Top 6 Things to Do in Paris This Autumn

La rentrée isn’t just a return to school and work after the sacrosanct summer break. It’s also an exuberant cultural season with myriad museum exhibitions and events. In the parks and gardens, the changing leaves add a jolt of color, and you can admire this brilliant foliage with fewer crowds after the departure of the summer tourists. You can also spot all kinds of interesting streetwear as the world’s fashionistas descend on the French capital for Paris Fashion Week. Last but not least: the cooler temperatures are a great excuse to indulge in hot chocolate (dare we say the world’s best?) and comforting bistro cuisine. Here’s our list of the top things to do in Paris this autumn.

Celebrate the Wine Harvest in Montmartre

This annual festival takes place at the Butte Montmartre from October 8th to 12th. The last remaining vineyard in Paris throws a party to celebrate the harvest, and it’s a rip-roaring good time. Activities include a parade, concerts, tastings, exhibitions, and dance. For more information, see our feature article here.

Immerse Yourself in Art

There’s no shortage of thrilling museum exhibitions this season, from Georges de la Tour at the Musée Jacquemart-André to John Singer Sargent at the Musée d’Orsay and Gerhard Richter at the Fondation Louis Vuitton. What’s more, the Grand Palais is showing off the results of a massive makeover. And Art Basel returns to Paris at the end of October. Check our events calendar for detailed listings.

Admire the World’s Best Photography

A not-to-miss event on the cultural calendar, Paris Photo returns to the Grand Palais for its 28th edition. Its mission is to showcase the best international and French galleries while shining a vital light on emerging artists and photographers. The fair will feature 220 exhibitors from 33 countries, and there’s a rich program highlighting the best in photography from around the globe.

Go for a Walk in the Park

Paris is meant for strolling – today’s flâneurs follow in illustrious footsteps – and autumn is a delightful time with the colorful foliage punctuating the gardens and parks. Check out our article on “7 Places to Find Autumn Colors in Paris.” Note that leaf peeping is particularly fabulous in the bigger Haussmannian parks (Bois de Boulogne, Bois de Vincennes, Parc Montsouris, Parc des Buttes-Chaumont).

Explore a Cemetery

With Halloween and Toussaint on the horizon, October is meant for cemetery exploration. The most famous is Père Lachaise, the resting place for icons like Édith Piaf, Oscar Wilde, and Jim Morrison. Montparnasse and Montmartre are also tranquil havens in the busy French capital, and there’s even a fascinating pet cemetery in Asnières-sur-Seine. Keen to see the Catacombs? Note that the site will close in November for a restoration.

Calling All Chocoholics

Indulge in gourmet delights at the annual Salon du Chocolat, featuring the country’s top chocolatiers. There’s even a chocolate fashion show! The Salon takes place from October 29- November 2 at the Paris-Expo- Porte de Versailles (metro line 12), and full-price adult tickets cost €17.