Paris in October: What to See & Do in 2025?

Last Updated on August 20, 2025

Autumn in the French capital has always been one of my favorite times of year– especially at the beginning of the season, before the days wane into early darkness and the trees are stripped bare. Paris in October is a lively, energizing month that offers plenty to see and do. With the added benefit of crisp air and the opportunity for a little quiet reflection, what’s not to love?

Like September, the de facto New Year in the city, October brings a plethora of events: some of the most important exhibits of the year, free “happenings” for all ages and a bunch of (genuinely) interesting fairs and trade shows.

There’s an undeniable and contagious energy in the air. And while low season doesn’t technically start until the end of the month, October offers a certain balance between excitement and contemplative calm.

Intrigued? Read on to decide whether an October trip to Paris might be ideal for you. In what follows, I offer in-depth tips on what to see, where to go, and how to pack your suitcase in light of general weather conditions.

Some Pros and Cons of Planning an October Trip to Paris

I’ve already mentioned some of the benefits of an October sojourn– namely, a city that still feels vibrant and full of energy, while moving into its ebb season.

On a related note, October tends to be a bit less crowded than April through September, so you’ll likely have a bit more of the city to yourself.

I’m not suggesting that lines will be nonexistent, nor that getting tables at trendy restaurants or tickets at popular exhibits will be easier. It may just be a tad easier than in peak months.

{Why to Visit Paris in the Autumn: Our Top Tips}

The other thing that can make this time of year especially pleasant and memorable is the focus on autumnal activities and celebrations.

From wine tasting in Montmartre to all-night art shows and strolls through markets overflowing with bounty, October offers numerous ways to enjoy harvest season– even in the middle of the city. See more on these and other events by scrolling down.

And the cons?

Naturally, every month has its downsides. Technically, high season continues through around mid-October, so flights and rail fares tend to remain high until month’s end or early November. This is why it’s crucial that you begin research early into travel packages and make some decisions that will hopefully save you money.

I always recommend booking several months ahead of time– unless you’re traveling from within Europe, which might mean you can get last-minute deals on flights and trains.

To get the ball rolling, you can compare prices and offers on flights and hotels over at Expedia, or book train tickets and passes (via Rail Europe).

Another potential pitfall?  Especially in the second half of the month, the weather can be a bit discouraging if you want to spend a lot of time outside or go on day trips that involve lots of time in the open air.

Some won’t be deterred by the cooler temperatures– see more on weather below– but when cold rain adds itself to the mix, it can really dampen (quite literally) your adventurous plans.

Weather in Paris: October Trends & Tips for Packing

Temperatures in October tend to be on the cooler side, although, as I’ve remarked in my other monthly guides, unusually high readings have been noted in past years. In general, you should plan for mild to somewhat cold conditions.

The French capital gets a fair amount of rainfall year-round, and October is no exception. At month’s end, chilly and rather abundant showers are common– offering the perfect excuse to duck into a cafe or tearoom for a warming treat.

Minimum Temperature: 10 degrees C/50 degrees F
Maximum Temperature: 17 degrees C/62.6 degrees F (please note that warmer max temps have occasionally been registered in recent years)
Average temp in recent years: around 16 degrees C/60.8 degrees F
Average monthly precipitation: 57 mm/2.2 inches (totaling around eight days per month)
Average Daylight hours: 11.5

How to Pack Your Suitcase?

While there’s the occasional, disturbingly sunny and warm day in October, in general you can expect cooler conditions to reign.

Bring a couple of short-sleeved blouses and t-shirts as well as one pair of lighter trousers, but mainly line your suitcase with warm sweaters and trousers, woolen dresses, warm socks and a waterproof jacket.

{Cozy Things to Do in Paris During the Winter} 

Shoes that keep out the wet and cold are also essential– large puddles are common around the city. I also recommend a strong, sturdy umbrella– just be careful not to leave it behind at the cafe table where you take refuge from the rain.

