A panoramic view of Paris focused on Notre Dame Cathedral in fall

Visiting Paris in October

By Ian Packham

Whilst in the firm grip of the Parisian fall, October shouldn’t be dismissed as a good time to visit the French capital. Sure, the dog days of high summer may seem a lifetime ago, but in Paris in October the streets take on an alternative chic look with the beautiful fall color of its trees. You may even experience ‘second summer’, when temperatures rise once again for a few days of further warmth.

When it comes to visitor numbers, October straddles the line between high and low seasons, since it incorporates the school mid-term vacation. The benefit is a guaranteed range of fascinating one-off events to add to the long list of world-famous landmarks Paris is already able to boast.

Wondering what to do in Paris in October? We’ve got you covered!

Admire the fall color

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Umbrellas are de rigueur in Paris at any time of year, and can become a useful shade from the sun on the hottest of October days – they do happen. With the weather on your side, the city’s multitude of public parks are a brilliant place for a stroll.

At this time of year there’s still plenty to see and do, with the chance to enjoy the crunch of freshly fallen leaves underfoot, the frenetic activity of squirrels burying acorns and the stunning array of yellows, oranges and reds which develop through the month.

The Aboretum de Paris within the Bois de Vincennes on the eastern edge of the city is hard to beat when it comes to fall color, with 2000 different species of tree from all over France and continental Europe.

On the Bois de Vincennes’ northern side you’ll also find the Château de Vincennes. Dating in parts to 1150, its dramatic 52 meter tower is the tallest medieval structure anywhere in Europe and has been the site of numerous important events in French history.

Enjoy some art and culture

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When it comes to modern events, October has no reason to feel embarrassed. In addition to the internationally-important collections of the Louvre and Picasso Museum – among many, many others – October in Paris also sees the arrival of the sadly short-lived International Contemporary Art Fair.

Facing off against the Eiffel Tower, the Grand Palais on the Champ de Mars is the usual host for around 200 galleries specializing in modern and contemporary art, alongside talks and film screenings.

A healthy dose of culture can also be absorbed on the Nuit Blanche (White Night), combining all the fun of a festival with late-night museum opening. Taking place on the first Saturday in October each year, it’s a rare chance to see museum collections after dark, in between installations and concerts by top names.

Sample the food and drink

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A gray morning is a great excuse for a lazy start to the day. And with Paris the world capital of pastries, we can think of no better way to do this than a traditional French breakfast at the likes of Café Louise, a popular haunt for creatives in the well-to-do Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood.

Best saved for an hour or two later in the day would be French wine tasting at the Les Caves du Louvre. You don’t have to know your Beaujolais from your Bandol with this guided exploration of the wines of France within the historic cellars that served the Louvre when it was a royal palace.

Believe it or not, within the Paris city limits lies a vineyard. At its most frenetic during October when the grapes are in need of harvesting, the vines of Vignes du Clos Montmartre become the center of attention in this part of the city.

Harvest time has been turned into a festival called the Fête des Vendanges, akin to a national holiday, with street performers, live music and more than 40 places to eat and drink getting involved in the action.

Scare yourself silly

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Although it’s yet to rival scenes up and down the United States, Halloween festivities have also made their presence felt in Paris over recent years.

For the whole of October in Paris, Parc Astérix turns spooky, with special shows seen at no other time of year and haunted houses to get the hair on the back of your neck standing on end. If being scared out of your wits is something you enjoy, Le Grand Rex movie theater celebrates the season with classic horror movies.

Meanwhile, Paris Zoo and the Jardin des Plantes compete with one another to scare visitors with tales of mythical beasts in a family-friendly way. The Musée Gourmand Chocolat Choco-Story invites you to make your very own Halloween treats.

Still not enough freaky goings on to entice you? How about visiting the Manoir Halloween Festival at the Grande Halle de la Villette? It’s 4000 square meters are given over to an immersive horror show the likes of which you’ve probably never experienced. Only enter if you dare...

Take in some of October’s major events

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Organized by the Paris Jazz Club, the Jazz sur Seine (Jazz on the Seine) event couldn’t be any more different to the Manoir Halloween Festival. Close to 500 artists from around the globe do their best to impress at around 200 concerts spread over 25 venues. It’s well worth checking out.

Jazz sur Seine’s magnificent pedigree only dates back ten years. However, the Paris Motor Show held its inaugural event in 1898, just 13 years after Carl Benz patented his gas-powered vehicle.

Welcoming more than a million visitors at each biennial edition, it’s one of the most important motor shows held anywhere, with major manufacturers using it to unveil new production vehicles and debut concept cars.

