Paris is lovely no matter the time of year, but it's the most beautiful in autumn. With the fall foliage giving the sand-washed city a dreamy twilight glow, Paris transforms into the painterly metropolis you'd read about in romance novels or see in Hollywood films. That's why I have always loved spending autumn in Paris. Not only is the city more picturesque, but the weather is also milder, there are fewer crowds, and its many seasonal events are always a good time. At the risk of convincing more tourists to visit the city at this time of year, let me share why everyone should spend this idyllic season in Paris at least once.
You probably don’t need anyone to tell you that spending autumn in Paris is an experience you will never forget. But if you still need some convincing, perhaps I can tell you exactly why it’s best to spend the season in the French capital.
Peak Season Just Ended
For those who don't know, the peak season for tourists in Paris is from June to August, which is also around summertime. August, in particular, usually sees the city at its busiest, which is probably why most Parisians go on vacation this month too. I've always found it weird that summer is Paris's peak season since the heat gets too much here. On the flip side, autumn is the city's low season, often seeing Paris at its least crowded. This alone should tell you that this is the best time to visit the city! I always enjoy how relatively quiet it gets, often to the point that I'd almost forget I'm still in Paris.The Weather is The Best
I prefer the cold so you bet your butt that I'm always in Paris every autumn. After surviving the oven that Paris becomes in summer, the cooler autumn breezes liven me up like Snow White's first kiss! What I love most about it is that while it gets cold, it's not yet freezing. The low temperature in Paris during autumn usually ranges from 13°C (55°F) to 6°C (42°F), and it's just right for me. Some of you may think this is already too cold, and I respect that. Different strokes for different folks, I guess. But I assure you that Paris still gets colder once winter comes around!Perfect Time to Dress Up
From trench coats and leather boots to thick scarves and fabulous furs, I've always thought that Paris is at its most fashionable during autumn. Don't get me wrong, we Parisians flex our style no matter the time of year, from our quality linens and cottons in spring to our chic parkas and fur coats in winter. But for me, dressing up in autumn because the weather is just right. We can put on as many layers as we want without the bulky winter gear yet. We still step out looking as sleek and tailored as ever!Go On Day Trips from Paris
Again, I know you can go on day trips from Paris at any time of year, but I'd argue that autumn is the best time to do it. More than just the milder weather and all that jazz, don't forget that the autumn months are also Paris's low season for tourists. And if there are fewer tourists in Paris, there will be much fewer in nearby destinations too. You couldn't have asked for a better time to visit Versailles, check out Giverny, or escape to the nearby Champagne region. The fall foliage in these places also makes everything a lot more magical!Visit The Paris Cemeteries
Wait up! Before you get creeped out and leave, hear me out for a second! Some of Paris's cemeteries are some of the most beautiful in the world. The most famous one, Cimetière du Père-Lachaise, looks straight out of a Victorian novel, and there's an eerie romance about it that's so alluring. You'll definitely want to see it around autumn, with the fall foliage providing such eye-catching bursts of marigold, burgundy, crimson, and the like in contrast to the beige and grey concrete statues, gravestones, and mausoleums. All of this is a side of Paris you won't find anywhere else, and you won't get to see any other time of year.Expect The Most Exciting Events
In my humble opinion, Paris is the most eventful every autumn. The city has tons to offer, from annual holidays to seasonal events that you wouldn't want to miss. One of the first ones to expect is Paris Fashion Week, perhaps the most publicized event in the entire industry. More than just the fashion shows, the city also hosts various parties, soirées, galas, and more during this time. Jazz fans will want to be in Paris in autumn, too, what with the annual Jazz à la Villette and Jazz sur Seine, which are usually around September and October, respectively.Halloween in Paris is Actually Fun!
I'm sure many of you consider Halloween the “main event” of autumn. At least, those outside of the US who don't celebrate Thanksgiving Day. For the rest of us, Halloween is often a highlight because it's such a fun holiday that allows us to dress up, get creative with costumes, and party with friends. Fortunately, Paris is usually a big deal in Paris. The city doesn't necessarily prop it up as majorly as the US, but there are exciting events in store. My favorite is the horror film marathon that the iconic Le Grand Rex cinema hosts year after year. It's always a good time!Indulge in French Seasonal Cuisine
I fancy myself as a baby foodie, so I always love it when restaurants in Paris start serving seasonal autumn dishes. Some of my favorites include Boeuf Bourguignon, Gratin Dauphinois, and Cheese fondue. My mouth is literally watering as I type this right now, so I'm already excited for autumn this year just to eat these. If you want to confirm if Paris is truly the food capital of the world, go here in autumn! The seasonal dishes are stellar and, paired with the picturesque fall foliage, give you a wonderful culinary experience you will never forget!You probably don’t need anyone to tell you that spending autumn in Paris is an experience you will never forget. But if you still need some convincing, perhaps I can tell you exactly why it’s best to spend the season in the French capital.
