In which season of the year do you prefer to travel? It sure depends on the destination. But the fall season is my favorite time to travel to Paris!
Autumn is one of the most enchanting seasons! Landscapes transform into a true spectacle of colors and gain warm and cozy tones! And fashion takes on a more sophisticated look.
Imagine walking through the streets of Paris, with trees covered in golden leaves. The colors of autumn mix with the hustle and bustle of the city. Yes, Paris always stunning destination, take on extra glamour in autumn!
Traveling to Paris is not about admiring the stunning landscapes. It's also about being fashionable. The autumn is a season in which fashion comes to the fore. New trends are launched on catwalks around the world.
So, grab your suitcase and embark on this stylish trip. Get ready to fall in love with the autumn landscapes and rock fashionable looks.
Luggage: Samsonite
Flight: Expedia
Hotel: Booking.com and Hotels.com
What to do: TripAdvisor
Guided Tour: Viator
Paris in Fall
Paris is a beautiful city at any time of year, but autumn is one of the best times to visit.
Temperatures are pleasant, with an average of 15°C, and rain is not frequent. The city is emptier, with fewer tourists, which makes the visit more peaceful and pleasant.
It is also in autumn that what they call cultural re-entry takes place. Meaning, the beginning of a period full of cultural, musical, and fashion activities. It's an opportunity to know French culture and enjoy the city's attractions.
What to do in the city of Paris in autumn
If you already know the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe and Louvre, you will like the suggestions below:
1. Attend the Harvest Festival in Montmartre. From October 11th to 15th, exhibitions, parades, music, and tastings take place! Wine producers participated in the event to promote their products. It is one of the most important events in Paris.
If you haven't already, take the opportunity to visit the Sacré Coeur Basilica. Go by funicular or climb the almost 200 steps.
2. The colors of autumn are a sight to behold in the parks and gardens of Paris.
Some of the most popular are the Jardin du Luxembourg et Tuilleries. Unmissable, covered by a carpet of dead, orange leaves. Take the opportunity to visit the Louvre and the Palais Royal.
Stroll through the Bois de Boulogne, one of Paris's largest parks, and let the vibrant autumn colors take your breath away. This park, a brainchild of Napoleon III, is a testament to his vision of making Paris the most beautiful city in the world.
3. Palace of Versailles. This tip comes from an affective memory. I was transferred to Paris for a year. When I arrived, I felt a little sad about leaving everything behind.
I then went for a walk through the gardens of Versailles. I was amazed! The garden full of colorful leaves on the ground made me smile. Thirty years later, I still have this image on my mind.
4. Visit the museums: after the August holidays exhibitions are back in full swing. I prefer contemporary art and smaller museums like D’orsay and Orangerie. In autumn 2023, Gertrude Stein and Pablo Picasso will be at the Luxembourg museum. Modigliani at l’Orangerie and Van Gogh at D’Orsay.
5. Gastronomy festival: typical Parisian dishes at the city's restaurants. A delight for culinary lovers.
Of course, there are unmissable attractions all year round:
Stroll on the bank of the Seine. All romantic movies filmed in Paris have at least one take from there. Or the final kiss.
Walk the whole extension of the Champs Elysées, from l'Arc the Triomphe down to Place de la Concorde. Stop at the Grand Palais.
Ile de la Cité and the Gothic Masterpiece of Notre Dame de Paris. Since the fire in 2019, the Cathedral has been under restoration.
Visit Napoleon's tomb.
Unforgettable day trips from Paris
Immerse yourself in the history of France by visiting one or more Loire Castles. Chambord and Chenonceau are the best known. They are less than 2 hours by car from Paris. Or the same two hours for a train and a bus!
Visit Giverny and Monet's Gardens in Normandy. The Gardens are sensational and invite you for a picnic!
If you have an extra night, don't miss Mont Saint Michel, a rocky island and a UNESCO Heritage Site!
Let's move to fashion!
Paris is one of the world's top fashion destinations, and autumn is a busy time for these events. The most popular:
1. Paris Fashion Week: one of the four most important fashion weeks. Held in September and October. All fashion brands in the world present their ready-to-wear collections.
2. Festival d'Automne à Paris: fashion and art festival in October. It features fashion shows, art exhibitions, and other fashion-related activities.
Best places to shop in Paris
The city is home to some of the most famous fashion brands in the world. And, a variety of independent stores and designer boutiques.
The most iconic is Galeries Lafayette, one of the most famous department stores in the world. The store houses brands, from Chanel and Dior to Louis Vuitton and Yves Saint Laurent. Founded in 1912, its glass and steel dome is a spectacle.
Samaritaine was founded in 1870, and in 2021 reopens in a new building on Rue de Rivoli. A wonderful art nouveau building! It's worth the visit, even if to appreciate the inside of the store.
My favorite neighborhoods for shopping are Saint Germain and Marais.
The most avant-garde boutiques have set up shop in the Marais neighborhood. You can find stylists and designers such as Kate Lee, Infinity, Muji, Maje, and Sandro.
