What to do in Paris in October
What to do in Paris in October
The month of October is one of my all-time favorite times of the year to visit Paris. The weather is cooler than in the summer months but not too cold. There are fewer crowds and the city is quieter. It is the perfect sweater and boot weather with crisp leaves under your feet and fall colors everywhere you look. Green ivy that covered the buildings in the spring and summer turned to a bright pop of red. Fall really puts on a show in Paris against the grey and blue neutral color palate.
Paris Weather in October
Expect the average temperature in October to be high in the 60s and low in the 50’s F. Early autumn can have warmer temperatures and you can get away with a leather jacket. Expect a few rainy days any time in Paris and it is a good idea to pack an umbrella, jacket, and waterproof shoes. You will have sunny days as well so sunglasses are still a must-pack item for Paris. Towards the end of the month, the cold weather will set in so make sure you pack a warm jacket, gloves, and hat. Parisian weather can really swing in one direction based on the time of the month you arrive in October.
The sunrise is much later in October so expect some late mornings as you get adjusted to the time difference.
Explore the Paris Gardens
Parisian parks are filled with pops of color against the lush greenery. This is a perfect time to stroll through the gardens, admire the fall foliage, sit, and people-watch. I did this last October with my fiancé in Jardin des Tuileries with a cup of coffee from café Kitsuné, and we had a wonderful time with no agenda; we just soaked up the sunshine. Luxembourg Gardens on the left bank of Paris is also another favorite garden of mine. Stop by the Medici Fountain and sit in the green chairs with a good book and a picnic lunch here on a warm afternoon.
Musée Rodin has a garden that is sometimes overlooked but beautiful this time of year. You can explore the inside of the museum or see the gardens. One of my favorite spots for a terrace lunch near here is Café Varenne if you want French food. The lines can be long around lunch time, so try to arrive early to score a table.
What to Wear in Paris in October
Early October can be mild in temperature as the weather transitions into fall. You can quickly get away with a scarf and a light jacket. This time of year can be warmer than expected. I have had a few warm Octobers that turned out lovely. I fondly remember walking through Palais Royal on an evening, watching the city turn dark and Paris buzz with energy.
For coats in Paris this time of year, I recommend a leather jacket and a trench coat for early October. A wool coat is ideal for chilly evenings towards the end of October.
Colder weather sets in towards the end of October, so boots and a scarf are recommended.
You can get my full packing list here in a printable PDF
What to Do in Paris in the Fall:Nuit Blanche
Nuit Blanche (White Night) is an all-night art festival that takes place across the city of Paris, covering the streets and monuments. Each year, the theme is different, and this year, it focuses on sports and art. It begins Saturday, October 1, and ends Sunday, October 2nd. Public transportation will work all night, and museums and all tourist attractions are open. This is written up as one of the best things to do in October.
Montmartre Wine Festival
Fête des Vendanges is the Montmartre annual grape harvest festival scheduled for October 9-13th. This is an excellent time to visit the Montmartre area. I would recommend going on a weekday instead of the weekend because it will be bustling and this is a popular event. The streets of Paris are packed around Sacre Couer. There are food vendors and wine vendors offering wine tastings lining the streets. You can purchase wine from different vendors, walk around the area, and explore Montmartre.
Getting Around Paris
Paris is a very walkable city as long as you have comfortable walking shoes. I recommend these Madewell sneakers, ballet flats, or these boots if you plan to walk a lot. (You can see my favorite walking shoes for Paris here) Walking is one of the best ways to get around. I prefer to get to the streets of Paris by walking with my camera. This is how I ended up with the best photographs of Paris. The Paris metro is very easy to navigate, and there are metro stations at every major attraction in the city.
What to do in Paris in October: See the City at Night
Take advantage of the city of light and explore Paris at night. Enjoy a Seine River cruise at sunset and watch the Eiffel Tower sparkle.
Take a Cooking Class in Paris
I rave about La Cuisine Paris. Our Atlas Adventures groups made macarons last October and had a great time. We did croissants in April on a rainy morning, which was a perfect way to spend the day. Not only did we have croissants of all types, but hot chocolate. This is a good option if you have a rainy day in your planned schedule. Classes do book up, so I recommend scheduling ahead of time. La Cuisine also offers fun market classes that take small groups to local markets in the city, and they teach about the food and French etiquette.
Visit the Paris Museums
P.S. See my full post on what to do in Paris in the autumn here
Musée D’Orsay is one of my favorite museums to visit. If this is your first time in Paris, I highly recommend leaving a day or two for museums. You can buy a Paris Pass that gives you access to many different museums and monuments in the city for a reduced price. Paris passes are available online here or at each major attraction. It is much easier to purchase ahead of time to avoid any lines. The Louvre museum is included in this pass, as well as the Arc de Triomphe, which is one of the best places in Paris to see a view of the whole city.
Prepare for Rainy Weather in October
Walking the Paris passages is one of my favorite ways to spend a rainy afternoon in Paris. They are filled with shops and restaurants. You can walk from one to the next without getting too wet and explore different parts of Paris.
Check out this blog post if you are headed to Paris in November.
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We’re leaving for Paris this Saturday (10/8). I would love to bump into you somewhere for a quick Bonjour and chat! I look forward to your emails each week and my husband and I are getting our pics done by KDP, thanks to your recommendation. If you are up for a quick hello somewhere, I’d love to meet you in person. If so, please send me an email.
Enjoy your trip, as I know you will! 🙂