Spending Thanksgiving in Paris puts a delightful twist on tradition—think golden roast turkey with a side of Parisian charm and world-class pastries standing in for pumpkin pie! Whether you want a classic American feast, a French-inspired holiday meal, or simply some cozy moments in one of the world’s most beautiful cities, Paris is ready to serve up a Thanksgiving to remember. We’ve gathered top picks for dining, exploring and making the day special, from festive restaurants to sparkling city adventures. Get ready to raise a glass (or a croissant) and give thanks, Parisian-style!
Our favorite ways to celebrate Thanksgiving in Paris include:
- Dining at Restaurants Serving Thanksgiving Dinner
- Having a Thanksgiving Picnic on the Seine
- Exploring the Musée d’Orsay for Artful Gratitude
- Savoring Seasonal Pastries at Parisian Bakeries
- City Views from Tour Montparnasse
- Joining a Fall Market Stroll
- Holiday Shopping at Galeries Lafayette
- Sipping French Wine Pairings at Les Caves du Louvre
- Enjoying a Seine River Cruise
Dining at Restaurants Serving Thanksgiving Dinner
Nothing says Thanksgiving quite like turkey and stuffing, and Paris delivers for homesick travelers and foodies alike. Head to Joe Allen, a long-loved American bistro decked out in NYC-style décor near the Louvre, for a feast of roast turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce and classic pies—loaded with warmth and nostalgia. The restaurant bustles with locals, expats, and visitors savoring an authentic holiday meal.
Another beloved spot, Breakfast in America, decks the tables with generous plates of Thanksgiving comfort (and the all-day breakfast is a bonus). Meanwhile, the American Church in Paris hosts a festive and friendly Thanksgiving dinner open to all, turning strangers into instant friends over pumpkin soup and pecan pie. Booking ahead is essential, as these spots fill fast! Whether you’re craving home flavors or just want to join in the holiday spirit, these restaurants guarantee a heartwarming Thanksgiving in the City of Light.
Creating Your Own Thanksgiving Picnic on the Seine
Why not swap a formal dinner for a Parisian picnic? Gather rotisserie chicken or duck from Marché Bastille or Rue Cler. Pile your basket with baguettes, French cheeses, seasonal apples and an early Beaujolais Nouveau, released just in time for the holiday. Find a spot along the Seine, perhaps the snowy Pont des Arts or beneath the Eiffel Tower, and dine with a view as boats drift by.
Parisian autumn adds a cozy vibe—think crisp air, swirling leaves and street musicians in the background. Treat yourself to pastries or a tart from a nearby boulangerie for a sweet finish. This do-it-yourself Thanksgiving is spontaneous, budget-friendly, and impossibly romantic. Don’t forget a blanket for your riverside feast and a toast to gratitude, French wine in hand. It’s easy, delicious—and totally unforgettable.
Exploring the Musée d’Orsay for Artful Gratitude
Exploring the Musée d’Orsay for Artful Gratitude
If you fancy celebrating Thanksgiving with creativity and quiet reflection, spend a few hours at the Musée d’Orsay. Housed in a stunning old train station, the museum fills with sunbeams through its vaulted glass roof—which feels especially magical in late November’s crisp light. Wander through galleries showcasing Impressionist giants like Monet, Renoir and Van Gogh, and soak up the beauty and history that surround you.
Pausing in front of a favorite painting offers a delightful moment of gratitude for art, travel and adventure. The museum is less crowded than during peak spring, granting you peaceful space to meander. Grab a coffee in the grand clock café overlooking the Seine—a spot that’s both serene and striking. You’ll leave feeling inspired, refreshed and extra thankful for Paris’ creative spirit.
Savoring Seasonal Pastries at Parisian Bakeries
No Thanksgiving is complete without dessert, and Paris’ bakeries are ready to satisfy any sweet craving. Swap pumpkin pie for a glorious apple or pecan tart from Poilâne, where buttery crust meets perfectly spiced filling. Indulge in chestnut cakes or caramel-pecan flan at La Maison Pichard—just the right combination of seasonal and decadent.
