45 Of The Greatest Things To Do – It's September 2024 In Paris!

September in Paris — the long, slow days of summer linger as Paris winds down from the 2024 Olympic Games. (The Paralympic games end on September 8.) The city's iconic gardens are still in bloom; and there are beaucoup des events and activities to tempt the visitor. September is the perfect time to float down the river on a Seine River dinner cruise, or to make a trip to nearby Giverny to visit Claude Monet's gardens. Let's explore 45 of the best things to do in Paris — for September 2024.

Esprit de Paris – The Top Experiences

Things to Do in Paris September 2024

Travelers love this nighttime dinner cruise, and we agree — it's our favorite dining experience on the river. It's fun, romantic, and it's a blast seeing the sights of Paris from the river. Board a glass-walled dinner boat for a cruise and classic French meal. Watch Paris pass by while sipping champagne and enjoying live music. Be sure to choose the Service Privilege option for the best seating, champagne, and the ultimate experience.

Spend a Day in the Champagne Region

The beautiful and world-famous Champagne region is only about an hour from Paris. In September the vines are in lush leaf and heavy with grapes. It's the perfect time to spend a day focusing on the bubbly, with guided tours and tastings at some of the most famous champagne houses. In between, enjoy a multi-course lunch at a boutique winery. Sample as much as you want — your expert guide is doing the driving!

Dinner Cruise by Maxim's of Paris

Historic restaurant Maxim's of Paris presents a VIP dinner cruise. Marvel at the magical scenery as you sail along the iconic Seine River with the nighttime lights of the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre outside your window. Dine on lobster, sip champagne in an unforgettable romantic atmosphere. Did we mention the live music?

Discover the Masterpieces of the Louvre

The Louvre Art Museum is a very popular place, which means there are always long line-ups. But, a Paris Insiders top 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 — Venus de Milo, Winged Victory of Samothrace, and of course, the Mona Lisa. After the tour you have plenty of time to wander at your own pace. Also available as a private tour.

Dine on the Eiffel Tower at Madame Brasserie

Tap into the best of Parisian living with dinner on the Eiffel Tower at the highly-rated Madame Brasserie. Newly refurbished with a stellar menu by Michelin-starred chef Thierry Marx, you'll marvel at the views as well as the classic French dishes. Choose the Grande Dame – Paris View option for the best experience. Lunch is also available.

Classical Music in Paris in September

From chamber concerts at historic churches like La Sainte Chapelle to famous operas and ballets performed at Opera de la Bastille or at the Belle Epoque wonder that is Palais Garnier, this is another great month to hear classical music in the City of Light. Find the concerts you love in this complete list of classical music concerts in historic venues.

Eiffel Tower Priority-Access Tours

When we're in Paris we don't want to waste time standing in line. That's why we always book skip-the-line tours, especially at sites as busy as the Eiffel Tower. On these tours you meet up with your guide to breeze past the line and ride the elevators to the top, for the best views of Paris.

Moulin Rouge Dinner & Cabaret

To our way of thinking the Moulin Rouge is an essential Paris experience. This nighttime extravaganza is the best way to get the total experience, with a classic 4-course dinner, champagne, and a view of the show from some of the best seats in the house. Marvel at the glorious spectacle, the costumes, and the dancers as you sip bubbly. This is an extraordinary evening you will remember for years to come.

Champagne Tasting River Cruise

The days and nights are still warm, so a wonderful way to celebrate your return to 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. This is one of our favorite Paris activities and highly recommended.

Musée d'Orsay Skip-the-Line Impressionism Tour

Skip the long 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. D'Orsay holds the world's most important collection of Impressionist art. 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.

Discover Sainte-Chapelle, Conciergerie & Notre Dame

Visit the ancient heart of Paris — the Île de la Cité. With your expert guide you'll visit La Sainte-Chapelle, Notre Dame and other iconic landmarks of the city. On this captivating exploration of the rich history of Paris, you'll have the privilege of witnessing the city's breathtaking beauty.

Bateaux Mouches Dinner Cruise + Live Music

You're in the City of Love so why not indulge your inner romantic? Imagine a window table on a magical evening cruise viewing the sights of Paris as they pass by — Louvre, Notre Dame, the Eiffel Tower. On this glass-walled bateau you dine on a classic multi-course French dinner, accompanied by live music on-board. Sailing at 8:30 PM.

Private Airport Transfers

Know what's going to happen when you arrive by pre-arranging transportation from the airport into central Paris. Instead of waiting in a long line for a taxi, book a transfer service from the airport right to your hotel. Private airport pickup in a luxury sedan is the best way to start your visit!

The Best Left Bank Hotels

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, our collection focuses on the most highly-rated boutique hotels in the 6th Arrondissement and Saint-Germain-des Prés.

The Wonders of Versailles

Things to Do in Paris September 2024

Experience the Magnificence of Versailles

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. A guided visit to Marie Antoinette's fantasy farm is also included.

Versailles + Claude Monet's Gardens in One Day

So much to see in France, so little time. But, this dual-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 takes you from central Paris to Versailles, followed by Monet's gardens in nearby Giverny. In September, the gardens will be at the peak of perfection. A classic French lunch is also included.

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

Versailles really requires a full day to explore leisurely. But if you just don't have the time, we recommend this half-day tour that also includes priority access. We like that it's a small-group activity with an expert guide and transportation right from central Paris.

Versailles Bike Tour + 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.

Delectable Food & Wine Experiences

Things to Do in Paris September 2024

Master the art of fromage in Paris in a hidden cheese cave with the 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. Our #1 food activity in Paris.

