The Traveling Vet Girl

Call me basic, but I love all things fall. Pumpkins, autumn candle scents, cozy sweaters, and that cool crispness in the air that just can’t be properly described – I can’t get enough! No longer boiling hot, tan lines long gone, but not yet so cold that my face hurts. It’s my favorite time of the year! It is also the perfect time of the year to travel. And where better to travel in the best season than to my favorite city – Paris! Autumn is arguably the best season to experience the enchanting French capital.  Paris in the fall should be on everyone’s travel list!

Colors

Burnt oranges, subdued yellows and greens becoming browns – J’adore! Parisian gardens turn into autumnal wonderlands during the months of September and October. Iconic landmarks become even more picturesque in the fall. Be sure to stop by the Notre Dame in the late evening, when the golden hour sun makes the colors even more beautiful!

Price

Traveling in low season to any destination means cheaper flights. While fall may not be the least busy season in Paris, flights are exceptionally cheaper compared to summertime. My direct flight last October cost me only ~$500 round trip from Chicago to Paris. Expect to pay twice that in the summer for the same flight. Hotels also tend to charge more during the high season, so by traveling in the off season, you can save a lot of money.

Crowds

Low season also means fewer tourists. And fewer people are always a great thing! Lines are inevitable to popular sites like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and the Notre Dame, but they will definitely be shorter than the lines in summer, and with less sweating while waiting. Many tourists tend to vacation in the summer, especially Americans, so attractions, transportation, and lodging are packed, which can mean more time waiting, and less time having fun.

Food

Fall in Paris is a great time to indulge in heartier French foods that you may not be inclined to eat during a scorching summer day. Soups and stews are popular dishes and will fill you up after a day of sightseeing. Even steak frites seems to taste better on a cool autumn day. It is usually still nice enough outside to enjoy dinner outside as the French do, on the terrace watching passersby.

Weather

Ah, fall weather. It is cool enough to be able to wear my favorite dresses with leggings, but not so cold a large puffy coat covers everything. Paris temperatures in October are mild, ranging from 40F to 60F. While there are still chances of rain, many days in October are sunny. During my trip the second week of October, I had 4 days of sunshine with temperatures in the low 60s. It was perfect for exploring the city. Although the weather can change no matter where you are, definitely don’t let it deter you from booking a perfect getaway to Paris in the fall!

Have you been to Paris in the fall?  When is your favorite time to travel?