October brings crisp mornings and rich fall colors to Paris. Trees blaze gold in the Tuileries and Luxembourg Gardens, and the city's cultural calendar heats up. Fewer crowds mean more room to linger in museums or snag terrace seating at a café. Arrive early for big-ticket sites like the Louvre to avoid midday lines, and dress in layers—sunshine and rain often trade places by the hour.
16 °C / 60 °F highs, 10 °C / 50 °F lows; expect periodic showers.
10.9 hours; sunrise ~8 am, sunset ~6:45 pm.
Montmartre Harvest Festival, Paris+ by Art Basel.
Moderate; fewer tourists, except during major events.
Light coat, umbrella, scarf, closed-toe shoes.
Onion soup, roasted chestnuts, wine bar tapas.
The chestnut trees in Luxembourg Gardens glow golden this month. It’s ideal for leaf-peeping and crisp morning walks with a pastry in hand. Avoid weekends to dodge local crowds.
A river cruise in October offers clear air, fiery trees along the Seine, and fewer noisy tour groups. Opt for sunset departures (~6 pm) for warm, cinematic views.
Recommended experiences:
Pompidou's October lineup includes seasonal retrospectives and international shows. It's less packed than the Louvre and offers panoramic rooftop views post-exhibit.
Wine bars (caves à vin) roll out autumn vintages this month. Order a glass with charcuterie and chat with local regulars. Le Baron Rouge near Bastille is a classic.
Once the crowds leave after the Fête des Vendanges, Montmartre feels like a village again. Wander quiet alleys, sip coffee by Place du Tertre, and catch golden light over the city.
Recommended experience:
This 13th-century chapel glows in October's low sun. Arrive early to beat groups. Late afternoon light through the stained glass is magical.
Recommended experiences:
Crowds ease by mid-October. Head straight for the Richelieu Wing to see Napoleonic apartments and Dutch Masters, often overlooked by first-timers.
Recommended experiences:
This locals-loved canal is lined with foliage and cozy cafés. Pick up a hot crepe, then wander the footbridges and pop into indie bookstores or wine shops.
Recommended experiences:
City skyline views from a quiet local park.This underrated green space offers sweeping views over central Paris and fall foliage from its upper terrace. Perfect for a picnic or a quiet break from the tourist zone.
Classic films in an art deco theater.October evenings call for cozy cinema. Le Champo screens vintage French and international films in a stylish 1930s hall near the Sorbonne. It’s a local favorite for nostalgic cinephiles.
Romantic-era art in a former home.Tucked in a Montmartre alley, this museum explores 19th-century Parisian life. October’s chill makes its greenhouse café a perfect pit stop. Bonus: Free entry to the permanent collection.
Covered passage with curry scents and sari shops.Wander this multicultural arcade full of Indian restaurants, fabric shops, and spice stores. A sensory feast that feels a world away from typical Paris.
Yes, a museum inside Paris's real sewers.This oddball museum takes you beneath the streets to explore the historic sewer system. It’s surprisingly informative—and surprisingly clean. Cool and dry if it’s drizzling outside.
🚆 Travel time: ~45 min by RER C
October foliage paints the gardens gold and bronze. Crowds shrink post-summer. Bring a raincoat—fountains may be off, but the estate is stunning in misty weather.
🚄 Travel time: ~45 min by TGV
Harvest just ended, so vineyards buzz with activity. Book cellar tours at Veuve Clicquot or Taittinger. Wear layers—it’s cooler underground.
🚆 Travel time: ~1 h by train from Gare de Lyon
Hike forest trails under colorful canopies, then explore the less-crowded royal château. Stop in town for boeuf bourguignon at a local bistro.
1. Book tickets early for Paris+ Art Basel and Disneyland Halloween weekends—they draw serious crowds.
2. Wear waterproof shoes—Paris’s cobblestones get slick fast after October rain.
3. Montmartre buses reroute during the wine festival (Oct 8–12); use Metro Line 12 to Lamarck–Caulaincourt instead.
4. Museum late nights: Orsay stays open till 9:45 pm on Thursdays, Pompidou on Fridays—great for avoiding tour groups.
5. DST ends on October 26—sunsets arrive ~5:45 pm after that.
6. Bring a compact umbrella; wind gusts break flimsy ones fast.
7. Walk the Seine at golden hour (5–6:30 pm mid-month) for unreal skyline photos without the summer crowds.
8. Avoid Eiffel Tower on Oct 25–26 afternoons—Art Basel crowds spill over from Champ de Mars.
9. Chocolate shops debut fall flavors this month—look for salted caramel, hazelnut praline, and spiced ganaches.
Yes—fewer tourists, colorful parks, and a packed cultural calendar make it a standout fall month.
Yes, a medium-weight coat or trench is ideal. Layer up for mornings and chilly evenings.
None officially, but events like Montmartre's festival and Halloween activities can cause crowds and closures.
Less than summer, especially mid-to-late October. Weekday afternoons are the quietest times.
Yes, but hours shorten slightly late-month. Book tickets in advance, especially during Art Basel week.
Onion soup, roasted chestnuts, mushroom dishes, and fig tarts are all in season.
Yes, especially weekends and around Halloween. Book timed entry tickets early.
Around 6:45 pm early month; by 5:45 pm after daylight savings ends on Oct 26.
Yes, all month. Choose late afternoon or evening for the best fall light.
Only if it includes zones 1–5, like the Navigo Découverte. Otherwise, buy a separate ticket for CDG or Orly.
This cheesy baked onion soup hits the spot on drizzly days. Caramelized onions, beef broth, croutons, and gooey Gruyère—served blistering hot.
Where to eat: Le Comptoir du Relais, 6th arrondissement
Find vendors on sidewalks and squares. These smoky, warming treats are perfect for fall walks—sold by the paper cone, cash only.
Where to eat: Rue Mouffetard or near Hôtel de Ville
Porcini, chanterelles, and girolles sautéed in butter with garlic and herbs—often served with veal or pasta. Peak season in October.
Where to eat: Chez L’Ami Jean, 7th arrondissement
Fresh fig tart with almond cream and flaky pastry—sweet, juicy, and very October. Often on daily menus at pâtisseries and cafés.
Where to eat: Boulangerie Utopie, 11th arrondissement
