Top Paris events in October 2024 include the annual grape harvest festival at a historic vineyard in Montmartre, a couple of big art shows, 15 days of music during Jazz sur Seine, and Toussaints commemorations.
But that's just the beginning. Look for exciting shows at all the major Paris museums, beautiful golden foliage throughout the city, the mouth-watering Salon du Chocolat, and boutiques bursting with the fall collections.
Love the thrill of shopping for antique and vintage treasures? Head to Paris's (and the world's ) biggest flea market, Les Puces, where their Fall Flea Fest celebration.
In even-numbered years - so next year, not this year - the world-famous Paris Motor Show brings over a million visitors to the city to see the latest automotive innovations.
Paris weather during October continues to be mild, with balmy nights, making October a wonderful month to explore the city while enjoying fall foliage colors.
October is the perfect month to enjoy sidewalk dining outside your favorite bistro while the warm weather lingers, soak up fall colors in Parisian parks (we'll suggest the best!), and check out some of the fun Halloween events in the city and at nearby Disneyland Paris.
You'll love visiting Paris in October!
Please note: Daylight Savings Time ends in France and many other European countries on the night of October 29 as clocks get turned back one hour.
Paris Holidays in October
The Toussaint school holidays take place across France from October 20 through November 5 this year (and Oct 18-Nov 3 next year, in case you're planning ahead), which means you may find some attractions to be more crowded than usual.
Top photo: Le Marché des Enfants Rouges - 400 year old market (the oldest in Paris) in the 3rd arrondissement, (c) Paris Discovery Guide
Paris Discovery Guide is a reader-supported publication. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost for you. Learn more
October Concerts in Paris 2024
From jazz to rock, from opera to ballet, and blues to rap, you'll find your music at top concerts in Paris in October 2024.
Shorter days and crisp fall evenings make October an especially good month for classical concerts held in centuries-old churches. Look for candlelight concerts for a special experience and don't miss the reopening of Paris's bigger venues such as AccorHotels Arena and the Olympia.
Check the lineup to find top concerts, opera, ballet, and other music shows happening today, this weekend, and throughout October, and get your tickets now:
Paris concerts during October 2024 include:
- Vivaldi's 4 Seasons, Ave Maria, & Famous Adagios - Saint-Germain-des-Pres Church - Oct 4
- Gospel Concert - Madeleine Church - Oct 4, 12
- Vivaldi's 4 Seasons, Ave Maria, & Famous Adagios - La Madeleine Church - Oct 24
- Commemorative Concert for Chopin's Funeral - La Madeleine Church - Oct 30
More Paris classical concerts in historic churches during October
More Paris rock, electronic, pop, jazz, & other performances during October
Find Paris concerts for November & beyond
Paris Visitor's Tip: Daylight Savings Time Ends
Just a reminder: Paris, France, and most other European countries end Daylight Savings Time (DST) on the last Sunday of the month - October 29 this year, so at 3am, clocks move back by one hour.
On Sunday, you'll notice sunrise and sunset happen an hour earlier than on the day before. Maybe most important: you get an extra hour of sleep - or an extra hour to explore Paris!
Wine Harvest Festival in Montmartre
Montmartre's annual Grape Harvest Festival (Fête des Vendanges de Montmartre) takes place for five days through the second weekend of the month - October 11-15 this year. Over half a million visitors attend, making this the city's biggest event after Nuit Blanche and Paris Plage.
The festival involves traditional wine-making activities such as stomping on the grapes, but there's a lot more to do and see: a Grand Parade with lots of music and folk dancing on Saturday morning (starts at the vineyard at 11:45 and finishes at about 1:30pm at the 18th arrondissement's town hall), vineyard tours, many performances and exhibitions, over 20 free concerts (Thursday-Saturday), a dance on Sunday at nearby Square Louis Michel at the foot of Sacré-Coeur (5-7:30pm, free admission, lots of fun!)
In addition, the festival includes appearances by many celebrities, food and wine tastings, and kids' events.
A variety of other fun events take place throughout the 18th arrondissement: parties in the district's many parks, plus other events such as dance performances and concerts hosted by the 18th's many small museums, galleries, and other organizations.
