The Fifty Best Things To Do In Paris In September 2020

September in Paris means la rentrée, when thousands of Parisians return from their long summer holidays and transition back to city life. It's not yet autumn — all the gardens are still in bloom, and there are a lot of events and activities to tempt the visitor, from museums to wine tastings to a visit to the Champagne region. The Paris cultural season ignites with Puccini's opera Tosca performed outdoors, and the annual jazz festival held in Parc de la Villette.

The Most Popular Activities

Things to Do in Paris September 2020

Seine River Dinner Cruise + Moulin Rouge + Transportation

One of the best ways to spend an evening in Paris is by gliding down the most famous river in the world, watching the city all aglow, while dining at a private table. On this dinner cruise a 3-course classic French meal is served with wine, starting off with an aperitif. Back on dry land, your driver whisks you across town to the Moulin Rouge and its iconic cabaret. The night includes pick-up and return from your Paris address.

Louvre Without the Line-Ups

With million of visitors every year the Louvre Art Museum is a very popular place, which means long line-ups. But, a perfect Paris Insiders tip is to book a guided tour of the museum, which leads you past the lines and right to the most famous works of art, also allowing you plenty of time to wander. Another tip — these tours sell out, so be sure to book early. Also see, The Top 10 Ways To Skip The Lines In Paris…

Evening Tour of the Louvre + Wine Tasting

As you might guess, this is our personal favorite way to visit the Louvre. It's a full-evening event that combines three top activities — being in Paris, viewing world-famous art with a guide who can explain it all, 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!

Bateaux Parisiens VIP Dinner Cruise with Hotel Pickup

Travelers love this nighttime dinner cruise, and it's easy to see why. It's fun, it's romantic, and everything's taken care of for you — starting when your driver meets you at your hotel. At the Seine you board a bateau for a relaxing cruise and 4-course French meal. Watch the lights of Paris pass by while sipping wine. When the cruise ends, your driver will be waiting. Also see, The Six Top Dinner Cruises in Paris…

Skip the Line at the Eiffel Tower

When we're in Paris we don't want to waste time standing in line. That's why we choose skip-the-line tours, especially at sights as busy as the Eiffel Tower, where there is always a long lineup. With these activities, though, you breeze past the line and follow your guide to the top of the tower. Since availability at the Tower changes, the best way to approach a no-wait ET visit is to check with this Skip the Eiffel Tower Lines page. Also see, Big List of Eiffel Tower Tours…

Eiffel Tower Summit Priority Access with Host

This guided tour to the top of the Eiffel Tower is available on most days in September, so it's a good bet to try.

Champagne Cruise Along the Seine

The days and nights are still warm, so a wonderful way to celebrate your stay in Paris is a champagne-fueled cruise down the Seine — the most romantic river in the world. You'll discover this is the very best way to see the sights of the city as you glide past the monuments on a bateau while sipping bubbly poured by an expert sommelier.

Exclusive VIP Access – Louvre & Eiffel Tower Plus Private City Tour

There's a reason why this day trip is so highly rated — it truly gets you to the best of Paris in a day. First, your driver gathers you from your Paris address for a VIP morning tour of the Louvre. Next, you head across town to the Eiffel Tower where you once again enjoy VIP access to the top. Aprés, you go to the historic Île de la Cité to visit the island and Notre Dame Cathedral (during its reconstruction) before you zip up the hill to Montmartre. It makes for a very full and very satisfying day in Paris!

VIP Twilight Tour – Champagne Cruise + Eiffel Tower

As you know by now, we have a knack for finding the best activities built around glasses of champagne! Here's a perfect example, a combination evening activity with hundreds of 5-star reviews. On a twilight river cruise you gaze upon the sights of Paris while you sip bubbly in a VIP area at the front of the boat. Back at the dock, your guide leads you to the Eiffel Tower and past the long line-up. We've done this tour and it's as good as it sounds!

Night Bike Ride + River Cruise – 2 Tours in 1

In France it's called a velo and visitors go oh la la ! for this night bike tour because it combines two great activities in one fun evening. Follow your expert guide cycling around ancient and modern monuments like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and the Champs Elysées. Then, hop off your velo and onto a Seine river boat for a nighttime cruise — with a glass of wine, of course!

Moulin Rouge Dinner + Cabaret Show + Transportation

No need to worry about how to get to the Moulin Rouge — your driver meets you at your Paris address. Your evening starts with pick-up at your Paris address, taking you to Montmartre and the Moulin Rouge. At the famous cabaret you dine on three traditional French courses and revel in the glamorous show. Moulin Rouge regularly sells out weeks in advance, so book as early as you can. Also see, Seven Ways To See The Hottest Show in Town…

Montmartre Impressionist Art Walking Tour + Musée d'Orsay

This is a fun tour of the fascinating hilltop village of Montmartre, where you focus on the history of the artists who once lived here. There's 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 the famous Impressionist museum, Musée d'Orsay. This activity has hundreds of 5-star reviews, so be sure to book early,

9 PM Dinner Cruise with Marina de Paris with Hotel Pick-up

As you'll discover, the Seine is the heart of Paris and you'll want to find as many ways as you can to experience it. One of our favorites is on a nighttime dinner cruise. It's a magical evening as your boat slowly drifts past the best of Paris — majestic bridges, monuments, and landmarks illuminated for your viewing pleasure. As you sip champagne, you will marvel at the beauty of this ancient city. Your boat docks near the Eiffel Tower and you'll be whisked back to your Paris address.

Airport Transfers

Here is one of our most appreciated Paris tips — know what's going to happen when you arrive by pre-arranging transportation from the airport into the city center. A popular and affordable way is to book a shuttle van service from the airport right to your hotel. Or you might want to go with our best advice — a VIP private transfer in a luxurious Mercedes S-Class. Honestly, it's the only way to do it! Also see, Airport Transfers – Our Complete Guide…

Classical Music in Paris – September 2020

This fall Paris is filled with the sound of classical music being performed at historic venues like the stunning Gothic church La Sainte Chapelle and the Belle Époque wonder that is Palais Garnier. In September you won't want to miss Puccini's classic opera, Tosca, performed outdoors at Les Invalides, or Madame Butterfly performed at Opera Bastille. Whatever else you do, be sure to check out our list of classical music, opera, and ballet being performed in Paris in September.

The Paris City Pass – Save Money & Time

We like to save time in Paris, and we like to save money as well. That's why we like the Paris City Pass — it gets you into museums for free and lets you ride the Metro for free. Even better, we've arranged special savings for you. Use the code INSIDERS5 for an Insiders discount. To us, though, the big advantage is skipping the looong Paris lines. Also see, Complete Guide to the Paris City Pass…

The Best Left Bank Hotels in Paris

Who doesn't love staying on the Left Bank of Paris? Since Hemingway and the Jazz Age, the Left Bank has defined the essence of Paris. The Saint-Germain neighborhood is charming, and so are the best of the hotels in the quartier. In fact, here is our selection of the top Left Bank hotels — with a couple of bonuses as well!

The Best Ways to Visit Versailles from Paris

Things to Do in Paris September 2020

Best of Versailles with Priority Access + Grand Canal Lunch

Your driver spirits you from Paris to the royal estate, where priority access lets you skip the long lines and head directly inside to experience the grandeur of the chateau on a guided tour that includes the state apartments, the Hall of Mirrors and the Queen's Chambers. Afterwards, stroll through the stunning gardens at your leisure until you meet up for lunch on the Grand Canal. Later, there's plenty of time to visit the Grand Trianon and Marie Antoinette's fantasy village farm. This small-group tour ensures individual attention.

Half-Day Guided Tour of Versailles

We also recommend this half-day tour to Versailles that includes priority access. We like that it's a small-group activity with an expert guide and that pick-up at your hotel your hotel is included. Tours are available in the morning and in the afternoon.

