The 55 Best Things To Do In Paris For September 2018

It's not yet autumn — all the gardens are still in bloom. September in Paris means la rentrée, when thousands of Parisians return from their long summer vacation and transition back to city life. There are a lot of events and activities to tempt the visitor, from museums to wine tastings to day trips to Versailles or the Champagne region. The Paris cultural season also begins, with a great line-up of ballet, opera, dance, and theatre events.

The Most Popular Activities

Things to Do in Paris September 2018

Louvre Without the Line-Ups

With nearly 10 million visitors a year, the Louvre Art Museum is an über-popular place in Paris, which means long lines. 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.

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 this activity, though, you breeze past the line and follow your guide to the top of the tower while she relates tales about the the most famous tower in the world. Also check the Big List of Eiffel Tower Tours….

Eiffel Tower Dinner + Moulin Rouge + Seine River Cruise

Here's an iconic activity that's also a complete night on the town. It starts with an evening dinner on the Eiffel Tower. After a classic French meal, you stroll to the banks of the Seine for an evening river cruise. But the night's not over! Next up is the famous Moulin Rouge to enjoy the show — while sipping champagne. All the details are taken care of for you. Also see, The 6 Best Evenings In Paris…

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-fuelled 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 bateaux while sipping bubbly poured by an expert sommelier.

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 the 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!

EXCLUSIVE – Louvre + Eiffel Tower + Notre Dame Private City Tour

What's not to love about this tour that gets you to the best of the city in one glorious day? Start with pick-up at your Paris address and then continue to the Louvre for a with a professional-guided tour — you get to skip the long line-ups. In the afternoon you again skip the lines, this time at the Eiffel Tower; visit Notre Dame with an expert guide; and spend time in the artistic neighborhood of Montmartre. Also see, The 6 Best Paris City Tours…

Ghosts & Legends Night Walking Tour

Visitors to Paris seem to love this (somewhat) creepy nighttime tour. Follow your knowledgeable guide along the winding streets and the hidden alleys to visit the little-known spots of a city with over 2,000 years of history, mysteries and legends. That makes for an action-packed evening. You'll learn about the slightly darker side of the City Light. Ooooo. Also see, The 10 Best Walking Tours Of Paris…

Dinner & Show at the Moulin Rouge with Hotel Transportation

No need to worry about how to get to the cabaret, your driver meets you at your Paris address. In Montmartre, at the Moulin Rouge, you dine on three traditional French courses and revel in the famous 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…

Privilege Dinner Cruise with Live Music & 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 your bateau for a relaxing cruise and 3-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…

Eiffel Tower Dinner + Nighttime Seine River Cruise

This is another magical evening in Paris. Dine at restaurant 58 Tour Eiffel, on the tower it's named for, then cruise the city's famous river when the lights of Paris are bright. Your priority-access tickets let you bypass the line at the tower, for a classic 3-course French dinner at a restaurant with a fabulous view. Also see, Eiffel Restaurants – The Tower With A Michelin Star On Top…

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,

The French Revolution Walking Tour

Here's another fun & informative walking tour that focuses on events and places of the French Revolution of 1789. An expert guide make history comes as you visit the main sites of those tumultuous times. The storming of the Bastille, the guillotines, the prisons, the Reign of Terror, the beheading of Marie Antoinette — you learn about all the famous (and infamous) events as you visit the places they actually happened.

Airport Transfers

Here is one of our best and 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. It's convenient and cheaper than a taxi. Also see, Airport Transfers – Our Complete Guide…

Our Recommended VIP Airport Transfer Service

An even better tip — and a real Paris Insiders secret — is to have the driver we personally trust the most meet you for a relaxing, private transfer in a luxurious Mercedes S-Class. We appreciate the comfort and peace of mind after a long flight. Therefore, we always have our Paris pal, Manu, meet us at the arrivals gate and whisk us into the city. Honestly, it's the only way to do it!

The Paris Insiders Pass – Save Money & Time

We like to save time in Paris, and we like to save money as well? That's why we created our very own Paris Insiders Pass — to get into museums for free and ride the Metro for free. Even better, we've created special savings for you. Use the discount code INSIDERS5 for extra savings. But to us the big advantage is skipping the looong Paris lines. Also see, Complete Guide to the Paris Insiders Pass…

Left Bank Hotels in Paris – The Top Five

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 are our picks of the top 5 Left Bank hotels — with a couple of bonuses as well!

The Top Day Trips From Paris

Things to Do in Paris September 2018

Wine-Tasting Trip to the Champagne Region

The beautiful and world-famous Champagne country is only one 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 also provides transportation in a luxurious Eurovan. Visit the Land of Bubbly for a full-day exploration. Available Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays in September.

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.

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.

Loire Valley Chateaux + Wine Tasting

On this tour you can 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.

Small Group Tour to the Loire Valley & Its 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.

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.

D-Day Tour – Remembering WWII

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.

Vaux le Vicomte & Château Fontainebleau in One Day

We like this 2-in-1 day excursion that gets you to two of the best royal castles around Paris. First up is Château Fontainebleau, just outside of Paris, one of the largest and best preserved of the French royal castles. Also on your agenda is our Vaux le Vicomte, our particular favorite. The stunning castle and gardens here were the direct inspiration for Versailles. It makes for a great day out of Paris. Also see, Vaux-le-Vicomte Tour with Champagne and Luxury Car Transport…

Mont Saint-Michel

A long day trip from Paris takes you to the fairytale island of Mont Saint-Michel, just off the Normandy coast. It's amazing to explore the Benedictine abbey that becomes separated from the mainland during high tide. Wander along the narrow streets, the shops, and the abbey's ramparts. On your way you drive through the picturesque Normandy countryside. Everything is included, even pick-up at your hotel, so no need to worry about anything.

6 Essential Summertime Day Trips

There's a lot of France to see just beyond the Paris city gates and the days of September are the perfect time to venture out. Take a day trip to the floating island of Mont Saint-Michel, historic Rouen, to the World War One battlefields, Bruges, and even London. Read our guide to the six essential summertime excursions from Paris to the heart of France.

Classical Music, Opera & Ballet

Things to Do in Paris September 2018

Concerts at La Sainte Chapelle

There are many stunning Gothic churches in Paris where classical music is performed performed. But, without doubt, the top venue for classical music is the acoustically-perfect Saint Chapelle in the dead-center of Paris on Île de la Cité. There, surrounded by stunning stained glass windows, with vaulted arches towering overhead, you're swept away by the music of some of the greatest composers who ever lived. Concerts all September long.

Hear Classical Music on the Eiffel Tower

That's right — experience classical music on the Eiffel Tower. The Orchestre Paris Classik will perform a stellar line-up of classical music while you sip champagne and gaze at the city below. Don't miss this one!
• September 15 & 22 only

Carmen – Opera en Plein Air

Here's another performance you don't want to miss if you're here in September. Georges Bizet's most famous opera, Carmen, premiered in Paris in 1875 and will be performed outdoors in the courtyard of Les Invalides.
• Les Invalides
• September 5 to 8, 2018 only

Verdi's La Traviata – SOLD OUT

French director Benoit Jacquot has taken inspiration from Edouard Manet's scandalous painting, Olympia, to create his latest version of Verdi's masterwork. In Italian with French and English surtitles.
• Opera Bastille
• September & October, 2018

Tristan und Isolde – Paris Opera

Philippe Jordan conducts Wagner's classic and timeless opera about a love too huge for the material world.
• Opera Bastille
• September & October, 2018

Les Huguenots – Paris Opera

This monumental opera focuses on the timeless conflict of love vs religion. It's presented with stunning costumes and music. French and English surtitles.
• Opera Bastille
• September & October, 2018

Performances at Palais Garnier

As we've said many times, you don't want to miss a performance in this stunning (and stunningly restored) Belle Epoque palace. The performances will be magnificent, and you'll find that the Palais is stunning!

Featured Performances at Palais Garnier

• MARTHA GRAHAM DANCE COMPANY
  See classic Martha Graham dances performed in Paris for the first time in 30 years — Appalachian Spring, The Rite of Spring, and Lamentation. Don't miss it! September 3 to 8.
  → Reserve Tickets…
• DECADANCE – PARIS BALLET
  Israeli choreographer Ohad Naharin's Decadance is considered his greatest hit. The edgy piece has excerpts from ten different choreographic works, with music ranging from classical hymns to bouncy Bollywood ballads. September & October 2018.
  → Reserve Tickets…

Eglise de la Madeleine

First designed as a temple to the glory of Napoleon's achievements, the church of La Madeleine takes a commanding position on the place that bears its name. Today, it's also a popular venue for classical music concerts.

