Paris in October is pure magic. In my almost 20 years living here, I never tire of the seasonal shift into crisp mornings, golden rooftops, and the buzz of cultural events. The city hums with art fairs, cozy café rituals, and a parade of chic coats — because in Paris, coat season is basically a street-style fashion show.
Here in Montmartre, October is my favorite time of year because it means the Fête des Vendanges (wine harvest festival). For a few days, the neighborhood becomes one big celebration with parades, tastings, concerts, and fireworks. Beyond the vineyards on the hill, October across Paris is bursting with charm — think slower mornings, museum afternoons, seasonal flavors, and chic soirées. And yes, we’re still sitting outdoors en terrasse with blankets and heating.
Whether you’re here for art, food, fashion, or wine, October in Paris has something for you. Here’s my curated local guide to the best of the month — pulled from my experiences as your local foodie, perfume connoisseur, and Paris insider.
Why Visit Paris in October
Paris in October feels like stepping into a painting. Trees along the Seine turn warm amber, shop windows show off autumn fashion, and cultural life is in full swing with major exhibitions, wine festivals, and peak oyster season (yes, foodies, it’s time!).
Why I love October in Paris:
🍂 Autumn magic — golden light, crisp mornings, cozy café afternoons
🥐 Food & wine festivals — peak oyster season + Montmartre’s Fête des Vendanges
🎨 Art season — Paris+ par Art Basel, new museum shows, fashion retrospectives
🖤 Halloween in Paris — ghost tours, themed parties & chic soirées
👗 Style & shopping — transitional fashion everywhere, right after Paris Fashion Week
Paris Weather in October & What to Pack
October is one of my favorite weather months — cool but not freezing, perfect for market strolls by day and wine bars by night.
- Average temperatures: 9°C to 17°C (48°F to 63°F)
- Daylight hours: ~11 hours
- Rain: Light, occasional showers — bring a compact umbrella
What to wear in Paris in October:
- A tailored trench or wool blazer
- Light sweaters layered with chic scarves
- Comfortable walking shoes (ankle boots or loafers)
- For evenings: a dressy jacket for wine bars or dinners
👉 Local tip: To blend in, stick to Paris neutrals — camel, navy, black, beige.
Table of Contents
- Why Visit Paris in October
- Paris Weather & What to Pack
- 10 Best Things to Do in Paris in October 2025
- Where to Eat & Drink
- Where to Stay
- Practical Tips
- FAQs
- Final Thoughts
10 Best Things to Do in Paris in October 2025
1. Free Louvre Night (3 October 2025)
On the first Friday of every month, the Louvre Museum opens its doors for free from 6 pm to 9:45 pm. This isn’t just a budget-friendly hack; it’s one of the best ways to experience the world’s most famous museum. By evening, the atmosphere changes — the crowds thin, the light feels softer on the marble, and you can wander the galleries in a calmer, almost theatrical ambiance.
Rather than rushing to see the Mona Lisa (which will still have a small crowd), I recommend choosing one section and really soaking it in. The Egyptian antiquities are fascinating, filled with sphinxes, mummies, and hieroglyphs that transport you far from Paris. Or, if you’re drawn to painting, head to the Italian Renaissance wing where The Wedding Feast at Cana sits opposite La Joconde.
Local Tip: Go after 7:30 pm, once the after-work rush has passed. Pair it with a late dinner nearby at Le Nemours (📍 Place Colette, 75001) or wander through Palais Royal to find tucked-away wine bars.
📍 Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris
🔗 Louvre official site
2. Francis Kurkdjian Exhibition (29 Oct – 23 Nov)
For perfume lovers, this is the event of the season. Francis Kurkdjian is one of the most influential perfumers of our time, known for creating Jean Paul Gaultier’s Le Male and founding Maison Francis Kurkdjian. This exhibition at the Palais de Tokyo dives deep into his artistry, treating fragrance as cultural memory, chemistry, and design all at once.
