12 Best Things to do in Paris in October [+ Practical Tips]

Planning to visit Paris in October? This guide will show you all the unique things to do in October in Paris plus the practical tips for an amazing trip!

Paris is a beautiful city to explore and admire no matter when you visit! However, as the leaves begin to turn red, orange, and yellow hues, the chilly winds reappear, and the hot chocolates consumed per day keep increasing, you can tell that it’s October in Paris!

With so many unique events taking place in different parts of the city, the expansive city gardens adorning a new, colored look, and new temporary exhibits start appearing at the museums, Paris in October is truly chilling and exciting.

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From hearty Halloween celebrations to the International Contemporary Art Fair and iconic falltime concerts, October is a time of frenzy, but in the best possible way.

And being the shoulder season, the crowds that come with Parisian summer start to disappear, rates on accommodation and flights start to reduce, and the locals start to reclaim their city once more which makes it an even more appealing time to visit.

So, if you’re wondering whether you should visit the city of love during this month, keep on reading to find out more about visiting Paris in October, the events you can’t miss out on, where to stay, and more, so you can truly make the most of your time in the city.

Before You Go, Here’s How to Plan Your Visit To Paris: Practical Quick Tips

MUST-DO EXPERIENCES HAPPENING NOW IN PARIS
Luminiscence at Saint-Eustache Church: A music and lighting show in one of Paris’s most beautiful churches: (4.7/10)
Candlelight show: Perfect if you want to be treated to a candlelit music show in a beautiful Parisian venue: (4.8/10)
Cabaret at Moulin Rouge: A cabaret in the iconic Moulin Rouge is a must: (4.7/10)

Weather in Paris in October

The weather in Paris in October is rather pleasant, with the summer being long gone and the city heading into a chilly winter season, you can expect a mix of a few sunny days and chilly ones.

The temperatures range between 9.6°C (49°F) and 16ºC (61ºF), so you’ll be able to spend your days out exploring the city without freezing your toes off. As time passes, the days become shorter, and nights become longer.

In general, Paris in fall weather comes alive with the fall foliage, some rainy days, a few sunny days, and breezy evenings!

Paris Temperature in October

To learn more about the weather and temperature so that you know what to wear and what to carry, here are some specifics about the temperature in Paris in October.

• Paris temperature in October: Average of 9.6°C (49°F) low & 16ºC (61ºF) high.
• Average humidity in Paris in October: 78%
• Average days of rainfall in Paris in October: 13 days

If you’ve decided that you’re ok with the October weather in Paris, it’s now time to choose where to stay. Below are my expert recommendations.

Where to Stay in Paris in October

From budget, mid-range, and luxury to an apartment rental, here’s where to stay when visiting Paris in October.

Budget Accommodation

The People Hostel – Paris Bercy: One of the best ways to save up while traveling is to find budget-friendly accommodation in a good location since you’ll be spending most of your days exploring the city anyway, and this is what this hostel offers! At The People Hostel – Paris Bercy, you’ll find rooms of all types, each equipped with basic necessities, along with a rooftop terrace and a shared kitchen. Located in the 12th Arrondissement, by the Seine and several metro stations, this property will not disappoint!

>>> Check rates and availability on Booking.com <<<

Mid-range Accommodation

Derby Alma: If you want to vacation in style but don’t want to go too overboard, staying at a modern property like Derby Alma is a great idea! This hotel is situated in the city’s heart, close to iconic Parisian landmarks, especially the Champs-Élyées and metro stations that’ll connect you to whichever part of the city you wish to explore. Equipped with all the basics, an excellent on-site restaurant and bar, and views of the Eiffel Tower from some rooms, it’s a lovely place to stay as you make the most of your Parisian adventure in October.

>>> Check rates and availability on Booking.com <<<

Luxury Accommodation

Mandarin Oriental Paris: No place exudes luxury more than the beautiful Mandarin Oriental Paris. Designed with thought, throughout the minimalist hotel, you’ll find gems that pay homage to the building, which used to be a 1930s palace. The perfect place if you’re looking to vacation like a royal, at this hotel, you’ll find every amenity you need like a gym, a spa, a garden, spectacular views of Paris, and more.

>>> Check rates and availability on Booking.com <<<

Apartment rental/Airbnb

Citadines Trocadéro Paris: If you’re not a hotel person and like having an entire property to yourself, there are plenty of options for apartment rentals or Airbnbs that you can choose from and Citadines Trocadéro Paris is one of them. Located a short walk from the Trocadéro Metro Station in the 16th Arrondissement, this furnished and well-equipped serviced apartment rental is a great way to save money, especially if you’re planning to stay in the city for a longer time. The apartment also has all the basic amenities and is designed with chic and modern decor, and it has excellent management, making it a brilliant place to stay at!

