The Top 50 Events & Activities In Paris – November 2020

Though the days are shorter and there's a tinge of winter in the air, Paris events in November will warm your heart. The cultural season is back in full swing and there are some powerful opera & ballet performances at Palais Garnier and Opera Bastille. November is also when Paris celebrates photography at the Salon de la Photo at the Paris Expo. Let's take a look at the best events and most exciting activities this month.

Most Popular Activities

Things to Do in Paris November 2020

Skip the Lines at the Louvre Museum

60,000 square feet, 35,000 pieces of artwork. Do you really want to wait in line and then wander around until you're lost? Instead, join a fascinating walking tour that gets you inside with skip-the-line priority access. Then experience a guided tour of the highlights of the world's most popular museum — Venus de Milo, Mona Lisa, Winged Victory of Samothrace and other influential pieces. Also see, How to Beat the Long Lines at the Louvre…

Skip the Line – Evening Louvre Tour & Wine Tasting

On the other hand, why not go for the tour of champions? This tour combines three of our favorite activities — being in Paris, viewing world-famous art, and wine tasting with an expert sommelier in the most popular wine cellar in Paris. You also get to skip the lines at the Louvre! Wine plus art plus skipping the lines. Is it any wonder this is our favorite?

Seine River Dinner Cruise + Eiffel Tower + Moulin Rouge

This evening will live in your memory — three iconic activities in one night. Begin on the Seine River, on a bateau, sipping champagne & dining on a 3-course meal while admiring the illuminated monuments and historic buildings. Back on land, it's a short stroll to the Eiffel Tower where you are whisked to the second level for dramatic views of the city. Finally, you are driven across town to Moulin Rouge, the most famous cabaret in Europe for a stunning show — with champagne, of course!

Eiffel Tower Skip-the-Line Tour – Don't Be Left Out in the Cold

There is always a long lineup at the Eiffel Tower, so we always make sure to sign up for a small-group, skip-the-line tour. While your guide relates fascinating details about the tower, you walk past the massive line-up to the priority entrance. Since availability at the Tower changes, the best way to approach a no-wait ET visit is to check with the Skip the Eiffel Tower Lines link below. Also see, Big List of Eiffel Tower Tours…

Bateaux Parisiens VIP Dinner Cruise with Live Music & Hotel Pickup

Gliding along the Seine at night, with the lights of Paris drifting past, is a memorable activity. And to do this while dining on a traditional 4-course French meal makes it absolutely magical. What with wine & champagne included, it's no wonder so many travelers love this activity. The icing on the gateau is that it also includes pick-up at your Paris address. Also see, The Six Top Dinner Cruises in Paris…

Moulin Rouge Dinner + Cabaret Show + Transportation

Want to feel like a VIP? Book this evening extravaganza to experience dinner and a cabaret that includes private pick-up at your Paris address. You'll enjoy the show, the musical numbers, the dazzling costumes, and the elaborate sets. Of course, there's also the full-course dinner and champagne! Also see, Seven Ways To See The Hottest Show in Town…

Champagne Cruise Along the Seine

Remember what we said about our favorite way to visit the Louvre? Well, for the same reason this is our favorite way to cruise the Seine — made even better by a flight of three champagne tastings. We think you'll agree that this is the best way to see the sights of Paris — gliding past the monuments while sipping bubbly. Highly recommended.

Montmartre Impressionist Art Walking Tour + Musée d'Orsay

Learn about the history of the historic hilltop quartier of Montmartre through the lives of the famous artists who once lived here. Explore the shops and streets that still seem to have an artistic flair. This fun tour focuses on the the artists — Van Gogh's house, the windmill cabaret painted by Renoir, the site of Picasso's early studio, and more. Also included is a skip-the-line ticket for Musée d'Orsay. This activity has hundreds of 5-star reviews, so be sure to book early.

Seine River Dinner Cruise + Moulin Rouge + Transportation

It may be chilly but you'll be safe and warm in your boat gliding down the Seine admiring historic landmarks. As the pageantry of Paris architecture passes by, you'll sip champagne and enjoy a multi-course classic French meal. But the night isn't over yet — aprés dîner, your driver will deliver you to the iconic Moulin Rouge to see the spectacular show featuring a troupe of dancers decked out in feathers, rhinestones, and sequins. We love that hotel pick-up and return is included.

Night Bike Ride + River Cruise

We like this one, first of all, because it's two great activities in one fun evening. Also, it gets you on the city streets as well as along the river. Following your expert guide, cycle around the ancient and modern streets of the city, visiting the the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and the Champs Elysées. Cycling completed, hop on a river boat for a nighttime cruise on the Seine. A glass of wine is included, of course!

Classical Music in Paris – November 2020

Music lovers rave about the intimate Paris settings for classical concerts. All November long stellar performances will be heard in Paris, performed at world-class venues like Theatre des Champs-Elysées, and historic churches like La Sainte Chapelle and La Madeleine. The opera Don Carlos by Verdi will sell out at Opera Bastille, so order your tickets now. Also be sure to check out what's playing at Palais Garnier, the decorative marvel from the 19th century, when you're in Paris in November.