Expect immersive rooms where you literally walk through scents, archives of his sketches and bottles, and multi-sensory installations that blur the line between art and perfume. It’s rare for perfume to get this level of recognition in a museum setting, which makes it a must-visit if you’re curious about the role of scent in French culture.
Why Go: It’s not just about perfume — it’s about understanding how fragrance shapes memory and identity.
Local Tip: Stop by Nose (📍 20 Rue Bachaumont, 75002) afterward to discover niche perfumes, or pop into Buly 1803 (📍 6 Rue Bonaparte, 75006) for old-world apothecary vibes.
📍 Palais de Tokyo, 13 Avenue du Président Wilson, 75116 Paris
🔗 Palais de Tokyo
3. Visit the Dior Gallery (All Month)
https://www.galeriedior.com/en
The Galerie Dior is one of Paris’s most breathtaking fashion museums. Opened in 2022 inside the brand’s historic headquarters, it’s a love letter to haute couture and French elegance. Inside, you’ll find dresses worn by celebrities, perfume bottles designed like works of art, and archival sketches that reveal the house’s creative evolution.
I’ve visited three times, and each time felt fresh because the curators rotate pieces regularly. One room might feature Christian Dior’s iconic New Look, while another celebrates Yves Saint Laurent’s early years at Dior, or John Galliano’s theatrical run. There’s also a restaurant where you can indulge in refined desserts — the perfect way to cap off a couture-filled morning.
Why Go: This isn’t just for fashionistas. It’s storytelling through design — part theater, part history, part dream.
Local Tip: Book tickets in advance, as slots fill quickly. And if you’re a fashion lover, pair this with a visit to the Musée Yves Saint Laurent (📍 5 Avenue Marceau, 75116).
📍 11 Rue François 1er, 75008 Paris
🔗 Galerie Dior official site
4. Brunch at La Serpentine (Weekends Only)
Paris brunch culture has exploded in recent years, but if you’re looking for something that feels stylish without the touristy buzz, La Serpentine inside Hotel Miss Fuller is a gem. Their brunch boards are beautifully curated with fresh breads, seasonal fruits, organic juices, champagne, and natural wines — it feels abundant but not overdone.
The dining room is light-filled, with a relaxed, almost Mediterranean vibe, making it the perfect place to linger on a Sunday morning before heading out to explore the 17th arrondissement. It attracts a local crowd, so you’ll feel like you’ve stumbled on something under the radar.
Why Go: A slower start to your day, in a chic but unpretentious setting, paired with some of the best champagne brunch offerings in the city.
Local Tip: Book ahead — Parisians love their weekend brunch. Afterward, walk over to the Arc de Triomphe for a classic Paris moment or wander down Avenue des Ternes for foodie shops.
📍 11 Avenue MacMahon, 75017 Paris
5. Celebrate Halloween in Paris (31 October 2025)
Halloween may not be traditionally French, but Paris has embraced it in recent years — and I couldn’t be happier. From ghost tours at Père Lachaise Cemetery to late-night soirées in hidden speakeasies, there’s something for every vibe.
One of my favorite traditions is at Boneshaker Donuts, run by my friend Amanda. Every year they host a trick-or-treat event with themed donuts, pumpkins, and plenty of playful spirit. It’s family-friendly but just quirky enough to delight adults too.
If you’re looking for something spookier, sign up for a haunted walking tour through the Marais or a costumed party at one of Paris’s cabarets.
Why Go: It’s a blend of French chic and American-style fun — and an excuse to see Paris dressed in orange lights and cobwebs.
Local Tip: Costumes aren’t as elaborate as in the U.S., but a touch of black lace or a Venetian-style mask will fit right in.