Best Things to Do in Paris in October

When deciding what to recommend you see and do this month, we’ve tried to balance our suggestions between lively events and activities that are a bit more laid-back and meditative. I consider such a mix to be ideal at this time of year, when the waning days are likely to make you a bit sleepy and lethargic at times, or desiring of cozy places to retreat to for a little relaxation. Peruse our suggestions in what follows, and then perhaps take a look at the tourist office website for a more complete monthly calendar.

1. Read, think and dream in a cafe somewhere

With autumn descending, it can feel like a relief (at least for me) to not have to rush around everywhere and “take advantage” of the daylight. The convention that says “you must enjoy scorching heat and sun, and spend all day outdoors wearing minimal clothing while you roast your skin like a rotisserie chicken” is one that I generally find tiresome.

So when fall rolls around and it’s once again socially “acceptable” to huddle inside, wrapped up in ample clothing and sipping coffee with a good book in hand, I’m a happy camper.

I recommend aimlessly wandering wherever you happen to be staying and simply settling into a cafe that draws you in. This is how I’ve generally found the places that ended up stealing my heart (and much of my disposable income in the form of coffee).

If you don’t like to leave things to chance, though, this is a good list of some of the city’s iconic and seductive traditional cafe-brasseries. This one directs you to some of the better new places for decent coffee in the city, while our feature on a few Parisian cafes beloved by today’s writers shows you where some of the creative energy lies in the present day.

Feel like a quick nosh on something warm, but don’t feel like paying for expensive restaurant fare? See our guide to the best creperies in Paris. They’re cheap, cheerful and full of choices that are ideal for warming up.

And if you’re more of a tea person, our picks for afternoon tea and cake in the capital will direct you to warming spots for a good cuppa with pastries or cake.

2. Taste wine and enjoy traditional harvest festivities  

October is the beginning of harvest season, and even though Paris is no longer a wine-making or agricultural center, it’s still a place where traditions are carried out with elaborate, ritualistic joy. The annual Fête des Vendanges de Montmartre is one such occasion: a curious, noisy, colorful party in and around Paris’ only remaining vineyard, Le Clos Montmartre.

Taste the rare local wine and varieties from other regions of France. Enjoy live music and bizarre processions led by wine “confreries” (brotherhoods/associations) dressed in elaborate costumes.

In 2025, the Vendanges take over hilly Montmartre from Wednesday, October 8th to Sunday, October 12th, 2025.This year, the celebration is themed around the “the eternally young 18th arrondissement”, feting the wider city district in northeastern Paris (of which Montmartre is a part).

3. Soak in the latest contemporary art trends at Art Basel Paris.  

If you like to stay abreast of all the trends in contemporary art, this is one of the most important events of “la rentrée”. Held most years under the elegant glass roof of the Grand Palais, Art Basel Paris showcases works of art presented by over 200 galleries from 40 countries and territories, and everything from painting to sculpture and installation, photography, video and digital art.

You can check out the work of emerging and young artists through solo exhibitions staged as part of the event. Finally, in conjunction with Art Basel, there’s a free programme of exhibitions and installations, open to all, that will roll out at various locations around the city.

• When: October 24th-26th, 2025
• Location: Grand Palais, 3 avenue du Général Eisenhower (8th arrondissement)
• Visit the official website & book tickets

4. Shows & Exhibits: My Picks in October 2025

The 10th month of the year is generally one of the best for catching excellent exhibitions around town. See this page for a nearly complete list of shows around town this month — and consider my suggestions below.

Niki de Saint-Phalle, Jean Tinguely, Pontus Hulten (at the Grand Palais)

With the beloved Centre Georges Pompidou and its NMMA (National Museum of Modern Art) now closed for major renovations through 2030, the Pompidou has teamed up with the Grand Palais to offer exhibitions highlighting some of the key artists and works in the NMMA’s collection.