Versailles + Claude Monet's Gardens in One Day

So much to see in France, so little time. But, this duo-tour helps solve the problem by combining two essential locations in one day — Claude Monet's gardens at Giverny and the dazzling chateau and gardens of Versailles. The small-group tour (maximum 8 people) includes pick-up at your Paris address. You are then whisked to Versailles as well Monet's gardens in nearby Giverny. In September, the gardens will be at the peak of perfection. A classic French lunch is also included.

VIP Versailles Tour With Private Viewing of the Royal Quarters

See the hidden rooms of Versailles most tourists will never see — Louis XVI's private apartments, his personal library, and the Royal Chapel built for the wedding of Louis and Marie Antoinette. If you opt for the morning tour, you get priority access to the Hall of Mirrors just as the doors of the palace open and before the crowds arrive.

Versailles Bike Tour with Skip-the-Line Entrance

A great way to end the summer is on this 2-in-1 tour. Follow your guide as you cycle around the countryside near Versailles — through forests and pastures — and then picnic in the gardens of Versailles. After touring the grounds you use your VIP skip-the-line pass to explore the magnificent Chateau de Versailles. It makes for a wonderful day, but it's also likely to sell out.

Summer-Only Fountain Show at Versailles

During the summer months, including September, you have the opportunity to experience the fountain show in the gardens of Versailles, choreographed to music from the court of Louis XIV. It's one of those events that you don't want to miss and can only be seen on weekends in the summer months. This half-day tour also includes priority access to the palace.

The Most Glorious Day Trips From Paris

Things to Do in Paris September 2020

Spend a Wine-Tasting Day in the Champagne Region

The beautiful and world-famous Champagne country is only about an hour from Paris, so it's easy to spend a day focusing on the bubbly, with guided tours and tastings at some of the most famous champagne houses. In between, enjoy lunch at a boutique winery. Sample as much as you want, your expert guide is doing the driving! Also available as a private tour. Also see, The 3 Top Day Trips to Champagne…

Another Recommended Champagne Day Tour

This small-group tour is also high rated and provides transportation in a luxurious Eurovan. Visit the Land of Bubbly for a full-day exploration. Available Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays in September.

Loire Valley Chateaux + Loire Valley Wines

On this tour you get from Paris to the splendid chateaux of the Loire and back in one day. It not only takes you on leisurely visits to the magnificent castles on the banks of the River Loire, it also includes a special tasting session featuring the spectacular wines of the region. September is a superb month to see the gardens, mazes, and moats of the Renaissance castles.

Three Magnificent Loire Valley Chateaux

Prefer to concentrate on the castles? Then choose this small-group tour in a luxurious Eurovan (hotel pickup included) that whisks you to the Loire Valley for priority visits to the famed chateaux of Amboise, Chenonceau, and Chambord.

D-Day Tour – 75th Anniversary

The most famous battle sites of World War II are found on the landing beaches of Normandy. On a small-group tour you visit the most important sites on a day trip from Paris, and return to your hotel the same day. On the beaches and at the monuments, museums and dedicated cemeteries, remember those who fought here. It's a powerfully emotional experience. Includes pick-up at your Paris address.

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.

Visit Historic Mont Saint-Michel

Spend a day exploring the fairytale island of Mont Saint-Michel, just off the Normandy coast, where the Benedictine abbey becomes separated from the mainland during high tide. The drive from Paris takes you through the picturesque Normandy countryside. Everything is included, even pick-up at your hotel, so no need to worry about anything.

2 Days in Normandy: Mont St-Michel, D-Day Beaches & Honfleur

Spend two days exploring Normandy, including the colorful port of Honfleur and the D-Day beaches. Explore the fairytale island of Mont St-Michel, just off the Normandy coast, where the Benedictine abbey becomes separated from the mainland during high tide. There's time to explore the iconic old port of Honfleur before guided visits of the D-Day beaches, cemeteries & museums. Paris hotel pick-up and meals are also included.

