“Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall.” — F. Scott Fitzgerald

Paris in the summer is warm, abundant and teeming with tourists, but there’s something magical about that perceptible overnight change, when the season turns. Autumn brings with it a fresh crispness in the air, and a golden sheen that bathes the city in a divine glow. If you enjoy that nip in the air, then this is perhaps the best time in which to visit The City of Lights. But then again, there are plenty of other reasons that make autumn such a wonderful time in Paris!

Without doubt, the fall colours are the greatest attraction. John Keats’Season Of Mists And Mellow Fruitfulness spreads its tawny fingers across the city, slowly but surely transforming the vibrant greens into striking shades of rust, brown and yellow, creating a masterpiece designed by nature. Take a long, leisurely stroll through Jardin du Luxembourg or rest awhile on one of its many benches to truly enjoy autumn in all its blazing magnificence. Even though it gets increasingly cold from September towards November, and some days are overcast and wet, nothing compares to the sheer poetry of Paris in the autumn.

In Case You Forget Your Umbrella

If it’s raining or you think it’s just too cold to be out, then duck into one of Paris’ numerous cafés, dressed snugly in warm layers, and sip hot chocolate or coffee. In November, you’ll find Vin Chaud on menus throughout Paris. Roughly translating to ‘hot wine’, this is a mulled wine served warm during the cooler months, and is a popular drink this time of year. Grab one to keep warm! Or, you could look forward to the Grape Harvest Festival in early October, when all of Montmartre celebrates the Fetes des Vendanges de Montmartre. This festival celebrates the harvest of the Clos Montmartre vineyard, a tiny remainder of an abundant vineyard that once flourished in this section of Paris.

There are numerous other festivals in autumn that you would enjoy being a part of! The third week in September sees the Journées du Patrimoine – a weekend programme of exhibitions, events and open days at many of Paris’ cultural institutions, including the Louvre. It provides an interesting and informative glimpse into French heritage, architecture and art. Similarly, the Nuit Blanche is an annual arts festival occurring on the first weekend of October. From sunset to sunrise, you have free entrance to art galleries, theatres, libraries, museums, cafes and cultural institutions, all of which remain open through the night. In this cultural capital, this festival is immensely popular and much awaited!

A Sweet Season for Your Tastebuds

If you’re a diehard chocoholic, then a visit in late October to early November will ensure a feast for your senses. Enjoy Le Salon du Chocolate where chocolatiers from around Europe come together to present their creations, and lead you through the chocolate-making journey, right from the picking of the cocoa beans to the finishing of the final product.

On the third Thursday in November, all of France celebrates as one at the stroke of midnight, honouring the unveiling of the Beaujolais Nouveau wine. The Beaujolais Nouveau Festival sees restaurants, bars and cafes all across Paris offering exclusive menus and the uncorking of this wine, among other related festivities.

You could also welcome the Christmas season by exploring the Christmas markets around Paris. Shopping, fun and seasonal delicacies are sure to put you into the festive spirit!

Visit the Them You and Me page to find out more about Marie’s work.

_{This post was originally published on Them You and Me blog and has been reposted on Executive Lifestyle with the permission of the author.}

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