45 Of The Greatest Things To Do – It's September 2023 In Paris!

September in Paris means la rentrée, when Parisians return from their August-long vacation and transition back to city life. But, it's not yet autumn — the gardens are still in bloom, and there are beaucoup events and activities to tempt the visitor. The Paris cultural season ignites with Vivaldi's Four Seasons performed at the church of Saint Germain des Prés. Let's explore 45 of the best things to do in Paris — for September 2023.

Esprit de Paris – The Top Experiences

Things to Do in Paris September 2023

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

There are hundreds of 5-star reviews for this combination evening activity — and for good reason. 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, past the long line-ups, and up to Level Two for even better views of Paris. Magical

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.

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.

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!

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.

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 2023

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.

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.

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.

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.

Go Deeper Into France On Day Trips

Things to Do in Paris September 2023

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.

The beautiful and world-famous Champagne region 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 a multi-course lunch at a boutique winery. Sample as much as you want — your expert guide is doing the driving!

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.

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.

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 lunch, so no need to worry about anything.

Delectable Food & Wine Experiences

Things to Do in Paris September 2023

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.

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. The small group is limited to 10 to ensure there's more cheese for you!

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.

A Taste of Montmartre Food & Wine Tour

Join a food-expert guide for a walking 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.

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!

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.

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.

What's On at the Museums

Things to Do in Paris September 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
• September 20, 2023 to 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

The Best Events in Paris

Things to Do in Paris September 2023

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 24, 2023
• 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
• Dates TBA
• Website…

Maison & Objet

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

• Paris Nord Villepinte
• September 7 to 11, 2023
• 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 7 to 16, 2023
• 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 16 & 17, 2023

Rare Book And Graphic Arts Fair

Two hundred antique book dealers and experts showcase thousands of artifacts representing European cultural history.

• Grand Palais Éphémère
• September Dates TBA
• Information…