Fall in Paris: The Ultimate Guide to an Autumn Trip

Paris is a beautiful city any time of year, but there’s something special about it during the autumn months. The leaves on the trees change color, and the air has a crispness to it that makes everything seem more magical. If you’re planning a trip to Paris this fall, here is the ultimate guide for the autumn season in Paris as well as some of the best things to do.

What to Know Before Visiting Paris in Fall

Paris can be a bit chilly during the fall months, but that doesn’t mean you should skip a visit. In fact, fall is one of the best times to visit Paris. The crowds are smaller than they are during the summer, and there are still plenty of activities and attractions to enjoy. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind before planning your trip to Paris.

Paris Fall Weather

The weather in Paris during the fall is cool and can range from sunny to cloudy. The average temperature in Paris in October is about 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius). November is slightly colder, with an average temperature of 54 degrees Fahrenheit (12 degrees Celsius). December is the coldest month, with an average temperature of 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius). Paris can also be rainy during the fall months, so be sure to pack a raincoat and an umbrella.

What to Pack for Paris in Fall

Paris in the fall is all about layering. You’ll want to pack light sweaters, long-sleeved shirts, and a coat or jacket for the cooler days. Paris can also be rainy during the fall, so don’t forget to pack an umbrella and French trench coat to fit in.

Here is my Paris fall packing list:

Undershirts: short sleeve t-shirts
Cozy knit sweaters
Corduroy pants
Jeans
Long-sleeve ribbed or knit shirts
A fall jacket or blazer
A medium-length wool coat
Leather ankle boots
Socks
1 silk and 1 wool scarf
Leather gloves

Getting To and From Paris in Fall

Paris is well-connected to the rest of Europe and the world, making it easy to get to and from Paris by plane, train, or car.

Fall Flights to Paris

If you’re coming from the United States, you will probably fly into one of the city’s two main airports: Charles de Gaulle (CDG) or Orly (ORY). Although it’s considered an official Paris airport, I definitely recommend against flying to Beauvais Tillé (BVA) airport, because it’s quite far from Paris, and not worth the headache.

The major airlines that fly often to Paris are Air France, Delta, JetBlue, and American Airlines. If you have the money, I recommend Air France business class tickets for the most comfort during this long-haul journey.

All-business class flights take off from Newark, NJ thanks to a small airline called La Compagnie.

Plane ticket prices to Paris have been dropping lower over the years. It used to cost at least $800 to fly round-trip to Paris from the USA, but these days you can find off-season tickets for as low as $300!

Low-cost airlines you can consider for your budget flight to Paris are French Bee and Norwegian Air.

After landing at the airport, there are a few options for getting into Paris.

My preferred option for getting to central Paris from the airport is through RoissyBus, the city’s direct bus transfer line that goes straight to Opéra. While a standard city bus or the RER will make all the local stops and take a really long time, RoissyBus goes directly between the city and the airport. A one-way trip typically costs just 16€ and you take a large bus with plenty of seating and rack space on the bus for your luggage.

Here are all the options:

Cheapest: RER Metro or Public Bus
Affordable: RoissyBus
Expensive: Uber or a Parisian Taxi

Trains to Paris in Fall

If you’re coming from within Europe, you could also take one of the many high-speed trains that go to Paris’ major train stations. If you’re coming from London, the easiest way to get to Paris is on the Eurostar train that arrives to Gare du Nord.

Buses to Paris in Fall

The cheapest option for getting to Paris is usually by bus, but obviously, you must be already located in Europe to take advantage of this option! FlixBus is a respected bus company serving many destinations in Europe.

The Best Hotels for Visiting Paris in the Fall

Paris has no shortage of amazing hotels, but some are better suited for a fall visit than others. If you want to be in the heart of the action, choose a hotel located around the Place Vendome, one of Paris’ most iconic central squares.

Luxury Hotels in Paris

There’s no shortage of luxury accommodations in Paris, France if that’s what you’re looking for. Why not treat yourself to a stay in one of the best 5-star hotels Paris can offer? Some of the best luxury hotels in Paris to stay at during the fall are:

Mid-Range & Boutique Hotels in Paris

Paris has plenty of great mid-range and boutique hotels as well. Some of our favorites include:

Budget Hotels in Paris

If you’re visiting Paris on a budget, there are still plenty of great hotels to choose from. These are some of our favorites:

How to Get Around Paris in the Fall

Paris is a large city, but it’s easy to get around using the public transportation system. The Paris Metro is an efficient and affordable way to get around Paris. You can also take advantage of the city’s bike-sharing program, Vélib’, or take a leisurely stroll along the Seine River.

When to Visit Paris in Fall

The best time to visit Paris is during the shoulder season, which runs from early September to mid-October. If you visit in November, you risk running into winter-like temperatures and lots of rain. Paris is less crowded during this time, and you’ll be able to take advantage of lower hotel rates.

