Paris in October: Foliage, Exhibitions and Events

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For many, October is the best time to visit Paris. The City of Light finally cools down after the summer’s heat waves and turns into 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. There is a slight chill in the air, yet it is 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 25, so be sure to change your watch as the clocks set back by one hour at 3:00 a.m.

EVENTS IN PARIS IN OCTOBER

Grape Harvest Festival in Montmartre (Fête des Vendanges) – Montmartre & 18th arrondissement, October 7-11, 2026

Every autumn since 1934, the Montmartre Wine Festival shines the spotlight on the Butte Montmartre. This year’s 93rd edition will celebrate the sounds and voices of the 18th arrondissement of Paris through musical performances and dancing. The beautiful district, famous for its white-domed basilica of Sacre Coeur, is also reputed for its vines. Enjoy the concerts, street entertainment, tastings of artisanal and regional products, wine and more!

Salon de la Photo & Vidéo – Grande Halle de la Villette, October 8-11, 2026

The 4-day Salon de la Photo is the perfect place for photography enthusiasts and professionals to experience all things photography. There will be expositions, workshops with experts, photography equipment for sale, and opportunities to meet some big names in photography.

Asia Now, Paris Asian Art Fair – Monnaie de Paris, October 20-24, 2026

Celebrating its 12th edition, Asia NOW is the first contemporary art fair that highlights the diversity of artistic scenes in Asia. Artists from West and South Asia will be presented, taking place all throughout the palace of Monnaie de Paris.

Art Basel Paris – Grand Palais Éphémère, October 23-25, 2026

Held at the Grand Palais Éphémère, over 200 galleries specializing in modern and contemporary art will display their work. The great Art Basel Paris includes paintings, drawings, sculptures, installations, photography, video, and digital art.

Salon du Chocolat – Porte de Versailles, October 28 until November 1, 2026

Calling all chocolate lovers! For 5 days master chocolatiers, pastry chefs, confectioners, food bloggers, and major brands will share their products at the 31st edition of Salon du Chocolat. Enjoy live performances including live chef demos and a musical show!

Festival d’Automne – until 10 January, 2027

Started in 1972, the multidisciplinary Paris Autumn Festival showcases theater, music, dance, art and film. 40 venues around Paris take part in the Festival d’Automne, including museums, theatres and universities.

Lost in Frenchlation October Program

Lost in Frenchlation brings the best of French cinema to the international community of Paris. They screen the latest French films with English subtitles, and some films include a Q&A with the director. There are also drinks before each screening building community between the international crowd and native Parisians.

Left: man walking past a wall covered with autumn foliage in Montmartre, Right: a statue surrounded by autumn foliage in Jardin du Luxembourg. — Pronoti Baglary

EXHIBITIONS IN PARIS IN OCTOBER

***Timeless Tintoretto*, Musée Jacquemart-André, until 24 January, 2027**

Musée Jacquemart-André hosts the first comprehensive French retrospective of Jacomo Robusti, known as Tintoretto, a leading figure of Italian Mannerism. Around forty paintings and graphic works trace his career in Venice, from early commissions to his large-scale decorative cycles. The exhibition highlights his bold brushstrokes, unique perspective, dramatic lighting, and lasting influence on 19th-century French painting.

***A Statue for Liberty, Bartholdi’s dream, from Paris to New York*, Musée d’Orsay, until 31 January, 2027**

This exhibition at Musée d’Orsay is an immersive virtual reality experience in the museum’s Amount Gallery, which covers about 700 meters squared! During the experience, you’ll be transported to a project at the heart of the Franco-American dream: the creation of the Statue of Liberty and other symbolic works.

***Eva Gonzalès, A Free-Spirited Artist*, Petit Palais, until 24 January, 2027**

The Petit Palais is staging the first-ever large-scale retrospective of French painter Eva Gonzalès, who has never previously received a major solo show, and was the sole student Édouard Manet ever formally took on. Backed by a supportive family, she carved out a distinctive style of her own despite the limited space the art world offered women at the time. Around one hundred works including spanning paintings, pastels, and prints make up the show, honoring a clearly gifted artist who only lived to be 34.

***Kerry James Marshall, The Histories*, Musée d’Art Moderne until 24 January, 2027**

The Musée d’Art Moderne is hosting France’s first-ever exhibition of artist Kerry James Marshall, born in 1955 in Birmingham, Alabama. Organized with the Royal Academy of Arts and the Kunsthaus Zürich, it spans roughly seventy pieces, eight of them painted specifically for the exhibition. Marshall has built his reputation on monumental canvases that place Black figures at the center of scenes from classic art-historical tropes, turning “presence” into something monumental.

