Guide to Exploring Paris in November

This year, I decided to celebrate Thanksgiving a little differently—by spending it in Paris with my friend Jessica. Experiencing Paris in November was nothing like our first trip five years ago, when Jess and I raced through Paris, Barcelona, and Rome in the middle of summer crowds. That was also when we met Vivien in Barcelona, and the three of us have been close ever since. 

So this trip wasn’t just about Paris—it was about reunion, friendship, and seeing the city in a new season. Visiting in November, during the early off-peak season, gave us a completely different experience: fewer crowds, cozy holiday markets, and a slower rhythm that made space for long walks, good food, and the kind of conversations you only have when time doesn’t feel rushed. 

If you’re planning to visit Paris in November, it’s the perfect time to enjoy the city’s quieter, more intimate charm, from wandering iconic landmarks to cozy cafés, Thanksgiving treats, and Parisian nightlife.

Paris in November: Weather You Should Expect

Paris in November is cool and somewhat damp, with average temperatures ranging from 7–11°C (45–52°F). The days are shorter, and there’s a fair chance of rain. One of the best parts, though, is how the season makes the city feel more enchanting. We were able to marvel at the last of the fall foliage, which added a layer of beauty to our walks through the streets and parks.

The weather meant carrying an umbrella and sometimes tucking into warm cafés when the drizzle picked up. It became part of the experience—moving between the misty streets outside and the cozy glow inside. 

Pro- Tip:If you’re planning a trip, pack layers: a warm coat, scarves, waterproof shoes, and an umbrella. With the right gear, you can enjoy the charm of Paris in November without letting the weather get in your way.

Thanksgiving in Paris

Thanksgiving isn’t a holiday in Paris, so the city goes about its usual rhythm. But that doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate. A handful of restaurants put together special menus for homesick Americans and curious Parisians, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot a pumpkin pie in a bakery window by late November.

If you want the traditional route, spots like Ralph’s, Joe Allen, or Ô Chateau serve up a taste of home. Or you can lean into the Parisian way of doing things—think duck confit instead of turkey, or a simple, cozy bistro dinner shared with friends.

At the end of the day, Thanksgiving in Paris isn’t about whether there’s turkey on your plate. It’s about slowing down, savoring the moment, and finding gratitude wherever you are.

Accommodations

Vivien graciously hosted us in an apartment in the La Fourche neighborhood. I loved staying here because it was centrally located near many significant landmarks, just a short walk to both a metro station and a bus stop, and surrounded by numerous cafes and shops. 

The convenience made it easy to get around the city, while the neighborhood itself had a welcoming, everyday Parisian feel.

Where to Stay in Paris in November

📍 Best Budget Spot: Timhotel Paris Gare du Nord

Right beside Gare du Nord, this hotel offers perfect access to easy metro and train connections, including the Eurostar. Rooms are simple, rates are affordable, and the location makes exploring Paris effortless.

📍 Best Mid-Range Spot: Meliá Paris La Défense

A sleek 4-star stay with modern design and a rooftop bar offering panoramic city views. Just a 5-minute walk from La Grande Arche de la Défense and 7 minutes from Les Quatre Temps shopping center, it’s ideally located for sightseeing and exploring the city via the nearby metro.

📍 Best Luxury Spot: Mandarin Oriental, Paris

On Rue Saint-Honoré, this five-star gem combines world-class service with a serene garden escape. Michelin-starred dining, a luxury spa, and designer shopping at the doorstep make it one of Paris’s most exclusive stays.

Getting Around Paris in November

As someone from New York City, a city with a robust metro system getting around Paris felt refreshingly simple. Admittedly, we took many more Ubers than necessary due to the convenience and rainy weather. 

Overall, Paris is a very walkable city, so when the weather was clear, we walked more. We used public transportation when we weren’t in an Uber or walking.

From the Airports

• Orly Airport: I got to and from the airport using the Direct Bus (€12 / $13.71) and the metro (€1.90 / $2.17). Bus tickets can be purchased at kiosks at the bus stop.
  
• Charles de Gaulle Airport: The RER B train (€13) takes you directly into central Paris. Taxis and ride-share services, such as Uber (€40–€60), are also convenient, especially with luggage or during off-hours.

