10 things to see and do in Paris in autumn

If you have the opportunity to travel to Paris in autumn, you are in luck, because it is one of the best times to visit the "City of Light". Temperatures are still not too cold, prices are cheaper than in other months of the year and there is not so much tourism. And, above all and most importantly, there are various cultural events that coincide with these months of the year, such as the Autumn Festival, the Montmartre Harvest Festival, the White Night or the Garden and Urban Agriculture Festival. Fun is guaranteed!

And if you are looking for more plans for your trip, visit the post what to see and do in Paris and discover other proposals.

The Autumn Festival (Festival d'Automne à Paris) starts in Paris in September, when various temporary exhibitions, theatre, dance and music shows, film screenings, different expressions of the plastic arts, performances... a large number of cultural events for all tastes and audiences are organised. It is also an attraction, as the city is visited by numerous international artists.

This festival, which was founded in 1972 by Michel Guy with the aim of bringing different artistic disciplines to all audiences, is held in various venues in the city, such as the Centre Pompidou and the Théâtre de l'Odéon, among others, and is held throughout the autumn and part of the winter.

• When... From September to February.
• Location... Theatres, museums, city galleries.
• Price... Price determined for each show.

As soon as autumn arrives, on the weekend closest to 23 September, the Fête des jardins et de l'agriculture urbain has been held in Paris for more than 20 years. Thousands of people gather in the city's green spaces and parks to welcome autumn. For this purpose, a complete free programme is designed for all tastes and ages, which also seeks to raise awareness of current environmental problems. Among the various activities are guided tours, gardening workshops, concerts...

• When... First weekend in autumn.
• Location... Parks and green spaces in the city.
• Price... Free of charge.

One of the charms of Montmartre is its vineyard houses. They harvest the grapes, make their own wine and, at the beginning of October, celebrate the Grape Harvest Festival, a traditional and fun leisure event in which wine is the protagonist and which welcomes thousands of visitors every year.

The Grape Harvest Festival has a full programme with visits to vineyards, picnics, walks, popular dances, concerts, exhibitions, book presentations, debates, tastings of local products, excursions, parades and parades, art, cooking and children's workshops. In addition, at the various food and drink stands set up for the occasion you will have the opportunity to taste and buy the most typical products of the neighbourhood.

I recommend you read the post What to do in Montmartre and make the most of your visit to see everything this district has to offer.

• When... Early October, from 10am to 10pm.
• Location... Montmartre, next to the Sacre Coeur.
• Price... Free of charge.

Since 2002, the popular Nuit Blanche (White Night) has been taking place on the first Saturday in October, with creations, exhibitions, stage sets, concerts and special installations. A night when the city does not sleep and transport runs non-stop to enable everyone to participate in this day in which contemporary art becomes the protagonist and which is celebrated in the different emblematic streets and squares of the city of Paris.

La Nuit Blanche originated in France but gradually spread to other European countries, such as Spain.

• When... First Saturday in October.
• Location... Main sites, squares and museums in Paris.
• Price... Free of charge.

On the third Thursday of November in Paris, as well as in other cities in France and Europe, Beaujolais Nuevo is a traditional French festival that has spread to other cities around the world and is celebrated with a delicious meal and wine tasting in the "bar à vins" and bistrots.

This is a way of celebrating the marketing of this wine characterised by its youth, lightness and fruity flavour, which, with its purple-pink colour, is notable for its short maceration time. This wine, which is served at a temperature of between 13 and 15ºC, is produced in the Rhône-Alpes region of France. The best quality wines are found in Brouilly, Saint-Amour, Chénas, Côté-de-Brouilly, Julienas, Fleurie, Morgon, Régnié, Chiroubles and Moulin-à-Vent.

• When... Third Thursday in November.
• Location... Paris.
• Price... Free of charge.

The Paris National Opera, which is located in the Palais Garnier, starts its season in September, so if you go in autumn and have the opportunity, I recommend that you check the programme and buy your ticket to see one of the internationally renowned shows that dazzle audiences every year. The Paris National Opera is one of the most important on the international circuit.

The Paris National Opera is one of the most important on the international circuit, so be seduced by a show or concert on this incomparable stage! And if you want to know more, visit the post Opera Garnier.

• When... From September.
• Location... Opéra National Paris.
• Price... Different ticket options.

If going to Disneyland is always a perfect plan for both children and adults, having the opportunity to go coinciding with Halloween is an even more spectacular experience since, together with Christmas, it is one of the most special moments for your visit. The theme park prepares for this date in style with unique events and spooky decorations.