Arrange Your Airport Transfers

Of all the advice we give about Paris travel, this is often the most appreciated. Arrange for your transportation from the airport into central Paris before you leave home. Then, when you get to Paris tired from jet travel, you'll avoid "arrival stress". An easy and affordable option is book a shuttle van service right to your hotel. Book in advance to know what's going to happen when you arrive at Charle de Gaulle.

Paris City Pass – Save Money & Time

Time is a valuable commodity when you're in Paris, and you don't want to waste hours standing in long ticket lines. That's where the Paris City Pass comes to the rescue. It gets you into the museums for free and gives you unlimited rides on the Metro. The big advantage, though, is bypassing the long Paris lines. Even better, we've arranged special savings for our readers. Use the discount code INSIDERS5 for extra savings. Also see, Complete Guide to the Paris City Pass…

The 7 Best Latin Quarter Hotels

The historic center of Paris, the Latin Quarter is trendy, upbeat and centrally located. And some of our favorite (and the cutest) Paris hotels in are found in the picturesque quartier — including our #1 top hotel pick in all of Paris. The Latin Quarter is in the center of things with so much of interest in easy walking distance, including the Seine, the Pantheon, Notre Dame, Saint-Germain, and even the Marais just across the river. Discover our top seven picks of the best hotels in the quartier.

The Best Ways to Visit Versailles from Paris

Things to Do in Paris November 2020

Best of Versailles Small-Group Day Trip, Including Lunch

Instead of worrying about trains, maps, ticket lines, and guide books, why not go the royal route with a small-group tour and a guide to add illuminating details and make the past come alive with stories of palace life? This activity includes everything — transportation, tickets, a guided tour, a multi-course lunch with wine, pick-up at your hotel and return at the end of the day. Also see, Choose Your Own Versailles Experience…

Half-Day, Skip-the-Line Tour of Versailles

Here are other great ways to visit Versailles and skip the lines if you want to send only half a day here. These tours are led by expert guides and includes transportation right from your hotel. They are available in the morning and in the afternoon.

The Top Day Trips From Paris

Things to Do in Paris November 2020

Loire Valley Chateaux + Loire Valley Wines

On this day tour from Paris you'll discover the Renaissance castles of the Loire plus the wines produced in this fertile valley. The day begins at the largest castle, Chateau de Chambord. Later, lunch is served at Chateau de Nitray with a selection of fresh, local ingredients and a guided tasting of the best of the region's wines. The final stop is Chateau de Chenonceau, considered the loveliest of the Loire royal castles. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday in November.

Three Magnificent Loire Valley Chateaux

If you want to concentrate on the castles and pass up the wine tasting, choose this day trip. Spend more time visiting Chenonceau, Cheverny & Chambord, the three most spectacular chateaux in the valley. Also available as a private tour.

Spend a Day in the Champagne Region

Pop! — that's one of our favorite sounds and it can only be made by opening a bottle of real champagne. Just over an hour from Paris, it's easy to visit the Grand Maisons de Champagne. Your driver picks you up at your Paris address and whisks you off to Epernay and Reims, through rolling hills and world-class vineyards. You taste the Grands Crus as well as bubbly from small family producers. Also see, The 3 Top Day Trips to Champagne…

Another Glorious Small-Group Trip to Champagne

This small-group tour takes you directly to the Land of Bubbly for a full-day exploration that includes 8 champagne tastings. Available Mondays & Thursdays in November.

Mont Saint-Michel

Just off the Normandy coast is the fairytale island of Mont St-Michel. On this tour you explore the Benedictine abbey that becomes separated from the mainland during high tide. Wander along the narrow streets, visit the shops and the abbey's ramparts. On your way you drive through the picturesque Normandy countryside. Lunch is included, as is pick-up at your hotel. Also see, Choose Your Own Mont-Saint-Michel Experience…

Visit London for the Day… From Paris!

Nowadays, high-speed trains & the channel tunnel have made it possible to visit London on a day trip from Paris. What used to seem a dream is now easy. At Gare du Nord in Paris you meet your tour guide and hop on the Eurostar to London. The day includes an extensive, open-top bus tour around London and guided walking tours, including The Beatles London Walking Tour. It's an exhilarating trip that gets you back to Paris the same day.

D-Day Tour 75th Anniversary

The D-Day beaches of Normandy are the most famous battle sites of World War II. This is where the Allied troops came ashore to liberate France and to carry on across Europe to end the war. This guided tour lets you visit the beaches on a long day trip from Paris. Take a day to step back in time on a trip that returns you to hotel the same day. Also available as a private tour.

D-Day Landing Beaches Tour Plus Cider Tasting

On this day trip you not only visit the historic beaches and cemeteries, you also get the chance to sample the iconic brews of Normandy — apple cider and traditional calvados (apple brandy) — in a guided tasting. Lunch is also included.