Most events are free but some such as the vineyard tours require advance reservations. You can find a schedule and list of events at the Festival's website, or stop by Montmartre Tourist Office (21 place du Tertre) for information from the multi-lingual staff.
In case you're wondering, the harvest of Gamay, Pinot Noir, and 26 other types of grapes comes from a vineyard believed to date back to Roman times (although current grapevines date from 1933). It covers the hillside behind Musée de Montmartre, where you can easily see it from the street.
Although most of the 1,500 or so bottles of "Clos Montmartre" wine produced from the vines' harvest each year are auctioned to benefit local charities, you have a few other options for tasting it: sample it at the Wine Festival or during one of the private "VIP" Montmartre tours that include the vineyard, or buy a small souvenir bottle from the Montmartre Tourist Office for around 50 Euros (yes, that's very pricey for, quite honestly, not great wine - but your money goes to charities).
Location: Rue des Saules, 18th arrondissement
Nearest Metro: Abbesses; take the funicular up the hill
Montmartre Tours
- Montmartre 2-Hour Walking Tour - This fascinating walking tour shows you all the top sites of the Montmartre neighborhood, including the famous Sacre Coeur, artists studios, Moulin Rouge, and even the vineyard. More about the tour
- Moulin Rouge Show - Experience the spectacular ambience and the "Féerie" show at the famous Moulin Rouge caberet in Montmartre as you sip Champagne. Sells out fast - so you need to book well in advance. More about the show
- Montmartre Cheese, Wine, & Pastry Tour - On this small-group walking tour of Montmartre, you'll sample cheeses, charcuterie, wine, pastries, and chocolate from the neighborhood's best artisan shops while your local expert guide shows you the hidden gems, private mansions, and breathtaking views in this unique part of Paris. More about this tour
More Ways to Tour Montmartre:
Halloween Festival at Disneyland Paris during October
Indulge your passion for Halloween at Disneyland Paris as the Halloween Festival takes over the Park as Disney villains, witches, and wicked stepmothers roam the streets.
Look for "meets and greets" with your favorite Disney Villainous Masters, while Mischief Makers and Mysterious Hosts create a ghoulishly fun Halloween experience for you.
Disneyland fans consider the Halloween Fest to be one of the top things to do in Paris in October. Look for fun adventures and hair-raising attractions plus lots of Halloween decorations everywhere. And don't forget to explore the new Avengers Land attractions.
For the biggest thrills of the season, visit on October 31st when Disney's unforgettable Halloween Party will bewitch the park from 8 pm to 2 am. Places are limited so you need to book early.
When: October 1 - November 5
Disneyland Paris and Transportation
Take RER A to the Marne-la-Valee station across a small plaza from Disneyland Paris, and buy your tickets at the gate (don't forget to validate them after you go through the gate and hold on to them in case of a checkpoint) - or check out these options to make your trip faster and easier:
Find out more about celebrating Halloween in Paris
Day Trips from Paris: October Picks
October is a wonderful time to explore some of the exciting and famous attractions outside of Paris. Here are 3 of the most popular small group day trip choices:
- Normandy D-Day Landing Beaches - You'll visit Omaha Beach and other D-Day landing beaches in Normandy, the Operation Overlord Museum, and German bunkers, and learn about the dramatic events of June 6, 1944 from your expert guide - Book now
- Mont Saint Michel Tour & Cider Tasting - Explore the famous abby and fortified island town mostly at your own pace, and make a special stop to enjoy some famous Normandy Cider Pommeau and Calvados - Book now
- Versailles Palace & Gardens - During this guided skip-the-line tour of the famous chateau, you'll see the Hall of Mirrors and other famous rooms in the palace, and explore the lush gardens. Book now
- Monet's Giverny - Visit Claude Monet's home and the gorgeous garden and water lily pond that inspired his famous Water Lilies paintings in this half-day trip with a guide from Paris - Book now
Find out about other exciting Day Trips from Paris
Big October Paris Events in 2024 that Might Impact Your Visit
Are you planning to visit Paris in October this year?