>>> Check rates and availability on Booking.com <<<

If the above hotel suggestions don’t suit your personal needs, then you can check out my accommodation-dedicated posts. From the best hotels in Montmartre, hotels with Eiffel Tower views, hotels in Paris with swimming pools, to hotels near the Louvre Museum.

But if you prefer apartment rentals, then you can check out my posts on Airbnb apartment rentals with Eiffel Tower views, luxury apartment rentals in Paris, or these budget-friendly holiday rentals in Paris.

Now that you have practical tips for spending October in Paris, let’s look at the best things to do for a fun trip.

12 Things to Do in Paris in October

On top of the general things to do in Paris, here are the month-specific activities to participate in while visiting Paris in October.

1. Participate in Various Halloween festivities

One of the best parts of the month of October, no matter which part of the world you’re in is definitely Halloween!

Bound to be a spooky but exciting night, there’s so much you can do in the city to celebrate.

Though Paris and France are generally not big on Halloween like in the US, as you’ll most definitely not find houses/apartments with scary props in their driveway, you’ll still find something to do to pump up the adrenaline.

You can take a day trip to the nearby Disneyland Paris since the park is full of Halloween-themed decor and puts on a Halloween show.

Be sure to choose a great Halloween costume (you can check out my article on where to buy Halloween costumes in Paris), indulge in some local Halloween parties, and eat some Parisian candy, even though you’re probably too old to go trick-or-treating!

And if clubbing is your thing, several clubs in Paris decorate, and the entire night is Halloween-themed to fully bring up the day’s spooky chills. For movie lovers, Le Grand Rex (a concert venue in Paris) shows a scary movie on Halloween night too.

Pro tip* To make sure you don’t miss out on the spooky events at Disneyland Paris, book your Disneyland Paris entry ticket in advance.

2. Hunt for fall foliage

With the autumn time come the red, orange, and yellow-colored leaves flying through the crisp fall breeze, and what better way to spend an afternoon in Paris in October than to chase the fall foliage?

Full of countless green parks and gardens that take on warmer hues as October rolls around, you’ll get a chance to spend time listening to your favorite tunes, surrounded by the natural beauty of fall colors.

Some of the best places to see fall foliage in Paris include Buttes-Chaumont, Parc Monceau, Jardin des Tuileries, the banks of the Seine, particularly at Pont de Bir-Hakeim as you get to capture photos of the beautiful fall trees with the Eiffel Tower, at Canal Saint-Martin, Bois de Vincennes, and for an even epic fall foliage experience, head to Bois de Boulogne, the largest public park in Paris.

Truly such a serene and peaceful experience, there’s nothing quite like exploring the Parisian gardens and the Seine banks, more so in the fall.

3. Visit Parisian cemeteries

With the spooky season on the way in October, another unique activity to take time out for is to tour the cemeteries of the city.

Much like everything else in the city, Paris’ cemeteries are picturesque and though attached to a rather morbid topic, are actually quite lovely to walk through.

With beautiful, engraved tombstones, cobblestoned lanes, marble fountains, and other magnificent landscape elements, accompanied by the autumn weather and fall leaves, the cemeteries are simply worth exploring.

Some of the cemeteries you must visit include Père Lachaise Cemetery (Cimetière du Père Lachaise), the largest cemetery in Paris and the most visited necropolis in the world, Montmartre Cemetery (Cimetière de Montmartre), which is one of the best places to visit in Montmartre, Picpus Cemetery (Cimetière de Picpus), the largest private cemetery in Paris, Montparnasse Cemetery (Cimetière du Montparnasse), the second-largest cemetery in Paris, and more.

At these locations, you’ll also find the final resting houses of some of the iconic French musicians, French writers, French painters, and other French legends.

There are quite several cemeteries in Paris but if you have to visit just one, I recommend visiting Père Lachaise Cemetery.

You can either visit on your own for free or sign up for this Père Lachaise Cemetery walking tour to learn more history about it and the legends who call it their final home.

4. Sip some wine at the Montmartre Grape Harvest Festival

Easily one of the best things to do in Paris in October is to celebrate the Montmartre grape harvest festival!

Also known as Fête des Vendanges, this festival runs for 5 days at the only remaining vineyard in the city, a sprawling patch of green in Montmartre known as Clos Montmartre.

The festival has so many exciting activities you can indulge in. From food stalls to traditional dances and music performances by local artists, and sometimes even a parade, this iconic October grapes harvest festival is a great way to spend a day in the city.

