Paris in November 2026: What to See, Eat, Pack & Do!

November is one of the quietest months in Paris, but I think it’s also one of the most underrated.

The big autumn crowds are disappearing, but the last golden leaves are still hanging on in the parks. Then, by the middle of the month, Christmas lights start appearing across the city. It is the best of both worlds.

And if you enjoy art, November 2026 is an especially good time to visit Paris. There are some fantastic exhibitions this autumn, including Monet, Cézanne, and Eva Gonzalès. I’ve already seen and enjoyed two of them, but more about those below.

After more than 20 years in Paris, I love this mix. You can walk through the autumn leaves or cruise the Seine on a sunny day, then retreat to museums, cozy restaurants, and candlelight concerts when the weather turns grey.

From mid November, Paris rings in the Christmas season. Decorations appear everywhere, Galeries Lafayette unveils its famous tree, and streets like Avenue Montaigne and Rue Saint Honoré begin to sparkle.

So, if you’re visiting Paris in November 2026, here are my favorite things to do, plus the events worth knowing about, what weather to expect, what to pack, and a few practical tips for your trip.

What to do in Paris in November 2026?

November may be quieter in Paris, but there is still plenty going on. This year especially, I’m excited about the fantastic autumn exhibitions, but it’s also a great month for cozy experiences, seasonal events, and seeing Paris slowly light up for Christmas.

One thing to know before you go: November is quieter, but Paris’ most popular attractions are busy all year round. If any of the following are must sees for you, I recommend booking them in advance:

• Eiffel Tower summit tickets: especially if going all the way to the top is a must for you
• Monet: Painting Time: one of the big autumn exhibitions
• Louvre Masterpieces: the Louvre is busy year round
• Musée d’Orsay: one of Paris’ most popular museums
• Versailles: worth booking ahead even during the quieter months
• Seine Evening Cruises: especially if you want a specific evening departure

And with that sorted, here are my favorite things to do in Paris in November 2026.

#1 See One of the Fantastic Autumn Exhibitions

If you enjoy art, you’re in luck. There are some fantastic exhibitions in Paris this November, and I’ve already been to two of them.

My favorite was Eva Gonzalès at the Petit Palais. Gonzalès is a lesser known female artist from the Impressionist circle, and I really enjoyed discovering more of her work. Plus, the exhibition is at the Petit Palais, which is my favorite museum in Paris and worth visiting in its own right.

I also really enjoyed Cézanne et Nous at the Grand Palais. What makes this exhibition so interesting is that it doesn’t focus only on Cézanne. Instead, it shows how his work influenced generations of artists, from his contemporaries to Picasso, Andy Warhol, and contemporary artists. If you enjoy different kinds of art, there is a lot to see here.

And then there is Monet: Painting Time at the Musée de l’Orangerie, another major exhibition this autumn and a good one to put on your list if you’re a Monet fan. You definitely want to book this one in advance.

💡 My tip: Temporary exhibitions are very popular with Parisians as well, so I recommend booking your tickets in advance. Also read my article about the Best Museums in Paris: A Guide to 12 Top Collections to see what is on.

#2 Take a Seine Cruise

Also read: Best Seine River Cruise in Paris (How to Choose the Right One)

A Seine cruise is one of those activities I recommend all year round, but November gives it a different atmosphere.

At the beginning of the month, you can still catch some autumn colors along the riverbanks. And because the sun sets so much earlier, you don’t have to wait until late at night to see Paris illuminated from the water.

I took a Seine cruise with my son last autumn, and we loved it. It’s such an easy way to see many of Paris’ biggest sights, including Notre Dame, the Grand Palais, the Eiffel Tower, and some of the most beautiful bridges, without adding even more walking to your day.

And in November, that last part matters. If it’s chilly, you can sit inside and enjoy the views through the windows. If you get one of those beautiful crisp autumn days, wrap up and head to the outside deck.

There are plenty of Seine cruises to choose from, but for a simple sightseeing cruise during day time, this is the one I’d pick, because they leave right by the Eiffel Tower.

If you want to make more of an evening of it, you can also opt for a dinner cruise along the Seine.

💡 My tip: If you want to take an evening cruise, I recommend this one. It’s the only sightseeing cruise with reserved time slots, so you won’t have to stand around in the cold waiting for the next boat. It also leaves right by the Eiffel Tower, which is a pretty perfect place to start an evening in Paris.

#3 Visit Versailles and Its Gardens

If you have a half day to spare, November is a great time to visit Versailles, and I definitely think it’s worth making the trip out of Paris.

One thing I wouldn’t necessarily pay extra for is a tour that includes transportation from Paris. Getting to Versailles by train is very straightforward, so you can easily make your own way there.