Monet's House & Gardens in Giverny

Concentrate on Monet and his house & gardens in Giverny, with this affordable small-group afternoon tour that includes pick-up at your Paris address. The gardens will still be at their peak, so will the waterlilies on the idyllic pond where Monet painted for 43 years. Also available as a private tour.

Visit London for the Day… From Paris!

It seems amazing that you can visit London on a day trip. High-speed trains make it possible to see Big Ben & the Thames in one day and then return to Paris. At Gare du Nord 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 very same day.

Top Paris Food & Wine Activities

Things to Do in Paris September 2020

Chocolate & Pastry Walking Tour of Saint-Germain

Now we're getting to the good stuff ! On this tour you wander between Saint-Germain's iconic chocolate & pastry shops to learn the secrets and techniques of each, while you sample all along the route. It's a small-group tour with hands-on attention, and it goes at a relaxed pace. With only 8 people you get to sample a lot!

The Food & Wine of the Marais

Everyone raves about this food tour of one of the city's historic quartiers. Start the tour at the oldest food market in Paris, then follow your food-expert guide through the historic Marais neighborhood to visit the top food & wine shops, tasting the best of French foods — cheese, charcuterie, baguettes, chocolate, and wine.

Cheese & Wine Tasting in a Paris Cheese Cellar

Master the art of fromage in Paris in a hidden cheese cave with your own private cheesemonger at your side. Seven classic French cheeses will be presented along with wines (this is France, after all) to learn about the amazing history of how cheese became one of the most important food groups, along with baguettes and chocolate. The small group is limited to 10 to ensure there's more cheese for you! Also see, Five Top Cheese Tastings In Paris…

Bateaux Parisiens Seine River Lunch Cruise with Live Music

Spend your Paris morning sightseeing, then hop on a bateau for a relaxing, casual, and affordable 3-course lunch cruise. A Seine river cruise is an essential activity in Paris, so why not combine it with a leisurely lunch at the same time? Sip a glass of wine and watch the monuments of Paris drift by. This lunch cruise is very popular, so book early.

The 10 Tastings Food Tour

Butchers, bakers, cheesemakers — take a culinary jaunt through Paris with a local guide at your side to ensure you get an Insiders taste of the city's food scene. You start at one of the oldest outdoor street markets in the city where a cornucopia of fresh food stretches as far as the eye can see. There, your guide introduces you to artisans who will share their creations with you — rich, ripe cheeses redolent of ripened wheat and sunshine; lip-smacking tapenades; and award-winning macarons. We love this private tour!

Wine Tasting in the Heart of Paris

These fun wine tastings cover a lot of wine territory. Professional French sommeliers deliver (in English) an extensive tasting of award-winning wines — from Champagne to Sancerre, from Bordeaux to Burgundy, from Alsace to the Rhône. It all takes place in a wine bar steps away from the Louvre. Choose the Grand Cru Wine Tasting option for a chance to sample wines you rarely get a chance to try.

Gourmet French Food Walking Tour

On the Left Bank, the gourmet haven of Paris, walk with an expert food guide to learn all about the foods that France is most famous for. Start at a traditional fromagerie to learn about the country's cheeses. Sample there and move on to freshly baked baguettes. You'll also sample French wine and even foie gras.

