La Ville-Lumière which translates to 'City of Lights' perfectly describes the luminous and beautiful city of Paris. A trip to Paris is something straight out of a romantic novel - cobbled pathways, quaint cafés dotting the streets, centuries old architecture, museums that showcase the culturally rich heritage of the city, and finally the magnificent Eiffel Tower. This neat little package of experiences is made even better by the warm and welcoming locals, the robust public transport system, and the generally peaceful vibe that encapsulates the city. While the weather in Paris is generally pleasant around the year, there’s something truly special about a trip to Paris in October. Read on to know why.
What makes Paris in October a must-visit?
Paris has an oceanic climate, with the overall weather being mild and moderately wet throughout the year. The summers are generally pleasant and the winters being cool during the day and freezing cold during the night. The month of October in Paris hits that sweet spot between warm and cold, making it a great time to visit the city. The fiery orange and yellow leaves, the cozy insides of cafés where you can enjoy a mug of decadent hot chocolate, the amber dusk casting its shadow on the Seine; there’s a remarkable romanticism to everything in Paris in October.
Apart from the weather, an October trip to Paris brings the promise of reduced crowds, cheaper airfare, and a generally more peaceful vibe. This is because most tourists flocks to Paris during the summers in order to avoid any rainfall. But October springs a pleasant surprise. The average rainfall in October is usually one of the lowest of the year, making it a great time period to experience Paris in all its glory without much crowd.
Paris in October: Things to do
1
The Eiffel Tower
No trip to Paris is complete without visiting the Eiffel Tower. Considered one of the most romantic places in the world, the Eiffel Tower is a sight to behold during the month of October, with the pink hued sky and pleasant breeze adding to its charm.
Champ de Mars, 5 Avenue Anatole France,
Paris
Getting There ›
2
Versailles - Napoleon Images of the Legend
This exhibition presents a fascinating selection of the Napoleonic collection from the palaces of Versailles and Trianon, which is the world's largest on the subject. Experience the history of Napoleon in chronological order, from General Bonaparte to the fallen Emperor.
Place d'Armes, 78000 Versailles,
France
Getting There ›
3
Louvre Museum - Japonisms
To mark the 160th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Paris and Japan, the Japonisms exhibition in the Louvre will showcase the Throne under the Pyramid of the Musée du Louvre. This monumental work by Japanese artist Kohei Nawa is completely covered with gold leaf, and blends Japanese cultural tradition with cutting-edge technology.
Musée du Louvre, 75001 Paris,
France
Getting There ›
4
Orsay & Musée de L’Orangerie - Picasso Blue & Rose
Organised by the Musée d’Orsay and the Musée national Picasso-Paris, this fabulous event is dedicated to Pablo Picasso’s blue and rose periods. The exhibition will bring together a large number of paintings and drawings to showcase the famed artist’s sculptures and engravings between 1900 and 1906.
1 Rue de la Légion d'Honneur, 75007 Paris
France
Getting There ›
5
Seine Dinner Cruise
Discover the magical delights of Paris from the calm waters of the Seine aboard a beautiful glass canopy boat. During your cruise, you’ll get to see Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, Les Invalides, Louvre, The Parliament, Institut de France, Grand Palais, Musée d’Orsay, and many more famous landmarks.
Port de la Bourdonnais, 75007 Paris
France
Getting There ›
6
Day Trip to Loire Valley
During this trip to the amazing Loire Valley, you’ll discover the charm and magic of the Château de Chambord and Château de Chenonceau. This will be followed by a wine tasting session at the privately-owned castle, Nitray. Experience the glorious era of the French Renaissance with a trip to these majestic castles.
7
Visit Claude Monet's Garden
From 1883 until his death in 1926, Monet, the founding father of the French Impressionist style, settled in the village of Giverny, where he built a small home around a beautiful garden that served as the scene for his most famous works. October happens to be the last month of the year to see Claude Monet's gardens at Giverny.
Paris in October: Events to Look Out For
Nuit Blanche
As the days shorten and autumn beckons winter, the Nuit Blanche invites you to see the city in a different way, at night, lit by moonlight, neons and other lights. In all parts of the city, artists willshowcase installations, exhibitions, concerts performances, trails, staged scene sets, and creations that explore all facets of contemporary art and offer a new view of the city.
Date: October 6, 2018
Salon du Chocolat
The Salon du Chocolat promises a delicious and festive programme in the heart of Paris at Porte de Versailles Exhibition Center! With over 500 participants from 60 countries, including over 200 renowned chefs and pastry chefs, the Salon du Chocolat is the must-see event for all chocolate lovers.
Dates: October 31, 2018 - November 4, 2018
Concerts in Sainte Chapelle
Experience one of the most breathtaking sights in Paris while enjoying a superb performance of classical music. La Sainte Chapelle is a treasure of French Gothic architecture and home to over 100 performances each year. The concerts feature favorite works of the classical music repertoire, performed by excellent soloists and ensembles.
Dates: Throughout the month. Find it here.