What I would consider paying for is a guided tour of the palace itself.

I visited Versailles without a guide, and while the rooms are incredible to see, I sometimes found myself simply looking at beautiful things without really understanding what I was looking at or why it mattered. There is so much history packed into the palace that I think this is one place where having someone explain what you’re seeing can make a real difference.

And if you’re already taking most of a day to visit Versailles, you might as well make the most of it.

• If you just want to explore independently → Book your Versailles ticket in advance here
• If you want to get more out of the palace → Book a guided tour of Versailles here

Whichever option you choose, book in advance. Versailles is incredibly popular throughout the year, and November is no exception.

And whatever you do, don’t leave after seeing the palace. Make time for the gardens and especially the Queen’s Hamlet, or Hameau de la Reine. It’s one of my favorite parts of the estate, with its little cottages and village atmosphere, and it feels completely different from the grandeur of the château.

💡 My tip: Go independently from Paris, but consider spending your money on a guide inside the palace instead. If you have time after the gardens, have a walk in the city. The market place is beautiful.

#4 Enjoy the Last Autumn Colors in Paris

If you’re visiting at the beginning of November, you might still catch some beautiful autumn colors in Paris.

There’s no exact date for peak foliage, of course. It depends on the weather, and a few windy or rainy days can change everything quickly. But early November can still be a wonderful time for an autumn walk.

Some of my favorite places for autumn colors are:

• Luxembourg Gardens: beautiful fall foliage and easy to combine with the Latin Quarter
• Tuileries Garden: perfect if you’re already visiting the Louvre or Musée de l’Orangerie
• Jardin des Plantes: one of my favorites for a proper autumn walk
• Parc Monceau: smaller and more local, with plenty of beautiful trees
• Montmartre: not a park, but gorgeous when the ivy covering the buildings turns red

Even just walking along the Seine under the golden trees can be beautiful at this time of year.

💡 My tip: When planning your trip, keep a few activities in your itinerary that don’t require reservations. This way, you can easily switch things around depending on the weather. If you wake up to blue skies, head to a park or explore a neighborhood, and save your indoor plans for a grey or rainy day.

#5 Go to a Candlelight Concert

👉 See the full November Candlelight Concert Program here.

NNovember evenings in Paris are perfect for cozy indoor activities, and a Candlelight Concert is one of my favorites.

I’ve been to several of these concerts in Paris, and what I like is that they’re not limited to classical music. For November, the program includes:

• Tribute to Michael Jackson
• Tribute to Coldplay and Imagine Dragons, on the Eiffel Tower!
• Tribute to Adele, also on the Eiffel Tower!
• Tribute to ABBA

But you’ll also find classical concerts featuring Hans Zimmer, Mozart, Chopin, and, of course, Vivaldi. → See if tickets for your dates are still available

It’s especially lovely in November when it gets dark early and you’re looking for something to do in the evening that doesn’t involve spending hours outside in the cold.

💡 My tip: When choosing your concert, look at the venue as well as the program. Part of the experience is getting to see beautiful Paris interiors that you might otherwise never visit. And if you can catch one of the concerts on the Eiffel Tower, even better. Here’s the agenda.

#6 Visit the Cathedrale de Notre-Dame

If you haven’t visited Notre Dame since it reopened, November is a great time to finally step inside.

I visited after the reopening, and even though I’ve known Notre Dame for years, I was amazed by how bright and beautiful it looks after the restoration. It feels familiar, but at the same time quite different.

Entrance to the cathedral is free (don’t let anyone tell you otherwise!), but Notre Dame is extremely popular, so there might be a queue even during the quieter months. I recommend trying to reserve a free time slot if you want to avoid spending time waiting outside, especially when it’s cold or raining.

But don’t worry if there are no time slots available. The queue usually moves quite quickly, so it shouldn’t stop you from going.

And while you’re there, take some time to explore the Île de la Cité. Sainte Chapelle, the Seine, the Latin Quarter, and Île Saint Louis are all nearby.

💡 My tip: Notre Dame opens early, so if you don’t have a reserved time slot, make it one of your first stops of the day.

#7 See the Christmas Decorations in Paris

Also read: 19 Magical Things to do in Paris at Christmas

From around mid November, Paris starts dressing up for Christmas. The lights come on, department stores reveal their Christmas displays, and suddenly the city feels completely different from the beginning of the month.