Save on attraction admission in October

If this round up of everything taking place in Paris in October doesn’t have you reaching for the credit card to book transport and accommodation in the French capital nothing will. So don’t forget to buy your All-Inclusive or Explorer Pass at the same time!

Explore with Go City and you get the benefit of discounted admission to many of Paris’s top attractions. Check out @GoCity on Instagram and Facebook for more great tips and to share your latest vacation snaps!

Ian Packham
Go City Travel Expert

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An Alternative Guide to Paris Museums

Paris is one of those amazing European cities just brimming with art, culture, and history. In fact, some of the most famous museums in the entire world are found right here in the City of Lights. We’ve all heard of the Louvre, Musée D’Orsay, Versailles, and so on. But what about those of you who’ve already hit up the biggies and are looking to explore some more distinctive or unusual Paris museums? If you’re looking for alternatives to the major label museums in Paris, have we got the handy little guide for you. Check out our guide to the quirky, unique, and unexpected museums in Paris. The alternative museums we highlight in this post include: Musée des Plans-Reliefs Musée de Cluny Museum of Arts & Crafts Museum of Decorative Arts Château de Rambouillet Sèvres, City of Ceramics Museum of Music Discovery Palace Picasso Museum Musée des Plans-Reliefs The Musée des Plans-Reliefs would be Toby Shandy’s delight. Housed in the Hôtel des Invalides, this collection features a massive assortment of “plans-reliefs,” or scaled-down models of cities and other geographic features for military purposes. They were originally used to strategize during battle—something of an early precursor to our digital renderings. The collection includes pieces from the late seventeenth through the early nineteenth centuries. Musée de Cluny Although it’s a museum that tends to escape people’s radar when visiting Paris, the Cluny Museum is actually among the most significant cultural institutions in the city. Found in the Latin Quarter, this museum features one of the best collections of medieval art and artifacts anywhere in the world. For example, you’ll find a number of famous tapestries, crowns, engravings, sculptures, and other evidence of medieval artistry and craftsmanship from France and beyond. Museum of Arts & Crafts The Musée des Arts et Métiers is something of a misleading name for this fine collection of scientific and industrial materials. Here you’ll find tens of thousands of drawings and objects—among which are some of the most famous technical objects in history, such as an original Foucault pendulum, the original model for what would become the Statue of Liberty, and the first mechanical calculator. Visitors can also explore historic cars, planes, and other artifacts from the history of transportation. Museum of Decorative Arts Housed in a portion of the Louvre Palace (but distinct from the Louvre itself), the Musée des Arts Décoratifs brings together compelling exhibits from the history of graphic arts, advertising, and fashion. The overall focus is on design and decorative arts, with objects like furniture, wallpaper, ceramics, glassware, children’s toys, carpets, and much more comprising its extensive collections. Visitors will also want to take time to explore themed period rooms that showcase different moments in the history of material goods. Château de Rambouillet Castle of Rambouillet is located a fair distance southwest of Paris, but it’s worth the extra effort to see this remarkable museum. Formerly the summer home of the Presidents of the French Republic, it’s now a historic monument preserving the long history of the castle. It was originally built in the fourteenth century but is most famous as the place that Louis XIV transformed into an idealized version of a country dairy to please his queen, Marie-Antoinette. There were further additions and modifications made by later rulers as well. Sèvres, City of Ceramics A small community in the southwest suburbs of Paris, Sèvres is known for its unparalleled production of exquisite porcelain. The largest porcelain manufactory in Europe is still located in this neighborhood, as the eponymous Sèvres – Cité de la Céramique museum. A visit here is an opportunity to learn about the historic porcelain production in France, as well as a chance to see their fine collection of Asian and European ceramics, including many pieces by modern and contemporary artists. Museum of Music Located within the renowned performance space Cité de la Musique, the Musée de la Musique boasts a unique collection of rare and unusual instruments. Visitors can peruse over 1,000 instruments and musical artifacts ranging from a tortoise guitar to a crystal flute. The collections span the period from the seventeenth century through the modern era including non-European instruments and music. The accompanying audio guide allows visitors to listen to recordings, and free daily concerts provide live musical inspiration. Discovery Palace The Palais de la Découverte is an exciting modern science museum located in the 8th arrondissement in Paris. Permanent exhibitions here include a focus on topics like mathematics, chemistry, physics, biology, geology, and astronomy. It’s particularly notable for its Zeiss planetarium. About a decade ago it merged with the Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie, sharing their collective dedication to spreading scientific knowledge and education with visitors of all ages. Picasso Museum An art gallery dedicated exclusively to the expansive productions of one of Europe’s most famous artists, the Musée Picasso is absolutely a must-visit for fans of the Spaniard’s life and works. You’ll find more than 5,000 works of art including paintings, notebooks, sculptures, ceramics, engravings, and drawings, as well as thousands of archival documents include Picasso’s personal correspondence, manuscripts, and photographs. This collection is located in the Marais district of Paris. Save on Admission to Paris Museums Visit these museums and plenty of other cultural institutions with the Go Paris pass. Pay only 95 Euro for the 48-hour Paris Museum Pass, which covers admission to more than 55 different museums and monuments in the broader Paris area. The Go Paris pass also includes admission to tours, cruises, and other fun attractions to help round out your weekend getaway. Share Your Adventure with Us Tag @GoCity in your vacation photos and we'll feature you on our page. Follow the Go City Instagram and Facebook pages for competitions, special offers, and events and inspiration for your chosen destination, too!
Katie Sagal
Louvre Museum
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Guide to the Louvre Museum - Tips for Visiting

If you do one thing in Paris, it should be the Louvre. Pay a visit to the world’s largest art museum and spend an entire day marveling at their exhaustive collections of art and artifacts. It's consistently among the most-visited art museums and one of Paris’ most popular attractions. While their collections encompass some 380,000 objects, only a portion of these are on display at any given time. Items hail from all around the globe and throughout human history, including objects from prehistory all the way up to twenty-first-century works of art. The Louvre has particularly notable strengths in Egyptian Antiquities, Greek, Etruscan, and Roman Antiquities, Sculpture, and Painting, among others. The museum itself is a work of art—housed in the Louvre Palace (originally built in the late twelfth century as the Louvre Castle), it’s a veritable maze of art and artworks. Creative types will find a haven here, with something from just about every period and field to marvel at. Don’t forget about the signature I. M. Pei pyramid out the front which acts not only as a piece of art but a stunning entranceway to the museum! The Louvre Tickets Looking for discount tickets to the Louvre? Grab a pass from Go City. Spend less on admission to the Louvre and dozens of other museums, tours, cruises, and other great Paris attractions. Enjoy 2, 3, 4 or 6 days of unlimited sightseeing and save big on combined admission versus paying at the gate. See more on pricing for our passes. Louvre Tips for Visiting Be sure to download an interactive floor plan prior to your visit — it’s available in seven languages and will be invaluable in helping you plot out your course through the museum. Consult the museum calendar to see what special events, gallery talks, or tours are going on during the day of your visit. You may also wish to grab an audio guide for the Louvre. Available in seven languages, this is one of the coolest and more comprehensive audio guides around. The Louvre is big—like, really big. Wear comfortable shoes and plan to rest periodically. The Louvre is also difficult to navigate, but they’ve really simplified things by making their collections color-coded. Each of the eight curatorial departments is assigned a color, and then each room within the department is given a number. Follow your map and the signs on the wall and you’ll be good to go. Take your kids to the Touch Gallery. It’s the only place in the entire museum where visitors are encouraged to touch the sculptures (which are replicas of those found in the museum’s collections). Other important places like elevators, restrooms, and restaurants are identified via pictograms—so no worries if you don’t read French. For those visitors traveling with little ones, check out the Tuileries Gardens, which are filled with kid-friendly activities like a carousel, trampolines, and little boats. What is the Best Time to Go to the Louvre? You should plan to spend most of the day at the Louvre if you want to see a representative sample of the exhibits; it is also possible, however, to organize a “highlights” tour and accomplish it all in a few hours. We recommend visiting the museum first thing in the morning as soon as they open to maximize your time spent inside the institution. Crowds will be heavier mid-morning and late afternoon. If you're trying to attend a special docent tour, it’s wise to consult the museum’s schedule of events to see what’s available during the day of your visit. What to Bring to the Louvre Comfy walking shoes – the floors are hard and you’ll be traipsing around quite a bit. Money for souvenirs – their bookstore is one of the best places to shop for tourists in the entire city and it’s worth spending some time there. Layers – the museum is climate controlled, but this can differ depending upon the type of art. As a result, you may feel cool in some rooms but warmer in others. A camera—there are places in the Louvre where photography is limited or prohibited, but you’ll want it on hand for the opportunities that do arise. What to Do at the Louvre The museum collections are all sorted into one of eight curatorial departments: Egyptian Antiquities; Greek, Etruscan, and Roman Antiquities; Near Eastern Antiquities; Islamic Art; Paintings; Sculptures; Decorative Arts; and Prints and Drawings. We’ve listed a few of the highlights of each department below. Egyptian Antiquities One of the most famous