Paris in October: Foliage, Exhibitions and Events
Tomas Kauer - - News Moderator 
For many, October is the best time to visit Paris. The City of Light finally cools down after the summer’s heat waves and turning 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 26, 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
Art Basel Paris – Grand Palais Éphémère, October 24-26, 2025
Held at the Grand Palais Éphémère, galleries will be displayed specializing in Modern and contemporary art. The great Art Basel Paris includes paintings, drawings, sculptures, installations, photography, video, and digital art.
Asia Now, Paris Asian Art Fair – Monnaie de Paris, October 22-26, 2025
Celebrating its 11th 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.
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, which are often followed by discussions with film crews. There are also drinks before each screening building community between the international crowd and native Parisians. Their October program includes special Q&As and a new wave movie tour.
Grape Harvest Festival in Montmartre (Fête des Vendanges) – Montmartre & 18th arrondissement, October 8-12, 2025
Every autumn since 1934, the Montmartre Wine Festival shines the spotlight on the Butte Montmartre. This year’s 92nd edition will celebrate the youth and vitality of the 18th arrondissement of Paris. 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 du Chocolat – Porte de Versailles, October 29 until November 2, 2025
Calling all chocolate lovers! For 5 days master chocolatiers, pastry chefs, confectioners, food bloggers, and major brands will share their products at the 30th edition of Salon du Chocolat. Enjoy live performances including live chef demos and a musical show!
Salon de la Photo – Grande Halle de la Villette, October 9-12, 2025
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.
Festival d’Automne — until December 20, 2025
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 prestigious institutions such as the Pompidou Center.
Exhibitions in Paris in October
Minimal, Bourse de Commerce, opening October 8, 2025
This major exhibition at the Bourse de Commerce is dedicated to minimalist art. Over one hundred important works will trace the minimalist movement, which has its roots in the 1960s.
Soulages, Une Autre Lumière, Musée du Luxembourg, until January 11th, 2026
Pierre Soulages at Musée du Luxembourg explores works by the artist, created between the 1940s and early 2000s. 130 pieces are displayed – 25 of them for the very first time.
Paul Poiret, La mode est une fête, Musée des Arts Décoratifs, until January 11, 2026
Paul Poiret is a famous haute couture designer known for removing the corset from his designs to liberate the female body. From Belle Époque to the Roaring Twenties, Poiret worked in fashion, decorative arts, perfume, and gastronomy. 550 pieces of his work are on display at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs.
Sargent Dazzling Paris, Musée d’Orsay, until January 11th, 2026
John Singer Sargent, one of the most famous American artists of his generation, is still widely unknown in France, even though it is the country where he received his artistic training. Musée d’Orsay honors the artist in an exhibition where 90 of his works will be on display.
Georges de la Tour, Musée Jacquemart André, until January 25th, 2026
Georges de la Tour is featured in an exhibition for the first time since 1997 at Musée Jacquemart André. Visitors will delve into the artist’s career and learn about his favorite subjects, including figures of penitent saints and artificial light effects.
Jacques-Louis David, The Louvre, opening October 15th, 2025
Jacques-Louis David is famous for his painting capturing major moments of the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Empire. His paintings, as well as portraits representing the society of this period, are the focus of the latest exhibition at the Louvre.
Amazônia, Musée du Quai Branly Jacques Chirac, until January 18th, 2026
Embrace the remarkable and vibrant Amazon, a complex intersection of spirits, ancestors and the natural environment. Discover all about the Amazon from the perspective of indigenous people during Amazônia at Musée du Quai Branly.
George Condo, Musée d’Art Moderne, opening October 10th, 2025
Painter, drawer and sculptor George Condo will have his largest exhibition yet at the Musée d’Art Moderne. Inspired by the culture of Western art, he draws influence from old masters as well as present artists.
Music and Dance in Paris in October
ARTE Concert Festival, la Gaîté Lyrique, October 24-25, 2025
It’s the 10th 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!
Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin, La Seine Musicale, October 12, 2025
The Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin returns to Paris for an evening of classical music. The orchestra will play at the spectacular Seine Musicale, alongside violinist Vilde Frang.
Festival Jazz sur Seine, various jazz clubs, October 10-25, 2025
Jazz clubs across Paris and Île-de-France offer over 180 jazz concerts across 25 clubs performed by 450 artists. It’s a great idea for an autumn activity or evening out this October!
Roots, Opéra Bastille, October 6 – November 10, 2025
Roots at Opéra Bastille explores the roots and inspirations of three choreographers in three ballets: Themes and Variations by George Balanchine, Corybantic Games by Christopher Wheeldon, and Rhapsodies by Mthuthuzeli November.
Tom Odell, Accor Arena, October 31, 2025
English singer-songwriter Tom Odell performs in Paris as part of his Wonderful Life tour.
Sports in Paris in October
Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe – ParisLongchamp Racecourse, October 4 – 5, 2025
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.
Rolex Paris Masters – La Défense Arena, October 25 – November 2
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.
Vredestein 20km – starting at the Eiffel Tower, October 13, 2024
The Vredestein 20km takes 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. 30,000 participants, including both professional and amateur runners, are expected to join.
Children’s Events in Paris in October
Musée de l’Homme 10th Anniversary – October 4-5, 2025
Musée de l’Homme is hosting a family event to celebrate its 10th anniversary! There will be workshops and exclusive tours, and the unveiling of a new interactive space where children can learn about humanity’s past.
Halloween Festival at Disneyland Paris – October 1 – November 2, 2025
Enjoy Disneyland’s iconic Halloween festival where you’ll find the Mischief Makers, Villainous Masters and Mysterious Hosts. And 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 – October 24-31, 2025, Saint-Cyr-l’École, Sartrouville et Saint-Denis
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! For kids aged 3 and over.
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 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
RELATED LINKS
- Learn where to celebrate Halloween in Paris – Trick or Treat: How to Halloween in Paris
- Want to try something new this month? Here’s a list of 6 Lively Paris Restaurants For a Festive Night Out.
- Bring a Parisian touch to your daily life with 7 ways to bring France into your home.
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