The 45 Best Things To Do In Paris – For September 2023

September in Paris means la rentrée, when thousands of Parisians return from the August summer holidays and transition back to city life. This year, Paris city life is back to normal with new museums exhibitions, tons of glorious events, and lots of fun activities. We've collected the best of the best of the best city… Paris!

Paris is a favorite post-pandemic travel destination with many tours, activities, and even hotels, selling out. Our advice is don't delay, book now! Start by checking these great things to do in Paris this September.

The Most Popular Activities

Things to Do in Paris September 2023

Bateaux Parisiens VIP Dinner Cruise with Live Music

Travelers love this nighttime dinner cruise, and we agree with them — it was our best dining experience on the river. It's fun, romantic, and everything's taken care of for you. At the Seine you board a glass-walled dinner boat for a relaxing cruise and 4-course French meal. Watch the lights of Paris pass by while sipping wine and enjoying live music in the City of Fun. Choose the 8:30 PM sailing and the Service Privilege option for the best seating, best meal, and the ultimate experience.

Bateaux Mouches Glorious 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.

VIP Private Tour 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.

Champagne Cruise Along the Seine

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.

Private Boat Cruise on the Seine

Welcome on board for cruise along the Seine on a private boat. You'll be sipping champagne as you pass by the Statue of Liberty, the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, the Musée d'Orsay, historic bridges, and Notre Dame. Feel free to bring your own bubbly and even your poodle. Pets & friends are welcome.

Eiffel Tower Guided Tours with Priority Access

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 with VIP Seating

The Moulin Rouge is back! And this nighttime extravaganza is the best way to get the total experience. It includes VIP service, a classic 4-course dinner, champagne, and a view of the show from 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.

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!

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.

Île de la Cité, Sainte Chapelle & Notre Dame

Île de la Cité is the center of Paris & packed with landmarks. This expert-led guided tour covers the highlights of the stunning, history-filled island. See the Conciergerie, where Marie-Antoinette was once imprisoned, and walk to Notre Dame Cathedral to view the restoration work. The tour includes skip-the-line admission to the stunning stained glass windows of Saint Chapelle.

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 an affordable shuttle van service from the airport right to your hotel. Or, you can do what we do and an arrange for a private airport pickup in a luxury sedan. It's the only way to do it!

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 Most Glorious Day Trips From Paris

Things to Do in Paris September 2023

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 a multi-course lunch at a boutique winery. Sample as much as you want — your expert guide is doing the driving!

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.

Monet's House & Gardens in Giverny

In September, the fabulous gardens of Impressionist painter Claude Monet will still be in bloom. You're driven 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 tickets and transportation from central Paris.

The D-Day Landing 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 most 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.

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 lunch, so no need to worry about anything.

Top Paris Food & Wine Activities

Things to Do in Paris September 2023

Cheese & Wine Tasting in a Paris Cheese Cellar

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!

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.

Bateaux Parisiens Gourmet Lunch Cruise

Another Paris Insiders secret is that the best place to see the dazzling landmarks of Paris is on 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 Privilege option to guarantee you a private window seat and a better menu.

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.

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!

Paris Patisserie Class

Tarte au citron, souffles, Madeleines — imagine learning how to make these classic French pastries in a cooking class… in Paris! Spend the afternoon creating classic French pastries with a French chef. The group size is limited to make sure you get more attention from the chef and have more pastries to enjoy afterwards!

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.

The Best Ways to Visit Versailles from Paris

Things to Do in Paris September 2023

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. If you prefer, you can opt for a private tour, for just you and your group.

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.

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.

Versailles Bike Tour + Chateau Visit

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.

At the Museums

Things to Do in Paris September 2023

Edvard Munch

In collaboration with the Munch Museum in Oslo, Musée d'Orsay is devoting an exhibition to the famous Norwegian painter Edvard Munch (1863-1944) who, though he created numerous paintings over sixty years, still remains largely unknown.
• Musée d'Orsay
• September 20 to January 22, 2023
• Information…

Romantic Heroines

With more than one hundred paintings, sculptures, manuscripts and art objects, this exhibition showcases heroines as celebrated by Romantic artists. From Sappho and Joan of Arc to Marie Stuart, Heloise, Juliet and Ophelia, these women's dramatic histories helped to forge 19th century Romanticism.
• Musée de la Vie Romantique
• Ends September 4, 2023
• Information…

Picasso – New Works of Art

The exhibition celebrates the nine masterpieces by Picasso donated to the French National Collections by his daughter, Maya Ruiz-Picasso.
• Musée Picasso
• Ends December 31, 2023
• Information…

Picasso à l'Image

Here's a chance to see art films, archives, and documentaries shot during Picasso's lifetime, presenting facets of his personal and artistic life.
• Musée Picasso
• Ends February 12, 2023
• Information…

Cézanne – The Light of Provence

This new exhibition features some of Cezanne's best work, displaying his composition, his approach to light and color, and his greatest source of inspiration.
• Atelier des Lumières
• Ends January 2, 2023
• Information…

The Golden Age Of The Portuguese Renaissance

Discover the elegant and accomplished art of the painters who were active in Lisbon in the first half of the 16th century.

• The Louvre
• Ends October 10, 2023
• Information…

Future Lullaby: The Cradle of Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow

This exhibition is all about lullabies heard through the ages and across continents. This one may be a sleeper hit!

• Musée du Quai Branly
• Ends September 25, 2023
• Information…

André Devambez – Dizziness of the Imagination

A retrospective of the work of Belle Époque artist André Devambez. An artistic jack of all trades, Devambez was a painter, an engraver and and illustrator at the same time, producing work oscillating between serious and light subjects.

• Petit Palais
• September 9, 2023 to December 31, 2023
• Information…

André Derain – Paysages Méridionaux

Influenced by the masters, André Derain (1880-1954) turned to more classical painting after World War I. His landscapes capture the intense light of Provence. Hence, "Southern Landscapes".

• Musée de l'Orangerie
• September 21, 2023 to March 6, 2023
• Information…

Parisiennes Citoyennes!

"Women of Paris!" This historical exhibition focuses on women's struggles for emancipation starting with the French Revolution.

• Musée Carnavalet
• September 28, 2023 to January 29, 2023
• Information…

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 25, 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.
• 2023 dates TBA
• Information…

The Peacock Society Festival

Music fans gather to celebrate electronic music and arts at Parc Floral de Paris in Bois de Vincennes.

• Parc Floral de Paris, Bois de Vincennes
• September 10 & 11, 2023
• Information…

Jazz à la Villette

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

• Parc de la Villette
• September 1 to 12 2023
• Website…

Maison & Objet

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

• Paris Nord Villepinte
• September 8 to 12, 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 8 to 17, 2023
• Information…

Fete de l'Humanité

The Festival of Humanity has been celebrated in Paris during autumn since 1930

• Parc Courneuve
• September 9 to 11, 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 18 & 19, 2023
• Information…

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 23 to 25, 2023
• Information…