When’s the best time to visit Paris? Should you brave the summer crowds under sunny skies or embrace the cozy vibes and unpredictable weather of autumn? We’re team autumn, without a doubt! Paris in Autumn: Your Complete Travel Guide! will take you through everything you need to know about planning your trip to Paris in the fall, from what to do, where to eat, and how to dress, to the best spots for those Insta-worthy photos.
Why Visit Paris in Autumn? (Paris in Autumn: Your Complete Travel Guide!)
There’s something magical about Paris in autumn—the trees are bursting with vibrant colors, the weather is crisp (but not freezing), and the city takes on an atmosphere that’s both romantic and refreshing. You’ll dodge the summer tourist crush and experience Paris at a more relaxed pace, with fewer crowds and shorter lines at top attractions. Plus, fall gives you the perfect excuse to cozy up in charming cafés while sipping on hot chocolate or a café au lait.
Autumn Weather in Paris
If you’re planning to explore Paris on foot—and you absolutely should—be ready for a mix of sunshine and showers. Autumn weather here is unpredictable. One moment, the sky is blue, and the next, it’s pouring! Recently, we were enjoying our macarons in the Tuileries Garden when it suddenly started drizzling. Lesson learned: always carry a small umbrella and dress in light layers that you can adjust easily.
While it doesn’t get too cold, you’ll want to leave the heavy winter coats at home. Layers are your best friend—think light sweaters, scarves, and a trusty jacket to peel off when the brisk walks warm you up!
Getting Around Paris in Autumn
Walking is the best way to experience Paris, but sometimes you’ll need public transport. The Paris metro system is incredibly efficient and easy to navigate with the Bonjour RATP app. This app not only helps you plan your route, but also lets you buy tickets and scan them directly from your phone. Pro tip: Beware of pickpockets, especially on busy metro lines.
🔊 SOUND ON
For day trips or traveling to and from the airport, you’ll want the RER app (suburbs-to-city-center commuter rail)—it works like the metro app and even informs you of any service disruptions. Both apps are lifesavers but note that they don’t allow you to buy multiple tickets at once, so each person needs their own phone or ticket.
Speaking of the airport, if you’re traveling with a group, consider splitting a ride-share like Bolt (a reputable budget version of Uber, we use it often in Europe). It’s around €30 from the city center to the airport, which can be more economical and convenient than the train (which is around 12€/person) especially if you’re lugging heavy bags.
Best Places to See Autumn Colors in Paris
If you’re chasing those iconic autumn hues, mid to late October is prime time. The trees in Paris turn golden, amber, and red, making it the perfect backdrop for a stroll. By mid-November, most of the leaves have fallen, giving the city a more wintry vibe. Some of the best spots to take in these fall colors include Tuileries Garden and Luxembourg Gardens.
Outdoor Activities in Paris During Fall
Start your day with a box of macarons from Caffe Concerto in the Carrousel du Louvre, then take a peaceful walk through the Tuileries Garden. This time of year, it’s breathtaking, and the weather is perfect for an afternoon stroll. Want another great spot to unwind?
Head to the Luxembourg Gardens. For a true Parisian experience, grab a coffee from Cordelia’s Coffee and Flower Shop located in the 12th arrondissement of Paris—it’s a 20-minute walk, but their matcha and chai lattes in floral cups are worth it.
Quick tip for anyone exploring the St. Germain neighborhood: We’ve picked up on a trend here—locals and staff really don’t like being filmed or photographed, and they can become visibly upset. We’re not sure if this is just a St. Germain vibe or a broader Paris thing, but it’s definitely something to keep in mind while you’re out and about (especially if you are a content creator)!
Cafés in Paris we recommend you try
If you’re craving something sweet or savory, La Crème de Paris Notre-Dame has you covered with delicious waffles and crepes. For the best experience, grab a window seat with a stunning view of the Notre-Dame. The quality is top-notch, and the prices are surprisingly reasonable for such a touristy spot!
For some of the best coffee in Paris try KB Coffee Roasters, they also have delicious pastries and desserts for those of you with a sweet tooth. If they have it, definitely try the salted caramel and chocolate shortbread (factor in that it might not be available because their pastries are seasonal).