You’ll, of course, get to taste so many different wines, and learn about the different types of grapes and the best foods to pair them with; perfect for all wine connoisseurs!

During the festival, you can get a rare chance to visit the vineyard itself instead of just peeping at it since it’s always closed to tourists throughout the year.

5. Have a Night of Fun at Nuit Blanche

One of the many loved traditions of October is the Nuit Blanche, held annually on the first Sunday of October at night through the next morning.

The fest translates to “white night” (but usually called the sleepless night) and is celebrated by several of the most iconic Parisian museums, art galleries, and famous Parisian landmarks, remaining open to visitors the entire night for free as they showcase art installations and works of new and iconic artists.

But it’s not just monuments, the streets of Paris are also filled with cultural events, musical events, concerts, street performers, and more.

As part of Nuit Blanche, you’ll also come across many light installations across the city, perfect to admire as you walk from one event to another until the sun comes up.

A fun cultural event offering a unique experience, this is one of the best ways to enjoy a night in Paris in October.

6. Spend time at Paris’ top Museums

Paris is known for many things, but as the art capital, its art galleries and museums are top tiers.

The month of October may witness the occasional shower, so a great way to spend a gloomy, rainy day in Paris is to visit the art galleries and museums to admire art!

The fall months are also when many of the temporary museum exhibits change, so it could be a great way to explore some new exhibitions.

Some Parisian museums you really can’t miss out on include; the Louvre museum to have a closer look at the Mona Lisa painting and its other famous paintings, Musee de l’Orangerie to admire Monet’s water lilies paintings, the Centre Pompidou to admire contemporary art, Orsay Museum to admire impressionist paintings including the famous paintings of Auguste Renoir and many others.

Besides the big museums, you can also check out these lesser-known and free museums in Paris.

Pro tip* If you plan to visit several museums, I recommend buying this Paris museum pass as it offers free access to over 60 museums and you’ll be able to skip the long lines at those places.

You can read my detailed Paris museum pass review to see if it’s the right option for you.

7. Take a tour of the catacombs

If you’re searching for ​​places to visit in Paris in October, the Catacombs are worth a tour, especially in the fall months.

The Paris catacombs consist of over 320 kilometers (200 miles) of underground channels formed because the cemeteries in the 1720s were overflowing, and the unnamed bodies needed to go somewhere.

As a result, these continued underground ossuaries came up and are believed to currently house the remains of over six million people.

The caves also have several sculptures from before the bodies were dumped which you can admire along the way. A spooky place regardless of the time of the year you visit, a tour in October is bound to be extra special!

But before you go, make sure that you buy this Catacombs skip-the-line ticket to beat the long lines and if you want to learn more history about this place, I recommend booking this guided tour.

The tour will also give you access to private areas that can only be accessed if you go with a tour guide.

8. Eat all The Chocolate You Can at Salon du Chocolat

Set in the land of iconic patissiers and chocolate delicacies, one of the best chocolate shows takes place in Paris in October!

At the iconic Salon du Chocolat or Paris Chocolate Show (perfect for visiting with kids because which kid doesn’t go bonkers over chocolate), you’ll find a wide variety of chocolates to taste and admire.

Besides being the ultimate chocolate fest, if you’re interested, you’ll also get a chance to immerse yourself in a pastry class or workshop, as many are offered at the event.

After doing an introductory workshop, you can also book a gourmet chocolate tasting and cooking experience with renowned chefs and maybe take your creations back home for all your friends as souvenirs!

On top of this, there is also a chocolate fashion show with models showcasing impressive costumes made with chocolate! The creativity showcased in this fashion show is mind-blowing.

With over 280 exhibitors from all around the world, a day at Salon du Chocolat held at the Paris expo Porte de Versailles for 5 days is one that will be memorable for all chocolate lovers.

9. Admire The Different Car Types at the Paris Motor Show

Another great event that happens in Paris in October is the Paris Motor Show, also known as the Mondial de l’Automobile!

Held every 2 years in October, specifically on the even-number year, (which means that it’s happening in 2022 but it didn’t happen in 2021) at the Paris Expo, Porte de Versailles exhibition venue, this is believed to be one of the most important motor shows in the automobile industry globally receiving millions of visitors from all around the world.

At the Parisian Motor Show, several new car models and design concepts from over 200 car manufacturers are introduced and revealed to the public and other automakers.

Though definitely not an activity for everyone, it’s a great way to learn more about the automobile industry, explore up-and-coming cars, admire iconic and rare cars, and enjoy a unique afternoon in the city.