If so, you should be aware of three big events with the potential to impact your visit - in particular, when you get tickets for your flight or train, make hotel and dinner reservations, and book museum tickets, tours, and other activities:
- Paris Fashion Week continues through October 3
- As previously mentioned, the Toussaints school holidays take place across France during the last week of October, which means you may find hotels and some attractions more crowded than usual
Still need hotel reservations? Use our Paris Hotel Guide to find options in your favorite locations.
Salon d'Automne (Fall Art Show)
The prestigious Salon d'Automne art show features well-known to emerging contemporary French and International artists.
Since its first exhibition in 1903 when artists such as Guimard, Cezanne, Bonnard, Roualt, and Matisse rebelled against the "academic" artists and decided to put on their own show, Salon d'Automne has been known as the place where new artistic trends, styles of expression, and artists who will become famous in the future can be discovered.
This year, the show presents the work of 890 artists, including 161 new participants, from 43 countries.
When: October 27-30 (to be confirmed)
Where: Champs Elysees, between the Arc de Triomphe and Place de la Concorde - entrance at Place Georges Clemenceau by Petit Palais
Admission:
8€
Paris Exhibits - Must-See Shows for October
Claude Monet - Joan Mitchell
@ Fondation Louis Vuitton - A side-by-side "dialogue" between about 60 emblematic paintings by 19th century Impressionist Claude Monet and 20th century Abstract Expressionist Joan Mitchell highlighting their similar artistic goals and visions.
Dates:
Tickets: 14€ adults; book in advance (includes access through a special entrance, permanent and temporary exhibitions, optional shuttle pick up/drop off across from Arc de Triomphe for an extra 2€ (or you can take the metro to Les Sablons station, and walk about half a mile along a well-marked path to the Fondation), and free entrance from the Foundation to its neighbor, Jardin d'Acclimatation
Location: 8 Avenue du Mahatma Gandhi, Bois de Boulogne, Paris 16; Metro: Pont de Neuilly
More about what to see & do at Fondation Louis Vuitton
Find many more Paris museum exhibitions for October & future months
Paris Museum and Attractions Passes
Get free admission and skip-the-line access to 60+ museums in and near Paris when you have a Paris Museum Pass for 2, 4, or 6 days. (Access to special shows may require additional ticket.)
Fall Flea Fest at Les Puces, Paris's (& the World's) Biggest Flea Market
The Saint-Ouen ("Les Puces") Flea Festival returns this year from October 3-7, (to be confirmed) giving you the perfect excuse to stroll through this sprawling universe where over 3,000 vintage and antique dealers offer countless treasures.
The theme this year is "Nature in the Decorative Arts," so expect to see many gorgeous examples on display throughout the market.
On the opening night of the festival, the big markets within Les Puces stay open until midnight, which special events such as entertainment, food tastings, concerts, and parades.
Although these events are free, you'll need an invitation from the host markets to get in - signup is on the Les Puces website (click "Press" or "News" on the top navigation bar, and then click "Events" to see the specific events for details.
Find out more about Les Puces at Saint Ouen
Jazz sur Seine
Music - specifically, jazz - fills the air during the Paris Jazz Club Association's massive Jazz sur Seine event featuring 150+ concerts at 20 different clubs between October 6 - 21.
This year, 450 artists will play more than 180 concerts. This is a wonderful opportunity to hear well-known artists as well as many new talents who may be new to you. It's also an excellent opportunity to explore Paris's lively jazz club scene, considered second only to New York. You'll hear everything from traditional jazz to electro, blues to Latinx.
Ticket prices vary according to venue and artist. At small clubs, just the cost of a drink or a 10€ cover will get you in. Other shows require tickets, mostly in an affordable 12€-35€ range, and you can also save with a 3-concerts pass for 40€. The festival's "Discovery" offer lets you attend one concert for 10€ (limited to 1 per person).
More information and event schedule: https://www.parisjazzclub.net
Soak Up Fall Foliage Colors in these Parisian Parks
Where's the best place to view fall foliage in Paris? Thanks to the city's many parks, you'll see plenty of fall colors everywhere during October, but here are four favorite locations:
Jardin des Tuileries across from the Louvre - There's nothing more beautiful than the golden foliage of the plane trees during autumn in Paris. Stroll through the long allées, or relax by the reflecting pools. Nearest Metro Station: Tuileries; 1st arrondissement
- Parc Monceau - Filled with specimen trees that turn spectacular colors in the fall, this leafy park also contains a colonnade, a miniature Egyptian pyramid, a temple, a windmill, a grotto, an Italian vineyard, and a pond. It sounds crazy like a crazy mix but somehow feels enchanting when you walk through it, and is particularly lovely in autumn. Nearest Metro Station: Monceau; Blvd de Courcelles, 8th arrondissement
- Parc des Buttes Chaumont - This park boasts dramatic cliffs, a lake, a waterfall, a grotto, and even a mountain, plus local and exotic trees imported from around the world. It's always spectacular - but even more so during the fall with the foliage turns golden - plus you'll find some sweeping views of the whole city. Nearest Metro Stations: Buttes Chaumont and Botzaris; 19th arrondissement
- Canal Saint-Martin - Golden foliage along both banks of the canal cast lovely reflections in the water. For the best views, go to the top of one of the arched iron bridges crossing the canal at intervals. Once you've had your fill of fall colors, stop by one of the neighborhood's acclaimed bakeries or bistros for a snack or meal - perhap an orange blossom brioche at the Du Pain & Des Idées boulangerie (34 Rue Yves Toudic; closed on weekends), brunch at Chez Prune (36 Rue Beaurepaire), or currywurst-frites at Wunderbär (16 Rue Beaurepaire). Nearest Metro Station: Republique; 10th arrondissement
And don't forget the city's two huge wooded parklands on the east and west sides of Paris: Bois de Vincennes in the 12th arrondissement, and Bois de Bologne in the 16th arrondissement.
Find a Few Parisian Ghosts & Spirits in these Cemeteries
To get into the spirit of Halloween on October 31 and All Saint's Day on November 1, stroll through these 4 fascinating Parisian cemeteries to soak up the ambiance of departed spirits and perhaps even imagine a few ghosts:
Père Lachaise Cemetery
Parisians call Père Lachaise Cemetery in the Menilmontant neighborhood in far northeast Paris la Cite des Morts - the City of the Dead - and its rolling hills, elaborate monuments, and haunting beauty make it easy to channel the spirits of those buried here, including Molière, La Fontaine, Baron Haussmann, Isadora Duncan, Yves Montand, Simone Signoret, Frédéric Chopin, Oscar Wilde, Delacroix, Victor Hugo, and Jim Morrison of The Doors.
Getting there: Metro station: Père Lachaise (Lines 2, 3), Blvd de Menilmontant and Avenue Gambetta, 20th arrondissement
Père Lachaise Cemetery Walking Tour: This 2-hour walking tour leads you through the maze of haunting and romantic tombs, and shows you the graves of famous and infamous occupants such as Jim Morrison, Oscar Wilde, and Chopin. You'll learn about the interesting and tragic histories of many of those buried there. More
Where to find the most famous 101 graves at Père-Lachaise on a Self-Guided Tour
Montparnasse Cemetery
Montparnasse Cemetery, a tranquil expanse in a part of the 14th arrondissement once popular with early 20th century artists, intellectuals, and writers is where you'll find the graves of Simone de Beauvoir, Jean-Paul Sartre, Charles Baudelaire, Serge Gainsbourg, Susan Sontag, and Eugène Ionesco.
Filled with dappled light on sunny days but never really gloomy, even in the rain, it's where you'll often see neighborhood residents out for an evening walk.
Getting there: Avenue Rachel, 18th arr; Metro station: Blanche (Line 2)
Montmartre Cemetery
Montmartre Cemetery, smaller and with quirkier monuments than the other two cemeteries, stretches across small hills and shadowy hollows in the southeast corner of the arty Abbesses Butte Montmartre quarter.
Reputedly home to a band of feral cats, Cimetière Montmartre usually attracts only a trickle of visitors compared with other major cemeteries.
However, this is where you can visit the final resting place for a number of creative elite including François Truffaut, Gustave Moreau, Heinrich Heine, Stendhal, Alexandre Dumas, Dalida, and Edgar Degas.
Getting there: 3 Blvd Edgar Quinet, 14th arr; Metro station: Edgar Quinet (Line 6)
Passy Cemetery
Passy Cemetery, another small cemetery with a fascinating assortment of elaborate tombs (such as the re-creation of an artist's studio) that reflect the wealth of its permanent residents, such as Guerlain (of perfume fame) family member and Bao Dai, the last Emperor of Vietnam.
You'll also find a few artists such as Berthe Morisot and Edouard Manet, as well as composer Claude Debussy.
Wonderful views of the Eiffel Tower across the Seine add to the charming ambiance.
Getting there: 2 Rue du Commandant Schloesing, 16th arr; Metro station: Trocadero
More ways to experience Halloween in Paris
Paris Fashion Week - October
Paris Fashion Week takes place in multiple locations around the city and normally features numerous events showcasing French and International designers such as Chanel, Galliano, Dior, Givency, Vuitton, Miu Miu, Alexander McQueen, Balenciaga, Saint Laurent, Sandro, Comme des Garçons, Courrèges, Maje, Vanessa Bruno, and Isabel Marant as models strut down the runways wearing Women's Ready-To-Wear collections for next spring and summer.
The ticketed shows are generally by invitation only, so unless you're lucky enough to snag one, you can catch a glimpse of the models near the venue locations, typically in the 1st, 3rd, 4th, 7th, 8th, and 16th arrondissements. The Grand Palais, the Eiffel Tower and nearby Champs des Mars, Place des Vosges, Tuileries Garden near the Louvre, Palais Royal Garden, Hotel de Ville, Palais de Tokyo, and Pompidou are usually safe bets, as well as designer ateliers in the Marais neighborhood.
When: September 24 - October 3
Paris Tours for Fashionistas
Halloween Evening at Le Grand Rex in Paris
Celebrate Halloween in Paris at the Grand Rex movie theatre movie theatre when they host their annual Halloween Movies Night programming on October 31.
Get your fill of HHalloween horror cult classics plus a few newer shows such as The Thing, Five Nights at Freddy's, Christine, Psychosis, and The Exorcist.
The Rex website posts the schedule details about 1 week before the big event.
Find out more about celebrating Halloween in Paris
More to Do & See at the Grand Rex in Paris
Dance all Night at the Rex Club
If you're an electro music fan, an evening (or more) at this top EDM club is a must as resident and guest artists and DJs serve up the best of techno, New Wave, dance, house, and everything in between. Check the Rex Club website for the schedule.
Look Behind the Scenes at the Grand Rex
Experience the world of cinema during this interactive "behind the scenes" tour of Rex Studios as you see the backstage area, archived images, film sets, special effects, and the building's original 1932 Art Deco decor. Includes headphones with audio guide in English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, and Russian.
Location: 1 Boulevard Poissonnière, 2nd arrondissement
Nearest Metro: Bonne Nouvelle
Paris Insider's Tip: How to Find Movies in English in Paris
Want to see your favorite American movie in Paris theaters but wonder if it will be shown in English?
Look for movie listings that include VostFr - that means the movie will be screened in its original language with French subtitles.
Maison Gainsbourg (Finally) Opening in October!
The home of French music icon Serge Gainsbourg, located at 5 bis Rue de Verneuil in the 6th arrondissement, finally opens this month as a museum with permanent and temporary exhibitions celebrating the singer-songwriter's life, thanks to years of effort by his daughter, Charlotte Gainsbourg.
Although the interior of the singer-songwriter's house is said to have remained untouched for most of the period since his death 30 years ago, the black-painted exterior wall has long been used by fans as a place to express their devotion with messages and drawings.
Two ways to explore are on offer: 1) a stroll through the house, accompanied by an original sound track featuring never-before-published recordings from Gainsbourg's archives and his daughter's voice as she recalls memories of her dad, and 2) a visit to the museum exhibition space.
Maison Gainsbourg is open from 10am - 5pm, Monday through Friday.
