La Ville-Lumière, or the 'City of Lights', embodies the radiant charm of Paris. Imagine strolling through cobblestone streets, sipping coffee at cozy cafés, and marveling at centuries-old architecture and world-class museums. The iconic Eiffel Tower is just the cherry on top. Since the Olympics, the Seine River and its surrounding attractions have become even more popular. This array of experiences is enhanced by the friendliness of locals, an efficient public transport system, and the city's tranquil atmosphere. October in Paris is a special treat, with the fall season in full swing and winter slowly making its entrance. Despite the generally pleasant weather year-round, there’s an enchanting vibe to Paris in October. Read on to discover why.
What makes Paris in October a must-visit?
Paris has an oceanic climate, with the overall weather being mild and moderately wet throughout the year. The summers are generally pleasant and the winters being cool during the day and freezing cold during the night. The month of October in Paris hits that sweet spot between warm and cold, making it a great time to visit the city. The fiery orange and yellow leaves, the cozy insides of cafés where you can enjoy a mug of decadent hot chocolate, the amber dusk casting its shadow on the Seine; there’s a remarkable romanticism to everything in Paris in October.
Apart from the weather, an October trip to Paris brings the promise of reduced crowds, cheaper airfare, and a generally more peaceful vibe. This is because most tourists flocks to Paris during the summers in order to avoid any rainfall. But October springs a pleasant surprise. The average rainfall in October is usually one of the lowest of the year, making it a great time period to experience Paris in all its glory without much crowd.
Paris in October: Weather
October in Paris is marked with cool weather. At this time of the year, the weather in Paris is a pleasant blend of cold and wet. At this time of year, the average temperature starts off at 14°C by October 1st and drops down to 9.5°C by October 31st. Daily lows range from 6°C to 10°C, exceeding 14°C or falling below 2°C only one day out of every ten.
Paris in October: Things to do
1
The Eiffel Tower
No trip to Paris is complete without visiting the Eiffel Tower. Considered one of the most romantic places in the world, the Eiffel Tower is a sight to behold during the month of October, with the pink hued sky and pleasant breeze adding to its charm.
Champ de Mars, 5 Avenue Anatole France,
Paris
Getting There ›
2
Palace of Versailles
This is one of the mpst prestigious palaces in Europe and contributes a lot to World history. Explore the grand palace with it's vast gardens and royal heritage. Yes, this is the same place where Marie Antoniette lived for a while and also the place where the German Empire was formed and years later humiliated post World War 1.
Place d'Armes, 78000 Versailles,
France
Getting There ›
3
Louvre Museum
The crowd is going to be comparatively less if you visit Louvre in October. The iconic glass pyramid welcomes art enthusiasts to explore its vast treasures, from the Mona Lisa's enigmatic smile to ancient Egyptian artifacts. This is where the World art is kept safe and one of the premier institution if you are an art enthusiast.
Musée du Louvre, 75001 Paris,
France
Getting There ›
4
Orsay & Musée de L’Orangerie - Picasso Blue & Rose
Visiting Musée d'Orsay in October is a delightful experience. The former railway station, turned art haven, showcases Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces. During this month, the autumnal ambiance adds a cozy charm to the museum's grandeur. With shorter lines, it's the ideal time to savor artistic brilliance in Paris.
1 Rue de la Légion d'Honneur, 75007 Paris
France
Getting There ›
5
Seine Dinner Cruise
Discover the magical delights of Paris from the calm waters of the Seine aboard a beautiful glass canopy boat. During your cruise, you’ll get to see Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, Les Invalides, Louvre, The Parliament, Institut de France, Grand Palais, Musée d’Orsay, and many more famous landmarks.
Port de la Bourdonnais, 75007 Paris
France
Getting There ›
6
Day Trip to Loire Valley
During this trip to the amazing Loire Valley, you’ll discover the charm and magic of the Château de Chambord and Château de Chenonceau. This will be followed by a wine tasting session at the privately-owned castle, Nitray. Experience the glorious era of the French Renaissance with a trip to these majestic castles.
7
Visit Claude Monet's Garden
From 1883 until his death in 1926, Monet, the founding father of the French Impressionist style, settled in the village of Giverny, where he built a small home around a beautiful garden that served as the scene for his most famous works. October happens to be the last month of the year to see Claude Monet's gardens at Giverny.
Paris in October: Events to look out for
Fête des Vendanges
Date: October 9 - 13, 2024
Fête des Vendanges, the Paris Wine Festival, is a delightful October celebration. This annual event brings together wine enthusiasts and Parisians to revel in the city's wine culture. You can enjoy tastings, vineyard tours, live music, and culinary delights, creating a vibrant and memorable wine-filled experience in the heart of Paris.
