What To Do In Paris This November

updated by Zoe Adams, November 2025 As the crowds disperse and the crisp autumn air finally descends, November in Paris is a great month for those seeking a quieter time. Even if it is low season, you will still have your choice of events, exhibitions and things to do in Paris this month. Not to forget, fall foliage is in its full glory in the early half of this month.

November is the best time to experience Paris in a different light, quite literally. It is the time of year when you can witness the magical transformation of Paris as it prepares for the festive season, leading up to the holidays and New Year in December. Just a few more weeks until Christmas! But who’s counting right?

If you are worried about shorter days in fall, there will be a ton of twinkling lights and some of the most stunning Christmas decorations that will more than make up for it. Imagine sipping hot chocolate by the now-iconic giant Christmas tree display of Galeries Lafayette or taking a charming carousel ride in one of Paris’s many Christmas markets!

WEATHER IN NOVEMBER

After the fluctuating weather of September and October this year, the temperatures will likely dip with more consistent chilly weather and a couple of days of rain, interspersed by much needed sunny days. Average temperatures in Paris this month are around 17-11°C. If you plan on wearing your chic trench coats, make sure to bundle up with additional warm layers and get your waterproof shoes ready to combat the rainy weather.

PUBLIC HOLIDAYs IN FRANCE

Armistice Day is on November 11, which is a national holiday marked with solemn ceremonies across France. This includes the French President laying a wreath of the The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arc de Triomphe. Some museums or monuments may be closed or have limited hours on this day. Public holidays can also affect restaurant and business hours, so do take note.

Here are some highlights of the best things to do in Paris this month.

EVENTS in Paris in November

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. There will also be plenty of live performances such as live chef demos and a musical show!

Festival d’Automne — until December 20, 2025

Since 1972, the Paris Autumn Festival showcases theater, music, dance, art and film. Events take place in 40 venues around Paris, including prestigious institutions such as the Pompidou Center.

Paris Photo – Grand Palais Éphémère, November 13 – November 16, 2025

Paris Photo 2025 is a photographer’s dream, packed with exhibitions, conversations, artist signature sessions and curated shows. Featuring 222 exhibitors, this is the place to discover new photography and stay up to date on the latest trends, equipment and technology.

New Beaujolais Festival – November 20, 2025

The third Thursday of November every year is when Beaujolais Nouveau, a vibrant red wine from the Beaujolais region, is released. This day is steeped in tradition. Many events are held across France to celebrate this occasion of uncorking the first Beaujolais of the year. Do visit your local bar on this day. Chances are, they would be celebrating the first Beaujolais too.

Marie Claire Idées – Salon Créations & Savoir-Faire – Porte de Versailles, November 26 – 30, 2025

For all the crafty DIY lovers in Paris, this year’s edition of the Créations et Savoir-Faire promises to showcase a ton of inspirations from diverse domains, including fabrics, jewelry designing, scrapbooking and even creative foods. This five-day festival hosts over 500 workshops around four different themes; “Thread & Needle”, “Paper Art & Fine Arts”, “Creative Home & DIY”, and the “Village des Créateurs”.

EXHIBITIONS in Paris in November

Destination Lune, un voyage immersif avec Tom Hanks – Atelier des Lumières, until December 4, 2025

Immerse yourself in the story of the moon landing in Atelier des Lumières’ latest experience co-created by Tom Hanks. It features rare NASA footage and stunning projections accompanied by an original orchestral score.

Soulages, Une Autre Lumière, Musée du Luxembourg, until January 11, 2026

Pierre Soulages at Musée du Luxembourg explores 130 works by the artist created between the 1940s and early 2000s.

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 the 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 11, 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 with 90 of his works on display, including the famous Madame X.

Georges de la Tour, Musée Jacquemart André, until January 25, 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. This exhibition has been very successful, so be sure to book your tickets in advance!

Jacques-Louis David, The Louvre, until January 26, 2026

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 18, 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, until February 8, 2025

Painter, drawer and sculptor George Condo has 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.

L’Empire du Sommeil, Musée Marmottan Monet, until March 1, 2026

This exhibition at Musée Marmotton Monet, curated in part by a science historian and neurologist, explores sleep. From symbolic implications to how sleep-related research has impacted art, the subject will be examined with a focus on transformations of ideas related to sleep of the 19th and 20th centuries.

SPORTS in Paris in November

Rolex Paris Masters – La Défense Arena, until November 2, 2025

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.

