Many people would chime in when October is said to be a pretty good time to be travelling Paris. The ebb of tourists becomes apparent as you’ll observe the quiet and calm in the streets. But that doesn’t mean there’s nothing happening in Paris. In fact, this month is a great time for art lovers as well as a great time for short trips outside of the city to enjoy the lovely beginnings of autumn foliage. And as you’ll find in the bottom, it’s a great time for travellers looking to shop as well!
Read down below to find out about:
- October weather in Paris
- news not to miss in Paris for October
- events in October
- attractions to visit in October
Weather in October
Unlike the previous month, October is when the shift of seasons from summer to winter becomes very apparent. The temperature will be dropping to about an average of 17C in daytime to about 10C at nighttime. While sunset at the beginning of October will be around 7:30pm, it’s also when France and most of Europe end daylight savings and go back to the ‘normal’ time. Therefore sunset by the end of the month will be early at around 5:30pm.
The month also sees about 8 days of rain and sometimes, they’ll all fall consecutively. Don’t worry though, we can assure you that a rainy day in Paris still has its charms. You can use it as an excuse to hide away in a cozy café or stay as long as you like in one of the Paris’ best museums. Just make sure that you’re packing with you a raincoat or a hooded jacket if bringing an umbrella is inconvenient for you.
Download these guides to accompany you in Paris this October!
News in October
Visit Château Vaux-le-Vicomte
Run, don’t walk to the Vaux-le-Vicomte estate in October! You have 1 more week to catch the magical Candlelit Evenings at the château. This event brings you to imagine the famous party once held at the estate in 1661 where the estate will be covered in flickering lights!
And don’t worry about dinner, the estate has restaurants where you can enjoy meals and drinks. Getting back to Paris won’t be a problem either as there is a shuttle service between Vaux-le-Vicomte and Paris Gare de Lyon. Click here for more information.
INSIDR Tip: Make sure to stay in the garden to get the best view of the fireworks! The show starts at 11:00pm
Practical info:
- When: on September 28 and October 5, 2019
- Ticket: 19,90€ full-rate; 17,90€ reduced rate; 14€ for kids 6-17 years old; Free for below 6 y.o.
Shopping alerts
Parapharmacie Monge is currently hosting an exciting pop-up event until October 16, 2019 to highlight the French beauty brand Darphin. The pop-up aims at introducing Darphin’s products that are crafted with the most precious botanicals and potent natural ingredients.
SPECIAL DAYS: There will be 5 special days (27, 28 September, 7,9, 16 October) happening where people can book a mini beauty treatment and a personalised skin diagnosis via private message (on FB, Instagram and WeChat for China), between 12h00 and 21h00.
SPECIAL OFFER: Get a complimentary Darphin Stimulskin Splash lotion (to the value of €80) when you spend €175 on Darphin Products at Parapharmacie Monge!
—-Click here to download your special gift voucher—-
And don’t forget, spending 175€ entitles you to a 15% direct tax refund at Parapharmacie Monge!
Address: 78 Rue Monge, 75005 Paris
Events Happening in October
1 – Nuit Blanche
When: October 5, 2019
Thinking about what to do in Paris at night? Night-owls visiting Paris in October will be pleased to find out about Le Nuit Blanche which is an all-night art festival! Several museums and monuments will be exceptionally open from 7pm til 7am to welcome the public for special art installations. Make sure to open our INSIDR Nuit Blanche 2019 Map to guide you through all of the attractions to visit this year. You can click the map below to learn more:
2 – Fête des Vendanges
When: October 9 – 13, 2019
Did you know that there is an actual wine-producing vineyard in Paris? It can be found in Montmartre and is the last of its kind which is why Fête des Vendanges de Montmartre is a special event celebrated each year in October. There are lots of stuff that will be happening in the 5 days of the festival. You can visit the vineyard for free, go on wine tasting courses, witness the harvest of grapes, and of course, the grand parade where everyone will be singing and dancing on the streets!
The event will be held in 8 different areas in the 18th arrondissement. For more information, visit the official tourism office in Montmartre at 7 rue Drevet, 75018.
3 – FIAC
When: October 17 – 20, 2019
FIAC, or International Contemporary Art Fair, is Paris’ largest annual art fair. It is an event held every October in Paris for a long weekend. Though the main purpose of the FIAC is to attract large collectors from all over the world to sell contemporary artwork, it is also that time of year when several art galleries in Paris open their doors to the public and display special works.
If you’re planning on attending this year, make sure you read our dedicated guide and tips to visiting FIAC! You’ll read about where to go, what to see, and updated information on tickets.
4 – Salon du Chocolat
When: October 30 – November 3, 2019
Chocolate-lovers will be congregating in Paris for the annual Salon du Chocolat! It’s going to be yet another multi-sensory experience revolved around chocolate. Held once again at Porte de Versailles, make sure to book your tickets online to secure a spot because this event is extremely popular among not just professionals in chocolate and pastry arts but to foodies as well! Make sure to attend the event’s 25th anniversary and this might just be your chance to find the best chocolate in Paris.
Attractions to visit in October
The best museum exhibitions
— October may be the best month yet to visit The Louvre Museum. If you’ve planned your trip for the last week of October, don’t miss booking a ticket to the long-anticipated Leonardo da Vinci exhibition. The exhibition commemorates the 500-year death anniversary of the brilliant artist best known for his Mona Lisa.
The exhibition will run from October 24, 2019 to February 24, 2021. Advanced bookings are mandatory.
And while you’re at The Louvre, you might as well do your souvenir shopping at Carrousel du Louvre. If you show your INSIDR voucher, you’ll get an exclusive gift bag worth 40€ when you spend 100€ at any store in Carrousel du Louvre!
— Musée du quai Branly Jacques Chirac‘s new exhibition features a look behind the scenes of how their collections for the past 20 years have been formed. We also love this museum for its expansive gardens where you can enjoy viewing autumn foliage and the Eiffel Tower! And if you’re visiting at night, the gardens are lit up by an art installation of fluorescent tubes by artist Yann Kersalé.
Halloween at Disneyland
When: September 28 – November 3, 2019
If you prefer a bit of a spooky Disneyland experience, visiting during the theme park’s Halloween-themed season would be unforgettable! The parades and shows will all have the Halloween touch where Disney villains will be taking the main stage. And if your goal is to feel frightened during your Disneyland visit, make sure to head to Phantom Manor which has just reopened after a long renovation project!
Make sure to read our complete 2019 Disneyland Guide to help you plan your visit.