The Top Events & Activities In Paris – November 2018

Though the days are shorter and there's a tinge of winter in the air, Paris events in November will be gathering steam. The cultural season is back in full swing and there are some powerful opera & ballet performances at Palais Garnier and Opera Bastille. Tickets sell fast for these classic venues so book now before they're all gone.

Most Popular Activities

Things to Do in Paris November 2018

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 sign up for a small-group, skip-the-line tour. While your guide relates fascinating details about the tower, you walk past the massive lineup to the priority entrance. Enjoy the view from the 2nd level, then take the elevator to the tippy-top, where you can spend as much time as you want. Also see, Access to the Top of the Eiffel Tower…

Skip the Lines at the Louvre

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…

Evening Tour Of The Louvre + Wine Tasting

On the other hand, why not go for the tour of champions! This one 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 bar 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?

Eiffel Tower Dinner + River Cruise + Moulin Rouge

Everyone loves this combination tour that includes three elements of the best of Paris nightlife. Have dinner on the Eiffel Tower and admire the views of the city. Then head to the river for an nighttime Seine River cruise. End the evening at Moulin Rouge for champagne and the glorious cabaret. The best part — all the details are taken care of, including pick-up at your hotel. Also see, The 6 Best Evenings In Paris…

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.

Privilege 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 3-course French meal makes it absolutely magical. It's no wonder so many travelers have loved 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…

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 and down 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.

Ghosts & Legends Night Walking Tour

This is readers' favourite creepy nighttime tour. Paris has over 2,000 years of mysteries and legends, so it's an action-packed evening. Your informative guide leads you down winding streets and hidden alleys in the City of Romance and Intrigue. You'll learn about ghosts, wars, eerie events. Also see, The 10 Best Walking Tours of Paris…

Eiffel Tower Dinner + Nighttime Seine River Cruise

Nighttime in Paris. And where better to spend it than on two of its iconic places — the Eiffel Tower and the River Seine. Begin with dinner at restaurant 58 Tour Eiffel, you have priority-access tickets so you don't have to worry about the lines. Your table has been reserved for a classic 3-course dinner. You close out the evening with a night cruise along the Seine while the city lights are bright. Hotel pick-up and return is included.

Moulin Rouge Dinner + Cabaret Show + Hotel 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…

EXCLUSIVE – Louvre + Eiffel Tower + Notre Dame Private City Tour

We also like this multi-faceted activity that packs a lot into one day in Paris. It starts with pick-up at your Paris address and continues with a professional-guided tour of the Louvre, where you get to skip the long line-ups. In the afternoon you head over to the Eiffel Tower, where you also get to skip the lines. Then, visit Notre Dame with an expert guide and spend time in the artistic neighborhood of Montmartre. Also see, The 6 Best Paris City Tours…

Catacombs of Paris

The Catacombs tour is one of the the eeriest Paris activities. It takes you 130 steps underground to visit the final resting place of 6 million historic Parisians. It's a truly amazing, if creepy, place. It is also very, very popular, which is why we always choose a skip-the-line tour with an expert guide who also explains the history of this dark landmark. This tour lets you skip the lines, which are usually long. Also see, Paris Catacombs – A Journey To The Dark Side…

Airport Transfers

Of all the advice we give about Paris travel, this is often the most appreciated tip. 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 that certain "arrival stress". Many readers like to book this shuttle van service right to their hotel.

Our Recommended VIP Airport Transfer Service

That's a good tip, but here's our very best advice. The Insiders Secret way to get from the airport is to arrange for transfer in a private, luxurious Mercedes S-Class. If you're like us, you'll appreciate the extra comfort of a private ride after the long flight. We highly recommend our Paris pal and professional driver, Manu, to meet us at the arrivals gate and whisk you into the city! Also see, Travelers Praise for Manu's Service…

Our Paris Insiders City Pass Saves 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 our very own Paris Insiders 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 Insiders Pass…

The Top Five Left Bank Hotels in Paris

The Left Bank of Paris is still filled with the history and charm of Hemingway and the Jazz Age, somehow defining the essence of Paris. You're in the centre of all things Paris when you stay in the Saint-Germain neighborhood and we love the treés parisiens hotels. Here are our picks of the top 5 Left Bank hotels — with a couple of bonuses as well!

The Top Day Trips From Paris

Things to Do in Paris November 2018

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. Only 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 Good Small-Group Champagne Day Tour

This small-group tour takes you directly to the Land of Bubbly for a full-day exploration. Available Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays in November.

Best of Versailles with Skip-the-Line Access + Grand Canal Lunch

Instead of worrying about trains, maps, ticket lines, and guide books, why not go the royal route with a Eurovan 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. A private tour is also available.

Versailles Bike Tour with Chateau Visit

In November you can still sign up for this bike tour of Versailles that includes skip-the-line access to the chateau and gardens. Cruise the country around Versailles and visit the local food market. Then it's into the gardens of Versailles to ride past the historic buildings, including Marie-Antoinette's Hamlet. Then use your passes to explore the chateau as long as you like. A great tour, but be sure to book early.

Loire Valley – Castles + Wines

On this day tour from Paris you'll discover the Renaissance castles of the Loire Valley and the wines produced in this fertile valley. The day begins with at the largest castle, Château de Chambord. Lunch is served at Château de Nitray with a selection of fresh, local ingredients and a tasting of the best of the region's wines. The final stop is Château de Chenonceau, considered the loveliest of the Loire Châteaux. Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday in November.