collections within the Louvre’s vast holdings, the department of Egyptian Antiquities is filled with hundreds of items from Nile Valley civilizations. Items date as far back as the prehistoric period (about 4000 BCE) all the way to the early Christian period (around the fourth century CE). The objects in this department include everything from small pieces of jewelry, games, funeral urns, and amulets to large sarcophagi, engraved portions of tomb walls, and statuary. Greek, Etruscan, and Roman Antiquities Spanning the rich, diverse cultures of Greece, Italy, and the broader Mediterranean area, the objects and artifacts in this department range from the Neolithic era to the sixth century CE. Here is where fans of classical archaeology and mythology will find their inspiration. With art objects that cover everything from the iconic amphoras to intricate statues of the gods to the signature black and red Greek pottery, you’ll be amazed at the breadth and depth of these collections. Near East Antiquities One of the broadest categories of art and objects at the Louvre, the Near East Antiquities department spans an astonishing nine thousand-year period—from prehistory to the early Islamic period. Artifacts were discovered in a wide range of territory, from North Africa to Central Asia, and from the Black Sea to the Arabian Peninsula. Highlights of this department include tablets bearing some of the earliest forms of writing, ancient beaded jewelry, board games, and dozens of religious statues and figures. Islamic Art New galleries in this department opened in 2012, allowing for an expanded display of Islamic artwork for Louvre visitors. There are a few thousand objects on display here, ranging geographically from Southeast Asia to Spain, and temporally across nearly 1,300 years of human history. A few of the objects you might see in this department include dishware and pottery, sculptures, textiles and texts, and manuscript pages. Paintings With a couple hundred works currently on display, paintings are one of the larger curatorial focus points at the Louvre. This department is among the most famous as well, with particular strengths in Italian Renaissance art and Dutch Old Masters. The collection encompasses every major European school of painting as well, including works from the thirteenth through the nineteenth centuries. Some of the most famous works in this collection include Leonardi da Vinci’s world-renowned Mona Lisa, Eugène Delacroix’s Liberty Leading the People, and Johannes Vermeer’s The Astronomer. Sculptures The Department of Sculptures has had a long and varied history, currently encompassing Medieval, Renaissance, and Modern sculptures. Every work here dates prior to 1850, and only includes those that do not qualify for the Greek, Etruscan, and Roman Department. Some of the most stunning art objects in the entire Louvre are found here, ranging from statues of gods and goddesses to biblical characters to modern individuals of note. Decorative Arts One of the best departments for those who appreciate and/or study the history of material culture in a global context, this area of the Louvre boasts a simply stunning collection of objects from around the world. Objects were created between the early Middle Ages and the mid-nineteenth century. You’ll find everything from jewelry and ivory work to stained glass and furniture. Many of these objects inspire us to wonder what will happen to our own precious goods after we’re gone. Prints and Drawings This is one for the history of the book people. Here you’ll find a wide selection of printed material, including drawings, pastels, printed books, manuscripts, woodcuts, and lithographic stones. The unique thing about this department is its approach to displaying the collections—because of their innate fragility, most works are kept in careful storage and are circulated in and out of temporary displays. As a result, all exhibits here are temporary, so what you see during your visit will be totally unique! Save on Louvre Tickets with a Go Paris pass A Go City attraction pass for Paris provides admission to the Louvre and dozens of other Paris and area museums for one low price. You’ll also get admission to tours, cruises, and other top Parisian attractions to round out your weekend getaway.
Katie Sagal
Palace of Versailles at dusk
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Best Day Trips from Paris

