If you’re reading this article, you’re likely thinking about or are already planning to visit Paris in October. Well, this is actually a fantastic month in Paris.
Of the autumn months, Paris in September is still pretty busy with tourists. But by October, the crowds have thinned out, the city feels more relaxed, and for the first half of the month, you can still get gorgeous sunny days.
And if the weather turns a little crisp – pas de problème. October is packed with wine festivals, foodie events, amazing art exhibitions, chocolate celebrations, and a cozy autumn ambiance. Here are my favorite things to do in Paris in October that you won’t want to miss out on.
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Image Courtesy of Fête des Vendanges via Facebook
Join in on the Montmartre wine harvest festival
Montmartre is magical any time of year, but if you’re visiting during the second weekend of October, you’re in for a real treat. This charming hilltop neighborhood in northern Paris celebrates its annual wine harvest festival. And yes, there really is a vineyard in Montmartre that actually still produces wine.
This local wine is celebrated, alongside producers from all over France, during the annual Fête des Vendanges. The streets around Sacré-Cœur Basilica are filled with stalls selling wine, delicious food, live music, concerts, and a colorful parade. I LOVE this festival and go every year.
Insider tip – try to go on Friday afternoon before the biggest crowds arrive, and we might even bump into each other.
If you’re visiting another week, you can still dive into Montmartre’s food and wine traditions on this fantastic Montmartre food tour, which travels around the district and stops in at some of its best specialty food shops.
Fete des Vendanges | Montmartre | 7-11th October
Related: 8 Cool Hotels In Montmartre Paris To Book A Room In
Image Courtesy of La Semaine du Gout via Facebook
Eat your way around Paris during Taste Week
As if the wine festival wasn’t enough, the foodie fun rolls over into the following week. From 12–18 October 2026, France celebrates La Semaine du Gout (“Taste Week”), a nationwide celebration of great food and healthy eating.
Across Paris you’ll find tastings, market events, cooking demonstrations, and restaurants serving special menus. Or create your own “Taste Week” by joining this Ultimate Food tour through the Marais.
Your expert guide will take you to this trendy neighborhood’s top specialty food shops as well as the city’s oldest market. It includes plenty of tastings on the way and is a delicious option even if you’re visiting outside the official festival dates.
Taste Week | Across Paris | 12-18th October
Image Courtesy of Musee d’Orsay
Admire the beautiful impressionist paintings of Mary Cassatt
If you’re more into art than food (and hey, you can also love both), then you definitely won’t want to miss the major exhibit on artist Mary Cassatt at the Musée d’Orsay (WA*). It’ll be opening on 6 October 2026, and will be one of the top art exhibits taking place this autumn in Paris.
The American-born artist spent much of her adult life in France and became a top Impressionist painter, a pretty remarkable achievement for a woman in the late 19th century. The exhibit marks the 100th anniversary of her death and will be the first major retrospective dedicated to her at a French national museum. It’s an amazing opportunity to see over 80 works by Cassatt, and I’m really looking forward to checking it out myself.
To get even more out of the exhibition, I’d recommend joining this fabulous Meet the Impressionists tour before visiting the exhibit so you can learn all about this exciting art period.
Mary Cassatt Exhibition | Musée d’Orsay | WA | From 6th Oct
*WA = Wheelchair Accessible
Image Courtesy of Art Basel
See some amazing contemporary art in Paris
If modern art is more your thing, then October’s also got you covered. First up is Art Basel Paris, the city’s biggest contemporary art event, where leading international galleries take over the spectacular glass-roofed Grand Palais (WA).
Then, a few days later, from 28 October to 1 November, the modern art fest continues with the Salon d’Automne. Running since 1910, this non-profit exhibition gives emerging and established contemporary artists the chance to showcase their work in temporary pavilions on Place de la Concorde (WA).
Art Basel and Salon d’Automne | WA | 23-25th October, 28th October – 1st November
Image Courtesy of Salon du Chocolat via Facebook
Enter a Parisian chocolate lover’s paradise
Late October is an absolute heaven for chocolate fans thanks to the Salon du Chocolat.
Held from 28 October to 1 November, more than 200 chocolatiers, pastry chefs, and confectioners from around the world gather under one roof. Expect endless tastings, pastry demonstrations, competitions, and even the famous fashion show featuring outfits made entirely from chocolate.
If you’re not in Paris on these dates, you can instead satisfy your sweet tooth on this Chocolate and Pastries Tour, which visits some of Paris finest chocolate and pastry shops.
Salon du Chocolat | Paris Expo Porte de Versailles | WA | 28th October – 1st November
Related: 10 Amazing French Pastries to Try When Visiting Paris
Savor the beautiful fall foliage around Paris
I’ll be honest, if spectacular fall foliage is at the top of your travel wishlist, Paris probably isn’t Europe’s champion. The city’s rust-toned sycamore and chestnut trees don’t exactly put on a New England-style color show. But if you know where to look, you can still find some beautiful autumn colors around the city.
The Luxembourg Gardens is definitely one of my favorite spots to visit in Paris in October. Look just to the right of Luxembourg Palace, above the Medici Fountain near the Greek Actor statue, where beautiful golden leaves frame a lovely view of the Panthéon. The bright orange and yellow chrysanthemums lining the central terrace are another highlight.
You’ll also find pretty golden trees around Place des Vosges, while the south sides of both Île de la Cité and Île Saint-Louis often glow with vibrant yellow leaves later in the month.
Image Courtesy of Chateau de Chantilly via Facebook
Escape to a fairytale castle near Paris
October is also a great time to explore some of the amazing castles around Paris. The crowds have gone down, temperatures are perfect for exploring, and many of the surrounding forests show off some autumn colors.
Versailles is quieter than in summer, but it can still be busy, so I’d consider one of the less-visited castles instead. The Château de Chantilly is one of my personal favorites and is easy to visit on a guided excursion.
I also love the Château de Malmaison. A former retreat of Napoléon and Joséphine Bonaparte, it’s easy to reach by public transportation, and its beautiful gardens can be especially lovely in autumn, plus there are never any crowds.
Another great choice for an autumn castle jaunt is to the magnificent Château de Fontainebleau. Older than Versailles and shaped by several French monarchs, including Napoleon I and Napoleon III, it’s one of France’s most fascinating royal residences. You’ll find everything you need to plan your visit in my Paris Day Trips Guide.
Image Courtesy of Get Your Guide
Get a little spooked out for Halloween in Paris
Halloween isn’t traditionally a huge celebration in France, but I’ve definitely seen it growing in popularity during the 20 years I’ve been living in Paris. You’ll spot spooky treats in bakery windows, Halloween decorations in some shops, and a good array of themed parties at bars. But there are also a few uniquely Parisian ways to embrace the season.
This ghost tour around Île de la Cité is totally perfect. You’ll hear eerie tales from the city’s darker past and stories of haunted buildings and even some spooky paranormal activity.
Or, if you’re feeling brave, head underground to the Paris Catacombs, where millions of human bones line the walls of former limestone quarries. You can read all about them in our Paris Catacombs guide or hear all the fascinating stories on this excellent guided tour of the Catacombs.
And if you’re traveling with kids, or you’re simply young at heart, Disneyland® Paris goes all out for Halloween throughout October, making it one of the most festive times of the year to visit. Plan your perfect day with all the info in my guide to Disneyland® Paris.
After reading my suggestions of things to do in Paris in October, you might be looking for other cool activities in Paris. Read these next:
