42 Glorious Things To Do In Paris – The October 2023 Edition

The days are shorter, the air is crisper, but Paris is alive with activities, museum exhibitions, concerts, food tours, and marvelous events. You'll be able to enjoy Paris park experiences at Jardin des Tuileries or the royal estate at Versailles or perhaps combine that with a visit to Claude Monet's gardens. Allons-y, let's take a look at nearly four douzaines of the greatest ways to explore and enjoy the city we all love.

Esprit de Paris – The Top Experiences

Things to Do in Paris October 2023

Bateaux Parisiens VIP Dinner Cruise

Everything looks better from a boat cruising down the Seine. On this relaxing watery ride you see Paris from a different perspective. The famous landmarks of the City of Light pass by as you enjoy a multi-course French meal. Be sure to choose the Service Premier option for the best seating, best meal, and the ultimate experience.

The Eiffel Tower is not only an iconic monument, it's also one of the best places in Paris to dine. You'll marvel at the views as well as the classic French dishes at the highly-rated Madame Brasserie, newly refurbished with a stellar menu by Michelin-starred chef Thierry Marx. Choose the Grande Dame – Paris View option for the best experience. Lunch is also available.

From central Paris you are whisked to the royal estate. Included in your dossier are priority, skip-the-line tickets. Go directly inside to experience the grandeur of the chateau on a tour that includes the best of Versailles. There's plenty of time to stroll through the gardens. The full-day tour includes visits to the Grand Trianon & Marie Antoinette's farm.

Maxim's of Paris first opened its Art Nouveau doors in 1900 for the Paris Universal Exposition. Now, you can experience the restaurant's classic dishes — think lobster, truffles and fresh seafood — made famous at the historic turn-of-the-century brasserie while on a Seine River dinner cruise. Drift past world-class monuments all aglow at night.

Louvre Museum VIP Private Tour

It's no secret that the Louvre is the world's most popular museum. Do you want to wait in line to see the best art in the world, or would you rather zip ahead of the long line with priority-access tickets and join a fascinating walking tour where your expert guide will personally take you right to the highlights — Venus, Mona, Nike, and other influential pieces? That's what we thought.

Eiffel Tower Priority-Access Tours

By now you know that we hate to waste time standing in lines. There is no attraction more popular than the Eiffel Tower, which means there are always lines. That's why we love tours that get you past the lineup, to the priority entrance, and then up the tower. Meet up with your guide and breeze past the crowds to the very top, for the best views of Paris.

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. What with wine & champagne included, it's no wonder so many travelers love this activity. Departure time is 8:30 PM, seven days a week.

Classical Music in Paris in October

Paris is as much about music as it is art, fashion, and food. In October classical concerts, operas, and ballets are performed in iconic venues throughout the city from Sainte Chapelle on Île de la Cité to Palais Garnier, the stunning 19th-century opera palace in the 9th. Taking time to attend a concert in Paris is a great way to give your feet a rest and take a break. Find out what's playing during your time in Paris.

Twilight Tour – Champagne Cruise + Eiffel Tower

Sunset. Champagne. Eiffel Tower. Put the three together and you get a memorable evening in Paris. The fun starts as you're led VIP-style onto a bateau where a glass of cool bubbles await. As you sip, you'll glide by the best of Paris landmarks riverside. Back on land, the climax is skip-the-line access to the 2nd level of the Eiffel Tower. It doesn't get better than this!

Dinner + Cabaret at the Moulin Rouge

There's a lot to do and see in Paris when the sun goes down. One of the most iconic experiences is dinner and the cabaret show at Moulin Rouge. Take your seat to dine on the classic Belle Époque Menu (our recommendation), complete with champagne. Afterwards you can marvel at the cabaret that features 100 performers and flamboyant costumes of feathers, rhinestones, and sequins. Truly a night to remember.

Champagne Cruise Along the Seine

This is our personal 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 under the tutelage of an expert sommelier. Highly recommended.

Musée d'Orsay Impressionism Tour

Skip the lines at Musée d'Orsay to marvel at stunning Impressionist works by the likes of Van Gogh, Monet, Manet, and Renoir on this tour led by an Impressionism expert guide. Orsay holds the world's most important collection of works by these artists. Since the lines are always long, the best way to get to see the art is on a skip-the-line tour. Once the tour finishes, you're free to spend as much time as you want perusing the masterpieces.

Paris in One Day: Eiffel Tower Lunch + Cruise + Louvre

This action-packed tour takes you to the best of Paris with skip-the-line access bypassing the crowds. You have priority-access at the Eiffel Tower for lunch at Madame Brasserie, overlooking the sights of Paris. Then, hop on a boat at the banks of the Seine River to see the best of Paris landmarks, riverside. It's not over yet! Visit the Louvre for a guided tour of the world's most famous museum. Whew!

Night Bike Ride + River Cruise

On a crisp autumn evening in Paris follow your experienced guide as you pedal down the ancient streets of the city. Cruise past the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, and along the Champs Elysées. Visit the the iconic sights of Paris. Then hop on a river boat for a nighttime cruise on the Seine. A glass of wine is included, of course!

VIP Airport Transfers

Of all our Paris advice, this is perhaps the most appreciated — arrange for transportation from the airport into Paris before you leave home. It's comforting to know what's going to happen when you arrive. Readers love these services where your driver meets you on arrival, helps with your luggage, and takes you directly to your Paris hotel in a private, air-conditioned sedan. Start your vacation with a touch of luxury… and relaxation.

The Perfect Paris Hotel for October

Each month we present one of our favorite Paris hotels. For October, the Perfect Paris Hotel selection is the 4-star Hotel d'Aubusson, our top-rated accommodation in historic Saint-Germain-des-Prés. The rooms are charming, well-maintained, and equipped to modern comfort standards. We also love the public areas like the lobby and the bar with its curved zinc counter, not to mention the swimming pool, a rarity on the Left Bank.

The Best Left Bank Hotels

Who doesn't love the Left Bank of Paris? It makes you think of Hemingway and the Jazz Age and seems to emanate the very essence of Paris. We think it's the best district in the city to call home. The Saint-Germain neighborhood is charming, and so are the best of the hotels in the quartier. Let's take a look at our top Left Bank hotel picks, updated for 2023, with new ratings and current prices.

The Wonders of Versailles

Things to Do in Paris October 2023

Skip-the-Line Tour of Versailles

Versailles Lesson #1: the line-ups are incredibly long. On this half-day tour you breeze by the large crowds to see the top sights: the State Apartments, the Hall of Mirrors, and the chapel. There's also free time to linger in the spectacular French garden. This small-group includes transportation from Paris to Versailles and back.

Versailles + Monet's Gardens in One Day

It's really something to visit these two historic sites in one day. Start out from Paris day to visit to the chateau and gardens of Versailles. That's half the day. Next up, travel to the luscious gardens of Claude Monet in nearby Giverny to see his Impressionist world alive in front of your eyes. October is the last month of the year Monet's gardens are open.

Versailles Bike Tour + Chateau Visit

You're in luck! In October you can still join up with this 2-in-1 tour. Cycle the countryside near Versailles, through forests and pastures. Shop at local markets, then lounge in the gardens of Versailles eating grapes, nibbling on cheeses, while drinking in the history of the place. After le pique-nique, use your VIP skip-the-line pass to explore the Chateau de Versailles.

Your Own Private Versailles

Visit Versailles the royal way on an exclusive private tour. Your driver takes you from your Paris hotel to the priority entrance at the Palace of Versailles. There you bypass the long lineups for the chance to to areas of the chateau usually seen only by dignitaries. You also visit the Hall of Mirrors, the king and queen's private residences, as well as the magnificent gardens.

Go Deeper Into France On Day Trips

Things to Do in Paris October 2023

Visit The Historic D-Day Beaches

The landing beaches of Normandy are undoubtedly the most famous battle sites of World War II. Sign up for this popular small-group tour that takes you to the most important locations — the beaches, the monuments, the museums, and the dedicated cemeteries. This all-inclusive day trip also includes lunch and a tasting of the region's famous ciders.

One of our favorite things to do while we're in Paris is to spend a day sampling champagne in the region it comes from. The Champagne Region is easy to get to with a guided tour that starts out in the center of the Paris. Spend the day focusing on the bubbly as you visit both small producers and grands maisons. Includes A classic 3-course French lunch and round-trip transportation.

October is the last month of the year to see Claude Monet's gardens at Giverny, a small town only about an hour from Paris. It's incredibly uplifting to spend time in the house and gardens of this Impressionist master – the very places where he painted those iconic canvases. A half day is the perfect amount of time for this art lover's experience.

The Loire Valley – Chateaux & Wines

This is travelers' favorite way to visit the Loire Valley — probably because it combines visits to the most magnificent chateaux with tastings of the best wines of the Loire Valley. See castles like Château de Chambord and Château de Chenonceau, then descend into centuries old cellars for special wine tastings. Everything is arranged for you on this full-day trip from Paris.

Travel to the Normandy coast to visit this fairytale island. Home of a Benedictine abbey and a tiny village, Mont Saint-Michel becomes separated from the mainland during high tide. Wander the narrow streets, visit the shops and the abbey's ramparts. This small-group tour of just eight people ensures a personal & memorable experience. Finish the fun-filled day with a cider tasting.

Delectable Food & Wine Experiences

Things to Do in Paris October 2023

Cheese & Wine Tasting in a Paris Cheese Cellar

In a fromagerie in the Marais you meet an affineur (expert in aging cheeses) and descend into the private cheese cellar where you learn all about the proper way to age cheese. Seven classic French cheeses will be presented along with wines and baguettes. The small group is limited to 10 to ensure there's more cheese for you!

This is the original food tour that takes you through the Marais, visiting the top food & wine shops in the historic quartier, while tasting the best of French foods like cheese, charcuterie, baguettes, chocolate, and wine. You start your tour at the oldest food market in the city. This food activity continues to garner high praise from satisfied travelers.

Bateaux Parisiens Gourmet Lunch Cruise

Sailing along the Seine on a relaxing lunch cruise just about beats anything else to do in the world. It all starts with a crisp glass of champagne, followed by an exquisite French classic three-course meal. As you sip your wine, you'll admire the majesty of Paris landmarks, so close you could almost touch them. Best tip? Book the Service Privilege option to guarantee a private window seat.

Wine Tasting in the Heart of Paris

In the most knowledgable wine bar in the city, only steps from the Louvre in central Paris, a professional sommelier will guide you through an extensive tasting of wines from the most iconic vineyards of France — from Champagne to Sancerre, Bordeaux to Burgundy, Alsace to the Rhône. We recommend the 2-hour Grand Cru wine tasting.

A Taste of Montmartre Food & Wine Tour

Take a guided walking tour of Montmartre to visit 8 food shops where you taste delicious French cuisine, sampling fresh cheeses, charcuterie, wine, pastries, and chocolate paired with French wine. Explore the cobblestoned streets, the café terraces, and private mansions, and visit Place du Tertre, world-famous for painters, cafes, and its iconic Parisian ambiance.

Chocolate & Pastry Walking Tour of Saint-Germain

How could we not like this one? Chocolate, pastries and Paris — together at last! And it's not just us, this is also one of our readers' fave food activities. They love getting behind-the-scenes in a world of sweetness and goodness — with plenty of sampling, including regional specialities. You're able to choose between strolling through Saint-Germain or the Marais.

Learn to Make French Croissants

Flaky, crusty, tender croissants are an emblem of Paris boulangeries. In this small-group pastry class you'll learn from a trained French chef how to mix, roll, and prepare croissants and pains au chocolat from scratch. Imagine how impressed your friends back home will be when you whip up your batch of French pastries!

Have you ever dreamed of taking a cooking class in Paris? We know from experience that a an afternoon spent at a cooking class here will be a fond memory that you'll always treasure. It will be a highlight of your visit to the City of Food, and will inspire and educate you to on how to make the classic French dishes when you're back at home.

What's On at the Museums

Things to Do in Paris October 2023

Louvre & Orsay Museums Skip-the-Line Tour

What we love about this combo tour is the efficiency. In a few hours you are able to see more art at the two most popular Paris museums than you would in days on your own. First up is the Louvre, where you'll view the highlights of this historic palace turned museum. Then, it's over to the d'Orsay to enjoy the masterpieces by Monet, Renoir and Van Gogh.

Modigliani – A Painter and His Dealer

Amedeo Clemente Modigliani (1884-1920) lived hard, died young, and has since become one of the most forged artists of all time. In 1914, Modigliani met Paul Guillaume; the famous art dealer who became his representative. This exhibition explores the relationship between the two men in the context of the Parisian artistic circle of the 1910s.
• Musée de l'Orangerie
• Ends January 15, 2024
• Information…

Senghor et les Arts

A portrait of the writer, poet and statesman Léopold Sédar Senghor (1909-2001) following the independence of Senegal. (If his name rings a bell it may be because the pedestrian bridge in front of Musée d'Orsay is named for him.)

• Musée du Quai Branly
• Ends November 12, 2023
• Information…

Naples in Paris: Masterpieces from the Museo di Capodimonte

See masterpieces by Michelangelo and Raphael, never before seen outside of Naples. Sixty masterpieces from the Capodimonte Museum will be exhibited in the glamorous Grande Galerie, the Salle de la Chapelle, and the Salle de l'Horloge.

• Louvre Grande Galerie
• Ends January 8, 2024

Gertrude Stein & Pablo Picasso – The Invention of Language

The friendship between Picasso and Gertrude Stein was built around their respective work. This exhibition examines the far-reaching consequences of their intellectual collaboration.

• Musée du Luxembourg
• September 13 to January 28, 2024
• Information…

The Top Events in Paris

Things to Do in Paris October 2023

Salon du Chocolat

Chocolate lovers unite! If you're in Paris and a chocolate lover, this event will plug you into the latest choco-trends with plenty of tastings, demonstrations and symposiums. Meet the growers of cocoa, taste delicacies from the best Paris chocolatiers, and attend the famous Chocolate Dresses Fashion Show.
• Porte de Versailles
• October 28 to November 1, 2023
• Information…

Fetes des Vendange à Montmartre – Wine Harvest Festival

Join the festivities at Montmartre's town hall (mairie) as locals harvest the annual crop of grapes to produce 500 bottles of Clos Montmartre. It's the last working vineyard in Paris, and Montmartians celebrate in the annual event with parades, tastings and wine-related festivities.
• Montmartre Mairie
• October 11 to 15, 2023
• Information…

Salon de la Photo

Also in October is the giant photography trade show now at Parc de la Villette, where you'll have a chance to see all the latest in international photography, equipment and other displays.
• Grande Halle de la Villette
• October 5 to 8, 2023
• Information…

Foire d'Automne à Paris

Explore the good life in France through home decor, gastronomy, furniture & design at the Autumn Fair. What to expect? 300 exhibitors with practical workshops to teach you how to make your own decorative objects, DIY classes, artisans demonstrations, conferences and free meetings with architects and five Grand Prix Awards.

• Porte de Versailles
• Last week in October, but check website
• Information…

Le Festival d'Automne à Paris

Founded in 1972, the Paris Autumn Festival celebrates contemporary arts and embraces all forms — visual arts, dance, theatre, music, and cinema. From September to December the festival features more than fifty events at venues throughout Paris.

• Venues throughout Paris
• September to December, 2023
• Information…