Where to Eat During Fall in Paris

Paris is known for its food, and there are many great places to eat during the fall months. Here are some of our favorite Parisian restaurants for eating the best French dishes:

Le Chateaubriand: This Parisian bistro is known for its steak frites, and it’s the perfect place to get a hearty meal.
Galerie Lafayette Le Gourmet: This Parisian department store has a fantastic food court, and it’s the ideal spot to find a quick and easy meal before shopping.
Chez L’Ami Jean: This traditional Parisian restaurant is known for its menu du jour, and it’s a great place for a casual meal.

Paris is a food lover’s paradise, and there are many great places to eat during your visit!

What to Drink During Fall in Paris

A hearty glass of red wine from Bordeaux is a must-have drink during your Paris fall visit. During the later weeks of fall, you’ll see lots of locals drinking vin chaud, a warm wine spiced with cinnamon and cloves. Paris is also home to many great breweries, and you can find a Parisian beer to suit your taste.

Where to Get Coffee in Paris in Fall

Paris is home to many great cafes, and there are plenty of places to get coffee during your visit. Here are some of our favorite Parisian cafes:

Cafe de Flore: This Parisian cafe is known for its fashion industry clientele, and it’s a great place to people-watch.
Les Deux Magots: This Parisian cafe is also known for its famous clientele, and it’s a great place to relax with a coffee and croissant.
Cafe Le Procope: This Parisian cafe is the oldest in Paris, and it’s a great place to try traditional Parisian coffee.
Le Nemours: This Parisian cafe is known for its terrace overlooking Place Colette, and it’s a great place to people-watch while having a coffee and pastry.

Paris is a great place to get coffee, and there are many great cafes to choose from.

Where to Shop During Fall in Paris

Paris is the fashion capital of the world, and it’s a great place to shop! There are many great stores to visit during your fall trip. Here are some of our favorites:

Sezane: This Parisian fashion brand is known for its stylish and affordable clothing. It has become a phenomenon in France! The Sézane Paris shop is a must-visit for fashion lovers.
A.P.C.: This Parisian fashion brand is known for its simple and chic clothing, and is favored by locals.
Galeries Lafayette: This Parisian department store is a great place to find designer clothes from established French brands like Sandro, Maje, Claudie Pierlot, and Soeur.
Le Bon Marche: This Parisian department store is also a great place to find high-end designer clothes by top brands like Saint Laurent, Gucci, and Celine, as well as contemporary international designers.
Polène: This minimalist Parisian handbag designer has a large store in central Paris. It’s always busy and the bags sell out fast!

Things to Do in Paris During the Autumn Season

Paris is a beautiful city to explore during the fall months. Here are some of the best things to do in Paris during autumn:

Explore the Covered Passages

Autumn is the perfect time to explore Paris’ covered passages. These Parisian arcades are full of shops, restaurants, and cafes, and they’re the perfect place to escape the cold weather.

Visit a Parisian Market

Paris is home to many food and flea markets, and autumn is the perfect time to explore them. Parisian markets are the perfect place to find fresh produce, cheese, and meats.

See the Fall Foliage

Paris is full of parks and gardens, making it the perfect place to see the fall foliage. The Jardin des Tuileries is a great place to see the autumn leaves, and the Luxembourg Gardens are also beautiful this time of year.

Visit the FIAC Art Fair

The FIAC art fair is held every October, and it’s one of the biggest art events in Paris. The fair features work by both international and local artists, and it’s a great way to see the stock of some of Paris’ best art galleries.

Take a Cooking Class

If you’re interested in learning how to cook French food, Paris is the perfect place to do it. There are many cooking classes available, and you’ll be able to learn how to make Parisian classics like croissants and quiches.

Explore Paris’ Historic Churches

Paris is home to many historic churches, and autumn is a great time to explore them. Some of the most popular churches to visit include Notre Dame Cathedral, Sacré-Cœur Basilica, and Saint-Chapelle.

See a Parisian Cabaret Show

Cabaret shows are a Parisian tradition, and they’re a great way to experience the city’s nightlife. The most famous cabaret show in Paris is the Moulin Rouge, but there are many other great shows to see as well.

Paris is a beautiful city to visit during the fall months. There are many things to see and do, and the city is less crowded than it is during other times of the year. Whether you’re interested in exploring the city’s architecture or taking in the sights, there are tons of things to do during fall in Paris!

Enjoy your autumn trip to Paris!

Paris is a beautiful city to explore during the fall months. There are many things to do and see during this time of year, from exploring the covered passages to admiring the natural fall foliage. Paris is a city that has something for everyone, and there are many great things to do during the fall. I hope this post helped you plan your visit!