Discover the Authentic Heart of Paris in Autumn

Just as the explosive reds and oranges burst forth on the trees, autumn in Paris is when the city truly comes alive. As the summer season comes to a close, the swell of tourists and visitors dies down and locals return home to the heart of Paris to work and go to school. That being said, autumn is considered the best time to experience a truly authentic slice of Parisian life. The weather is mild and comfortable, airfare is cheapest from late September through November, and Paris comes to life with special events, one-of-a-kind art exhibitions, holiday celebrations and of course, the gorgeous backdrop of fall colors in some of the world’s most beautiful gardens. If you’re not yet in love with fall in the City of Lights, consider booking a furnished apartment in Paris to feel truly at home at this wonderful time of year.

Indulge your senses at a more leisurely pace

Fall in Paris allows visitors and locals alike a unique perspective on the city and a chance to absorb the city at a slower pace with fewer crowds. One of the best ways to do this is with a leisurely stroll through one of Paris’s stunning parks or gardens to catch a glimpse of the beautiful foliage that fall brings! Visit Tuileries Garden for some of the best of Paris’s fall colors; the garden is famous for its abundance of trees, manicured promenades, and beautiful sculptures that will make a perfect subject for photographs. You can even take a ride on the park’s carousel, which will be a hit with the kids. Another great park to visit is the Buttes Chaumont, which offers a slight departure from the groomed hedges and topiaries of traditional French gardens (and of course, is full of plenty of trees). And, to truly get away from it all, venture out to the fringes of the city and Butte Bergeyre, a quiet village overflowing with ivy and trees that is a best-kept secret among tourists and locals alike.

Besides feasting your eyes on the fall colors as the temperatures drop in Paris, another great way to indulge in the city is by enjoying the last few days of mild weather before winter and sitting outdoors at one of Paris’s many street-side cafes. Walk along Boulevard du Montparnasse or Rue de Buci in the 6th Arrondissement, or the historic district of Le Marais for some of the best traditional cafes, creperies and people-watching in the city. You can also consult our guide to the best cups of coffee in Paris and find a quiet moment to enjoy a strong brew along your favorite Paris street.

Paris’s best fall festivals, from fun to fancy

When you think of traveling to Paris, what comes to mind? Maybe the world-renowned French cuisine, refined art collections, elegant fashion, or fine French wine? Well, you may not believe it, but Paris has festivals devoted to each of them! There is even a festival specifically devoted to celebrating the season; the Autumn Festival in Paris makes its return in 2023 starting September 07 and running through January 30, 2024.

Venues all over the city host events in theatre, film, dance, music and visual arts, from the Centre Pompidou to Théâtre de l’Odéon.

Speaking of fashion, the City of Lights becomes the host of one of the biggest fashion events of the year with Paris Fashion Week from September 25 to October 3. Even if you can’t make it to a private runway show, it’s worth strolling around the city to see if you can spot any cutting-edge fashion or even a celebrity.

Enjoy the return of longer nights with Nuit Blanche

A natural trademark of the return of autumn is the beginning of shorter daylight hours and longer nights, and in true Parisian fashion, the city of Paris celebrates with a night of contemporary art installations all designed with lights! Paris will be lit up with installations, concerts and performances, and creations by international artists during Nuit Blanche, or “White Night.” You can expect to find everything from candles to neon bulbs lighting your way. The event is city-wide and lasts all night, so be sure to rest up and plan your route ahead of time to see as much of the night as possible.

Mystery and history in Paris for the spookiest time of year

On the surface Paris may be cosmopolitan and glamorous, but the city is also rich with history that is at times macabre. Fortunately, for the bravest travelers, that makes Paris a great place to visit during the Halloween season! As an alternative attraction for second-time visitors to the city, the Cathedral Basilica of St. Denis is a great alternative to the much more touristy Notre Dame de Paris. For a spine-tingling slice of history, the cathedral also hosts an impressive collection of human remains. Tour the necropolis and see the tombs and statues marking the resting place of over 40 French kings and 32 queens, or visit the crypts where you can see the tombs of Marie Antoinette, her husband Louis XVI and St. Denis himself.

Of course, if you’re looking for the spooky side of the City of Lights, you have to pay a visit to the Paris Catacombs, the resting place of over six million past Parisians. Real human bones line the walls of the catacombs (which you can explore on a self-guided tour), and some are arranged into columns, crosses, and more. In a rather morbid way, the catacombs are beautiful, just don’t try to take home a souvenir— attempting to take remains from the catacombs is a capital offense and for this reason, large bags are not allowed.

As autumn in Paris is fast approaching, the time could not be better to start planning your trip to this historical, breathtaking and romantic city. Whether your idea of the perfect fall in Paris involves taking it slow and enjoying the city sights, sampling the local food and wine at an annual festival, or getting your heart pounding with some chilling local history, there’s a fall destination in Paris for you! Of course, don’t forget to book your trip with New York Habitat—we can help you find the coziest autumn apartment rental to serve as your home away from home. Bon voyage, and bienvenue à l’automne!