***Kurt Schwitters, Le Chaos-Monde*, Musée d’Art Moderne from 6 October, 2026 until 7 February, 2027**

Kurt Schwitters is an artist who stood apart from the Dada movement, Constructivism, and the German abstract art scene, and created the Merz movement. His paintings, sculptures, drawings, were created during the changing German art scene in the 1920s and 1930s, when he objected to being classified or categorized. Over 300 works and documents are assembled for his first exhibition in France in more than 30 years at the Picasso Museum.

Zurbarán, Musée du Louvre, from 7 October, 2026 until 25 February, 2027

Francisco de Zurbarán is known as one of the greatest Spanish painters of the 17th century, and recognised as a prodigious colorist with a distinctive personal take on naturalism. The National Gallery in London, the Musée du Louvre and the Art Institute of Chicago are all behind the new exhibition at the Louvre, where you can admire Zurbarán’s powerful compositions.

Cezanne and Us, Grand Palais, until 17 January, 2027

This exhibition at the Grand Palais explores not only Cézanne’s works, but also his legacy and influence. Delve into the story behind his art, a debated point of reference that shaped and inspired major avant-garde artists, from Matisse and Picasso to Mondrian and beyond.

Andy Warhol, Musée du Luxembourg, until 10 January, 2027

While Andy Warhol is best known for his silkscreen celebrity portraits, drawing was a constant throughout his career, even after he turned to painting and film. This exhibition at Musée du Luxembourg traces that thread across five thematic sections, from his early work as an advertising illustrator to his private explorations of gay iconography and mortality.

Monet, Painting Time, Musée de l’Orangerie, until 25 January, 2027

2026 marks the centenary of Claude Monet’s death, and Musée de l’Orangerie is honoring him with an exhibition on his work’s relationship with time. It brings together nearly 40 paintings from the museum’s collection and outside loans, with a particular focus on his famous Nymphéas series.

Remember Me, Bourse de Commerce, from 7 October, 2026

Marking the bicentenary of photography’s invention, this exhibition at the Bourse de Commerce pays tribute to the medium through masterpieces from the Pinault Collection. Structured as a free-ranging journey without chronology, it spans historical to contemporary work, from Gustave Le Gray and Cindy Sherman to Dorothea Lange and Wolfgang Tillmans.

Gustave Fayet, Collectionneur – Créateur, Fondation Louis Vuitton, from 9 October, 2026 until 8 March, 2027

This exhibition at Fondation Louis Vuitton unfolds in two parts, exploring Gustave Fayet as both collector and creator, revealing a pioneering yet often overlooked figure in modern art. For the first time in a century, it reunites over 325 of his works, alongside pieces by Van Gogh and Gauguin.

cafe bonaparte, st germain de pres, paris with people walking in front of the cafe on cobblestoned Paris streets — Pronoti Baglary

MUSIC AND DANCE IN PARIS IN OCTOBER

ARTE Concert Festival, la Gaîté Lyrique, October 29-31, 2026

It’s the 11th edition of the ARTE Concert Festival, a free event performed live at la Gaîté Lyrique and streamed on arte.tv. There are concerts from French and international artists, so be sure to check out this year’s line-up!

***MaMA Festival*, Various venues in Pigalle and Montmartre, October 14-16, 2026**

MaMA Music & Convent ion is a one-of-a-kind event in France, serving as a gathering for music industry professionals and offering activities designed to encourage networking. But it’s also open to the public for three nights of concerts in Pigalle and Montmartre, bringing together French and international artists, industry insiders and music lovers.

***Festival Jazz sur Seine*, various jazz clubs, October 9-24, 2026**

Jazz clubs across Paris and Île-de-France offer 200 jazz concerts across 30 locations performed by 450 artists. It’s a great idea for an autumn activity or evening out this October!

***Hamlet*, Opéra Bastille, until 9 October, 2026**

In the 1860s, Ambroise Thomas transformed Shakespeare’s Hamlet into an opera, which premiered in Paris in 1868 to great success. Director Krzysztof Warlikowski revives this celebrated work at Opéra Bastille through a psychoanalytic lens, portraying Hamlet as trapped within his own memories and obsessions.