13-UNIS – Commemorative Run for the November 2015 attacks, November 9, 2025

13-UNIS, a commemorative Freedom Run and Equality Walk will pay tribute to the victims of the November 13th, 2025 terrorist attacks in Paris. The 15 kilometer run will begin at the Stade de France and the 7 kilometer walk will start later in the day at Place de la Republique. Access to the village is free, where tributes and testimonies will be available to attend.

La Course des Lumières – Stade Emile Anthoine, November 15, 2025

Join this nighttime race across Paris to help in the fight against cancer and other illnesses. You can choose from a 5k or 10k course that begins in the 7th arrondissement and follows the Seine for breathtaking views of the City of Light fully illuminated.

Les 48h de l’Obstacle – Hippodrome d’Auteuil, November 15-16, 2025

The weekend-long mountain-themed horse race, Les 48h de l’Obstacle, will take place in a cozy winter wonderland! You won’t want to miss the racing, food, and a line-up of entertainment and experiences including cross-country skiing, curling, sledging, ice climbing, and more! It’s fun for the entire family and free for children under 12.

MUSIC AND DANCE in Paris in November

Roots, Opéra Bastille, until 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.

Pitchfork Music Festival, Various Locations, November 3-9, 2025

The 11th edition of Pitchfork Music Festival will span 7 days with 11 locations, featuring 100 artists. It brings together a generation of artists across a variety of urban music, from indie to experimental. Live music lovers won’t want to miss this special Parisian festival in some of the city’s best venues!

Four Seasons and Ave Maria, Église Saint-Louis-en-Île, November 3-9, 2025

Experience classical music in a beautiful Parisian cathedral, the perfect event for a November evening out.

Hans Zimmer, La Défense Arena, November 21, 2025

Hans Zimmer performs live in Paris for an unforgettable evening.

Tosca, Opéra Bastille, opening November 23, 2025

The opera Tosca by Giacomo Puccini is a twisted love story that takes place during a changing political situation in Rome in 1800.

CHILDREN’s Events In Paris in November

En voie d’illumination : Lumières de la nature – Jardin des Plantes, November 12, 2025 – January 18, 2026

It’s the 7th edition of En voie d’illumination at the Jardin des Plantes, a magical nighttime walk through the gardens. This year, take a journey around the world to uncover the secrets of natural light phenomena through impressive lighting effects and projections.

Jardiner, Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie, until July 12, 2026

Kids and adults alike can reconnect with nature during the Jardiner exhibition. You’ll learn about species and their relationships, soil biodiversity, and gardening practices in a fun and interactive setting.

Manga – Tout en art, Musée Guimet, opening November 23, 2025

Musée Guimet, the national Asian art museum in Paris, hosts an exhibition dedicated to manga, the popular Japanese comics. The whole family will enjoy delving into the manga universe and learn about the history of this fascinating art form.

CHRISTMAS FESTIVITIES BEGIN IN PARIS

One of the best parts of Paris at the end of November is the magical transformation as the city prepares for Christmas and the New Year. 

Window displays and decorations

Starting around the middle of November, the city of light will be adorned by Christmas decorations, done with a very distinct Parisian flair. Some of the larger department stores, and luxury labels in Paris truly go out of the way with their designs. 

Some of the spots not to miss for Christmas decorations are:

• Avenue des Champs-Elysées
• Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré
• Place Vendôme
• Avenue Montaigne
• Window displays at Galeries Lafayette Paris Haussmann
• Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche

Paris Christmas Markets

Christmas markets start popping open in Paris by the end of November. Generally, the first to open are the larger markets. Many smaller Christmas markets set up shop only in the beginning of December. But there’s already plenty of options here. Here are some of the marché de Noel that begin in November:

• Christmas Market at the Jardin des Tuileries: Tuileries Garden, November 15 – January 4, 2026 – Place de la Concorde, Paris 75001
• Notre Dame Christmas Market, November 28 – December 25, 2025
• Alsatian Christmas Market: Gare de l’Est – on the rue d’Alsace side, November 28 – December 14, 2025 Paris 75010
• Abbess Christmas Market, Place des Abbesses, November 22 – December 28, 2025, Paris 75018

With fewer tourists, November is a good time to visit Paris if you don’t mind the cooler temperatures and a dash of rain. So, whether you’re sipping vin chaud in a cozy bistro, admiring art in the Louvre, or simply gazing at the Eiffel Tower against the pretty fall sky, Paris this time of the year promises a memorable adventure.

RELATED LINKS

• Feeling like a cozy museum day? Check out 15 Hidden Museums and Art Spaces in Paris.
• Curious about local Parisian experiences? Find out what it’s like coming of age in Paris.
• Looking for some new restaurants to try this month? Read about these 6 Lively Paris Restaurants.

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