Fancy a tour of Paris? There are some incredible one you’ll definitely want to check out:
Explore one of Paris’ most charming and magical neighbourhoods, take the montmartre walking tour.
Choose the Paris guided walking tour if you want to see the highlights of Le Marais district.
If you’re a fan of Emily in Paris, you won’t want to miss the emily in paris walking tour.
Walking not your thing? Then definitely try the tootbus hop on hop off. We have heard very good things about this bus tour.
Of course, no trip to Paris is complete without seeing the Eiffel Tower. It sparkles at night, starting at 8 p.m. in autumn. For the best view, head to the Arc de Triomphe just before sunset and stay until 8 p.m. so you can catch the tower’s first sparkle from above. The climb is a bit of a workout—284 steps, to be exact—but it’s totally worth it!
For a unique neighborhood vibe, consider taking a guided walking tour of Montmartre, which is especially charming in the fall.
Indoor Activities for Rainy Autumn Days in Paris
If the weather takes a turn, head indoors to explore Paris’s incredible museums. The Louvre museum is a must-see, though it can be overwhelming. A good way to navigate is by checking out maps and tips on their website before your visit. If you’re staying longer, the Paris Museum Pass skip the line gives you access to over 60 museums, including the Louvre, and helps you skip the lines.
Looking for more pretty art to look at? Be sure to visit Musée d’Orsay reservations and Musée Orangerie tickets to experience Monet’s masterpieces in a peaceful setting. The Musée de l’Orangerie is most famous for housing Claude Monet’s “Water Lilies” (Nymphéas) series. These eight large-scale paintings are displayed in two oval rooms specifically designed for them. They offer a panoramic view of Monet’s interpretation of his garden in Giverny.
For something a bit different, visit the montparnasse tower observation deck for breathtaking panoramic views of the city or enjoy an affordable Fashion Show at Galeries Lafayette Haussmann!
If you’re after a fun night out in Paris, start with a visit to the famous Moulin Rouge. You can enjoy a fancy moulin rouge show with dinner, or just moulin rouge show with champagne while watching the dancers and their amazing costumes. It’s a truly magical experience! Afterward, for a good laugh, check out a stand up comedy paris english or this one english stand up comedy paris that pokes fun at Parisian stereotypes—like their love for baguettes, berets, and fashion. It’s a great way to enjoy the mix of Parisian style and humor all in one night!
Speaking about dinner and champagne… If there is one thing we recommend for your next trip to Paris is paris evening cruise with dinner on river seine or if you’re not that hungry, try the Paris: Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off Tour and Seine River Cruise that doesn’t include dinner.
Last but certainly not least, for a deep dive into the city’s history, visit the best catacombs tour paris. The Catacombs of Paris are underground tunnels that hold the bones of over six million people. They were created in the late 1700s to solve the problem of overcrowded cemeteries. Visitors can explore a small part of these eerie tunnels, where skulls and bones are arranged in interesting ways, offering a unique look at the city’s history.
Pro tip: Book your activities in advance. Popular spots sell out quickly, and planning ahead will save you the stress of scrambling for last-minute tickets.
Free Things to do in Paris this Autumn
You don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy Paris. Some of the best things to do here are free! Take a leisurely walk through Luxembourg Gardens, explore the artsy Montmartre neighbourhood, or visit Sacré-Cœur for stunning views of the city. For panoramic views, head up to the rooftop of Galeries Lafayette Haussmann Rooftop—it’s free and offers an unbeatable view of Paris.
If you love books, don’t miss Shakespeare & Company—just try to go on a weekday morning to avoid the crowds. And if you’re a history buff, a stroll through Père Lachaise Cemetery will give you a peaceful glimpse into the final resting place of famous figures like Jim Morrison and Oscar Wilde.
What to Eat in Paris during Fall
On our recent trip, we indulged in some amazing eats without breaking the bank. For a truly French meal, head to one of the city’s bouillons—classic brasseries offering affordable French cuisine. Our top picks? Bouillon République for its incredible escargots and steak frites. Or Bouillon Julien for its art nouveau decor. Bouillon Racine with its Art Nouveau decor in one of our favourite neighbourhoods of Paris i.e. Saint-Germain. If you’re feeling fancy, splurge on a meal at Le Train Bleu—it’s quite pricey, but the experience is unforgettable.