Around the City

Paris has 16 metro lines, roughly 300 stations, and 64 bus routes.

• Single journey: €2–€2.50.
  
• T+ Tickets: Allow transfers between buses and trams (not metro or RER). A carnet of 10 tickets costs €14.50 ($16.48) — handy for multiple trips.
  
• Mobilis ticket: Unlimited travel for a day (€7.50 / $8.52).
  
• Reduced fares: Available for students, youth under 26, and large families. 

Operating Hours

• Metro: Sunday–Thursday: 6:00 am – 12:45 am, Friday–Saturday: 6:00 am – 1:45 am
  
• Buses: General service: 7:00 am – 8:30 pm (Mon–Sat), some evening lines: until 12:30 am, limited service on Sundays and public holidays

Seasonal Events & Highlights in November

Black Friday Sales

Although the French don’t celebrate Thanksgiving, they participate in Black Friday. Shops across the city offer discounts, which came in handy for me—my jacket had been stolen at Newark Airport on the way to Paris, so I needed a replacement ASAP.

Christmas Markets

By late November, some Christmas markets begin to open. We visited the Magic of Christmas at Tuileries Garden, a fair featuring holiday-themed attractions, including bumper cars, a fun house, and a zombie haunted house. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but it got me into the holiday spirit! 

For drinks, vin chaud (mulled wine) is the classic choice; hot apple cider is a great alternative if, like me, you’re allergic to wine. Other Christmas markets include La Défense, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, and Gare de l’Est’s Alsace Market, all offering seasonal treats, handmade crafts, and festive cheer.

Exhibits at the Louis Vuitton Foundation

The Louis Vuitton Foundation hosts temporary exhibits of modern and contemporary art. During our visit, we saw the Jean-Michel Basquiat exhibit. The building is a masterpiece, and the surrounding gardens are beautiful to explore. Purchase your tickets online through the LV Foundation website to gain entry more quickly.

Beaujolais Nouveau Day

If you’re in Paris on the third Thursday of November, don’t miss Beaujolais Nouveau Day. The year’s new wine is released, and the city celebrates with tastings, parties, and even Seine River cruises where you can sip the fresh wine while taking in the skyline.

Top Attractions to See in Paris in November

Eiffel Tower

Did you even do Paris if you didn’t see the Eiffel Tower? I’ve been both day and night, and honestly, each has its own appeal. At night, the twinkling lights feel like a little reward for braving the cold. During the day in November, it’s just as beautiful, especially when the tower rises above the fog and autumn leaves.

• Hours: 9:30 am – 11:45 pm (last entry 10:45 pm)
• Tickets: Elevator to 2nd floor – €22.60 ($25.90), elevator to summit – €35.50 ($41.00), stairs to 2nd floor – €14.20 ($16.50), stairs to 2nd floor and elevator to summit – €26.90 ($31.20), children under 4 – free admission

Pro tip: Watch out for common scams near the Eiffel Tower. If someone asks you, “Do you speak English?” and hands you a petition, it’s best to just walk away.

Louvre Museum

The Louvre is so massive you could never see it all in one visit, but even a few hours will leave you awestruck. We spent about four-ish hours exploring, and some of the most fascinating collections were the Modern African, Asian, Oceanic, and the Americas sculptures—each room felt like stepping into another part of the world. 

Of course, the Mona Lisa is the big draw, but be prepared: it’s smaller than you expect and always surrounded by crowds.

• Standard Adult Ticket: €22.00 ($24.80)
• Concessions: €9.00 ($10.30) — available for young people aged 18–25 from the European Economic Area
• Free Admission: For visitors under 18 and EU residents under 26 

Good to know: Tickets are only valid for your selected date and time, and once you leave, re-entry isn’t allowed. Free code-secured lockers are available so you can store your belongings while you explore hands-free.

Pigalle Basketball Court

Paris isn’t just about museums and monuments—sometimes it’s the colorful, unexpected spots that steal the show. The Pigalle Basketball Court in Montmartre, with its vibrant 90s-inspired colors, is a must-see for fans of art, basketball, and design. A collaboration between Nike and French fashion brand Pigalle, it’s become one of the city’s most photographed spots.

