What to Pack for Paris in November
What to Pack for Paris in November
In November, Paris starts shoulder season; this time of year, the air turns crisp, and the leaves turn colors. There are fewer tourists than in late September and October, but still expect the city to be busy. Paris is still buzzing after the Olympics. Lately, Americans have been using the Thanksgiving holiday week in November to travel to Europe. This has made the end of November into December a popular time to visit the city of lights. As you plan your November trip, I hope this post will help you plan what to pack for Paris in November. The winter months can be some of the best times to visit Paris. You will experience a less crowded Paris that is mostly locals and a great way to experience the city.
What to Expect in Paris in November
The city of Paris will be filled with fall foliage. Ivy will change from green to red, and the once-filled trees in Parisian parks will become bare due to the changing temperatures and falling leaves.
Expect Christmas markets to pop up throughout the city towards late November. This year, they have been setting up for Christmas earlier than ever. You will see string lights on the streets and Christmas decorations in store windows. The department stores will also start decorating, so visit Galleries Lafayette and Bon Marché on your November trip to Paris.
Notre Dame is expected to reopen in early December. Walk along the Seine to see the almost-finished progress.
The Eiffel Tower is a destination in Paris but worth the visit. Take the metro to Trocadero for a sunset view of the Eiffel Tower or Line 6 Bir Hakim to get directly to the monument. Expect fewer crowds in the morning, and I would pre-book a visit to avoid long lines.
Average Weather Temperatures for Paris in November
The average temperature in Paris in November can be 52 for the high and 43 for the low. Expect a few rainy days and plan accordingly. Make sure to check the weather forecast before you pack. November weather can be unpredictable. You will want to pack a travel umbrella just in case. These Blondo waterproof knee-high boots have been a favorite for years. Waterproof shoes are highly recommended. If knee-high boots aren’t your style, try these Chelsea boots by Sam Edelman. Expect sunny days mixed with rain. This year, Paris has been extremely rainy. Layers are essential with the unpredictable weather; one minute, Paris can be sunny, and the next, it will rain.
In terms of coats for Paris in November. Leave your leather and light jacket at home and pack a wool coat. You may be able to get by with a trench coat in the early part of November. It’s best to pack layers such as a T-shirt and sweater. You will want a hat, gloves, scarf, and winter coat to keep warm on the colder days and nights. A long-sleeved shirt under a sweater is an excellent extra layer to stay warm in the cold weather.
The Best Coats for Paris in the Winter
In terms of coats for Paris in November. Leave your leather jacket at home and pack a wool coat. You may be able to get by with a trench coat in the early part of November. It’s best to pack layers. You will want a hat, gloves, scarf, and winter coat to keep warm on the colder days and nights. A long-sleeved shirt under a sweater is an excellent extra layer to stay warm in the cold weather.
Comfortable Walking Shoes for Paris
You will want to pack comfortable walking shoes to explore Paris on foot. I think the best way to see Paris is by walking. The metro and bus are other great options to get around the city. You will find a metro station in front of every major monument. The Paris metro is easy to navigate, and you can buy tickets at the kiosk before entering.
I always recommend keeping the high heels at home or shorter distances, such as a night out for dinner. Expect to do loads of walking while in Paris. The best comfortable shoes for walking the streets of Paris are sneakers. Don’t be surprised to see French women wearing Vejas or other sneaker brands while walking to and from work or on the weekends. For nights out, ankle boots, over-the-knee boots, or ballet flats are great ways to dress up jeans or black pants. Black Chelsea boots are a big trend among Parisian women right now. These from Everlane are the styles I see the most.
Parisian women are known for their classic pieces, and it’s always a good idea to invest in good quality items that will last for years. You can shop in Paris and bring a unique piece home to remember your trip.
Chunky Knit Sweaters
Chunky knit sweaters are a great way to stay warm in Paris in winter. You can layer these under your wool coat. I love having a turtleneck sweater for a rainy café day sitting on the terrace. It’s the perfect warm layer in the winter.
Chunky knit sweaters are a great way to stay warm in Paris in winter. You can layer them under your wool coat. I love having a turtleneck sweater for a rainy café day sitting on the terrace. It’s the perfect warm layer. This one, in particular, from Alex Mill, which I wore on my last trip to Paris, is a good choice, and it was warm for a boat ride on the Seine.
Blazers are big in Paris right now. Neutral colors make this piece versatile. Pair a blazer over a pleated skirt, dress, or trousers.
Straight-leg and wide-leg jeans are in. I am seeing the wide-leg trend more often now. You can see this post on the trends happening in Paris right now. I am very much into black pants. These are excellent options for black trousers. They have an adorable tie in front and elastic in the back for extra room. I recently paired them with this cardigan and heels. Sézane also makes a few different trousers, including the Martin with wide legs, and I also wear the Martin crop often.
What to Pack for Paris in November
Neutral colors are ideal when packing for Paris to mix and match different core pieces. A good crossbody bag is great for exploring Paris during the day, or a smaller one with just a few personal items inside is ideal for the evening. Polène is a famous brand in Paris right now, as is Sézane for bag options.
A little black dress is always a good idea. I love to dress up for dinner, even if I have a solo dinner at a classic French bistro.
This Paris packing list is helpful as a guide on what to pack for Paris in November. I highly recommend packing cubes as a great way to maximize the space in your suitcase.
Travel insurance is essential for trip delays or cancellations. I use Faye travel. You can research and find the best one that fits your needs.
This post includes affiliate links. I make a small commission at no cost to you. Merci!
Bonjour, I’m Rebecca!
I’m a photographer, blogger, croissant-lover, and world traveler. I hope that Everyday Parisian inspires you by bringing a bit of France into your daily life and helps you plan the best trip to Paris with personalized recommendations for places to stay, explore, and eat.
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I recently recommended your blog to friends who were traveling to Paris for the first time – they loved it! I really appreciate the photos of suggested items to pack, very helpful in visualizing. I can’t find a link to the longer double breasted grey coat with brass buttons, are you able to share that?
Hi Heidi,
Thank you so much! Yes, the coat is from J.Crew and available here: https://rstyle.me/+WFfXvL7X-y7P6JKoEgAsNA
it runs big so make sure to order a size down.
xo
what brand are the fun brown boots you are wearing in the pic of you with the houndstooth blazer?
Hi! They are Everlane. Wearing them in 8.5 in the tobacco color. They are the Chelsea boot.
Thanks for the tip on leaving the leather jacket at home. You saved me from bringing it and and never wearing it! Bisou
so great to hear! I hope you are having a great trip. xo