10 Iconic Day Tours from Paris

These travel ideas are only a few of the wonders of France within easy reach of Paris. You might also think of visiting wine regions, Euro Disneyland, even Bruges! It's always worth it to plan for a day or two to explore beyond the city gates to visit France Profonde or even elsewhere in Europe.

The Top Food & Wine Activities

Things to Do in Paris November 2020

Chocolate & Pastry Walking Tour in Saint-Germain

Parisian chocolates are amazing, but if you want to expand your chocolate universe to include fabulous French pastries, then spend an afternoon sampling your way through Paris chocolate shops, patisseries, and boulangeries. As always, a food expert leads the way on this small-group tour.

The Food & Wine of the Marais

Visit the most popular quartier in Paris on this food & wine tour that's getting rave reviews. Things start out at the oldest food market in Paris where your food-expert guide leads the way. Then go on foot through the ancient neighborhood to visit the top food & wine shops, tasting the best of French food like cheese, charcuterie, baguettes, chocolate, and wine. Oh, and there's lots of sampling!

Cheese & Wine Tasting in a Paris Cheese Cellar

An affineur is a French cheese ager, usually working in a fromagerie that sells a selection of the best cheese of the country. This food activity gets you into the cellar with a Master Affineur at a cheese shop in the Marais. You also sample seven classic French cheeses, along with wines, as you discover how cheese became one of the most revered foods of France. The small group is limited to 10 to ensure there's more cheese for you. Also see, Five Top Cheese Tastings In Paris…

La Marina 3-Course Lunch Cruise

Take a break from seeing the sights and come aboard for this fun, casual, and affordable lunch cruise. You see a different side of Paris while dining on a classic 3-course meal — the Louvre, the islands, the Eiffel Tower all look magnificently different from the river. You're going to want to cruise the Seine while you're in Paris, so why not have lunch at the same time? This lunch cruise is very popular, so book early.

Wine Tasting in the Heart of Paris

Under the guidance of a professional French sommelier (who speaks English) spend a fun afternoon in an informal wine tasting. This tasting covers a lot of wine territory an hour or two, covering the important wines and regions of France. There's an extensive flight of wines — from Alsace, Champagne, Bordeaux, Burgundy, and the Rhone. Also see, The Ten Best Food & Wine Experiences In Paris…

Market Tour & Classic French Cooking

What better place than Paris for a day of food-market shopping, cooking, eating? This is readers' favorite cooking class, and no wonder — it packs a foodie punch. Start off by visiting an open-air market to hear the chef explain about French foods, while you shop for ingredients. In the cooking studio you learn how to turn your purchases into a fabulous meal.

Gourmet Food Walking Tour

There's really no place other than Paris where so much good food is crammed into such a small space. On this gourmet walking tour an experienced guide takes you to a lot of different food markets in the space of just a few hours. In the morning you explore the Latin Quarter markets and food shops, or, if you opt for the afternoon tour, you'll learn all about the foods of Montmartre.

The Best Events in Paris

Things to Do in Paris November 2020

Armistice Day, November 11

Armistice Day in Paris is remembered with a military parade followed by the President of France laying wreaths during a ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier under the Arc de Triomphe.
• Arc de Triomphe, Place Charles de Gaulle
• Friday, November 11, 2020
• 11:00 AM: Wreath-Laying Ceremony
• 9:00 PM: Vigil Ceremony

Salon de la Photo

Also in November is the giant photography trade show at the Paris Expo, out at Porte de Versailles, where you'll have a chance to see all the latest in international photography, equipment and other displays. It's a world photo gala!
• Paris Expo, Pavilion 4, 1 place de la Porte de Versailles 75015
• November 7 to 11, 2020
• Website…

Beaujolais Nouveau Day

Fireworks, festivals, and music start on the 3rd Thursday in November to mark the arrival of the new vintage of Beaujolais.

What's On at the Museums

Things to Do in Paris November 2020

Leonardo da Vinci

This is the exhibit we've been waiting 500 years for, the show that will bring together a singular group of artworks only the Louvre could pull off. Pre-purchased, timed tickets are mandatory for this exhibit, using the link below, then clicking in the red box on the right of that page.
• Hall Napoleon, Louvre
• Ends February 24, 2020
• Information…

Degas at the Opera

The first exhibition to examine Degas' passionate relationship with the Paris Opera of the 19th century.

• Musée d'Orsay
• Ends January 19, 2020
• Information…

Picasso – Tableaux Magiques

Between 1926 and 1930 Pablo Picasso created a collection of paintings that art critic Christian Zervos later called "magic paintings". With strange figures Picasso experimented with different forms to open a new chapter in his oeuvre. This exhibition brings together many of these singular works, now scattered throughout the world.

• Musée Picasso
• Ends February 2, 2020
• Information…

Felix Fénéon (1861-1944)

This exhibition focuses on his collection from his travels in Africa and Oceania.

• Musée d'Orsay
• Ends January 27, 2020

Le Supermarché des Images

• Jeu de Paume
• Ends January 12, 2020
• Information…