What to do in Paris Region in autumn?

To prolong summer in Paris Region, there’s nothing better than soaking up some sunshine in front of paintings by Matisse or Monet… In addition to their permanent collections, the museums are unveiling their new autumn programme, with a festival of exhibitions and events that will delight art lovers. You can also enjoy a trip to the museum without breaking the bank: every first Sunday of the month, admission to several cultural venues in the Paris Region is free.

An immersive experience at the Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie, an exhibition on classical music at the Philharmonie de Paris, a spotlight on Aztec art at the Musée du Quai Branly - Jacques Chirac… In central Paris and La Défense, the exhibitions will never cease to amaze you this autumn.

The autumn season heralds the opening of the cultural calendar… and its ticket office. Don’t let this unmissable event pass you by. Discover the new programme for the year and book your favourite show. At the Palais Garnier and the Théâtre du Châtelet, certain dates sell out quickly. Dance, theatre or music: which show will capture your heart in Paris Region this year?

Schoolchildren aren’t the only ones returning to school in Paris Region. Books are too. At the end of summer, new releases jostle for space in bookshops… And with good reason: the literary season sets the trends for the season and the year, just a few months before Christmas. And to get a behind-the-scenes look at literary awards, head to… a restaurant! It is at Drouant that prestigious juries select the future Goncourt and Renaudot winners each year.

If there is one season for exploring the monuments of Paris Region, it is autumn. Architectural masterpieces, cultural centres, churches and historic theatres… France celebrates architecture and heritage. This is an opportunity to visit certain places that are usually closed to the public and transformed into museums. In the Paris Region, take advantage of European Heritage Days to explore the underground passages of the City of Light, take an unusual stroll through the Domaine national de Saint-Cloud, or encounter art in the maison de Balzac.

In October, the National Architecture Days take over. During these few autumn days, discover the treasures of modern architecture such as Le Corbusier’s Villa Savoye. Or perhaps you’d prefer to unravel the mysteries of historic monuments such as the Tour Saint-Jacques, near Paris City Hall. Before ending your stroll at the Cité de l’Architecture et du Patrimoine, the largest museum of monumental art in the world.

At the end of October, Paris and its region takes on a sinister atmosphere… Fog descends on the banks of the Seine, the gargoyles of Notre-Dame de Paris look frightening, and monsters invade the City of Light… For one night, Paris Region becomes the scene of a celebration of our greatest fears: Halloween. For the occasion, a thousand and one outings are available to bring the dead back to life.

Night owls will be tempted by a wild party in the bars and clubs of Paris Region. Witch, demon or zombie, whatever the dress code, as long as it’s horror-themed… If you prefer to shiver with popcorn, step through the doors of the Le Grand Rex cinema for a blood-curdling film.

Tempted by a horror experience? Immerse yourself in a blood-curdling escape game. Head to the Maison du Tourisme et du Patrimoine in Montfort l’Amaury for an outdoor escape game. In Montreuil, The Dark Dreams awaits you, a haunted house with special effects that are more realistic than life itself.

Do your little ones love to be scared? Treat your family to an evening at Disneyland® Paris to play at being sorcerer’s apprentices.

What could be more romantic in autumn than a stroll through a park, garden or forest in the Paris Region? With its shades of orange and golden light, it’s the perfect season to marvel at nature’s treasures. Among the most spectacular natural parks, explore the forest of Saint-Germain-en-Laye or the Rambouillet Forest.

An equally majestic spectacle awaits you in the parks and gardens. In the centre of Paris, the Jardin des Plantes undergoes a metamorphosis with the arrival of autumn. The same is true of the Parc de l’Île Saint-Germain, where the buzzing of bees gives way to the rustling of squirrels in the trees.

There are still a few weeks left to buy summer fruits and vegetables at the market. In autumn, peaches and tomatoes give way to mushrooms, squash and kiwis. It’s time for comforting homemade soups. When it comes to restaurants, you won’t be disappointed. Chefs are unveiling their new menus for the season, featuring generous and daring cuisine. And if, for you, falling temperatures mean raclette, you’re right. With Christmas just a few weeks away, there’s nothing like a restaurant with a mountain atmosphere to get you ready for the festivities.

In autumn, the Paris Region celebrates gastronomy in all its splendour. Beaujolais Nouveau tasting at the Wine Museum and in the châteaux, harvest festivals and the Salon du Chocolat… These culinary events will tantalise your taste buds.

Even if the grey skies sometimes make an appearance in autumn, there’s no question of staying at home. The autumn half-term holidays are the perfect opportunity to explore all the facets of Paris Region with your family, even when it rains.

If you’re on holiday in the capital, you’ll need at least three days with your family to discover everything this region has to offer. Would you rather enjoy the autumn colours of the Paris Region? Opt for a family weekend along the Seine.

Do you enjoy learning while having fun? You’re in luck, as many museums and cultural venues invite you to discover their exhibitions with your child. From the Philharmonie des Enfants to the Cité Fertile, via the Musée en herbe, you’ll never be short of ideas for outings with your little ones. And if you’re feeling peckish after your outing, enjoy a delicious kid-friendly brunch in one of the many restaurants.