As the world turns its eyes to Paris this year for the grand spectacle of the Olympics, there’s no better time to fall in love with the City of Light. Paris is buzzing with excitement all year round, making 2024 a fabulous year to visit. While the summer promises thrilling Olympic events, the allure of Paris in autumn this year is simply irresistible. From vibrant festivals to cozy cafes, there’s so much to explore. Planning your autumn getaway now ensures you capture the city’s charm at a more leisurely pace. Here’s why autumn in Paris is the perfect season to visit and some key events you won’t want to miss!
Top Paris Autumn Events
Jazz à la Villette
Calling all jazz lovers! From August 29 to September 8, 2024, Jazz à la Villette, co-produced with the Paris Philharmonic, fills the air with fabulous strains of jazz music. Head over to La Villette for two weekends of jazz, soul, Great Black Music and funk. It’s an auditory feast that sets the perfect tone for an autumn stay in Paris.
Heritage Days (Journées du Patrimoine)
From September 20 to 22, 2024, Heritage Days offer a rare opportunity to explore places usually closed to the public. Peek inside the Elysée Palace, where the president resides, or discover how maintenance is performed on SNCF trains. It’s a weekend filled with exclusive insights into the hidden treasures of Paris.
Nuit Blanche in Paris
On October 5, 2024, Paris invites you to explore the city with Nuit Blanche. This annual event features free concerts, exhibits and open museums. The metro runs all night (or until 2 am in 2024), ensuring you can enjoy the cultural offerings without a hitch. It’s an unforgettable night of art and discovery.
See autumn colors at Montmartre’s vineyard.
Montmartre Grape Harvest Festival (La Fête des Vendanges)
From October 9 to 13, 2024, the Montmartre Grape Harvest Festival celebrates the grape harvest and wine production from Montmartre’s ancient vineyard. If you really want to get an understanding of Montmartre, and the history of the area, then no trip would be complete without a visit to the Clos Montmartre, one of the last working vineyards in the middle of Paris. Situated just to the rear of Musée de Montmartre, the vineyard produces just a few bottles of wine annually. During the festival, enjoy traditional wine tastings, street performances and a torchlight parade through the iconic neighborhood, all in the glorious autumn atmosphere. But here’s the best part: this event includes special vineyard tours exclusively available during this fall festival. They are free; however, you must book in advance to avoid disappointment as spaces fill up fast.
Halloween at Disneyland Paris
From October 1 to November 3, 2024, Disneyland Paris transforms into a Halloween wonderland. Meet your favorite villains, enjoy spooky decorations and join the grand Halloween party on October 31. It’s a magical experience for all ages!
Salon du Chocolat
For chocolate lovers, the Salon du Chocolat from October 30 to November 3, 2024, at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles is a must-visit. The world’s leading chocolate companies and artisans gather to showcase their finest creations. This event is a paradise for gourmets, offering everything from tastings to live demonstrations.
Atelier des Lumières: Immersive Exhibitions
The Atelier des Lumières is offering three breathtaking exhibitions this autumn that run through January 5, 2025:
- Egyptian Pharaohs: Take a virtual journey along the Nile River, discovering ancient Egypt at the time of the Pharaohs. This immersive experience showcases legendary rulers, great battles, famous temples, tombs and majestic landscapes.
- The Orientalists: Be dazzled by paintings of Oriental cities, souks, palaces and landscapes by renowned artists like Ingres, Delacroix and Gérôme. These masterpieces are inspired by their travels to the East, offering a vibrant and exotic visual feast.
- Foreign Nature: This contemporary creation blends color, sound, imagery and movement to create an engaging sensory experience.
Musée de l’Orangerie: Heinz Berggruen – A Dealer & His Collection
From October 16, 2024, to January 26, 2025, the Musée de l’Orangerie hosts the Heinz Berggruen: A Dealer & His Collection exhibition. This showcase includes works by Picasso, Klee, Matisse, Giacometti and others, offering a glimpse into the remarkable collection assembled by this influential art dealer.
Paris Photo Exhibition
From November 7 to 10, 2024, the Paris Photo Exhibition at the Grand Palais showcases the work of up to 200 photographers from around the world. If you enjoy the photographic medium, this 27th edition of Paris Photo is an event not to be missed.
Try the newest Beaujolais Nouveau this season in Paris! (credit)
Beaujolais Nouveau in Paris
November 16, 2024, marks the eagerly awaited Beaujolais Nouveau Day, celebrating the release of the year’s Beaujolais wine. Paris comes alive with dinner parties, festivals and concerts, offering a perfect blend of history, fun and exquisite wines. It’s a festive occasion to gather with locals and enjoy the city’s vibrant nightlife.
Le Grand Tasting
Wine lovers, mark your calendars for November 29 and 30, 2024. Le Grand Tasting at the Carrousel du Louvre offers an exceptional opportunity to taste and discover wines. It’s a delightful way to spend a rainy autumn day in Paris, exploring the city’s rich vinous offerings.
Cozy Cafes and French Cuisine
Autumn is the ideal season to cozy up in Parisian cafes and savor traditional French dishes. We recommend visiting Le Loir Dans la Théière for a delightful afternoon tea with sweet and savory treats. Cap off your evening with a warm, comforting dinner at Auberge Bressane, where you can enjoy classic dishes like Coq au Vin and Boeuf Bourguignon, paired with their signature soufflés. Paris Perfect founder, Maddy, highly recommends the Crêpe Suzette, a delectable crêpe flambéed with Grand Marnier. This delightful dish is not only a feast for the taste buds but also a captivating tableside performance that adds an extra touch of magic to your dining experience in Paris.
Romantic views from the Beaujolais apartment in Paris.
Book Your Autumn Stay in Paris Now
With all these exciting events, it’s the perfect time to plan your autumn getaway to Paris. Booking in advance ensures you secure a spot at our luxurious vacation rentals, ideally located to reach all of the fun attractions. Here are some of our hand-picked vacation rentals for a perfect autumn stay:
- Beaujolais: The gorgeous Eiffel Tower view from our Beaujolais apartment is at its very best starting in the autumn season. Enjoy it every moment of your stay in this comfortable two-bedroom apartment in the 7th arrondissement.
- Saumur: This charming studio apartment has a lovely balcony overlooking the rue Cler market street – perfect for foodies!
- Château Latour: One of our most popular Paris accommodations, the Château Latour will take your breath away with its spectacular views of Paris. Sit back and take it all in from the extra wide balcony.
- Margaux: Perfect for a family stay or small group, the spacious 3-bedroom Margaux apartment has beautiful space indoors and out on the large wrap around terrace for spending time with family and friends.
- Cognac: Guests have described the balcony at our Cognac apartment as absolutely unforgettable. Book this stunning Paris rental and you’ll never forget your vacation when you’ve experienced the views from the Cognac’s living room and balcony!
- Gaillac: Located next to Notre-Dame Cathedral on Île de la Cité, this apartment offers an enchanting stay with the stunning Gothic cathedral right on your doorstep!
- La Place Dauphine: Situated on a charming square in the heart of Paris, near Pont Neuf and Notre-Dame, these apartments are perfect for a central and historic stay.
Don’t miss out on the magic of Paris this autumn. Contact our team at [email protected] to find the perfect rental for your stay and experience the city’s splendor at its finest. Plan early and make your autumn in Paris an unforgettable adventure!