And of course, when in Paris, you have to try the macarons! While Ladurée and Pierre Hermé are popular, our favorite spot for these sweet treats is Caffe Concerto. Their Oreo macaron is to die for, and the atmosphere is just as sweet.
If you want to try the most delicious pizza crust with super flavourful modern take on Italian food for great prices, try one—or all—of the Big Mamma Group restaurants. We have tried and highly recommend Pink Mamma (featuring the gorgeous rooftop window with all the paintings and plants circling around Pinterest), Pizzeria Popolare (you have to try their seasonal salads), Mamma Primi (we had the lemon and black pepper cheese pizza and it was to die for) and Libertino (famouse for their unforgettable truffle pizza).
For something more authentically French, try Café de l’Empire located in the 12th arrondissement of Paris, very close to Cordelia´s. A quaint bistro that makes delicious duck with potatoes cooked in the duck’s fat and one of the best crème brûlées we’ve ever tasted.
Best Day Trips from Paris in the Fall
Want to escape the city for a day? A visit to Versailles is a must. The palace of versailles is stunning in any season, but it feels especially regal in autumn. If you’re short on time but still want a taste of royal opulence, check out the Louvre Apartments of Napoleon III, which feature décor similar to Versailles.
For a more whimsical day out, book Disneyland Paris Tickets – only a short train ride from Paris city center and perfect for the whole family!
To travel between Disneyland Paris and the Paris city center, you’ll take the RER A train. The RER is a regional express train system, and the A line runs directly from the Marne-la-Vallée/Chessy station at Disneyland to several stops in central Paris, including Châtelet-Les Halles and Charles de Gaulle – Étoile. The journey takes around 35-40 minutes.
Disneyland Paris ticket prices vary based on the season and whether you choose single-park or multi-park access:
1-Day Dated Ticket: Starts around €56 for 1 park or €81 for 2 parks (low season).
Multi-Day Tickets: Begin at €168 for 2 days and 1 park, or €211 for 2 days and 2 parks.
Annual Passes: Options range from €259 to €719 depending on perks
The low season at Disneyland Paris generally falls between mid-January and mid-March as well as mid-September to mid-November. These periods avoid major holidays and school vacation times, offering the cheapest ticket prices. Midweek visits also tend to be less expensive during these off-peak times.
Must-Visit Photo Spots in Paris this Autumn
If you’re looking to capture some beautiful memories, here are a few great photo ops:
Avenue de Camoëns allows for quiet Eiffel Tower shots, although you might have to wait your turn.
Place du Trocadéro featuring the iconic Eiffel Tower view (best visited early or when it rains).
Rue de l’Université for another Eiffel Tower shot, though it can get crowded.
Pont Alexandre III bridge for stunning Seine River views—head below to Port des Invalides for a quieter angle. This way you can really see all of the beautiful details on the bridge without all the people.
Arc de Triomphe rooftop tickets from the top of the Arc de Triomphe. We highly recommend you book your tickets in advance to avoid long queues. As we mentioned, the views of the city from here are spectacular. You can get great shots here, just keep in mind it will be crowded.
Each of these spots offers unique backdrops that capture the essence of Paris, perfect for your Instagram feed!
Whether you’re after autumn colors, cozy cafés, or iconic sights, Paris in the fall is nothing short of enchanting. Pack those layers, book your tickets, and get ready for a magical experience!
3 days in Paris on a Budget Itinerary (Autumn Edition)
Our 3 days in Paris on a Budget Travel Itinerary was designed to make exploring the city easy and affordable. We’ve planned out three full days of activities, showing you how to get around using the metro, with routes included, or how long it takes to walk, and a daily budget breakdown so you know exactly what you’ll be spending. You’ll also get access to all the links to travel resources you need, and the best part? A custom Google Maps map with all the spots pinned for you to follow along stress-free.
If you want to make your travels smoother and a lot more enjoyable, check out our Amazon Budget Travel Essentials! We’ve gathered our top gear—from road trip must-haves to family-friendly finds—so you’ll be well-equipped for your adventures. With over 10 years of exploring under our belts, these essentials are the real deal!
And don’t forget to swing by our Digital Travel Planner Shop. We’ve created some fantastic travel planners packed with useful resources and templates to help you organise your trips like a pro. Get ready to take your travel planning to the next level!
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