Enjoy the Best of Paris in October
Paris offers the world year-round and somehow so much more in October. With fewer crowds, welcoming weather, and exciting events, October may be the best month of the year to visit La Ville-Lumière, the City of Lights.
Here are some possibilities to put on your October Paris travel calendar and tips to make the most of your trip.
What to pack hello
The Paris weather in October is nearly perfect, with highs of 17º and lows of 10º, and an average of 8 days of rain. Bring your trenchcoat or waterproof jacket, and pack a sweater for cooler evening weather. A crisp white shirt paired with dark jeans or black slacks is always in good taste. Long sleeve t-shirts in neutral colours won’t let you down. Bring comfortable, waterproof ankle boots for your excursions. Include something elegant in your luggage for those nights you want to paint the town rouge.
For more wardrobe inspiration, catch up on the events of Paris Fashion Week from 26 September - 4 October and get ahead on fashion trends for spring 2023.
What to do
Take in the autumn colours at the Luxembourg Gardens or the Champ de Mars gardens under the Eiffel Tower. Stroll through the city more comfortably in cooler weather, then rest your feet and warm yourself at the cafés.
Chill to some smooth notes during Jazz sur Seine at the Jazz Clubs of Paris Île-de-France from October 8-23. This jazz event features 450 artists playing over 180 concerts.
You’re still in time to enjoy the Musical Waters at the Chateau de Versailles. Les Grandes Eaux Musicales, the Musical Fountains Show, is on Saturdays and Sundays from March through October. Enjoy classical music as you watch the fountains dance and take in the light show. Stroll through the gardens at their autumnal peak.
Get your heart racing at Prix de l'Arc de Triomph on 2 October 2022. See thoroughbreds compete at Hippodrome de Longchamp, Bois de Boulogne, during one of France's most significant annual racing events. Get trackside for a closer look and a chance to snap pictures of some of the world's finest horses.
Stop by the Mondial de l'Auto, the Paris Motor Show, from October 17 to October 23 at the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles to get up to speed with the scene and maybe get inspired to buy a new set of wheels.
Stay up late on the night of Saturday, October 5, for the annual Nuit Blanche, or White Night, celebrating art and culture in Paris. Many museums, galleries, and popular spots across the city will be open most of the night. Catch all the special exhibits, and enjoy the various music events.
Take a sip or two at the Fêtes des Vendanges de Montmartre, Montmartre Wine Harvest, taking place from October 5 - 9, an autumn tradition for the vineyards on the hills around the church of Sacré-Coeur. Experience all the charm of the 18th arrondissement as you do a little wine tasting, delight in the local food specialities, and enjoy the music and street performances. Stay long enough to catch the fireworks display.
Enjoy The Salon d’Automne (Autumn Art Show), founded in 1903 to encourage and develop fine arts in all disciplines. This year’s Salon d'Automne 2022 will take place under the glass roof of the Grande Halle de La Villette from 21 to 23 October 2022. Enjoy a multidisciplinary program that features all the fine arts, including conferences, poetry readings, music, dance performances, fashion shows, and more.
Get current with the art scene at Paris Now, the Paris Asian Art Fair from 20 - 23 October. This four-day-long art show at the Carrousel du Louvre, opposite I.M. Pei's famous glass pyramid, will present the best in contemporary Asian art. There are additional installations in various museums and galleries throughout the city. You’ll find the program of the event on their website
Make time for the International Contemporary Art Fair (FIAC), also scheduled for the 20 - 23 October 2022 at the Grand Palais. It features the work of thousands of artists from around the world, represented by about 180 galleries from 24 countries. Visit the FIAC website for more details on the exhibits
There’s no wrong time of year for chocolate, but October is prime chocolate time in Paris. The Salon du Chocolat, from 28 October - 1 November, is the world's largest show dedicated to the art of cacao. Sample the world’s most delicious and innovative chocolate treats, watch demonstrations from expert chocolatiers and stop by the bookshop for recipes to try at home. It’s a great event for families. Children aged 4 to 10 can attend cooking workshops and chocolate tastings. The entrance is €14 for adults and €6.50 for children younger than 12. Tots under 3 get in free.
Don’t Miss Halloween at Disneyland Paris, from 1 October - 6 November. The park focuses on spooky fun, with tricks and treats galore. Some of Disney’s best villains take centre stage. Enjoy the Halloween spectacular ‘A Night Fall with Disney Villains’ at Sleeping Beauty Castle with projections, music, and water fountain displays at sunset.
For scary family fun, attend the Halloween Show at Le Manoir de Paris from October to November 2022. This historic, three-story mansion is an interactive haunted house with spine-chilling performances. The special Halloween show features over 100 actors dedicated to giving guests a good fright. Expect some long queues, especially on All Hallow's Eve, October 31, but you can cut right through them by booking tickets in advance on the website
Arrive in Paris in comfort, convenience, and style by booking a private flight direct to Paris Le Bourget. Have your LunaJets advisor coordinate a personal driver for your lively autumn in Paris.