Through January 4th, 2026, head over to the Grand Palais to see a joint show consecrated to the life, work and legacy of three crucial 20th-century French artists: Niki de Saint Phalle, Jean Tinguely andPontus Hultén. In addition to displaying some of the key contemporary artworks that define the three artists’ respective careers, the exhibit also tells the story of De Saint Phalle and Tinguely‘s important partnership, both artistically and personally.

• Where: Grand Palais
• When: From June 20th through January 4th, 2026
• Visit the exhibit website and book tickets

Robert Doisneau, Instants Donnés (Offering the Instant)

The iconic work of 20th century-photographer Robert Doisneau is once again taking hold on Parisian imaginations this summer and autumn, with a retrospective show at the Musée Maillol that assembles more than 350 photographic works of art, as well as advertising images created by the artist. Spanning from the 1930s to the 1980s, the show especially highlights Doisneau’s passionate engagement with everyday Parisian life: a local butcher in his shop; local women sunning on a terrace, children at play– but also artists in their ateliers, including sculptors working at the same museum where the show is being held.

This is an excellent chance to delve more deeply into the work of an artist who’s often reduced to his most famous images (especially 1950’s “Le Baiser de l’Hotel de Ville”) which shows a man and woman kissing outside Paris City Hall; contrary to popular belief, it was not to celebrate the end of WWII ( which came five years earlier).

• Where: Musée Maillol, 59-61 Rue de Grenelle, 7th arrondissement
• When: Through October 12th, 2025
• Visit the exhibit website and book tickets

Auschwitz-Birkenau as seen by Raymond Depardon

Since we’re on the topic of important 20th-century photography, this sobering and crucial exhibit at the Memorial de la Shoah offers an important lesson in the exhortation to “never forget” the horrors of Nazi barbarism. From the official website: “In 1979, the photographer and director came to take pictures of the Auschwitz-Birkenau site, which had just been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. He stayed there for two weeks, capturing what remained of this place of extermination of the Jews. The black-and-white photographs are being shown to the public for the first time.“

• Where: Memorial de la Shoah, 17 rue Geoffroy-l’Asnier, 4th arrondissement
• When: Through November 9th, 2025
• Visit the exhibit website

Salon du Chocolat (Chocolate Salon)

Chocolate fanatics, unite! The annual Salon du Chocolat is a massive trade show dedicated to all things chocolate and cocoa– from dark to milk and white, and in forms from bars to truffles and pralines, beautifully designed pastries, sauces, savory dishes and even fashion!

Chocolate makers, buyers and pastry chefs from around the globe throng on Paris’ Porte de Versailles convention center to share samples of their latest delicious creations, and there are workshops, cooking demonstrations, pastry competitions and more.

Don’t miss the annual chocolate runway show, which features couture creations that incorporate chocolate straight into the clothes.

• Where: Porte de Versailles Convention Centre
• Dates: October 29th, 2025 to November 2nd, 2025

See more and book tickets at the official website

Ready to Book Your Trip?

Before you do so, I encourage you to consider your options for travel insurance.

You can get a quote on and compare travel insurance policies at World Nomads.

[[World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers in over 100 countries. As an affiliate, we
receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using the link above. We do not represent
World Nomads. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.]

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Courtney Traub

Courtney Traub is the Founder and Editor of Paris Unlocked. She’s a longtime Paris resident who now divides her time (as well as she can manage) between the French capital and Norwich, UK. Co-author of the 2012 Michelin Green Guide to Northern France & the Paris Region, she has been interviewed as an expert on Paris and France by the BBC, Australian Broadcasting Corporation, Le Figaro, Matador Network and other publications. Courtney has also written and reported stories for media outlets including Radio France Internationale, The Christian Science Monitor, Women’s Wear Daily and The Associated Press. In addition to going down various rabbit holes of curiosity when it comes to French culture, history, food and art, Courtney is a scholar of literature and cultural history whose essays and reviews have appeared in various forums.