📍 Père Lachaise: 16 Rue du Repos, 75020 Paris
📍 Boneshaker Donuts: 86 Rue d’Aboukir, 75002 Paris
🔗 Boneshaker Instagram
6. Fête des Vendanges de Montmartre (8–12 October 2025)
Montmartre is magical year-round, but October is when the neighborhood truly comes alive during the Fête des Vendanges (Wine Harvest Festival). This annual celebration dates back to the 1930s, when locals decided to honor the last remaining vineyard in Paris: the Clos Montmartre, a tiny but historic plot of vines tucked behind Rue des Saules. Today, the tradition has grown into one of the city’s most joyful events, drawing Parisians and visitors alike.
The festival is about so much more than wine. For five days, the streets of Montmartre transform into an open-air party. Expect food stalls serving regional French specialties (think oysters, crêpes, roasted chestnuts, and tartiflette), brass bands weaving through cobblestone lanes, and colorful parades celebrating French terroir. Families gather at the funfair, while couples sip glasses of vin chaud (mulled wine) under twinkling lights. Each year has a theme — from gastronomy to sustainability — which gives every edition a slightly different flavor.
One of my favorite memories from last year was going every single day with friends and family. On Friday, we took my in-laws, who were amazed at how village-like Montmartre felt in the middle of Paris. On Saturday, we met up with a big group of pals and stayed late for the fireworks over the Sacré-Cœur — which never fails to give me goosebumps, even after all these years of living here.
Why Go: It’s the perfect way to see Montmartre through local eyes — lively, festive, and full of community spirit. You’ll taste wines and foods from across France, hear live music on every corner, and experience Paris at its most convivial.
Local Tips:
- Arrive earlier in the day if you want to avoid the biggest crowds.
- Don’t miss the parade on Saturday afternoon — it’s the highlight of the weekend.
- Bring cash, as many food stalls don’t take cards.
- For a quieter moment, slip away to the nearby vineyard and take a peek (though tastings usually happen at the festival stalls).
Nearby Places to Pair With Your Visit:
- Grab a morning coffee at Ola’s Café (📍 4 Rue Ramey, 75018) before diving into the festivities.
- End your evening with cocktails at Sister Midnight (📍 4 Rue André Antoine, 75018), a local favorite bar.
📍 Montmartre, 75018 Paris
👉 See my Montmartre guide
7. Paris+ Art Basel (17–20 October 2025)
In October, Paris takes center stage in the contemporary art world with Paris+ par Art Basel at the Grand Palais Éphémère. The fair brings together leading international galleries, avant-garde installations, and a stylish mix of collectors, artists, and design lovers.
This year is especially exciting because Colette, the iconic concept store that closed in 2017, is returning with a pop-up. Expect limited-edition collaborations, fashion-art crossovers, and the kind of cool crowd that defined Colette’s legacy.
Why Go: Even if you’re not an art buyer, the fair is a window into global trends in creativity, design, and culture. And the setting — a temporary glass palace by the Eiffel Tower — adds to the allure.
Local Tip: Pair your visit with a stroll along the Champ de Mars or a drink at Le Recrutement Café (📍 36 Boulevard de la Tour-Maubourg, 75007).
📍 Place Joffre, 75007 Paris
🔗 Paris+ Art Basel official site
8. Explore Canal Saint-Martin (All Month)
The Canal Saint-Martin is one of my favorite neighborhoods for a slow afternoon, especially in autumn when golden leaves reflect on the water. I often bike down from Montmartre and meet friends here for coffee or wine.
Grab a flat white at Ten Belles (📍 10 Rue de la Grange aux Belles, 75010), browse indie shops like Centre Commercial (📍 2 Rue de Marseille, 75010), or sip natural wine at Le Comptoir Général (📍 80 Quai de Jemmapes, 75010). The area is laid-back, bohemian, and always buzzing with locals.
Why Go: It’s one of the few places in Paris where you can really slow down and feel like you’re part of the neighborhood rather than just passing through.
Local Tip: Go on a weekday afternoon for a quieter stroll, or pack a bottle of wine for an impromptu picnic by the locks.
