Experience the Vibrant Fall in Paris
Paris comes alive in autumn, and here’s why you should plan your visit during this magical season.
Indulge in Seasonal Goat Cheese
When in Paris this fall, don’t miss the chance to savor the last of the goat’s cheese season, which stretches from Easter to All Saint’s Day in November. Make the most of it by visiting renowned fromageries like Joannault or Laurent Dubois. For an unforgettable cheese experience, head to A La Biche Au Bois, a classic French restaurant near Gare de Lyon, offering an impressive serve-yourself cheese platter.
Join the Celebration at Fête des Vendanges
Experience the unique Fête des Vendanges, an annual grape harvest celebration in Montmartre, Paris’s only active vineyard. This bacchanalian festival boasts wine, oysters, a gourmet market, guided walks, and a dazzling fireworks display. While the wine may be scarce, it’s auctioned off for charity. Don’t miss this exclusive glimpse into Paris’s vinicultural heritage.
Savor Wild Game Delicacies
Autumn is the season for wild game dishes, and Paris has some classics you must try. Chez L’Ami Jean and Le Repaire de Cartouche are your go-to places for indulging in the best game offerings in the city. From wild hare to woodcock, Chef Stephane Jego at Chez L’Ami Jean serves up exquisite game dishes throughout fall and winter. At Le Repaire de Cartouche, indulge in an all-you-can-eat Sunday lunch buffet featuring French classics like roasted chicken and mounds of chocolate mousse.
Explore Père Lachaise Cemetery
Père Lachaise Cemetery, one of the world’s most beautiful, takes on a special charm in the fall with its changing leaves. Ascend the paths to its iconic hill, offering picturesque views and even glimpses of the Eiffel Tower. For a unique experience, consider a ghost tour run by Paris by Foot or the “Mysterious Pere Lachaise” tours guided by vampirologist Jacques Sirgent. On All Saint’s Day (Toussaint), pay your respects to famous figures like Edith Piaf, Oscar Wilde, and Jim Morrison as Parisians decorate their graves with chrysanthemums, wreaths, and candles.
Cozy Up in Parisian Bars
As the weather cools down, warm up with autumnal libations at the Library Bar in the Saint James Hotel. This luxurious chateau hotel in the 16th arrondissement boasts a tiny wood-paneled library-turned-bar with plush stools and leather couches. Keep an eye out for the resident cat, Pilou. For a historical touch, visit Harry’s Bar, where the Bloody Mary was purportedly invented. This bar has a straw ballot box during American presidential election years, with remarkably accurate results. Enjoy the old-timey ambiance, complete with a piano bar in the basement.
Celebrate Halloween in Paris
While Halloween may not be a widespread cultural phenomenon in Paris, Boneshaker Donuts in the second arrondissement brings the ghoulish spirit to the city. Owner Amanda Bankert organizes a neighborhood trick-or-treating extravaganza, allowing over 800 participants to enjoy a taste of this American holiday. Tickets are available in late September for the event in late October, complete with a costume contest and donut prizes.
Discover Hidden Gems during Journées du Patrimoine
Get an exclusive glimpse into historically significant buildings not typically open to the public during the Journées du Patrimoine, held for two days in mid-September. Enjoy free access to museums that usually require admission fees. Highlights include behind-the-scenes tours of iconic venues like the Crazy Horse Cabaret, the Elysée Presidential Palace, and the Eiffel Tower’s engine room. Be sure to plan, as some sites may require bookings. This event offers a unique opportunity to explore the hidden treasures of Paris.
Also Read: When To Visit Rome: Best Time To Explore The Eternal City