Pick up a few treats and enjoy a dessert picnic in a park or with coffee at your hotel. The fragrances of toasted nuts, cinnamon, and caramel will transport you—even without the pumpkin. It’s an easy, joyful way to celebrate Thanksgiving in Paris, one irresistible pastry at a time.
Taking in City Views from Tour Montparnasse
Step away from the Thanksgiving table and take in Paris from above at Tour Montparnasse. This modern skyscraper’s rooftop terrace boasts one of the city’s most sweeping panoramic views—Eiffel Tower front and center, the Seine winding below, city lights twinkling as dusk falls. As autumn sunsets come earlier, you’ll catch golden-hour magic and sparkling cityscapes, all while avoiding the crowds of more famous viewpoints.
Inside, interactive displays tell Paris’ hidden stories, and the bar on the observation floor makes it easy to toast to gratitude with a glass of champagne. Bundle up and snap a selfie with those remarkable views as your backdrop—seasonal, festive and perfect for sharing with loved ones back home. Few experiences in Paris balance relaxation and excitement as seamlessly as this one.
Joining a Fall Market Stroll
Experience Thanksgiving the Paris way with a cheerful stroll through a bustling autumn market. Marché d’Aligre and Marché des Enfants Rouges brim with colorful produce—think crunchy apples, earthy mushrooms, and heaps of fresh herbs. Browse cheese stalls, discover French seasonal specialties, and pick up fresh bread or pastries for a homemade holiday spread.
Many markets offer unexpected finds like American cranberries or festive sweets, letting you add your own twist to the feast. Tasting and shopping alongside Parisians is an experience in itself—delightfully informal, totally authentic, and full of energy. You’ll feel like you belong, whether you’re mingling with market-goers or simply people-watching over a café au lait.
Experiencing Holiday Shopping at Galeries Lafayette
Experiencing Holiday Shopping at Galeries Lafayette
Start the holiday season in style with a visit to Galeries Lafayette. This iconic department store—nestled beneath a breathtaking stained-glass dome—goes all out from late November, dazzling visitors with extravagant Christmas decorations, sparkling lights and elaborate window displays. Each floor features French and international brands, plus gourmet treats and beautiful gifts for everyone.
The rooftop terrace offers spectacular city views, adding a festive sparkle to your shopping day. Even if you’re not after souvenirs, wandering among the twinkling trees and smelling holiday spices makes spirits bright. Frequent live music, pastry pop-ups and fun photo ops turn shopping into a celebration. For a little extra magic, grab a seasonal pastry from the food hall and munch it while admiring the city stretching out beneath you.
Sipping French Wine Pairings at Les Caves du Louvre
Elevate your Thanksgiving toast with a wine tasting at Les Caves du Louvre, an atmospheric cellar once used by royalty. On guided tours and workshops, expert sommeliers introduce you to the world of French wine—helping you discover which reds, whites or bubbles suit your holiday meal. Guided tastings run from bold Bordeaux to bright Alsatian wines, complete with fun anecdotes and food pairings (think: cheese, charcuterie, or even cranberry-inspired treats).
The candle-lit stone rooms feel mysterious and cozy, ideal for unwinding after a busy Thanksgiving. You’ll pick up a few wine secrets and maybe even blend your own bottle as a memorable keepsake. The whole experience is interactive, hands-on and warms you from the inside out—just what you want after a Parisian November day.
Enjoying a Seine River Cruise
End your Thanksgiving in style with a leisurely Bateaux Parisiens Seine River Cruise. As evening falls, Paris sparkles to life, and you’ll glide past iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, and Musée d’Orsay, each illuminated against the night sky—a storybook backdrop for the holiday.
Panoramic windows, candlelit tables, and gentle live music create a warm, romantic atmosphere, perfect for savoring the breathtaking Parisian skyline in all its glittering glory. Toast to your adventures, snap unforgettable photos, and let the sparkling Seine set the scene for a Thanksgiving finale that’s both magical and timeless.
Whether you crave a classic feast, a Parisian twist, or simple gratitude for the adventure, Thanksgiving in Paris is delicious, festive and entirely your own. Bon appétit and happy holidays!
Enjoyed this? Check out Everything You Need to Know About Go City’s Paris Passes or Things to Do Near Tour Montparnasse
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