Ah, Paris - the city of lights, lovers and croissant-quaffing people watchers. With broad, elegant avenues lined with cafes and haute-couture, quiet cobbled lanes with tucked-away patisseries and broad, sweeping views from tower to triumphal arch and back again. It’s so packed full of museums, palaces and churches there’s enough to keep even the most determined tourist busy for a lifetime - but with its crowds and bustle it can also be nice to escape. Fortunately, there is almost as much to explore in the regions around Paris as there is within it, whether you prefer a cool, countryside excursion, a glimpse into the lifestyles of the rich and famous or need to entertain the family for a day. Here is our list of the best Paris day trip ideas, all within a couple of hours of the city: The Palace of Versailles Disneyland Paris Chateau Fontainebleau Parc Asterix Monet’s Garden at Giverny The Champagne Region Abbaye Royale de Chaalis The Palace of Versailles For opulence and splendor, there is no better day trip from Paris than the chateau at Versailles. Originally a hunting lodge favored by Louis XIII in the 17th century, the building was renovated and expanded by his son Louis XIV into the impressively vast baroque spectacle it is today. Visitors can explore several hectares of the estate grounds, discovering immaculately symmetrical formal gardens, hidden statuary, waterfalls, ponds and fountains, or visit the expansive state rooms of the Sun King, incorporating the famous Hall of Mirrors and the Gallery of Great Battles. For art lovers, the palace contains a collection of over 60,000 pieces, but if that’s all too much then the nearby village of the same name has some pleasant local markets and cafes. Disneyland Paris Just under an hour from the city, Disneyland is Paris’ most famous attraction for the young - or young at heart! All the magic of childhood comes alive as you explore fantastical lands from pirate ships to the wild west and have your photo taken with your favorite characters. Adventurous park goers can try the Pirates of the Caribbean ride that inspired the movie, get lost in Alice’s Labyrinth or spy on a Star Destroyer in the Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain. If you’re a Marvel fan you can get up close and personal with your heroes at the Avenger’s Campus, or take in views of the whole park on a Panoramagic balloon ride. There are also plenty of restaurants and child-friendly zones so it’s easy to keep the whole family busy for the day. To get the most from your time, purchase a Fast Pass to skip the lines, or use the park’s app to watch the queue lengths in real time! Château Fontainebleau If you fancy a peek into the past lives of Parisian aristocracy but the prospect of navigating the vast halls and gardens of Versailles feels a bit overwhelming, try the smaller but just as pretty chateau at Fontainebleau, located 90 minutes southeast of the city (or 40 minutes on a fast train). A residence of French Kings and Queens for several hundred years, it was added to and expanded by each one - most recently by the emperor Napoleon - so that today’s palace is an eclectic assortment of architectural styles and tastes. Sitting in a 130-hectare estate, guests can marvel at the famous Horseshoe Staircase, Marie-Antionette’s Silver Boudoir and Napoleon’s Throne Room, where items including his sword and famous bicorn hat are on display. Parc Astérix Just an hour’s drive north of the city is Parc Astérix, an adrenaline-fueling action theme park inspired by the comic book character Asterix and his sidekick Obelix. Guests can follow in the footsteps of the famous heroes as they travel back in time to the ancient civilizations of Rome, Greece, Egypt and even the vikings, enjoying themed rides, rollercoasters and restaurants as they go. Though less famous than its Disney counterpart, Parc Astérix has plenty to offer for a full day out and will satisfy children, history buffs and thrill seekers alike. Monet’s Gardens at Giverny If you need a quieter escape, one of the best day trips from Paris is a visit to Monet’s house and gardens at Giverny, which were home to the artist for more than forty years of his life. An hour and a quarter from the city and open every day from April to November, visitors can bask in the colors of the walled flower garden or reflect by the Japanese pools, wonderful at any time of year but especially in July and August when the water is thronged with the water lilies that famously inspired so many of his paintings. Monet’s gardens are a perfect day trip for art and garden lovers, and fans of modern architecture can easily add a visit to the sleek and modernist Villa Savoye on the way. The Champagne Region Bring out your bubbly side in the home of the world’s most famous sparkling wine. If you have a car, spend an afternoon meandering around the hills and vineyards surrounding Epernay, admiring the views and stopping at cellar doors as you go. If you don’t, take an easy train ride to the capital Reims, where many of the famous Champagne houses (Moet, Pommery and Bollinger to name a few) offer guided tours and tastings in their underground champagne caves. Finish the day with a visit to its historic cathedral, site of the coronation of many French kings and queens, including that of Edward VII in the presence of Joan of Arc. Abbaye Royale De Chaalis If you’re looking for some French culture beyond the capital, but can’t decide between a castle, an abbey or a garden, the Abbaye Royale de Chaalis may just tick all your boxes. At just over an hour’s drive it’s an easy day trip from Paris, but the romantic and peaceful setting will make you feel as though you’ve left the city far behind and wandered deep into provincial France. As well as the atmospheric abbey ruin and enchanting rose garden, there’s a castle which has been converted into a museum and holds over 600 pieces including works by Giotto, Houdon and Boucher. If you’ve got time leftover, you can also include a stop at the Condé Museum in the Château de Chantilly nearby. Save on things to do around Paris There are so many things to do in Paris, but if you need an escape there are plenty of nearby places to visit as well. Get the best value with Go City, which gives you substantial savings on over 80 attractions within and around this beautiful and wondrous city.
Karleen Stevens

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