10. Picnic at Paris’ autumn-clad gardens

One of the best ways to truly enjoy Paris’ gardens and make the most of their natural beauty is to have a picnic!

No matter what time of year, this is a must-do in the city, simply because you can just buy some French pastries accompanied by wine, fruits, and other snacks, and enjoy a picturesque afternoon in the city of love.

Though you can choose from the countless parks spread across the Paris area, some of the green places to picnic include, Parc Monceau, Buttes Chaumont, Bois de Vincennes, Parc de la Villette, Champ de Mars, and many others.

Remember to carry a cute, aesthetic picnic blanket, a basket to hold all your snacks and disposable plates, and anything else you may need to make it the best picnic ever!

And if you’re not sure how to plan a Parisian picnic, you can read my dedicated post on how to plan the perfect picnic in Paris.

11. Spend time at the International Contemporary Art Fair

If you’ve visited the city several times and seen the art in most museums over and over and are looking for what to do in Paris in October, you’re in luck because the International Contemporary Art Fair (FIAC) takes place at this time of the year!

This one-of-a-kind art collective event gets together several modern and contemporary art galleries and over 1500 artists showcase their work at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles.

Whether you’re a dedicated artist or just an admirer, at the fair, you’ll find every form of art you know and beyond.

From dramatic installations, sculptures, and photography, paintings, to digital arts, the FIAC has it all.

Besides admiring the artwork, this event presents an opportunity to purchase art from both upcoming and renowned artists, so you might just go away with the piece you’ve been longing for, for years.

12. Indulge in the performances at the fall time concerts

The fall weather is still pleasant that you’ll want to spend all your time outdoors before the cold winter kicks in, and what better way to do so than by attending one of the many concerts that happen in Paris in October?

If you’re a jazz music aficionado, one of the top events to go to is Jazz Sur Seine, a jazz music gala that runs for a couple of weeks in October.

Other events you can enjoy include Salomé at Paris Opera, Rossini’s The Cenerentola at Paris Opera, and many others.

What To Wear In Paris in October + What To Pack

To fully prepare for the October in Paris weather, here is exactly what you should pack.

Trench coat/Leather jacket: Since Paris in October comes with chilly temperatures, you’ll need to carry either this trench coat or this Leather jacket to keep warm while walking the streets and once again, look as fashionable as Parisians are.

Scarf: Parisians love scarves and you should take one like this if you want to keep yourself warm while still remaining fashionable.

Woolen socks: I love these woolen socks as they not only keep your feet warm but also dry.

Comfortable walking shoes: These boots will look super cool in your fall photos but you can opt for sneakers as well.

Day pack: This daypack from Osprey will help keep all your daily essentials close to you at all times, but you can also opt for this cute backpack if you prefer looking cool and chic.

Portable power bank: To charge your phone and all your other devices while you’re on the go, I recommend taking this portable power bank.

Universal Travel Adapter: To be able to charge all your devices with ease wherever you go, I recommend taking this universal travel adapter. This European travel adapter works well in Paris too but it’s very limiting if you travel to other countries with different power outlets.

Windproof Travel Umbrella: Make sure you’re prepared in case of rain and avoid getting drenched by taking this windproof travel umbrella.

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Final Thoughts on the Best Things to Do in Paris in October

With an endless amount of events to explore, hot drinks to taste, and festivals to celebrate, Paris in October is indeed bound to be a vacation out of a movie.

Make the most of the day to explore all the landmarks and unique shows, plan indoor activities for the days it rains, and keep trying newer hot chocolates paired with scrumptious Parisian desserts to fully enjoy your trip to the city of lights.

NEVER TRAVEL TO PARIS WITHOUT TRAVEL INSURANCE

One of the biggest mistakes you’ll ever make when planning a trip to Paris is to forego Travel Insurance!

You might think that it’s expensive, but when you think of how much it will save you when you lose your valuables or even get sick, then you’ll know that it’s NOT that expensive!

Unfortunately, things can and do go wrong when you travel. World Nomads offers coverage for
more than 150 activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation, and more. If you’re considering travel insurance for your trip, check out World Nomads.

Check out these posts to help you plan your trip to Paris

• Fun things to do in Paris on a Rainy day
• Famous Paintings in Paris
• Where to Find the Best Macarons in Paris
• Famous Paintings at the Louvre Museum
• Best Covered Passages of Paris
• Most beautiful neighborhoods of Paris
• Fun free things to do in Paris
• Famous Churches to Visit in Paris
• Best Museums in Paris
• Tips for Visiting the Eiffel Tower
• How to spend One day In Paris

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