Fall Events in Paris

It may be getting colder, but there are still plenty of outdoor festivals to enjoy if you’re in Paris for the fall. The fall season is a particularly ripe with arts and culture festivals, brimming with artistic expressions from a variety of formats, including contemporary art, dance, drama, music, literature, visual arts, etc.

Plus, as the leaves change color and the air gets cooler, enjoy what you can of a stroll through one of Paris’ great parks and gardens, or stay out longer enjoying Paris nightlife, as the days get shorter and nights get longer. But if you’re an arts fanatic, the Paris art scene comes alive in the fall, with all sorts of festivals, entertainment, and programs around the city.

Annual Wine Harvest

Paris and wine are like peanut butter and jelly, an unbeatable combination. So if you’re in Paris during the fall season, be sure to check out the annual Wine Harvest, locally known as Vendanges de Montmartre, or the Montmartre Harvest in October. The event began in 1934 in the Montmartre neighborhood of Paris in the 18^th arrondissement. In the hills of the area, a small vineyard still remains to this day, producing approximately 1,500 bottles of Pinot Noir and Gamay.

These days, the Vendanges de Montmartre is largely symbolic, celebrating tradition and culture than the actual wine harvest. Nevertheless, if you’re in town, you can look forward to wine tasting, street music, dancing, local performances, a parade called Carnaval Tropical de Paris, and plenty of French charm.

Nuit Blanche

Nuit Blanche, or White Night, is an annual dusk-to-dawn arts and culture party in Paris held in October.

Get a glimpse of an intricate light installation, or groove to some techno-electric funk as you wander around the streets of Paris during the “sleepless art party” as it is known. The center of Paris is even turned into a de facto art gallery for performances, themed social events, art installations, and other programs. All events are free, and the party goes from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.

Locally known as “all-nighter,” Nuit Blanche began in 2002 by Artistic Director Jean Blaise, who was looking to launch a contemporary art festival, similar to the “Les Allumées” cultural festival he ran in Nantes, France, during his time as mayor of the city.

FIAC Contemporary Arts Fair

Fall is a great time to experience French art in Paris. The International Contemporary Art Fair (FIAC) takes place in late October at several locations. In 2011, the event was held at the Grand Palais, the Louvre Museum, and the Tuileries Gardens, among other notable venues. Considered one of the biggest contemporary art fairs in the world, the FIAC is a hugely popular event among Parisians.

Paris Autumn Festival

The Paris Autumn Festival, known as the Festival d’Automne à Paris to locals, is a celebration of contemporary art that takes place from September to December each year. Aimed at bridging the gap between classical art forms and contemporary work, the festival draws over 100,000 spectators who are treated to a variety of artistic expression. The festival began in 1972 under the leadership of Michel Guy, a cultural and French politician of Paris.

Under Guy’s reign as festival director, the event opened its arms to all forms of artistic expression, from opera, music, drama, dance, visual arts, film, and contemporary literature. Past events have taken place in institutions such as the Pompidou Center, Louvre museum, National Opera House-Paris, Théâtre de la Ville, and Théâtre du Châtelet. A typical year may include approximately 30 venues over the course of the festival period.

Food Shopping

Fall is the time of harvest, which means it’s a great time to get some delicious food selections in Paris. The change in seasons not only allows for great deals on classic fall foods, but gives shoppers one last chance to savor summer delicacies. Parisian marchés are not to be missed during this season!

Some great markets to hit are Rue Cler, in the 7^th arrondissement, where famous cookbook author Julia Child once shopped; Marché des Enfants Rouges in the 3^rd arrondissement, also one of the oldest Parisian markets where you can get the best bang for your French buck; and Boulevard Raspail in the 6^th arrondissement, the perfect spot for organic food lovers.

Paris Banlieues Tango Festival

Paris, the European capitol of tango, hosts the famous Paris Banlieues Tango festival each year from mid-October through November. During the six week celebration, you can attend tango dance classes, listen to a lecture, participate in a debate, go to an expo, watch tango in cinema, attend a workshop, or go to a professional tango show.

Also called the “Paris Suburbs Tango” (PBTa), this festival isn’t just a musical party of the tango, but a cultural and historic celebration as well. Organized by Claude Namer of Association FEMA, the festival invites over 250 artists, producing over 70 shows.

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