Top Things to Do in Paris This November: A Local’s Guide
10 Must-Do Activities in Paris This November
Bonjour, fellow Paris lovers! As a local resident of over 10 years and a Paris tour guide, I’m thrilled to share my favorite things to do in the city this November. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or rediscovering old favorites, this guide is packed with seasonal highlights, from art exhibitions and holiday preparations to cozy cafés and hidden gems. My goal? To help you experience Paris the way we locals do, with warmth and insider tips for an unforgettable November in the City of Lights.
Feel free to reach out anytime—I’d love to hear your Paris plans or answer any questions! You can connect with me on Instagram @myparisianlife or by email at [email protected]
1. Art Exhibitions to See Now
November in Paris offers a stellar lineup of art exhibitions. Visit the Musée Jacquemart-André for an immersive dive into European masters or the Musée d’Orsay for its impressive Manet and Degas exhibit. For modern art lovers, head to Palais de Tokyo or Fondation Louis Vuitton for contemporary works and multimedia installations.
The ongoing DIOR exhibition and a stunning hat exhibition at the Yves Saint Laurent Museum are not to be missed.
2. Restaurants to Try Now
November is ideal for hearty, seasonal dining. Try Double in Montmartre for its inventive tasting menu, or Le Bon Georges near Saint-Georges for cozy, farm-to-table French classics. For a hidden gem, Seb’On offers a classic Parisian fair at fancy prices, perfect for warming up on a chilly night.
Double – Address: 87 Rue Lamarck, 75018 Paris
Le Bon George Address: 45 Rue Saint-Georges, 75009 Paris
Seb’On Address: 62 Rue d’Orsel, 75018 Paris
3. Visit the Puces and Flea Markets
Spend a weekend browsing Les Puces de Saint-Ouen for everything from vintage finds to antique furniture. November is quieter for tourists, so you can leisurely browse and even negotiate prices. (read my tips on how to navigate the market!)
Alternatively, Marché aux Puces de Vanves is a charming, smaller flea market with vintage treasures and knick-knacks – great for a Sunday morning outing.
4. Top First-Time Activities
November is a beautiful month to see Paris’s top sites. Go for a Seine River Cruise for iconic views, especially during the early evening when the city begins to light up. If you’re looking to explore outside Paris, a day trip to Versailles offers less-crowded grounds. For those ready to venture further, a day in Normandy provides a dose of history and stunning coastal scenery.
5. Hotels to Stay
Paris has stylish new hotels perfect for a cozy stay. Consider Hôtel Beauregard in the 9th arrondissement for its sleek, modern interiors, or Hôtel Dame des Arts in Saint-Germain-des-Prés for a chic, art-filled atmosphere. Château des Fleurs near the Arc de Triomphe offers a regal vibe, while Hôtel Grand Voyageurs in the Marais has vintage flair and friendly service. Hotel La Fantasie is fun and full of charm.
6. Walking Tours with Me
My custom walking tours are all about connecting you with Paris on a personal level! Choose from favorites like my Montmartre Tour for food, art, and history or my Marais Tour for hidden gems, fashion and local stories. We can even build a custom tour together – whether it’s food, culture, or history, I tailor it to your interests! [Link to book] and [read reviews here]().
7. Thanksgiving in Paris
If you’re in Paris over Thanksgiving, celebrate at Breakfast in America for a classic Thanksgiving dinner or Ralph’s in Saint-Germain for an American-style meal in a beautiful setting. Several hotels also offer seasonal menus, so call ahead to find the perfect spot to enjoy a taste of home.
8. What to Pack for Paris in Winter
Brands I’m Loving Now:
– Outerwear: A wool coat from Max Mara or &Other Stories for classic Parisian warmth.
– Sweaters: Cosy knits from COS or Sézane.
– Sneakers: Comfy and stylish, Veja or New Balance are both great for long walks.
– Silk Scarves: You can’t go wrong with a timeless piece from Hermès or a cool vintage find.
– Boots: Check out Rouje or Zara for practical and chic options.
– Holiday Outfit: For something festive, try Courrèges or Agnès B.
9. Christmas + New Year’s Eve in Paris
The festive season kicks off in November! Check out the Christmas Markets at La Défense or Saint-Germain for a magical holiday vibe. If you’re here for New Year’s Eve, book early for events like Disneyland’s New Year’s Eve Party or a celebration at the Tuileries Garden Festival. Don’t miss the decorations at department stores like Galeries Lafayette and the charming Musée des Arts Forains for an enchanting end-of-year experience.
10. Discover Niche Perfume Houses
Paris is a treasure trove for fragrance enthusiasts, especially those looking for unique, niche scents. This November, dive into the artistry of lesser-known but highly acclaimed Parisian perfume houses like Pierre Guillaume and Marc-Antoine Barrois. Pierre Guillaume’s “04.1 LE MUSC & LA PEAU” offers a sensory exploration with natural elements and modern flair, while Marc-Antoine Barrois’ “Ganymede” is an elegant, otherworldly scent that has quickly become a cult favorite. Visiting these boutiques not only lets you experience exclusive perfumes but also provides insight into Paris’s vibrant fragrance culture.
11. Watch French Movies at Iconic Cinema Houses
November in Paris is perfect for cozying up in a classic cinema and watching French films the way they were meant to be seen. Explore timeless cinemas in neighborhoods like Saint-Germain-des-Prés and Montmartre, where rich history meets the magic of the movies. Try the Cinéma du Panthéon (5th arrondissement), one of Paris’s oldest cinemas, known for its intimate charm and screenings of French and international films. In Saint-Germain, the Écoles Cinéma Club offers a taste of the cinematic arts with a unique program and historic vibe. In Montmartre, Studio 28 (10 Rue Tholozé) is beloved for its vintage ambiance and art-deco decor, having hosted greats like Jean Cocteau. These theaters are not just about films—they’re a true Parisian experience, perfect for discovering classic and contemporary French cinema.
12. Independent Bookshops to Visit in Paris
For book lovers, Paris is a haven of independent bookstores, each with its own unique character and charm. Start with the iconic Shakespeare & Co. near Notre-Dame, where you can browse a treasure trove of English-language books amidst a warm, literary atmosphere. The Red Wheelbarrow in the close to Luxembourg Gardens is another English-language favorite, known for its cozy vibe and curated collection of contemporary and classic titles. Explore Librairie Galignani on Rue de Rivoli, the oldest English-language bookstore in continental Europe, featuring art, literature, and history.
For something different, the Librairie des Halles Saint Pierre in Montmartre specializes in books on outsider art, while OFR in the Marais is perfect for design, art, and photography lovers. Yvon Lambert Bookshop in the 3rd arrondissement also stands out, merging an art gallery with a bookstore for an avant-garde experience. Don’t miss the artistic bookshops within cultural institutions—the Centre Pompidou and Palais de Tokyo bookstores each offer unique selections in art, design, and contemporary culture, ideal for finding inspiring reads in extraordinary settings.
Anything Else?
Loved these tips? Let’s keep exploring Paris together! Follow me on Instagram @myparisianlife for daily snippets of Parisian life, more local recommendations, and behind-the-scenes moments from my tours. You can also reach out via email at [email protected]—I’d love to hear your thoughts, answer questions, or even help you plan your next visit!