn in Paris is also punctuated by several major sporting events. The Rolex Paris Masters, held at the Accor Arena in Bercy between late October and early November, is one of the biggest indoor tennis tournaments on the circuit.
The Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, held on the first weekend in October at the Longchamp racecourse, is a not-to-be-missed event for horse racing fans.
Finally, the more active can take part in the 20 km of Paris in October, an emblematic race that takes in the capital in a friendly, sporting atmosphere.
Paris in autumn, an experience to be savoured to the full
Between nature, culture, gastronomy, events and major meetings, autumn offers a particularly inspiring view of Paris. It's an ideal season to stay in the capital, take the time to discover and enjoy a setting conducive to memorable experiences.
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