Classical Music in Paris – September 2018

Here we only have room for a few of the stellar classical music performances coming in September — there will be more this month at the Philharmonie de Paris, Opera Bastille, and more events at the grands opera houses. Be sure to check out what will be playing when you're in Paris in September.

Top Paris Food & Wine Activities

Things to Do in Paris September 2018

Chocolate & Pastry Walking Tour

Now we're getting to the good stuff ! On this tour you wander between the city'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 seems to love this new tour of one of the oldest quartiers. Start the tour at the oldest food market in the city, and 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.

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.

La Marina de Paris Lunch Cruise on the Seine

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.

Lunch on the Eiffel Tower + Access to Level Two

Chances are you'll visit the Eiffel Tower while you're in Paris. Why not combine it with a lunchtime activity that lets you skip the long lines and gets you direct access to Level Two. This is where the magic happens with amazing bird's eye views of of Paris. Your hostess meets you at the base of the tower and then leads you past the long lines to the elevators. After admiring Paris from high up, your reserved table is waiting for you at restaurant 58 Tour Eiffel on Level One.

Market Tour & Classic French Cooking

Shopping, cooking, eating — they make for a great day of our fave food activities. Visit one of the best open-air markets, where the chef explains all about the typical French foods found at the markets. You 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.

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…

French Wine & Champagne Masterclass

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. Also see, The Ten Best Food & Wine Experiences In Paris…

The Best Events in Paris

Things to Do in Paris September 2018

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, and, if you don't want to do the walk, it's fun to cheer from the sidelines!
• September 23, 2018
• 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.
• Website…

Fete de la Gastronomie

• A three-day food event that celebrates the gastronomy of France.
  • September 21 to 23, 2018
  → Information…

Jazz de la Villette

• A festival of soul, funk & jazz. The coolest event in September!
  • Parc de la Villette
  • August 30 to September 9, 2018
  → Information…

Maison & Objet

• Decoration, design, furniture, accessories, textiles, fragrances & tableware.
  • Paris Nord Villepinte
  • September 7 to 11, 2018
  → Information…

Paris Design Week

• Discover the best in design in this week-long event.
  • Les Docks, Cité de la Mode et du Design
  • September 6 to 15, 2018
  → Information…

Fete de l'Humanite

• The Festival of Humanity has been celebrated in Paris since 1930.
  • Parc Courneuve
  • September 14 to 16, 2018
  → Information…

Croque Anime — The Festival of Animated Film of Paris

• An international film festival, and it's free!
  • Theatre de Ménilmontant
  • September 20 to 24, 2018
  → 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!
  • September 15 & 16, 20188
  → Information…

Prêt-A-Porté Fashion Show

• Join the beautiful people for the unveiling of the new ready-to-wear collection. The fashion event of the season.
  • September 26 to October 3, 2018
  → Information…

At the Museums

Things to Do in Paris September 2018

What's On at the Museums

There are so many fantastic museums in Paris with so many great special exhibitions. Here we've put together the highlights of popular exhibits during the month of September. The first week of the month is the last chance to catch the exhibit of rare pastels at the Louvre. Also, visit d'Orsay to see the polychrome sculptures.

The Impressionists in London – French Artists in Exile

In collaboration with the Tate Britain in London, the exhibition showcases one hundred masterpieces painted by French artists in Victorian London.

• Petit Palais
• June 21 to October 14, 2018
• Website…

Picasso – Blue and Rose

It's the first first large-scale collaboration between the d'Orsay and the Musée Picasso.

• Musée d'Orsay
• September 18 to January 6, 2019
• Website…

Pastels At The Louvre – The 17th & 18th Centuries

View rare pastels, including works by Liotard, de La Tour, Boucher and Le Brun.

• Louvre
• Ends September 10, 2018
• Information…

In Colour – Polychrome Sculpture in France

Fifty polychrome works where painted waxes are added to sculptures.

• Musée d'Orsay
• Ends September 23, 2018
• Information…

Franz West

The Pompidou and Tate Modern present the work of Austrian artist Franz West (1947 to 2012).

• Centre Pompidou
• September 12 to 10 December 10, 2018
• Website…

Alfonse Mucha

• Musée du Luxembourg
• September 12 to January 27, 2019
• Website…

Paintings from Afar

200 never-before-seen works demonstrate the evolution of the Western perception of distant and not-so-distant populations, societies and territories.

• Musée du Quai Branley
• Ends January 6, 2019
• Information…

The Little Explorer's Box Of Delights

• Quai Branly
• Ends October 7, 2018
• Information…