If you’ve chosen to visit Paris in September, then you’ve picked a great month. The crowds that fill the town come July and August begin to dissipate and every one of the Parisians are back using their month-long break (many stores and cafés close-up shop for at least part, if not completely, from the month of August).
Is September a great month to visit Paris?
If you’re wondering whether you should go to the French Capital during the month of September, then although “it’s usually a good time for you to visit Paris,” September is particularly great. In the end, there’s still a summer vibe in the air, however the weather conditions are cooler, making it time for you to explore the town.
Most businesses (shops, cafés, and museums) still operate at their typical high season hours, though because of back-to-school the crowds in the city are much fewer. September is also when you’ll get better weather compared to late Autumn and the days are longer, enabling you more time to find out Paris…
Paris weather in September
Let’s begin with probably the most important aspects of visiting Paris in September: the elements. While not as cold as October, the typical temperature within the city of light continues to be a cool 15 degrees, and therefore an autumn wardrobe is important. Paris is a city best on foot and also the warm, yet not hot allows for the perfect temperature to wander round the city.
What to wear in Paris in September
The thing about Paris within the shoulder seasons (ie any months in spring or autumn) is it can be very hot. Additionally, it has the potential to be cold. And the problem is, you have no idea which one it will be until you arrive!
First things first: in your first visit to Paris, you’ll soon discover that the locals now wear trainers, albeit fashion ones as these are among the comfiest teams of shoes you can wear to discover Paris by foot. Personally, i love these fashion trainers, though these ones tend to be more practical for making your way around, carrying inside your suitcase, and matching with little dresses!
The weather is pretty unpredictable in September, and you’d best be served by packing lots of layers. I’d also recommend taking an umbrella plus some semi-waterproof shoes in case of showers. Things like jeans, cardigans, and fall dresses (Personally, i love this company’s ones and layer them with cute jackets and sneakers) worn together with little ankle boots work like these ones well in this type of weather.
What to do in Paris in September
European Heritage Days
The third weekend of September signals the ecu Heritage Days weekend. This is a Europe wide weekend whereby many cultural places of interest and heritage open up their doors free of charge, or in a low price. Also known as Journées du Patrimoine in French, there are plenty of free museums to go to, galleries to determine and interactive workshops. You can find a lot of the web site here.
Paris Design Week
Starting during the Friday of the second week of the month, Paris Design Week is really a celebration of all things creative. Food, fashion, and architecture are praised within 180+ exhibitions found through the city. You'll find more information on the web site here.
Techno Parade
Held annually close to the end of the month, the Techno Parade Paris is really a celebration of other nutritional foods techno music and has taken place each year since 1998. In 2020, it will likely be held on the 28rd September. You can find more information on the web site here.
Enjoy a wine tasting excursion from Paris (or perhaps in the city!)
For those who desire to sample some of the best wine in Europe, a vacation to France is definitely an absolute must. And while there are some secret vineyards in Paris (yes, you read that correctly!), the best of French vineyards are to be found outside the city limits. Book a guided excursion to Champagne like this one or this wine tasting in Paris itself.
Enjoy the Fête des Vendages in the Montmartre vineyard
Since 1980, a yearly Fête des Jardins has been held to celebrate the grape harvest at the end of September. For some short weeks, the Vineyard of Montmartre is available to the general public, through guided tour only. Overall, as much as 1000 bottles of 'Clos Montmartre' are made every year. They're auctioned throughout the annual harvest festival and the profits made they fit towards funding projects within the 18e arrondissement.
Take a ch^ateau day trip in the city
Fewer crowds mean fewer tourists. September makes the perfect time for you to explore most of the Ch^ateaux within the ^Ile de France region. After all, many museums and castles, along with other attractions still operate at summer opening times, only with no crowds. Here’s my ultimate help guide to the best excursions from Paris. Some of my fall favourites are Fontainebleau (pictured below), Chantilly and Senlis.
Best Brunch Spots in Paris I’m loving this month!
Though a lot of the best brunch spots may be closed in August, they’re all open again for that start of Autumn. Perfect for people who wish to have a lazy Sunday in the city or simply desire to meet up with friends, here are some of the greatest brunch spots in Paris (in the end, brunch is the best meal during the day!):
Café Oberkampf. 3 Rue Neuve Popincourt, 75011 Paris, France
Sitting on a road of the same name, Café Oberkampf is definitely one of the best brunch spots in Paris. And, following a month of closure for holidays throughout the month of August, it reopens for business. While at this 11eme establishment, make sure to sample the shakshuka!
Liberté Ménilmontant. 39 Rue des Vinaigriers, 75010 Paris, France
Popular among Parisians and visitors alike, the eatery at Menilmontant is open early each day, ensuring that you can get your morning coffee as soon as possible! Want to learn more about coffee culture in Paris? I’ve previously written articles on The art of Ordering Coffee in Paris.
Le Pavillon des Canaux. 75019, 39 Quai de la Loire, 75019 Paris, France
Ever imagined drinking a cocktail within the bath (before everyone?). No, me neither. That was, until I visited Le Pavillon des Canaux, a quirky eatery alongside the Quai en Loire. It’s an ideal destination to have a coffee, or perhaps a small bite to eat. The area gets pretty popular, even in September, so make sure to visit early to secure te best seats.
Wild and also the Moon, 55 Rue Charlot, 75003 Paris, France
Looking for the best of vegan in Paris? Well, with several locations dotted across Le Marais district (as well as further afield) of the city, Wild and the Moon has your back. From healthy smoothie bowls to melt inside your mouth gourmet treats, there are all sorts of delicious breakfast foods available to people who consume a plant-based diet. There's also a wide array of speciality coffees available, with a number of different kinds of plant-based types of milk.
Best Rooftop Cafés and Bars in Paris I’m loving this month!
September is not symbolic of chilly. There’s still sufficient time to take in all of the the summer rays and enjoy some wine with friends en plein air. So head out in the evenings and enjoy the sunset at some of the top bars in Paris. Without doubt, listed here are my favourite rooftop bars within the city:
Le Perchoir Marais, 33 Rue de la Verrerie, 75004 Paris, France
Located in the very heart from the city, near ^Ile en Cité, Le Perchoir offers magnificent views over all of Paris. Open daily ’til late, it’s an ideal place to relax and revel in a glass of vino. After all, in the top you may enjoy picture-perfect views of Le Marais…
Nüba, 36 Quai d’Austerlitz, 75013 Paris, France
Operating as a club during the day with a DJ during the night, this bar is located along Quai d’Austerlitz and it is regularly cited as being one of the best bars in Paris, if not all of Europe. And thus if you’re hunting for a fantastic view of the town along with a great place to hold out with friends, here it is!