📍 Canal Saint-Martin, 75010 Paris
9. Impressionists at Musée d’Orsay (New Exhibition)
If I had to pick one museum for a short trip, I’d choose the Musée d’Orsay. Housed in a former Beaux-Arts train station, it’s breathtaking before you even see the art. This fall, a new Impressionist exhibition will feature rarely seen works by Monet, Renoir, and Berthe Morisot — making it even more irresistible.
Unlike the Louvre, Orsay feels digestible. You can cover the highlights in a few hours while still feeling immersed. Don’t miss the giant clock windows overlooking the Seine, which make for one of the most iconic views in Paris.
Why Go: Impressionism was born in Paris, and this is the best place to experience it.
Local Tip: Stop for lunch at the gilded Restaurant du Musée d’Orsay inside the museum — it feels like dining inside a painting.
📍 1 Rue de la Légion d’Honneur, 75007 Paris
🔗 Musée d’Orsay official site
10. Opera Garnier Backstage Tour (All Month)
The Palais Garnier is pure Parisian opulence: chandeliers, marble staircases, and red velvet seats. But the backstage tour takes you beyond the public spaces. You’ll peek into rehearsal studios where ballerinas train, see costume workshops, and hear stories of the legendary Phantom of the Opera, which was inspired by this building.
Even if you don’t attend a performance, the tour alone is worth it. There’s something magical about standing under Marc Chagall’s painted ceiling and imagining the generations of dancers, singers, and composers who’ve graced this stage.
Why Go: It’s a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most beautiful opera houses in the world.
Local Tip: Book an evening tour if possible — the building glows at night. Then grab a glass of champagne at Café de la Paix (📍 5 Place de l’Opéra, 75009), one of Paris’s most iconic brasseries.
📍 Place de l’Opéra, 75009 Paris
🔗 Opera Garnier tours
Where to Eat & Drink in October
- Au Comptoir Général — quirky décor, French food, great drinks.
📍 80 Quai de Jemmapes, 75010 Paris - Saam — Korean fried chicken & small plates.
📍 59 Rue de Lancry, 75010 Paris - Le Verre Volé — iconic natural wine bar near the canal.
📍 67 Rue de Lancry, 75010 Paris - La Fontaine de Belleville — classic café with jazz evenings.
📍 31-33 Rue Juliette Dodu, 75010 Paris - Bonjour Jacob — artisan coffee + bookshop vibes.
📍 10 Rue Bichat, 75010 Paris - Du Pain et des Idées — home of the famous escargot pastry.
📍 34 Rue Yves Toudic, 75010 Paris
👉 Get my full Paris food guide.
Where to Stay in Paris in October
- Hôtel District République — Cozy, budget-friendly.
📍 4 Rue Lucien Sampaix, 75010 Paris - Renaissance Paris République Hotel — Chic 5-star with spa.
📍 40 Rue René Boulanger, 75010 Paris - Le Citizen Hotel — Eco-friendly with canal views.
📍 96 Quai de Jemmapes, 75010 Paris
👉 See my Paris hotel guide.
Practical Travel Tips for October in Paris
- Book Art Basel + exhibitions in advance
- Reserve restaurants (locals are back from holidays)
- Use a Navigo Easy card for cheaper metro rides
- Pack layers + umbrella
- Tipping not mandatory — round up small change
- Check local news for strike updates
FAQs About Visiting Paris in October
Is October a good time to visit Paris?
Yes — mild weather, fewer crowds, and cultural buzz.
What should I wear in Paris in October?
Layers: trench coat, sweaters, scarves, boots.
Is Halloween celebrated in Paris?
Yes, it’s growing yearly with parties, haunted tours,
Final Thoughts
Paris in October balances cultural vibrancy with cozy autumn charm. From wine at Montmartre’s Fête des Vendanges to golden walks along Canal Saint-Martin, this month feels both intimate and alive.
✨ Book my Montmartre walking tour
🥐 Try my personalized Paris itinerary consulting
📚 Download my digital Paris guides
Paris in October is pure magic-I can’t wait for you to experience it.
Bisous,
Yanique