The ultimate guide to visiting Paris in November

Paris in November shifts as locals reclaim the streets and seasonal flavors return to bistro menus. As Parisians wrap themselves in scarves and linger over steaming cups in cozy cafés, you can discover many authentic things to do in Paris during November beyond the typical tourist experiences.

Stroll through the last of the fall foliage in Jardin du Luxembourg, then watch the famous Champs-Élysées transform into a glittering winter wonderland for the holidays. Building a November Paris itinerary means embracing both indoor comforts and outdoor splendor. It’s the perfect time of year to enjoy Paris’s seasonal charm without the festive crowds.

Why go to Paris in November?

In November, you can enjoy Paris’s museums before the holiday crowds arrive

November offers a golden opportunity to experience Paris’s many cultural gems, such as the Louvre Museum, Musée d'Orsay, and Centre Pompidou, with a little breathing room before the big December tourist rush. You'll find shorter lines for iconic artworks like the Mona Lisa and can linger in front of Monet's Water Lilies without fighting for your spot.

You can enjoy the golden autumn leaves in Jardin du Luxembourg

Paris’s formal Luxembourg Gardens evolve into a painter's palette each November as chestnut and maple trees display their final golden glories. Morning frost creates a magical scene as sunlight filters through amber-hued trees, while fallen leaves crunch satisfyingly underfoot. Parisians gather here for contemplative walks, making it an inviting glimpse into what Paris in November is really like beyond the usual tourist crowds.

The Beaujolais Nouveau wine release happens in November

If you’re a French wine enthusiast, don’t miss the chance to be in Paris on the third Thursday of November when wine shops and bistros across the city uncork the first bottles of Beaujolais Nouveau at midnight. This fruity, just-bottled wine inspires lively parties and tastings at wine shops across the country, where people gather to taste the young vintage.

The Christmas lights go up on the Champs-Élysées in November

Mid-November brings one of Paris's most magical moments when the grand illumination ceremony transforms the Champs-Élysées into a glittering spectacle. Thousands of lights adorning plane trees create a golden cloud above the famous avenue, while elaborate window displays appear in the many department stores. Visiting Paris in November means experiencing this enchanting transformation before the peak holiday crowds arrive.

You can indulge in delicious seasonal French dishes

Parisian chefs embrace autumn's bounty during this time of year, incorporating just-harvested black truffles and chestnuts into seasonal menus. Traditional bistros serve some of the best food in Paris, like chestnut soup with truffle foam, while market vendors roast chestnuts on street corners, filling the air with their sweet scent. Plus, it’s a great time to warm yourself up with a rich and indulgent Parisian hot chocolate from the iconic Angelina tea room.

What’s the weather like in Paris in November?

November in Paris brings shorter days and distinctly autumnal conditions as the city transitions toward winter. The Paris weather in November typically includes many overcast days, but these create perfect opportunities to enjoy the city's museums and cozy café culture. Pack waterproof boots, a warm coat, a scarf, and an umbrella to stay comfortable.

• Average day temperature: 51 F (11 C)
• Average night temperature: 42 F (6 C)
• Average days of rain: 15 days
• Average daylight hours: 9–10 hours

Top things to do in Paris in November

1. Experience the Armistice Day ceremony at the Arc de Triomphe

The annual Armistice Day commemoration takes place in Paris on November 11, marking the end of World War I. The ceremony typically involves a military parade along the Champs-Élysées and the French president laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Arc de Triomphe.

If you want to watch the ceremony, arrive early to secure a viewing spot along the Champs-Élysées for the parade featuring veterans, active service members, and the Republican Guard on horseback. The ceremony culminates with the rekindling of the eternal flame at 11 AM — the exact moment when the armistice ending World War I was signed in 1918.

After the official ceremony concludes, you can enter the Arc de Triomphe to visit the museum inside and climb to the observation deck for panoramic views of Paris. Take time to examine the names of generals and battles inscribed on the arch's inner and outer surfaces that tell you more about France's military history.