The Best Events in Paris

Things to Do in Paris September 2020

Le Grande Classique – Paris to Versailles Run & Walk

The Grande Classique is a…well, classic walk from Paris to Versailles. This popular annual event has been taking place for more than 30 years. It start at the steps of the Eiffel Tower and ends 10 miles (16 km) later at the gates of Château de Versailles. The Grande Classique is open to walkers over the age of 16. If you don't want to do the walk, it's fun to cheer from the sidelines!
• September 29, 2020
• Website…

Le Festival d'Automne à Paris – The Autumn Festival

Visual arts, performance, theater, dance, music and cinema, The Paris Autumn Festival incorporates all of the arts. You'll find events throughout the city at 40 different venues starting in September and moving right through the Fall. Find out more information and how to buy your tickets at the website. Le Festival has been fostering the French arts since 1972.
• September to December
• Website…

Jazz à la Villette

• A festival of soul, funk & jazz. The coolest event in September!
  • Parc de la Villette
  • August 29 to September 10, 2020
  → Information…

Maison & Objet

• Decoration, design, furniture, accessories, textiles, fragrances & tableware.
  • Paris Nord Villepinte
  • September 6 to 10, 2020
  → Information…

Paris Design Week

• Discover the best in design in this week-long event.
  • Les Docks, Cité de la Mode et du Design
  • September 5 to 14, 2020
  → Information…

Fete de l'Humanité

• The Festival of Humanity has been celebrated in Paris since 1930.
  • Parc Courneuve
  • September 13 to 15, 2020
  → Information…

Croque Anime — The Festival of Animated Film of Paris

• An international film festival, and it's free!
  • Theatre de Ménilmontant
  • September, 2020
  → Information…

European Heritage Days in Paris

• You're invited to explore inside monuments & buildings normally restricted, like the Senate, Elysée Palace & various private chateaux. This is a very popular event among Parisians.
  • Paris!
  • Dates TBA

At the Museums

Things to Do in Paris September 2020

What's On at the Museums

There are so many fantastic museums in Paris with great special exhibitions this month. Here we've put together the highlights of popular exhibits during September. The first weeks of the month are the last chance to catch the Berthe Morisot exhibition at d'Orsay. Also, visit Musée Picasso to see Decidedly Mediterranean.

Berthe Morisot – Female Impressionist

One of the only woman Impressionist painters, Berthe Morisot was recognized by her peers as one of the most innovative artists of the time. The exhibition traces her career as a key figure in the avant-garde movement of 1860s. We're eagerly awaiting this one.

• Musée d'Orsay
• Ends September 22, 2020
• Information…

Italian Drawings from the Mariette Collection

The Louvre showcases its collection of Italian drawings by Pierre-Jean Mariette (1694-1774) printmaker, translator, art critic, and one of the best art collectors of all time. See drawings from the greatest Italian artists — Raphael, Michelangelo, Titian, Veronese, and Guercino.

• Rotonde Sully
• Ends September 30, 2020

Paris Romantique, 1815-1848

The Petite Palais follows its successful Paris 1900 exhibition with a panoramic show of the capital of France during the romantic years, from the fall of Napoleon to the Revolution of 1848. Nearly 600 works — paintings, sculptures, costumes, works of art and furniture — immerse the visitor into the artistic, cultural, and political events of this period.

Take a virtual stroll through 19th-century Paris to discover the iconic neighborhoods of the period — the Tuileries, Palais-Royal, Nouvelle-Athènes, Notre-Dame, and the Grands Boulevards

• Petit Palais
• Ends September 15, 2020
• Information…

Félix Fénéon

French artist Félix Fénéon, was a leading artist, art critic, editor, gallery owner, and collector in the late 19th and early 20th century. This exhibition focuses on his remarkable collection, culled from his travels in Africa and Oceania in the early 1900s. This year Musée d'Orsay, Musée de l'Orangerie, and Musée du Quai Branly are all organizing exhibitions paying tribute to Fénéon

• Musée Quai Branly
• Ends Sept 29, 2020

Degas at the Opera

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

• Musée d'Orsay
• September 24, 2020 to January 19, 2020
• Information…

Picasso – Decidedly Mediterranean

Get an overview of the life and work of Pablo Picasso in the Mediterranean. With an innovative audio-visual show, you can understand his life from the landscapes he painted in Malaga, Barcelona, Antibes and the sun-drenched Midi.

• Musée Picasso
• Ends to October 6, 2020