• Hours: Tuesday–Saturday (12–8 pm), Sunday (2–8 pm), closed Mondays
• Entry: Free

Pro tip: Try to go early to beat the crowds and snap your photos without a line of people waiting behind you.

Covered Passages

Paris’ covered passages are like stepping back in time—19th-century glass-roofed arcades tucked between city streets, filled with charming bookshops, cafés, antique stores, and boutiques. They’re especially wonderful in November, when the weather turns chilly and rainy. 

Instead of braving the drizzle, you can wander these sheltered walkways, discovering hidden gems while staying cozy indoors. Don’t miss Passage des Panoramas (the oldest) and Galerie Vivienne (the prettiest). Both are magical in rainy weather.

• Hours: Most passages open around 8:00 am – 8:00 pm (hours vary by passage and individual shops)
• Entry: Free to walk through

Montmartre et Sacré-Cœur Basilica

Perched high above Paris, Montmartre is always charming, but in November it feels more intimate. The cobbled streets are calmer, and the artists at Place du Tertre seem to have more time to chat. 

Climbing up to the Sacré-Cœur Basilica rewards you with one of the best panoramic views of Paris—sometimes softened by fog, other times lit with autumn colors.

• Opening hours (Basilica): 6:30 am – 10:30 pm (daily, free entry)
• Dome access: €6–8 ($6.50–$8.50), open 9:30 am – 7:00 pm (Apr–Sep), shorter hours in winter

Pro tip: Go just before sunset—you’ll catch the sky changing over Paris, then the city lights twinkling on.

Seine River Cruise

Yes, it’s brisk in November, but that’s part of the magic. Bundle up, grab a seat on the deck, and watch Paris’s most iconic sights drift past: Notre Dame, Musée d’Orsay, Pont Alexandre III, and of course, the Eiffel Tower glowing in the evening. 

Evening cruises are the best with the city lights reflecting on the water. Most boats are heated inside, allowing you to warm up between photo stops.

• Popular cruise companies: Bateaux Mouches, Vedettes du Pont Neuf, Bateaux Parisiens
• Tickets: Around €15–20 ($16–21) for a one-hour sightseeing cruise
• Schedule: Cruises run daily, typically 10:00 am – 10:00 pm, with more evening departures on weekends

Musée d’Orsay

Set inside a gorgeous Beaux-Arts train station, the Musée d’Orsay houses one of the world’s finest collections of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art. Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh—it’s all here. In November, the crowds are thinner, and you can linger in front of “Starry Night Over the Rhône” without being rushed.

• Opening hours: 9:30 am – 6:00 pm (Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun), 9:30 am – 9:45 pm (Thu), closed Monday
• Tickets: €16 ($17.50) general admission; free for under 18 and EU residents under 26

Pro tip: Buy tickets online to skip the line, and head straight to the 5th floor for the Impressionist galleries—the light streaming through the clock windows is as breathtaking as the art.

Luxembourg Gardens (Jardin du Luxembourg)

Even without blooming flowers, the Luxembourg Gardens are magical in November. The trees glow gold and orange, kids sail their little boats in the fountain, and Parisians cozy up with books on the benches. It’s one of those places where you feel like you’re part of local life.

• Opening hours: 7:30 am – 5:00 pm in November (longer hours in summer)
• Entry: Free

Pro tip: Don’t miss the Medici Fountain tucked on the northeast side of the gardens—it’s peaceful and photogenic, especially with fallen leaves scattered around.If you want to skip the lines and make your visit hassle-free, book tickets and Paris tours easily on Viator.

Where to Eat and Drink

Babylone Bis

We had terrific African food at Babylone Bis. The walls are lined with photos of stars like Marvin Gaye and Rihanna, adding to the lively energy. Although celebrities often visit, the prices aren’t Hollywood prices! The average meal price (starter and main course) is approximately €42 per person ($45). 

The restaurant felt like the perfect spot to eat after a long, fun night exploring Paris. Babylone Bis is open Tuesday through Sunday from 8:00 PM to 4:00 AM, making it ideal for late-night cravings.

