Autumn has never really been my favorite season, mostly because I know what will come after it… That dreaded winter. But if the winter didn’t exist, autumn would probably be one of my favorite times of the year.
The colors are absolutely beautiful, the fashion gets more interesting and the city becomes a little easier to handle without those millions of tourists and sweaty, steamy métro rides.
So let’s try to ignore the fact that winter is approaching for a minute and enjoy the wonderful things about autumn in Paris while we can.
Pastries at Colorova
Parisian Cafés
There’s nothing better than cozying up at a little Parisian café with a friend and catching up about the summer over a cup of hot chocolate. The autumn is the perfect excuse to overindulge in crêpes, éclairs and all those heavenly cream puffs that I tried my best (yes, I said tried) to stay away from during the summer.
Hot chocolate at Jacques Genin
You’ll most likely find me at Jacques Genin, Colorova or Un Dimanche à Paris during the coming months. During the days I’m not in the mood for hot chocolate, I’ll make my way to my coffee shop of choice, Ten Belles, situated close to the Canal Saint Martin. A delicious cup of cappuccino along with their homemade desserts never disappoints.
Breakfast at Colorova
Museum Visits
When it gets too cold to wander the streets of Paris, I suggest popping by one of the city’s museums. It’s the perfect time to catch up on culture. Not wanting to miss out on the sunny weather and picnics with friends were my lousy excuses during the spring and summer for staying away from museums.
When the weather turns grey and blustery I’ll have nowhere to hide, so I’ve made dates with myself to stop by the Musée d’Orsay, the Sebastião Salgado exhibition at Maison Européenne de la Photographie, and the Musée de l’Orangerie for Frida Kahlo.
New Fashion
Even though summer has to be my favorite time of the year, I have to admit that there’s nothing really that intriguing about the fashion during this period… I’m not saying I have anything against light and flowy dresses (they’re my favorites) but there’s something about fall fashion that just feels a bit more interesting.
Now is the time to start the search for that perfect fall coat and to find those amazing autumn boots. I’m swinging by Acne, Maje, COS and Vanessa Bruno as soon as I get a minute. It doesn’t hurt that it feels like dressing for the fall is what Parisians do best. After all, aren’t they known for their dark color palette, chic scarfs and gorgeous coats?
Less Crowds
Of course I can’t deny the fact that when summer is gone the city gets a little bit less crowded. I can finally go on my morning walks without having to “pardonnez-moi myself” every other step of the way, and sometimes I even find myself nearly alone in front of the Notre Dame, something that would be completely impossible at any time of day during spring and summer. In most cases the flight and hotel prices even drop a little after the warmer months, so this expensive city even becomes a little bit more affordable in the fall.
Pastries at Jacques Genin
The Parks of Paris
Saying autumn is the best time to visit the parks of Paris might be a tiny exageration; after all, we have all those beautiful flowers and lovely picnics during the summer. But if autumn isn’t the best season it’s certainly one of the best seasons to explore Parisian parks.
Entering that amazing sea of warm orange, yellow and red tones is nothing short of spectacular, and as someone who loves photography, this season gives me photo opps I spend months dreaming about afterwards. This fall I’ll pick up my camera and wander around the Parc des Buttes Chaumont, the Jardin des Tuileries, the Canal Saint Martin, and the Jardin du Luxembourg.
… So even though I might have to skip out on those evening picnics by the Seine, those ice creams together with friends in delicate summer dresses and laying down on the grass in the park reading a book, autumn has its magical times as well. Being a “summer-lover” I just have to look a little bit harder to find them.
Related links:
- Telegraph has summed up a bunch of fun things happening in Paris during this fall, check them out here.
- Unlock Paris has also gathered tips on what to do this autumn if you’re in the French capital. Delicious fish and chips and great coffee is on their list!
- See the seasons changing on a beautiful walk! Bonjour Paris has listed their favorite places for an autumn walk in the city.
Written by Carin Olsson for the HiP Paris Blog. All photos by Carin Olsson. Looking for a fabulous vacation rental in Paris, London, Provence, or Tuscany? Check out Haven in Paris.