Halloween at Disneyland Paris
Dates: October 1 - November 3, 2024
Celebrating Halloween at Disneyland Paris is pure enchantment. The park transforms into a spooktacular wonderland, with pumpkin-themed decorations, eerie parades, and Disney characters in hauntingly delightful costumes. Families and thrill-seekers can enjoy themed rides, trick-or-treating, and a magical atmosphere that blends Disney magic with the spooky spirit of Halloween.
Paris Fashion Week
Dates: September 23 - October 1, 2024
Paris Fashion Week is a series of designer presentations held semiannually in Paris, France with spring/summer and autumn/winter events held each year. Fashion Week is held at venues throughout the city and the 2024 edition will begin on 23 September 2024.
Paris in October: 5-day Itinerary
Check out our carefully curated itineraries and plan your visit to Paris better. Whether you're visiting Paris for 1 day, 3 days or 5 days; our itineraries packed with top experiences and traveler tips are bound to come handy.
5 Days in Paris Itinerary
1
Paris Essentials
LanguageFrench
Time zoneGMT+2
Country Code+33
Socket Type C & E
CurrencyEuros €
Where to Stay
Depending on your budget, there is a wide range of places you can stay at while in Paris. From budget-friendly Airbnbs to quaint cottages in the outskirts of the city, there are many options you can pick from:
- Luxury hotels – Relais Christine, Le Narcisse Blanc, Hotel The Peninsula Paris, and Goralska Résidences Hôtel Paris Bastille
- Budget hotels – Hotel Tolbiac, Ibis Paris Porte d'Orleans, Hotel Paris Louis Blanc, Libertel Gare du Nord Suede, and Art Hotel Congres
What to Pack
Here’s a handy list of packing essentials for a trip to Paris in October: A good waterproof coat, comfortable walking shoes, a warm jacket for the evening, light cotton clothes, sweaters or cardigans in case it gets really cold, and a sturdy umbrella that can resist the wind.
Getting Around Paris
The Paris public transport system is managed by RATP and comprises of the Métro (underground), tram, RER suburban express train (which interconnects with the Métro inside Paris), bus, and noctilien (night bus). Paris and its suburbs are divided into 6 zones.
For tourists, Zones 1 and 2 are the most important as they cover the city center and all Métro lines. RATP tickets and passes are valid on the Métro, tram, buses and RER. The Métro alone is very efficient and will take you anywhere you need to go within Paris city limits, and sometimes slightly beyond. Buses are less reliable but still offer a good service.
What to Eat
One of the most common French delicacies, a baguette is a long, thin loaf of French bread that is commonly made from basic lean dough. What makes a baguette different from your typical bread is its length and crisp crust. Some of the best places that serve baguette include Boulangerie Brun and Aux Délices de Glacière.
Duck confit is a famous French dish that is prepared using the whole duck. The confit is prepared by employing a centuries-old process of preservation which involves salt curing a piece of meat (generally goose, duck, or pork) and then cooking it in its own fat. Head to Les Philosophes, La Fontaine de Mars, or Bouillon Racine for a fantastic duck confit in Paris.
A croissant is a buttery, flaky, viennoiserie pastry named for its crescent shape. This breakfast favorite comes in a variety of flavors and is made from a layered yeast-leavened dough. Get the best croissant in Paris at Des Gâteaux et du Pain, Du Pain et des Idées, La Maison Pichard, or Laurent Duchêne.
A croque monsieur is a baked or fried boiled ham and cheese sandwich that first originated in French cafés and bars as a quick snack. Try it at Gérard Mulot, Le Caffé Cambronne, and Le Nemrod.
A macaron is a small cookie that is generally made from ground almonds, coconut, or other nuts; sugar; and sometimes flavorings, food coloring, glace cherries, jam, or a chocolate coating. Get amazing macarons in Paris at Pierre Hermé, Gérard Mulot, Ladurée, or Café Pouchkine.
Tips for visiting Paris in October
- As the weather is getting colder, be sure to carry an umbrella and a sweater/cardigan with you at all times.
- Autumn is the best time to indulge in some rich hot chocolate. Get the best hot chocolate in Un Dimanche à Paris, Charles Chocolatier, and Carette.
- Be sure to check out the Montmartre Wine Harvest Festival between 11-15 October. Experience the harvest festival atmosphere as you try local food, indulge in wine tasting, and enjoy the fireworks display and street performances.
- Get yourself a Paris City Pass and explore the City of Light for less. With over 50 attractions covered in the cards, you can explore the city, while saving time and money.
- If you're strapped for time, make the most of your visit to Paris by taking a hop on hop off tour. This will help you cover all the important sights in the city, while also giving you a background of the city's rich cultural history.
Explore Paris by Months
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