A Taste of Montmartre Food & Wine Tour

Join a food-expert guide on our top-rated food tour of historic Montmartre to taste some of the best foods of France — baguettes, charcuterie, cheeses, pastries, chocolate. This quartier on the hill is famous for its cobblestone streets, café and terraces, and for the bohemian crowd who once lived here. Don't miss the views of the city from its highest point.

Taste 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.

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.

Bateaux Parisiens Gourmet Lunch Cruise

Another Paris Insiders secret is that the best place to see the dazzling landmarks of Paris is from a boat, on the Seine, sipping champagne while enjoying a leisurely classic 3-course French meal. What we like about this one is the menu is a la carte, with wine & champagne compris (included). We highly recommend the Service Premier option for champagne, better seating, and a better menu.

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!

Learn to Make Croissants with a Pastry Chef

One of our favorite Paris memories is of learning how to make buttery croissants. They say Marie Antoinette brought these delicate, flaky pastries to France — since then they've become a Parisian icon. Learn the art of making the crescent-shaped delicacies in a Paris kitchen. It will be a lifelong memory.

Paris Cooking Class & Food Market Tour

Shopping, cooking, eating — they make for a great day of our favorite food activities. Visit one of the best open-air markets, where your chef explains all about the classic French foods found at the markets. Shop for lunch and then move on to the cooking studio where you learn, hands-on, how to turn your purchases into a fabulous meal.

Go Deeper Into France On Day Trips

Things to Do in Paris September 2024

Visit The Historic D-Day Beaches

The most famous battle sites of World War II are found on the landing beaches of Normandy. On this small-group tour you visit the important sites on a day trip from Paris, and return to your hotel the same day. It's a powerfully emotional experience to visit the beaches and the monuments, museums, and dedicated cemeteries. Lunch is included as is a special tasting of the region's famous cider.

Claude Monet's House & Gardens in Giverny

In September, the fabulous gardens of Impressionist painter Claude Monet will still be gloriously in bloom. Travel through the lovely French countryside to Giverny, where you visit both Monet's pretty pink home and his gardens, including the famous Japanese bridge. Best of all, there's plenty of free time to wander among the gardens to reflect on Monet's sublime creations. This small-group tour includes transportation from central Paris.

Explore The Loire Valley – Chateaux & Wines

On this day tour from Paris you visit the splendid chateaux of the Loire. The excursion 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. It's like two trips in one! September is a superb month to see the gardens, mazes, and moats of the Renaissance castles.

Stunning Mont Saint-Michel

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.

What's On at the Museums

Things to Do in Paris September 2024

The Louvre & d'Orsay In One Day

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.

Harriet Backer – The Music of Color

This is the first retrospective of Harriet Backer's(1845-1932) work in France. Although little is known about her outside her native Norway, Backer was the most renowned woman artist of the late 19th century. You will fall in love with her tender portraits of rural Norwegian life.
• Musée d'Orsay
• September 24, 2024 to January 12, 2025
• Information…

Le Corps En Mouvement – The Body in Motion

To mark the occasion of the Paris Olympics and the Paralympic Games, the Petit Palais celebrates The Body in Motion with a journey through its permanent collection. Fifty works from Antiquity to the 20th century trace the origins of the Olympic Games with paintings, sculptures, art objects, drawings and prints.
• Petit Palais
• May 15 to November 17, 2024
• Information…

La Collection – Revoir Picasso

In 2014 Pablo Picasso's most important public collection was permanently installed in the lavish setting of the Hôtel Salé, a mansion in the Marais. A decade later, the museum pays homage with a three-year retrospective starting with a tribute to Françoise Gilot. Beyond her famous book — Living with Picasso, published in 1965 — Gilot's own artistic career spanned from Réalités Nouvelles to her large compositions of the "emblematic paintings" of the 1980s.

• Musée Picasso
• March 12, 2024 to March 12, 2027
• Information…

La Fontaine des Innocents

Delve into the story of the Fountain of the Innocents during its large-scale restoration. Built during the Renaissance, this monument, originally called the Fountain of the Nymphs, was sculpted by Jean Goujon and designed by the architect Pierre Lescot. Learn about the history and restoration of this famous fountain of the Marais.

• Musée Carnavalet
• April 24, 2024 to August 25, 2024
• Information…

Olympism: Modern Invention, Ancient Legacy

Discover the roots of the first modern Olympic Games, and how the sporting competition of ancient Greece was reinvented in modern times. The exhibition will show how history and archaeology came together to create the world's greatest and most-watched sporting event.

• Louvre Museum
• Ends September 16, 2024
• Information…

The Best Events in Paris

Things to Do in Paris September 2024

La 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 starts at the steps of the Eiffel Tower and ends 16 kilometres 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, 2024
• Information…

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
• Information…

Jazz à la Villette

A festival of soul, funk & jazz. The coolest event in September!

• Parc de la Villette
• August 30 to September 10, 2024
• Website…

Maison & Objet

Decoration, design, furniture, accessories, textiles, fragrances & tableware, all under one giant roof.

• Paris Nord Villepinte
• September 5 to 9, 2024
• Information…

Paris Design Week

Discover the best in design in this annual week-long event.

• Les Docks, Cité de la Mode et du Design, and elsewhere
• September 5 to 14, 2024
• Information…

European Heritage Days in Paris

You, along with all residents and visitors alike, are invited to explore inside monuments & buildings normally restricted, like the Senate, Elysée Palace, and numerous private mansions and hôtels. This is a very popular event among Parisians.

• All around Paris!
• September 21 & 22, 2024