When the summer crowds are gone and the leaves turn golden and red, Paris transforms into a city full of warmth, charm, and atmosphere. The scent of roasted chestnuts fills the air, the pace slows down, and every street seems even more magical. Whether it’s your first visit or your tenth, autumn is one of the best times to explore the city. Here are 10 ideas to make the most of your trip.
1. 🍂 Take a Walk Through the City’s Most Beautiful Parks
Autumn is when Parisian parks look their most stunning. Head to the Jardin du Luxembourg or Parc des Buttes-Chaumont for an afternoon walk among colourful trees and crisp air. The elegant Parc Monceau is another great spot, especially for photos.
💡 Solosights tip: Bring a picnic and enjoy a simple lunch : a baguette, some cheese, and a hot drink make the perfect break.
2. 🏙️ Explore Paris on Foot
Cooler weather makes autumn ideal for long walks through the city. Wander through charming neighbourhoods like Le Marais or Montmartre, where you can take your time exploring small streets, hidden squares, and local shops.
💡 Try one of our Solosights walking tours to discover stories and details you won’t find in any guidebook.
3. ☕ Warm Up in a Cosy Café
Paris is full of cosy cafés that are perfect for rainy autumn afternoons. Settle in with a café crème or a cup of rich hot chocolate at classic spots like Café de Flore or Les Deux Magots, or discover a hidden gem in Le Marais.
4. 🖼️ Visit a Museum on a Rainy Day
Autumn is the perfect season for culture. Of course, the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay are must-visits, but smaller museums like Musée Carnavalet (focused on the history of Paris) or the romantic Musée de la Vie Romantique offer quieter, more intimate experiences.
5. 🌰 Taste Seasonal Flavours at Local Markets
Roasted chestnuts, pumpkin soups, fresh mushrooms — autumn brings delicious seasonal flavours to Parisian markets. Visit Marché Bastille or Marché Mouffetard to experience local life and sample the season’s best produce.
💡 Tip: Many markets offer tastings — it’s one of the best ways to discover French food culture.
6. 🍷 Enjoy Wine and Cheese in a Local Bar
Comfort food and autumn go hand in hand. Treat yourself to an evening of wine and cheese in a warm, buzzing bar like Le Baron Rouge or La Dernière Goutte. It’s the perfect way to end a day of exploring.
7. 🎨 See Temporary Autumn Exhibitions
September and October mark the start of the cultural season in Paris, with many museums and galleries launching new exhibitions. Check out what’s on at Petit Palais or Fondation Louis Vuitton, and don’t forget the smaller art spaces and studios, where you’ll often find unique, seasonal shows.
8. 🕯️ Experience the City at Twilight
Shorter days mean magical golden hours. Stroll along the Seine at sunset, or climb the steps of Sacré-Cœur for panoramic views bathed in warm evening light. The city feels especially romantic as the sun goes down.
9. 🥖 Have an Autumn Picnic
Picnics aren’t just for summer. With a blanket, a thermos of coffee, and some fresh pastries, an autumn picnic in the Jardin des Tuileries or along the Seine can be surprisingly cosy.
💡 Our Solosights tour bags are perfect for this — packed with handy extras for a day of exploring.
10. 📸 Capture the Autumn Magic
From tree-lined boulevards glowing in shades of orange to reflections of light on the Seine, autumn in Paris is a dream for photographers. Don’t forget your camera — even a simple walk can turn into a photo adventure.
🍁 In Short:
Autumn gives Paris a softer, more intimate side. Whether you want to walk, taste, learn, or simply enjoy the atmosphere, this season is one of the most rewarding times to visit. And with a Solosights tour, you can easily combine these autumn highlights with stories, hidden spots, and local discoveries. So put on a warm coat, grab your walking shoes, and let Paris charm you, even on the chilliest days.
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