If you’re visiting during the second half of November, these are some of my favorite places to see the decorations:

• Avenue Montaigne: one of the most glamorous displays, with illuminated trees and beautifully decorated boutiques
• Rue Saint Honoré: perfect for combining Christmas lights with a walk around Place Vendôme
• Galeries Lafayette: don’t miss the enormous Christmas tree underneath the glass dome and the animated Christmas windows outside
• Montmartre: my pick if you prefer something a little cozier, with decorated streets, cafés, and small shops rather than the big luxury displays

What I particularly like about visiting in late November is that you get much of the Christmas atmosphere without being in Paris during the busiest weeks of December.

💡 My tip: Christmas decorations don’t all appear at once. Shops often start decorating a little earlier, while the big illuminations gradually start popping up throughout November. So if one isn’t up yet, don’t give up. There will likely already be plenty of Christmas atmosphere elsewhere in Paris.

#8 Take a Christmas Lights Tour

This is the one I’d pick: Christmas Lights Tour in a Citroën 2CV

By the second half of November, Paris is sparkling with Christmas lights. But there is one downside: it can be pretty cold after dark.

If you want to see as many of the Christmas decorations as possible without spending the entire evening walking around in the cold, consider taking a Christmas themed tour instead. You can sit back, stay more or less cozy, and simply enjoy the lights.

For a more budget friendly option, the Tootbus Christmas Lights Tour takes you around Paris to see the Christmas illuminations without having to plan your own route.

If you’re looking for something more intimate, I’d choose the Private Christmas Lights Tour in a Citroën 2CV. Riding through illuminated Paris in a classic French 2CV feels much more private and cozy, and is a lovely option for couples or if you want to make an evening of it.

Either way, it’s a relaxed way to see the Christmas side of Paris while giving your feet a break after a full day of sightseeing.

#9 Celebrate Beaujolais Nouveau

If you’re in Paris on November 19, 2026, you’re here just in time for Beaujolais Nouveau.

Every year on the third Thursday of November, the first Beaujolais wine from that year’s harvest is released. You’ll see signs saying “Le Beaujolais Nouveau est arrivé!” popping up outside bistros, cafés, and wine bars across Paris.

The wine itself is young, light, and fruity, and meant to be enjoyed right away. But for me, the fun is really in the tradition and atmosphere around it.

You don’t need to look for a special event either. Find a cozy local bistro or wine bar, order a glass, and enjoy it with something French to eat.

💡 My tip: Don’t worry about finding the “best” Beaujolais Nouveau in Paris. This is more about joining in with a fun French tradition, so pick a lively neighborhood bistro or wine bar and enjoy the atmosphere.

#10 Warm Up With Classic French Food

November is the perfect time to enjoy proper French comfort food. After a chilly day of sightseeing, there’s not much better than settling into a cozy Parisian restaurant with a glass of wine and something warm to eat.

Think French onion soup, beef bourguignon, raclette, fondue, or tartiflette. These are exactly the kinds of dishes that hit differently once the temperatures drop in Paris.

If you’re looking for somewhere to try them, here are a few of my recommendations:

• Bouillon Pigalle: my pick for traditional French food on a budget. It’s lively, affordable, and a good place to try some of the classics.
• La Boîte aux Lettres: a lovely little bistro in Montmartre for classic French food and a more intimate atmosphere.
• Au Bourguignon du Marais: go here if beef bourguignon is on your Paris food list. As the name suggests, it’s their specialty.
• Les Marmottes: my pick when you want the ultimate cold weather comfort food. Come here for raclette, fondue, and tartiflette.

💡 My tip: These are very hearty meals, so I like them best after a long, cold day of walking around Paris.

#11 Experience Armistice Day in Paris

If you’re in Paris on November 11, 2026, you’ll be here for Armistice Day, or Jour de l’Armistice.

November 11 commemorates the armistice that ended the fighting of World War I in 1918 and is a public holiday in France.

In Paris, the main ceremony takes place at the Arc de Triomphe and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. If you’re interested in French or European history, it can be interesting to experience this important day while you’re here.

Even if you don’t plan on attending the ceremony, it’s worth knowing about Armistice Day when planning your itinerary. The area around the Arc de Triomphe and Champs Élysées is affected by the commemorations, and some shops and businesses may have different opening hours because it’s a public holiday.

💡 My tip: If the Arc de Triomphe is on your sightseeing list, I would plan your visit for another day. Unless you specifically want to see the ceremony, use November 11 to explore another part of Paris instead.

Got a growing Paris wishlist? My Paris Trip Planner is a step-by-step workbook that helps you organize your ideas, set priorities, and turn everything into a realistic itinerary that works for you. Take a look inside →

What to Know Before Visiting Paris in November

November can be a wonderful time to visit Paris, but it does require a little more planning than the warmer months. The days are shorter, the weather can be unpredictable, and you’ll want to pack accordingly.

