Paris in October: Fashion, Foliage, Exhibitions and Events

Last Updated:

10/2/2023

For many, October is the best time to visit Paris. The City of Light will finally cool down after this summer’s heat waves and become an autumn wonderland. Tourist season has come to an end making for smaller crowds and shorter lines. If you’re visiting this October you’re in luck because it’s a great time for beautiful exhibitions, music, fashion and beyond! We’ll also share with you the best places to enjoy the autumn beauty in our favorite city.

The average temperature in October is between 9 and 16 Celsius with a possibility of some sunny days with temperatures ranging from 15-20 Celsius. October isn’t quite the chilliest time of year, yet far more comfortable compared to the hot summer months. You may experience warm days in early autumn but bear in mind the month of October can be full of dreary rainy days and cold weather too. Put on a chic trench coat or leather jacket, jeans and your best walking shoes and take to the streets of Paris. Enjoy hot coffee and colorful autumn foliage in this beautiful city. The Daylight-Saving Time (DST) period will end on October 29, so be sure to change your watch as the clocks set back by one hour at 3:00 a.m.

The courtyard of the Louvre Museum at the golden hour, with the iconic glass Pyramid straight ahead. — Above: photo by Vlada Karpovich
Top: photo by margerretta

Exhibitions

Naples in Paris. The Louvre invites the Capodimonte Museum

Continuing since June 2023 and through the end of October, as part of a partnership with the Capodimonte Museum in Naples the great names of Italian painting will be on display at the Louvre. Naples in Paris will transform the museum into a Neapolitan palace with more than 60 pieces from the Farnese and Bourbon collections, from Bourbons of Naples.

Amedeo Modigliani. A Painter and His Retailer

Continuing from September and all throughout October, artistic and friendly ties between A madeo Modigliani, the master of the Expressionist movement, and his dealer, Paul Guillaume will be explored at the Musée de L’Orangerie. The iconic and controversial work is said to be one of the most eagerly awaited exhibitions of autumn 2023.

Van Gogh at Auvers-sur-Oise – Musée d’Orsay, October 3, 2023 until January 4, 2024

Beginning in early October, Musée d’Orsay will present the works produced by Vincent Van Gogh (1835-1890) during the last two crucial months of his life spent in Auvers-sur-Oise, near Paris. After years of research on this phase in the artist’s life, this exhibition will allow viewers to finally understand its true importance.

J’adore! Beaux Arts de Paris, until October 8

This free event celebrates the iconic fragrance that has been beloved across the world since its inception in 1997. The exhbition takes us on a journey through Dior’s secret gardens, inspirations, haute couture gowns and more.

Chagall, Paris-New-York – Hall des Lumiéres from October 6

The immersive exhibition of modern art can be enjoyed in Atelier des Lumières, a digital art centre in Paris. Discover the works of Marc Chagall and some of the 10,000 paintings and drawings by Paul Klee, described as a “poetic escape”.

The Treasury of Notre-Dame Cathedral – Louvre Museum, October 18, 2023 until January 29, 2024

In celebration of the restoration work on the most famous Gothic cathedral of Paris, the treasury of Notre-Dame will be presented in the largest museum, the Louvre.

Picasso. Drawing to Infinity – Centre Pompidou, October 18, 2023 until January 15, 2024

To honor the 50^th anniversary of Picasso’s death, Centre Pompidou will explore his work through more than 2,000 recognized and unpublished drawings and prints from the artist’s studios. The Picasso drawings offer a glimpse of the behind-the-scenes of the artist’s masterpieces.

Art Fairs

Paris+ par Art Basel – Grand Palais Éphémère, October 20 – 22, 2023

Held at the Grand Palais Éphémère, 156 galleries will be displayed specialising in Modern and contemporary art. The great Paris+par Art Basel includes paintings, drawings, sculptures, installations, photography, video, and digital art.

Left: Eiffel Tower surrounded by autumn trees; Right: Street in Montmartre with La Maison Rose restaurant. — Left: photo by Sanat Angham / Right: photo by nomundodejr

Asia Now, Paris Asian Art Fair – Monnaie de Paris, October 20 – 22, 2023

Celebrating its 9^th edition, Asia NOW is the first contemporary art fair that highlights the diversity of artistic scenes in Asia. 14 artists from Central Asia will be presented, taking place all throughout the palace of Monnaie de Paris.