Several streets are pedestrian-only. With upscale restaurants and grocery stores, it makes for a great Sunday outing.
While you are in Marais, don't forget to visit the Place des Vosges, the oldest planned square in Paris. The symphony of autumn leaves under your feet adds a magical touch to the historic charm.
Located on the left bank and close to Paris' most legendary monuments, Saint-Germain is one of the capital's artistic centers.
For decades it was the favorite place for French and foreign artists. Attracted by an artistic atmosphere, haute couture houses have settled in the neighborhood. Yves Saint Laurent and Sonia Rykiel in the 60s, then Dior, Hermès, and Louis Vuitton in the 90s.
It is now a place for chic and daring shopping. Along the 2 km of La Grenelle street, you will find designers from Inês de la Fressange to Isabel Marant.
There are restaurants and bars with sidewalk tables to enjoy a glass of Champagne and a foie gras pâté. As you are close by, walk to the Latin Quarter.
In Paris, you will find the perfect pieces to add to your wardrobe.
Parisian fashion: a global reference
Parisian fashion is a global reference in style, elegance, and sophistication. The Parisians have a natural and unpretentious fashion sense.
During the autumn the dress code is comfortable and practical! But also elegant and sophisticated. Inspire yourself and know what to wear in autumn!
The emphasis is on classic and timeless pieces rather than passing trends.
Focus on quality and construction: invest in well-made pieces that will last.
They can create elegant looks with simple, casual pieces.
Accessories are a great way to add a touch of personality to any look. Popular ones include hats, sunglasses, bags, and jewelry. I love the Ray Ban's Geometric sunglasses. They are timeless, and super stylish.
Makeup, which has the power to transform something simple into a style statement.
What makes up a fall wardrobe:
Jeans and a blazer are a classic and always elegant combination. You can wear the blazers open or closed and paired with blouses and shoes. A bag or a printed scarf adds a colorful touch. I like oversized and comfy scarves that can be wrapped around for extra warmth. The beige one from Cole Haan is super elegant!
A pencil skirt and blouse go perfectly together. Wear them with a t-shirt, blouse, or sweater.
A trench coat is an essential item for any Parisian's wardrobe. Wear it with jeans or even a dress. Barbour's has an excellent quality, a great style and the trench coat will last forever!
A button-down shirt and leather pants are an elegant and modern combination. Try them with sneakers or boots, depending on the occasion.
A midi dress is a versatile piece for casual or formal occasions. As we are talking about Paris, let's go for a French brand Sandro, a must-have. I bought this black sleeve turtleneck dress, perfect for the fall. I wear with sneakers during the day and with boots at night!
Shoes, sneakers, or boots complete the look. White sneakers can be paired with almost any outfit, making them a must-have in every trip.
A suitcase for 1 week in autumn:
Pants: pack 2 jeans and 1 black pants. Although Miss Sixty is a brand for younger women, I loved this Black Belted Cargo Pants. Super comfy, and the bright diamond buckles on the belt add a touch of glamour!
1 light dress or skirt: remember to bring one or more pairs of tights to wear underneath
4 long-sleeved and 2 3/4-sleeved shirts or t-shirts
2 sweaters.Check out the colors of this trendy Mock-Neck Cashmere Jumper from Anthropologie.I can wear it both with jeans and skirts.
1 waterproof jacket and 1 umbrella
A leather jacket and wool cardigan are ideal for cool evening temperatures. I love this Wool-Cashmere Knit Cardigan from Theory. It has an oversized fit, super comfy and warm.
Gloves and scarf
Comfortable shoes: a pair of sneakers for the day and one of boots for the night. Get inspired by this article: Fashion Potential of Sneakers.
Do not forget the perfect beauty products for your getaway! For more tips read The Perfect Beauty products for your next Trip.
If you look for a perfect trip, Paris in autumn is a great option! Plan your fall trip today!
Everything you need before you trip in a click
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Find a luggage:
When it comes to luggage, the only brand I buy is Samsonite. I've had a carry-on bag for over 5 years. It is still in excellent condition. For my checked bags, I have one made of soft material that has been with me for almost a decade, with a slight sign of aging but still firm. The advantage is that there's always room for a little something extra. The hard one is much lighter. I take it on trips where I'm not taking a lot of stuff or shopping. All are excellent investments! Check the Black Friday preview 30% off until Nov 8th!
Find your flight
Expedia is a great platform to search and compare flight options and fares.
Find your hotel below:
I used to book my hotel through the Booking platform and love it, but lately, I am finding better deals on Hoteis.com. Anyway, I always compare prices with the hotel chain's platform, such as Hilton and Radisson. Read more about How to book the perfect hotel for your trip!
On both platforms, paying in advance will get you a discount on the fare
Choose your tour! What to do
When I visit a big city for the first time, I like to first take the Hop on Hop Off, a bus that stops at the city's main attractions, or a guided tour to get a better idea of what I'm going to find and which places I'd really like to visit. Two companies offer hundreds of tours, always with excellent value for money: Viator and Get your guide. Another great place to explore things to do is Tripadvisor. It recommends the best activities in each place based on travelers reviews.