Here’s what you need to know about the weather, what to wear, daylight hours, and crowds when planning your trip to Paris in November.

Paris Weather in November

Paris in November is usually a mix of sunshine, grey skies, and rain, with colder nights. Early November can still be quite pleasant, but temperatures tend to drop as the month progresses.

On average, temperatures range from around 5°C (39°F) to 11°C (52°F). So, while you can comfortably spend plenty of time exploring outside, you’ll definitely notice the cold more once the sun goes down.

November can also be breezy, and you should be prepared for short showers at any time. It rains on average around 9 days during the month, but don’t let that number worry you too much. Completely rainy days are very rare in Paris, and you’re more likely to experience a mix of showers, clouds, and dry spells.

That said, Paris weather can always turn out colder, wetter, or windier than expected. One year we even had snow in November. Pack layers, a scarf, and something to keep you dry, even if the forecast looks promising before you leave.

How Are the Crowds in Paris in November?

If there’s something close to a low season in Paris, then it’s November.

It’s one of the best months to visit Paris if you don’t want to worry too much about crowds and queues. With a bit of luck, you can also find a more affordable hotel room, and popular restaurants can be easier to book than during the busier months.

But don’t get me wrong. Paris is far from deserted.

It’s simply less busy than at other times of the year. I still recommend planning ahead and booking the sights you absolutely don’t want to miss. Especially these ones:

• Eiffel Tower summit tickets: especially if going all the way to the top is a must for you
• Monet: Painting Time: one of the big autumn exhibitions
• Louvre Masterpieces: the Louvre is busy year round
• Musée d’Orsay: one of Paris’ most popular museums
• Versailles: worth booking ahead even during the quieter months
• Seine Evening Cruises: especially if you want a specific evening departure

I’d be particularly careful about booking ahead if you’re visiting around one of the November public holidays.

The November public holidays in 2026 are:

• November 1: All Saints’ Day, Sunday
• November 11: Armistice Day, Wednesday

So while November is generally quiet by Paris standards, don’t rely on low season alone if there’s something you have your heart set on seeing.

💡 My tip: Book the attractions that would genuinely disappoint you to miss, but leave the rest of your itinerary flexible. November is a great month to have some space for spontaneous plans.

What to wear in Paris in November 2026

For Paris in November, think warm, comfortable, and layers.

The sun can still feel surprisingly warm during the day, especially at the beginning of the month, but there can be a big difference between daytime temperatures and early mornings or evenings. You’ll be happy to have an extra layer once the sun disappears.

I recommend bringing a warm jacket and sweater, plus a scarf and something you can easily add or remove throughout the day.

And because November showers can appear rather suddenly, I always like having a little travel umbrella in my bag.

Here are a few things I recommend packing:

• Comfortable sneakers: It’s a myth that Parisians don’t wear sneakers. You’ll see plenty of them. VEJA are still very popular but as of 2026 you see Adidas Classics everwhere.
• A scarf: One of the easiest ways to stay comfortable when it gets windy or the temperature suddenly drops.
• A small travel umbrella: This one is small enough to leave in your handbag or day bag so you actually have it with you when you need it.
• A lightwight downjacket: his is my savior when the temperatures are unpredictable. It’s easy to add another warm layer without wearing an enormous winter coat all day.
• Warm Merino Socks: These ones are a real game changer for me. They feel like normal socks but keep my feet warm without overheating, and I find them great for preventing blisters on long sightseeing days.

Order here

Order here (my favorite)

Order here

But if you want fewer crowds, plenty of culture, autumn atmosphere, and the first Christmas lights without the December rush, November can be a great time to visit Paris.

And if you’re coming this November, I hope you have a wonderful time in Paris!

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Further Reading for Your November Trip to Paris

Planning your November trip? These guides will help you with the next steps:

• Paris in Autumn – more seasonal events, autumn activities, and everything I love about Paris at this time of year.
• What to Do on a Rainy Day in Paris – worth saving because, well… it’s November.
• 7 Paris Sights to Book in Advance (and 5 NOT to) – particularly useful for November when Paris is less crowded than summer, but the major sights still sell out.
• How to Get Around in Paris – Metro, buses, walking and everything you need to know about getting around once you’re here.
• Paris Arrondissements & Neighborhood Guide – find the neighborhoods you’ll enjoy exploring while you’re here.

Want more Paris recommendations? Here’s my free Google Map with 200+ spots 🗺️

À bientôt,

Lena

Parisienne since 2006 🇫🇷
Sharing Paris life, French culture, cafés, food & honest travel tips

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