In fact, Halloween is not celebrated for just one day or one weekend, but for more than a month, as the season of terror starts in September and ends on October 31st. Read the post Disneyland Paris on Halloween and find out all the proposals you can enjoy. On the other hand, don't hesitate to visit the articles what to see and do in Disneyland Paris and the best attractions for you to have more details about your trip.

Below you will find all the options on how to get from Paris to Disneyland, and if you go for a day trip, I recommend you to leave early because you have a lot to see. In the postWhatto see in Disneyland Paris in one day you have everything you need to see. Also, to make the most of the day, check the opening times.

And if you are still not sure whether Halloween is a good time for your visit, read the post the best time to go to Disneyland Paris and you will find out for sure.

• When... September and October.
• Location... Disneyland Paris.
• Price... From 54€.

From 1 November until the end of March, on the first Sunday of every month, the museums of Paris open their doors to the public free of charge. This open day takes place at the Panthéon de Paris, the Palace of Versailles, the Basilica of Saint-Denis, Sainte Chapelle, the Palais de Maisons-Laffitte, the Château de Vincennes, the Château de Champs-sur-Marne, the Château de Pierrefonds, the Arc de Triomphe de Paris, the Rodin Museum, the Conciergerie and the Villa Savoye.

This list joins other must-see museums, whose admission is free the rest of the year, such as the Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature, the Museum of Arts and Crafts, the Gustave Moreau Museum, the Eugène Delacroix National Museum, the National Museum of the Middle Ages in Paris, the National Museum Jean-Jacques Henner, the Cité Nationale de l'Histoire de l'Immigration, the Cité de l'Architecture et du Patrimoine, the Centre National d'Art et de la Culture Georges Pompidou, the Musée de l'Orangerie, the Musée Picasso de Paris, the Musée d'Orsay, the Musée Guimet or the Musée du quai Branly - Jacques Chirac.

Read the post The 17 best museums in Paris and decide which ones to visit on your trip to Paris.

• When... First Sunday of the month from 1 November.
• Location... Monuments and museums in Paris.
• Price... Free.

The Trocadero Gardens, the Luxembourg Gardens, the Tuileries Gardens, the Champ de Mars, the Bois de Vincennes, the Parc Louise Michel, the Parc Belleville... Paris has many parks and landscaped areas and autumn is the ideal season to visit them, as their colours turn yellow and ochre and dazzle all visitors. So, if your trip coincides with the end of September, October or November, an ideal plan whether you go with your partner, friends or family is to take a bike ride or walk.

• When... The autumn months, from September to November, when temperatures are still mild.
• Location... Different locations in Paris.
• Price... Free of charge.

Another ideal plan for the autumn season, before the temperatures drop too much, is to take a cruise along the banks of the Seine. Along the route you will be able to see the most popular monuments in Paris such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, the Musée d'Orsay, Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Île de la Cité and you will also pass under its most emblematic bridges. And if you opt for a night cruise, the beauty of the City of Light will seduce you. The most romantic plan if you go with your partner!

There are many cruise options. If you have any doubts when it comes to deciding, don't hesitate to read the post The six best cruises on the Seine.

• When... The autumn months.
• Location... The banks of the Seine.
• Price... From €18-20 to €99 depending on the type of cruise.

Paris temperatures in autumn vary greatly from September to the end of November and the beginning of December. While temperatures in September are between 13°C and 20°C, they drop in October with an average minimum of 10°C and a maximum of 18°C. In November and December it gets quite cold, with temperatures below 10ºC. Rain is also common.

Paris is one of the most touristy cities in the world and no matter what time of year you visit, you will find a large number of tourists. However, there are certain months of the year when the number of tourists is lower and these tend to coincide with the autumn months. However, there are special dates such as Halloween when it is common to see a higher number of travellers.

Precisely because autumn is one of the times when there are fewer tourists, prices at this time of year are usually lower than in other months of the year. Therefore, if you have the opportunity, I recommend that you opt for the months of September, October and November for your trip, as you will be able to benefit from offers and promotions on flights and hotels.

If you are travelling to Paris in autumn you should be very careful about what you pack in your suitcase. Depending on the month in which you go, temperatures can be very low and it is advisable to take jumpers or sweatshirts, as well as a coat, preferably waterproof, because it is very common for rain to surprise you during these months of the year. I also recommend that you wear comfortable, waterproof footwear. And, of course, don't forget your umbrella.

If after this article you are not sure which autumn is the best season for your trip, read the articles Paris in spring, Paris in summer, Paris in winter and the best time to travel to Paris and choose the date that best suits your interests.