L’Histoire de Manon, Palais Garnier, until 30 October, 2026

At Palais Garnier, choreographer Kenneth MacMillan’s L’Histoire de Manon brings to life the Abbé Prévost’s tragic heroine, a beautiful sixteen-year-old drawn toward fleeting pleasures. Created in 1974, this ballet showcases MacMillan’s theatrical mastery, scored with excerpts from Jules Massenet. The story follows the unfolding of the doomed love between Manon and Des Grieux, from a roadside inn near Paris to the swamps of Louisiana.

***Festival d’Automne*, from 11 September, 2026 until 10 January, 2027**

***The Strokes*, Accor Arena, October 22, 2026**

The beloved indie rock band The Strokes are currently on their “Reality Awaits” tour after the release of their latest album, and will play in Paris at the Accor Arena.

the eiffel tower towering over the city of paris — Photo by Federica Bisso

SPORTS IN PARIS IN OCTOBER

Street League Skateboarding Championship Tour, Stade Roland-Garros, October 3, 2026

Street League Skateboarding returns for its second year at Stade Roland-Garros, transforming the famous clay courts into a global skateboarding arena. Following last year’s history-making debut, the world’s best skaters are back for one of the tour’s most unforgettable events.

Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe – ParisLongchamp Racecourse, October 3 & 4, 2026

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.

Harmonie Mutuelle 20km de Paris, starting at the Eiffel Tower, October 11, 2026

The Harmonie Mutuelle 20km race takes you past the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Bois de Boulogne, Musée d’Orsay, Pont Royal, The Louvre, and more. 33,000 participants, including both professional and amateur runners, are expected to join.

Semi-marathon du Bois de Vincennes, Bois de Vincennes, October 18, 2026

The Semi-marathon of Bois de Vincennes features a 21.195 kilometer course through the beautiful Vincennes forest of the 12th arrondissement. Registration is still open, or you can come cheer on the runners as they power through the race!

Pittsburgh Steelers vs New Orleans Saints – NFL Paris Game, Stade de France, October 25, 2026

Stade de France hosts the first-ever NFL regular-season game in France, the 2026 NFL Paris Game, featuring the Pittsburgh Steelers versus the New Orleans Saints. A major moment for American football fans, it reflects the sport’s growing international popularity and marks another milestone for France on the global sports calendar.

Rolex Paris Masters – La Défense Arena, October 31 – November 8, 2026

It’s the final tournament of the regular men’s tennis season at the world’s biggest indoor tennis tournament. Come cheer on some of men’s tennis’ greatest players at the Rolex Paris Masters at La Défense Arena.

black and red Metro signage near building — Photo by Anastasia Zhenina

CHILDREN’S EVENTS IN PARIS IN OCTOBER

***Ocean Planet*, Atelier des Lumières, opens October 16, 2026**

Embark on an immersive journey from sunlit surface waters to the deepest depths of the ocean during Ocean Planet, the newest installation at Atelier de Lumières.

Halloween Festival at Disneyland Paris, until November 1, 2026

Enjoy Disneyland’s iconic Halloween festival where you’ll find the Mischief Makers, Villainous Masters and Mysterious Hosts. On October 31st, the park is open until 11pm, and visitors are encouraged to dress up in their Halloween costumes!

Pumpkin Festival at Gally Farm, Saint-Cyr-l’École, Sartrouville and Saint-Denis, October 20-31, 2026

Celebrate Halloween with all things pumpkin at Gally Farms. There are Jack O’Lantern workshops for kids, where the little ones can carve the pumpkins grown on the farm into scary shapes with their family and friends. There will also be an opportunity to visit the farm animals, plus a gourmet snack area with crêpes and warm apple juice! Be sure to reserve online before going.

***Transparency*, Grand Palais – Palais de la Découverte, until August 2027**

The Palais des Enfants invites 2 to 10-year-olds on a playful, hands-on adventure where art and science collide to unlock the secrets of transparency.

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 favorite spots in and around the city.

Jardin des Tuileries
Luxembourg Gardens
Parc des Buttes-Chaumont
Canal Saint-Martin
Jardin des Plantes
Coulée Verte René-Dumont
Bois de Vincennes
Versailles
Fontainebleau
Compiègne

Find out where to celebrate Halloween in Paris – Trick or Treat: How to Halloween in Paris.
Get in the mood for the spooky season with these Eerie Itineraries in the City of Light.

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WRITTEN BY

Zoe Adams

Zoe Adams is an American who has been living in Paris for three years. She is currently studying for her bachelor’s in law at Université Paris Cité. When she’s not studying, Zoe is a singer-songwriter recording and performing live in Paris.