Address

Pl. Charles de Gaulle, 75008 Paris, France

Opening hours

Open daily, 10:00 AM–10:30 PM

2. Browse unique treasures at Saint-Ouen Flea Market

November is the ideal time to do some early Christmas shopping at Paris' legendary Saint-Ouen Flea Market, said to be the largest antique market in the world, as dealers showcase their finest winter collections. Wrap up warm and take your time as you work your way through the market's 14 distinct sections with fewer tourists to block the way.

Discover Art Deco furniture and vintage clothes and bags alongside antique holiday decorations that begin appearing in November. The market's cafés serve seasonal specialties like mushroom tarts and mulled wine, providing warming breaks between treasure hunting sessions. Dealers become noticeably more willing to negotiate as winter approaches and tourism slows, making November an excellent time to secure some great deals.

Address

87 Rue des Rosiers, 93400 Saint-Ouen-sur-Seine, France

Opening hours

Open Fridays for professionals only

Saturday–Sunday, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM

Monday, 11:00 AM-5:00 PM

Closed Tuesday–Thursday

3. Attend the Paris Photo Fair at the Grand Palais

The world's largest international photography fair turns Paris’s magnificent glass-domed Grand Palais exhibition hall into a celebration of visual storytelling each November. Galleries from over 30 countries present vintage prints alongside cutting-edge modern photography, with sections dedicated to emerging artists and special exhibitions curated by prominent figures in the art world.

Plan to spend at least half a day exploring the fair's labyrinthine layout, periodically resting on the thoughtfully placed benches throughout the venue. The photography book section offers an astonishing selection of limited editions and rare volumes unavailable elsewhere. After immersing yourself in thousands of images, refresh your perspective with a walk through the nearby Tuileries Garden to see more of the orange fall foliage.

Address

Grand Palais, 75008 Paris, France

Opening hours

Hours vary depending on the event schedule.

4. Visit the Salon du Chocolat festival at Paris Expo

Indulge your sweet tooth at the world's largest event dedicated to chocolate at the Paris Expo Porte. The Salon du Chocolat festival fills the venue with intoxicating aromas during the first days of November each year.

Master chocolatiers from across France and international chocolate-producing regions create elaborate sculptures and offer unlimited tastings of single-origin bars, pralines, and ganaches (glaces). One of the best things to do in Paris in November for chocolate lovers, the festival's workshops offer hands-on opportunities to learn tempering techniques for preparing the perfect ganache from world-class chefs.

Address

1 Pl. de la Prte de Versailles, 75015 Paris, France

Opening hours

The festival happens for five days, usually at the very beginning of the month, open from 10:00 AM–7:00 PM.

5. Spend a day at Disneyland Paris for the start of "Disney Enchanted Christmas"

If you’re visiting Paris with kids (or without) in November, don’t miss the chance to visit Disneyland Paris as it transforms into a festive wonderland with the launch of Disney Enchanted Christmas. Starting in mid-November, you can expect sparkling lights, festive parades, and appearances by Mickey, Minnie, and other characters in their holiday outfits.

The park’s already exciting atmosphere becomes even more magical with Christmas trees, themed music, and seasonal treats like gingerbread and hot chocolate. November is also one of the quieter months to visit the park, meaning you can enjoy the holiday magic without overwhelming tourist crowds or long lines for rides and attractions.

Address

Boulevard de Parc, 77700 Coupvray, France

Opening hours

Typically open 9:30 AM–9:00/10:00 PM, depending on the day

6. Attend the Pitchfork Music Festival at Grande Halle de la Villette

The Paris edition of Pitchfork Music Festival brings three days of innovative indie rock and experimental sounds to the industrial-chic Grande Halle de la Villette in early November.

This converted 19th-century slaughterhouse-turned-cultural center is an incredible venue for performances by established alternative artists and breakthrough acts curated by Pitchfork's discerning music editors. The intimate venue size means you'll experience performances much closer to the artists than at summer's massive outdoor festivals.

Address

211 Av. Jean Jaurès, 75019 Paris, France

Opening hours

Hours vary depending on the festival schedule