Tous au Restaurant
The food event “Tous au Restaurant” (Let's go to the Restaurant) is back in Paris this month! For many years now, the event has been the occasion to discover restaurants at attractive rates because of a very simple principle: one meal bought, one meal offered! For 15 days, over 1,400 restaurants participate in this event, making it a memorable food festival!
Dates: October 1, 2018 - October 14, 2018
Paris Fashion Week
Paris Fashion Week is a series of designer presentations held semiannually in Paris, France with spring/summer and autumn/winter events held each year. Fashion Week is held at venues throughout the city and the 2018 edition will begin on 25 September 2018.
Dates: September 25, 2018 - October 3, 2018
Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe
Winner of the 2017 Longines World’s Best Horse Race at the Longines World’s Best Horse Race Awards Ceremony, the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe is one of the biggest racing events in France. People flock from over the world to watch the world's best horses compete in one of the world's best horse races.
Dates: October 6, 2018 - October 7, 2018
Paris in October: 5-day Itinerary
Paris Essentials
LanguageFrench
Time zoneGMT+2
Country Code+33
Socket Type C & E
CurrencyEuros €
Weather
October in Paris is marked with cool weather. At this time of the year, the weather in Paris is a pleasant blend of cold and wet. At this time of year, the average temperature starts off at 14°C by October 1st and drops down to 9.5°C by October 31st. Daily lows range from 6°C to 10°C, exceeding 14°C or falling below 2°C only one day out of every ten.
Where to Stay
Depending on your budget, there is a wide range of places you can stay at while in Paris. From budget-friendly Airbnbs to quaint cottages in the outskirts of the city, there are many options you can pick from:
- Luxury hotels – Relais Christine, Le Narcisse Blanc, Hotel The Peninsula Paris, and Goralska Résidences Hôtel Paris Bastille
- Budget hotels – Hotel Tolbiac, Ibis Paris Porte d'Orleans, Hotel Paris Louis Blanc, Libertel Gare du Nord Suede, and Art Hotel Congres
What to Pack
Here’s a handy list of packing essentials for a trip to Paris in October: A good waterproof coat, comfortable walking shoes, a warm jacket for the evening, light cotton clothes, sweaters or cardigans in case it gets really cold, and a sturdy umbrella that can resist the wind.
Getting Around Paris
The Paris public transport system is managed by RATP and comprises of the Métro (underground), tram, RER suburban express train (which interconnects with the Métro inside Paris), bus, and noctilien (night bus). Paris and its suburbs are divided into 6 zones.
For tourists, Zones 1 and 2 are the most important as they cover the city center and all Métro lines. RATP tickets and passes are valid on the Métro, tram, buses and RER. The Métro alone is very efficient and will take you anywhere you need to go within Paris city limits, and sometimes slightly beyond. Buses are less reliable but still offer a good service.
What to Eat
One of the most common French delicacies, a baguette is a long, thin loaf of French bread that is commonly made from basic lean dough. What makes a baguette different from your typical bread is its length and crisp crust. Some of the best places that serve baguette include Boulangerie Brun and Aux Délices de Glacière.
Duck confit is a famous French dish that is prepared using the whole duck. The confit is prepared by employing a centuries-old process of preservation which involves salt curing a piece of meat (generally goose, duck, or pork) and then cooking it in its own fat. Head to Les Philosophes, La Fontaine de Mars, or Bouillon Racine for a fantastic duck confit in Paris.
A croissant is a buttery, flaky, viennoiserie pastry named for its crescent shape. This breakfast favorite comes in a variety of flavors and is made from a layered yeast-leavened dough. Get the best croissant in Paris at Des Gâteaux et du Pain, Du Pain et des Idées, La Maison Pichard, or Laurent Duchêne.
A croque monsieur is a baked or fried boiled ham and cheese sandwich that first originated in French cafés and bars as a quick snack. Try it at Gérard Mulot, Le Caffé Cambronne, and Le Nemrod.
A macaron is a small cookie that is generally made from ground almonds, coconut, or other nuts; sugar; and sometimes flavorings, food coloring, glace cherries, jam, or a chocolate coating. Get amazing macarons in Paris at Pierre Hermé, Gérard Mulot, Ladurée, or Café Pouchkine.
Tips to Visit Paris in October
- As the weather is getting colder, be sure to carry an umbrella and a sweater/cardigan with you at all times.
- Autumn is the best time to indulge in some rich hot chocolate. Get the best hot chocolate in Un Dimanche à Paris, Charles Chocolatier, and Carette.
- Be sure to check out the Montmartre Wine Harvest Festival between 10-14 October. Experience the harvest festival atmosphere as you try local food, indulge in wine tasting, and enjoy the fireworks display and street performances.
- Get yourself a Paris City Pass and explore the City of Light for less. With over 50 attractions covered in the cards, you can explore the city, while saving time and money.
- If you're strapped for time, make the most of your visit to Paris by taking a hop on hop off tour. This will help you cover all the important sights in the city, while also giving you a background of the city's rich cultural history.
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