Three Magnificent Loire Valley Chateaux

On this day trip you concentrate on the castles and spend more time visiting Chenonceau, Cheverny & Chambord, the three most spectacular castles in the valley. Also available as a private tour. Every day except Wednesdays (including the private tours).

D-Day Tour – Remembering WWII

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 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.

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. Everything is included, even pick-up at your hotel, so no need to worry about anything. Mondays & Fridays in November.

10 More 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 or London! 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.

Classical Music, Opera & Ballet

Things to Do in Paris November 2018

Performances at Palais Garnier

This decorative marvel from the 19th century was the main Paris opera house for over a century. Today it's the main venue for Paris ballet. When you're in town you simply must experience a performance in this building — so magnificent it will take your breath away. You can see ballet, hear chamber music, or watch a stunning staging of an opera.

Verdi's Simon Boccanegra – Paris Opera

Director Calixto Bieito brings a certain Shakespearean humanism to his staging of Verdi's famous opera — inspired by conflicts between 14th-century landowners and peasants. Performed in Italian with French and English surtitles.
• Opera Bastille
• Ends December 13

Donizetti's L'Elisir d'Amore

L'Elisir d'Amore — The Elixir of Love — was to Donizetti what The Barber of Saville was to Rossini, gateway to eternal fame. In this lighthearted comedy Sergeant Belcore and the shy Nemorino vie for the attention of the beautiful Adina. Performed in Italian with surtitles in English and French.
• Opera Bastille
• Ends November 25, 2018

Performances at Eglise de la Madeleine

This majestic church, started by Napoleon and resembling the Parthenon in Athens, is a great venue for a classical music concerts. After the show, you're right in the hub of Paris and close to a plethora of restaurants for dinner or an after-show glass of champagne. Also see, Guide to La Madeleine…

Concerts at Saint Ephrem

Music lovers rave about this intimate setting for classical concerts. The 17th-century church, set in the Latin Quarter, has soaring ceilings ideal for great acoustics. The small church feels like you're listening to a concert in your living room !

Opéra Comique

The roots of Opera Comique go back to 1714. Today, the Salle Favart, (home of the Opera Comique) has been renovated and restored to its 18th-century glory. The productions are innovative and the setting is pure luxe with chandeliers, majestic staircases and priceless artwork.

Classical Music in Paris – November 2018

These are just a few of the stellar classical music performances staged in November — there are many more concerts this month, performed at other Paris venues — like the Philharmonie de Paris, Théâtre des Champs-Élysées, and other churches. Be sure to check out what will be playing when you're in Paris in November.

The Top Food & Wine Activities

Things to Do in Paris November 2018

Chocolate & Pastry Walking Tour

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.

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.

Eiffel Tower Gourmet Dinner

When in Paris why not take the opportunity to dine on top of the most popular monument in the world? Book a table at restaurant 58 Tour Eiffel with its spectacular food, wine, and views above Paris. In fact, we'll share with you the only link that guarantees a window seat for you and that Special Someone. In Paris. France. On the Eiffel Tower. Also see, Guide to the Eiffel Tower restaurants…

French Wine & Champagne Masterclass

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…

Taste of Montmartre Food Tour

Head up the hill for a fabulous taste of Montmartre. The former village and home to artists is a gourmet wonderland with boulangeries, cheese shops, hidden chocolate shops, and plenty of special tastings of cured sausages, baguettes, crepes, macarons, and wine. Daily except Mondays.

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.

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 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!

Lunch on the Eiffel Tower Plus Access to Level Two

What's great about this activity is that it combines a priority access visit to the 1st and 2nd levels of the Eiffel Tower with a 3-course déjeuner at the Tower's famous gourmet restaurant. Meet up with your hostess at the base of the tower; she'll lead you past the lines to the priority elevator. It's a wonderful way to lunch while you overlook the sights of Paris.

The Best Events in Paris

Things to Do in Paris November 2018

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, 2018
• 11:00 am: Wreath-Laying Ceremony
• 9:00 pm: Vigil Ceremony

Salon de la Photo

Also in November is the giant 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 8 to 12, 2018
• 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.
• November 15, 2018

Paris Independent Film Festival

See the works of 60 independent filmmakers from around the world.
• Katara Cinema, Le Royal Monceau Raffles Paris, 37 avenue Hoche, 75008
• November 21 to 24, 2018
• Information…

Salon du Cheval de Paris – Horse Show

High-level jumping competitions, the World Arabian Horse Championships, and more horesey things
• Paris Nord Villepinte
• November 24 to December 2, 2018
• Information…

What's On at the Museums

Things to Do in Paris November 2018

Picasso. Blue and Rose.

The first first large-scale collaboration between the d'Orsay and the Musée Picasso.
• Musée d'Orsay
• Ends January 6, 2019
• Information…

Dorothea Lange

The long-awaited retrospective at Jeu de Paume. This is going to be huge.

• Jeu de Paume
• October 16 to January 21, 2019
• Website…

Color Engraving in Europe in the 16th and 17th Centuries

• Sully Wing, Louvre
• October 2018 to January 2019
• Website…

Alejandro Cesarco

• Jeu de Paume
• October 16, 2018 to January 21, 2019
• Website…

Alfonse Mucha

• Musée du Luxembourg
• Ends January 27, 2019
• Website…

Franz West

The Pompidou and Tate Modern present the work of Austrian artist Franz West (1947 to 2012).

• Centre Pompidou
• Ends December 10, 2018
• Website…

Paintings from Afar

200 never-before-seen works demonstrate the evolution of the Western perception of distant and not-so-distant populations, societies and territories.

• Musée du Quai Branley
• Ends January 6, 2019
• Information…