Tickets to the combined house and museum tour are currently sold out (due to space limitations, only a few visitors can move through the house at one time), but you can still reserve museum-only tickets. See the Maison Gainsbourg website for more info.
Update: Désolée! All tickets are now fully booked through the end of this year.
For more ideas, see our complete guide to Paris museums & monuments
Salon du Chocolat
Part trade show, part entertainment, the Salon du Chocolat lets you immerse yourself in all things chocolate as over 500 chocolate producers, pastry chefs, candy makers, and artisans from around the world present five days packed with activities and events.
You can attend cooking demos by top chefs at the Pastry Show, discover the wonders of chocolate at the Cacao Show, indulge in tastings at the Chocosphere, and enjoy a fashion show with models dressed in chocolate.
Kids at this family-friendly event love the fun workshops set up just for them - and of course, the chocolate.
When: Oct 28 - November 1, open 10am-7pm each day
Location: Porte de Versailles, Pavilion 5
Getting there: Metro station and Tramway: Porte des Versailles, 15th arrondissement
Tickets: 16€ adults, 8€ children from 3-12, free for children under 3 - available at the door
Ticketmaster, and also at the door
More information: Salon du Chocolat website
Festival d'Automne (Autumn Festival) Paris
The Paris Autumn Festival (which extends into February) showcases the latest creations and artists (international as well as French) in contemporary dance, theater, music, cinema, and visual arts at a variety of venues around Paris, include the Grand Hall at Parc de la Villette in the 19th arrondissement, the Pinault Collection at Bourse de Commerce and Louvre in the 1st, and Pompidou Center in the 4th, just to name a few.
This is a hugely popular festival, with over 50 events (many of which extend over several or more days) at over 70 venues in and near Paris.
Most events are ticketed, and many sell out quickly, so don't wait to book, which you can do through the event's website.
Paris Motor Show - Returns in 2024
The huge Paris Motor Show, held every other year in even-numbered years, normally attracts well over 1 million visitors from 100+ countries around the world who come to see the latest automotive innovations and the cars of the future. This is an ON year.
The show will take place from October 17 - 23, 2024.
What can you expect to see and do? Almost 250 car brands will be showing their glitziest models and technologies, including autonomous vehicles. Check out (and even sit in) your favorites, attend presentations, watch videos, and revel in the latest and greatest cars of your dreams.
If you're visiting Paris while this show is underway, be aware that the city's hotels will be filling to capacity as over half the Paris Motor Show visitors coming from outside of the city - so make your own hotel reservations early!
When: October 17-23, 2024, 10am-8pm; open until 10pm on weekends Where: Porte de Versailles Convention Center, 15th arrondissement
Tickets:
Coming soon
Getting there: Porte de Versailles Metro station; Tramway Porte de Versailles Parc des Expositions station
Planning to come to this show? Check out best nearby hotels in Paris 15
ParisArtistes - ON in 2024
ParisArtistes takes place every other year, but it did not happen last year. The event websites promises the show will return in 2024.
So here's what you can expect once the show resumes:
Paris turns into a city-wide art show when ParisArtistes features the work of top painters, photographers, sculptors, and other artists displayed in public spaces across the city.
With free admission to all venues, it's your chance to see the best of contemporary art being created right now in Paris.
If you're visiting Paris, these shows let you see lots of exciting art while giving you a great excuse to explore the surrounding neighborhoods at the same time.
You can find details on the ParisArtistes website or the ParisArtistes Facebook page.
More about Paris in October
- Top October Events in Paris
- Paris Weather during October
More Top Paris Things to Do & See in October
More Articles about What to See & Do in Paris
- Halloween in Paris - Find top events for kids and adults
- Paris Winter Sales - Our top 10 tips for getting the biggest discounts and bargains on Paris designer fashions
- Best Paris Christmas Markets - Looking ahead to these festive seasonal attractions
- Paris Concerts - From classical concerts in historic churches to rock/pop/rap international stars in the largest Paris areas: find out what's on the schedule
- Top 10 Paris Attractions - Places and sights you won't want to miss!
- Paris Arrondissement Map & Paris Neighborhoods - "Getting Around Paris 101" - See at a glance where all the top attractions are located!
