In between the madness that was FIAC, I did have a few rare moments of calm in the beautiful city of Paris — mainly to eat, take a coffee, and travel between the fairs. Nevertheless, Paris is a wonderful city to visit for work (or play!), and I found many so new restaurants to enjoy a meal, courtyards with ivy-covered buildings, and Parisian art galleries with interesting contemporary art exhibitions.

Here are several reasons why you should absolutely visit Paris this autumn!

Enjoy the Architecture

No matter the season, Paris has beautiful architecture to admire!

7th Arrondissement

Eat Breakfast at Café De Flore

Watching the leaves fall from the lovely Café de Flore is a fantastic autumn experience.

Café De Flore

Drink Wine from Bordeaux

Red wine is the drink of choice for Parisians in autumn!

Café De Flore

172 Boulevard Saint-Germain, 75006 Paris

Stay at the cozy Hotel Amour

After a long day of art fair trotting, I had a wonderful meal and wine at the Hotel Amour in the 9th arrondissement, not too far from my apartment…

Dinner at Hotel Amour

Hotel Amour
8 Rue de Navarin, 75009 Paris

Au Général Lafayette

There’s something about seeing French menus written on the windows of a café that makes me smile! I came across this café on my way to a meeting and couldn’t resist to snap a photo.

Au Général Lafayette

52 Rue la Fayette, 75009 Paris, France

Visit the Art Fairs in the 16th Arrondissement

16th Arrondissement

Chez Lévêque & Chez Marie

I came across two beautifully handwritten façades of Parisian restaurants. One across from the Notre Dame de Paris and the other at the footsteps of Montmartre.

Chez Lévêque

Chez Lévêque
10 Rue Saint-Julien le Pauvre 75005 Paris, France

Chez Marie

Chez Marie
27 Rue Gabrielle, 75018 Paris, France

Stroll The Seine

Many of Paris’ famous landmarks are located along the winding Seine river that divides Paris in half. While most, like the Notre Dame Cathedral, are instantly recognizable, others will baffle you as you ponder their origin. For me, this was a long building in the Left Bank with several conical roofs that looked like a beautiful castle! Thanks to Google Maps, I discovered it was the Conciergerie — a former prison that famously held Marie Antoinette before her beheading at Place de la Concorde. Yes, you read that right, it’s a prison. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a lovelier one in my life!

Conciergerie Paris

Conciergerie
2, Boulevard du Palais 75001 Paris

La Seine during Fall
Notre Dame

Le Marais

Exploring the East side of Paris is a low-key experience. You come across new and cutting-edge contemporary art galleries as opposed to old, established museums. You hang out in a tiny café instead of a grand restaurant. You walk along small winding streets instead of large boulevards… You get the idea!

Le Marais
Le Marais
Le Marais
Le Marais

Institut Historique d’Allemand

I’ve never actually been inside this place, but I absolutely adore the exterior ever since I came across it last June!

Institut Historique d'Allemand

8 Rue du Parc Royal, 75003 Paris

La Petite Place

La Petite Place Restaurant

16 Rue du Parc Royal, Paris

Take in the View from Restaurant Georges

Restaurant Georges
Restaurant Georges

6ème étage, Palais Beaubourg, Place Georges Pompidou, 75004 Paris

OFR, beautiful books

OFR beautiful books

20 Rue Dupetit-Thouars, 75003 Paris

A funny little story: within 24 hours, I was asked for directions by three different French tourists on the street – something that could just be a result of chance, but somehow makes me feel like I appear Parisian – in which case, I’ll take that as a compliment! ;)

I hope you enjoyed this list of things to do during autumn in Paris!

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