Why You Need to Visit Paris in the Fall

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Weather in Paris in the Fall

As I mentioned before, our previous visits to Paris have all fallen in late Spring or in the middle of the summer. Paris during these times can get hot, and we’ve been lucky enough to be there during record setting temperatures…over 100 degrees! When it’s that hot out, it’s hard to get too excited about waiting in long lines in the blazing sun to get into museums and such. Not only is it hot outside, but air conditioning is not necessarily available in many attractions, shops and restaurants, so it makes everything a lot less comfortable.

September and October are prime months for visiting Paris in the fall. Temperatures average between highs in the low seventies in the day to lows in the high 50’s in the evenings. Perfection!

What to Pack for Paris in the Fall

Because temperatures are so pleasant in Paris in the fall, packing for your trip is a lot of fun! Varied temps mean you can pack everything from t-shirts and dresses in the daytime to jackets and sweaters for layering in the evenings. It gives you a chance to show off your wardrobe that we all know you packed to try and be as stylish as a local.

The most important thing to pack is layers. You will definitely want a sweater or light jacket in the mornings and possibly a slightly heavier coat in the evenings. A scarf and beret never hurt either. 😉 Here are a few things I would recommend packing for a trip to Paris in the fall. Click on any image to get more information about the item.

Where to Stay in Paris in the Fall

There are SO many beautiful places to stay in Paris! Being in the city of lights during the fall you can sometimes find slightly better rates because the crowds have died down a bit. Just be aware that Paris Fashion Week is usually the last week of September and rooms can be hard to come by and more expensive. Here’s a sampling of a few of my favorites, along with a couple places I am dying to stay on future trips. 

Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris – This hotel has been on my bucket list for a LONG time. From the perfect location just steps from the Champs-Elysees to the amazing floral displays by Jeff Leatham, I was SO excited to experience this level of luxury in Paris. You can read more about our experience here, but if you get the chance to stay, don’t pass it up!

There’s no shortage of luxury palace hotels in Paris but the Four Seasons Hotel George V may be the most entertaining one. Why? The world renowned artistic director Jeff Leatham spreads his floral arrangements throughout the hotel and in the magnificent marble courtyard. Just steps from the Champs-Elysées, in the heart of the famous Golden Triangle of Paris, this grand luxury hotel sits in an original 1928 landmark Art Deco building offering an exquisite Art collection. The 244 redecorated rooms and suites create the unique atmosphere of luxurious Parisian apartments, including stunning views from numerous terraces. The hotel has earned five Michelin stars across its three restaurants, it offers a unique culinary journey to in-house guests and local Parisians.

Mandarin Oriental Paris – The Mandarin Oriental name is synonymous with modern luxury. Located on the most luxurious and fashionable streets in the city (and possibly the world) the gorgeous, contemporary rooms are spacious and will leave you feeling relaxed and pampered. 

Sofitel Paris Le Faubourg– located at the heart of Paris only 150 feet from Place de la Concorde and 350 feet from the famous Champs-Élysées. It is set in 2 private mansions dating from the 18th and 19th century. We will be staying here in just a few weeks, it looks amazing and I can’t wait to report back!

The Peninsula Paris – Walking by this fabulous hotel in the evenings during fashion week you knew this was THE place to be. John and I wandered through the super luxurious lobby crawling with super stylish guests and I didn’t want to leave! ​​The Peninsula sits in the heart of Paris within walking distance of some of the world’s most famous monuments, museums and luxury shopping districts and oozes haute couture and sophistication. 

The Hôtel Costes – If you want to feel like a celebrity for the weekend (and maybe run into a few) The Hotel Costes may be the place for you. Clubby and ultra cool with dim lights and a nightclub vibe, the hotel has an aura of mystique and it likes it that way. Celebs like it because it’s ultra luxurious, and ultra private. You’ll like it because it will make you feel like you’re in on one of the hippest secrets in the city.

The Park Hyatt Paris Vendome – Contemporary architecture and modern design blend perfectly in this stunning hotel located just a short walking distance from the Opera Garnier and the legendary Place Vendôme. Michelin rated restaurants, fitness center, state of the art spa and more ensure every amenity is at your fingertips. 

A few more to take a look at…

Le Bristol

Hôtel Plaza Athénée

Paris Marriott Champs Elysees Hotel

Renaissance Paris Vendome Hotel

Paris Perfect – If you are looking for the ultimate Parisian experience then book a stay through Paris Perfect and live like a local for a few days (or longer if you can swing it!) Paris Perfect is a luxury rental agency that represents some of the prettiest private apartments in the city in the best locations. Offering all of the amenities of a 5 star hotel with a little more space. You’ll get a unique perspective on life in Paris while you travel. 

VRBO – There are LOTS of awesome VRBO’s in Paris if you are a bit more of an adventurer and feel comfortable booking a private rental in a foreign city. You can usually get more space for a whole lot less than a hotel. I’ve got lots of tips for finding a nice, reliable VRBO in this post. 

What to See in Paris in the Fall

One major benefit of visiting Paris in the fall is the fact that the summer crowds have dispersed. I don’t know about you, but I sure enjoy wandering the Louvre much more having moments to myself to take it all in rather than dealing with a stampede of tourists.

Queues at the Eiffel Tower can mean hours of waiting in the hot summer sun in July and August, but in the fall…you can often walk right up. While you will want to of course visit all of the usual touristy sites when you visit Paris in the fall, (it’s a great time to see Versailles without the crowds!) be sure to take advantage of some of the fun things you can’t do at other times of the year. 

The Nuit Blanche Festival : On the first weekend in October, in all parts of the city, artists create installations, exhibitions, concerts performances, trails, staged scene sets and contemporary art creations. Public transport stays open all night so you can plan your visit around the city and create a route that allows you to see the many avant-garde projects of international artists. 

Grape Harvest Festival in Montmartre (Fête des Vendanges)

Usually the first full week of October

Famous for the beautiful Sacré-Cœur, the Montmartre is also well known for its vines. The 18th arrondissement celebrates the season each fall with more than 40 bars and restaurants taking part in this event that attracts lots of visitors. Featuring concerts, street entertainment, tastings of artisanal and regional products, a dance, walks, visits, exhibitions, there is something for everyone at this fun festival.

Stroll through one of the many beautiful parks in the city (Luxembourg Gardens is a favorite) and enjoy the fall colors. 

Get hot chocolate at Angelina’s on a crisp night

Visit Père-Lachaise cemetery in autumn– tree lined winding cobblestone paths lead you through on of the world’s most visited cemeteries. More than 3 Million people visit this unique cemetery every year to see the final resting places of famous artists, musicians and authors.

With reduced crowds, lower prices and beautiful temperatures, Paris in the fall is a dream. I love the experience of being in these big cities in the off season because it gives me a chance to live more like a local. Get off the beaten path, visit cafes in residential neighborhoods, experience local festivals and immerse yourself in this magical city!

If you are planning a trip to France, be sure to check out these other posts:

Visit the Sacre Coeur  | A Travel Guide to Colmar France | Tips for Visiting the Eiffel Tower | Best Shopping in Paris

The Best View in Paris | Why You Need a Paris Museum Pass | Exploring Bayeux & Normandy | Stay in a Parisian Apartment

Looking for more travel posts and ideas? You can check out our entire Travel Gallery to see all of our posts and helpful info.