Food and Wine

Grape Harvest Festival in Montmartre (Fête des Vendanges) – Sacre-Coeur, Montmartre, October 11 – 15, 2023

Every autumn, since 1934, the Montmartre Wine Festival shines the spotlight on the Butte Montmartre. The beautiful district, famous for its white-domed basilica of Sacre Coeur is also reputed for its vines. Enjoy the concerts, street entertainments, tastings of artisanal and regional products, indulge in a wine tasting and more!

Salon du Chocolat – Porte de Versailles, October 28 until November 1, 2023

Calling all chocolate lovers! For 5 days chocolatiers, pastry chefs, confectioners, cocoa producers, major brands, and flood bloggers will share their products on their stands at Salon du Chocolat. Enjoy live performances including live chef demos and a chocolate dress show!

Music

Enjoy various genres of music in beautiful Paris. Hot tip – For more music shows and events, check out Dice.

Don Giovanni: Paris National Opera

October 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 9, 12 at Opera Bastille

Marion Motin, Xie Xin & Crystal Pite: Paris National Opera

October 1 – 12 at Palais Garnier

Ensemble Royal de Paris: Vivaldi, Bach, Mozart

October 2, 4, 7, 9, 11, 14, 26, 18, 21, 23, 25, 28, 30, 31 at Saint-Julien le-Pauvre Church

Jazz sur Seine

October 6 – 21 at Rue des Lombards

Candlelight Concert: Bach, Debussy, Schubert, Liszt

October 7 – 22 at Saint-Ephrem Church

Mozart’s Requiem & Ravel’s Bolero

October 14 at Madeleine Church

Sport

Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe – ParisLongchamp Racecourse, October 1, 2023

Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe is said to be one of the biggest annual racing events in the world. Be sure to see some of the world’s best horses competing at the Hippodrome de Longchamp.

Running à Paris – Point d’Léna, October 8, 2023

The Vredestein 20km will take you past the Eiffel Tower, Trocadero, Arc de Triomphe, Bois de Boulogne, Roland Garros, Radio House, Grand Palais, Tuileries, Pont Royal, and Berges Rive Gauche. Runners can also participate remotely. Up to 31,000 participants, both professional and amateur runners are expected to join. Refreshments will be available at 6km, 10km, 15km and the finish line.

A jogger dressed from head to toe in black running gear jogs along a pond in the Bois de Boulogne in Paris during Autumn. — Photo by: Armand Khoury

Family Friendly

Halloween Festival at Disneyland Paris – Until November 6, 2023

Enjoy Disneyland’s iconic Halloween festival where you’ll find the Mischief Makers, Villainous Masters and Mysterious Hosts. If you have the chance, be sure to make it for the Halloween Party on October 31^st.

Christmas Display – Bon Marché Gauche, October 28, 2023

At the end of the month, Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche will reveal their Christmas windows. The department store will turn into a giant workshop in which elves are working hard to make the Christmas tree bulbs for the big day!

Halloween Film Screening at Grand Rex, October 21^st, 2023

Love horror films? Grab your popcorn because Grand Rex movie theatre will be screening classic horror films such as The Shining, Dracula, The Conjuring, The Exorcist and more.

Fashion

Paris Fashion Week, until October 3, 2023

Don’t miss the iconic Womenswear and Menswear Spring/Summer 2024 in the fashion capital of the world. Take a look at the official calendar for the program.

Clare V. Pop-up, 97 Rue de Turenne

To celebrate 15 years of the handbag and accessories line, Clare Vivier has a slew of celebratory events. There is a book released by Rizzoli, a collaboration with Monoprix (at select stores starting in late October), and this pop up shop in the Marais. The store includes the complete Clare V. line allowing Parisians the rare chance to shop the collection in person until December 31.

A colorful grid of 30 clutch handbags by the designer Clare Vivier. — photo by: Flannery Underwood

Best Spots for Fall Foliage

If you’re visiting Paris in October, don’t miss the perfect opportunity to experience the trees exploding with mesmerising fall colors like red, orange, and gold. Here are our best spots.