Le Bellevilloise Café

Visiting Le Bellevilloise Café for its Jazz Brunch was a relaxing, non-touristy experience. For around $33, we enjoyed an all-you-can-eat buffet with fresh, homemade-tasting dishes. The café is popular with locals, so reservations are a must. 

The combination of good food and live jazz made it feel like a special Parisian Sunday. Brunch is served on Saturdays and Sundays at 11:30 AM and 2:00 PM.

Le Comptoir du Relais

For a classic Parisian experience, Le Comptoir du Relais in the 6th arrondissement is beloved for its traditional French cuisine and warm, intimate atmosphere. Dining here typically costs around €50 per person ($53 USD), with lunch menus starting at €18 ($19 USD) and dinner menus around €60 ($64 USD). 

Here, you can enjoy classic French dishes, such as duck confit or escargots, while soaking in the cozy bistro ambiance. It tends to get busy, so I recommend reserving a spot to ensure you don’t miss out.

Le Procope

If you want to soak in a bit of Parisian history while dining, Le Procope, established in 1686, is the oldest café in Paris. This historic spot serves traditional French cuisine in a setting that feels straight out of a storybook. 

A three-course meal averages €65 per person ($70), and you can enjoy classics like onion soup or coq au vin while imagining the famous thinkers and writers who once dined here. It’s usually busy, so I’d suggest booking ahead—it’s worth it for the experience.

Pro-tip: Skip the stress of reservations and long waits. Book a Paris restaurant experience with Viator for a hassle-free way to enjoy local cuisine and hidden gems.

Nightlife in November

This trip, we didn’t party as much as we did during our first European adventure—turns out, the recovery time in your late 20s is very different from that in your early 20s! Our one-party night was a Saturday, and we kicked things off at Le Pigalle to pregame. The DJ was excellent, the drinks were strong, and the stylish, vibrant décor made the space feel lively.

After Pigalle, we grabbed a quick bite and headed to Jāngäl, where we danced the night away. The music was incredible, and the crowd had the best energy.

Even if you’re not into clubbing, Paris in November at night has its own charm. Walking along the Seine with the lights shimmering on the water or wandering through Montmartre after sunset feels cozy and a little romantic—a slower, softer way to enjoy the city once the crowds have gone.

Pro- tips: Saturday nights are the best for nightlife. Dress codes are usually smart-casual—think stylish but comfortable, especially if you plan to dance. Arriving early can help you skip long entry lines, and keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded spots.

Sample 5-Day Paris in November Itinerary

➡️ Day 1: Arrive, settle into your neighborhood, and take a gentle evening walk along the Seine to get your first taste of Parisian charm.

➡️ Day 2: Visit the Eiffel Tower during the day, explore the Louvre in the afternoon, and finish with a holiday market in the evening to soak in the festive spirit.

➡️ Day 3: Wander through Montmartre, check out the Pigalle Basketball Court, hop between cozy cafés, and enjoy a night out at Le Pigalle.

➡️ Day 4 (Thanksgiving): Start with a morning stroll, visit a museum or gallery, then enjoy a special dinner—whether American-style or French, it’s a great excuse to savor the season.

➡️ Day 5: Spend your last day shopping, exploring the historic covered passages, and savoring one final croissant before heading home.

Budget and Money Tips

Paris isn’t the cheapest city, but November can actually save you money. Flights and hotels are generally less expensive than in peak summer. I mostly used my card everywhere and managed to get by without withdrawing any Euros, since most places accept credit and debit cards.

A few smaller cafés or bakeries may still require a minimum card payment (sometimes around € 10/$11), so it’s helpful to carry a small amount of cash for minor purchases, such as a croissant or espresso. 

For most transactions, especially in tourist areas and larger establishments, cards are widely accepted with no minimum charge, making it easy to pay as you go.

Final Thoughts: Paris in November

My quick holiday getaway to Paris was such a treat. It was wonderful to revisit some of my favorite spots in the city while discovering new places along the way. Celebrating Thanksgiving in Paris reminded me that gratitude doesn’t always have to follow tradition—it can be found in the simple moments and the company around you.

If you’re thinking about a trip this late fall, Paris in November is the perfect time to enjoy a quieter, more relaxed city. Pack your warm clothes, bring an open heart, and get ready to experience the City of Light in all its seasonal beauty.

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