Paris in September – the Best Sites and Events (2024)
Things to do in Paris in September
I had an amazing opportunity to tag along with my husband on a work trip to the French Capital. While he traveled to Angers, France with his company, I had time to explore the sites of Paris on my own. Paris is a welcoming city for solo travelers, and a lot was going on during September which seemed to be one of the best times of year here. Paris Fashion Week was occurring, which was exciting for me, and there was a certain je ne sais quoi in the air.
September is a great time to visit Paris; the weather was spectacular with the average temperatures in the 70’s. We experienced warm days and mostly sunny weather with just a little bit of rain. Our visit was in late September, and I actually spent my birthday on October 1 under the Eiffel Tower’s sparkling lights. In this post, I will outline the most popular attractions, the best ways to book tickets and avoid lines, and also review the best events during the month of September.
1. Eiffel Tower
Navigating the Eiffel Tower in September requires strategic planning, even as the summer crowds begin to dwindle. To bypass long waits, my top recommendation is to book a skip-the-line guided tour when purchasing tickets for Paris attractions.
Our visit to the Eiffel Tower highlighted the significance of timing in travel plans. Unfortunately, our scheduled tour had to be canceled due to an unexpected twist – Paris Fashion Week was in full swing. The city pulsated with energy as crowds flocked to witness the prominent fashion show occurring that evening, leading our guide to cancel our summit excursion.
But you know what? There’s a bright side to this whole unexpected situation. A lot of the tour companies in Paris are pretty flexible when it comes to last-minute changes. Many of them let you cancel and get your money back in cases like this, which is a huge relief.
It just goes to show that while timing is important, being able to roll with the punches and adjust your plans on the fly is just as crucial when you’re exploring a city as lively and unpredictable as Paris. It’s all part of the adventure, right? And knowing that you have some flexibility takes a bit of the pressure off, so you can focus on enjoying the experience, even if it doesn’t go exactly according to plan.
The two best tour companies to go to the summit of the Eiffel Tower I found in Paris are Viator and Get Your Guide. There are different types of tours available like a Seine River Cruise Combo, Summit tours by Elevator, Fully Guided, or Audio Tours.
Link to Guided Skip the Line Tours to the Summit of the Eiffel Tower
2. Paris Fashion Week
Because we were there at the end of the month, I was in Paris on my birthday, October 1, 2023. This happened to be when the L’Oréal Paris Fashion Show took place under the Eiffel Tower due to Fashion Week. Although the event was open to the public, I didn’t manage to get in line early enough to secure a spot. Nevertheless, the atmosphere beneath the Eiffel Tower was electric. I enjoyed a magical evening alone, sitting beneath the illuminated tower with a beer and a hot dog, observing people, and listening to live music. The Eiffel Tower, especially in the evening, is always worth exploring, regardless of the time, you’ll see why Paris is called the city of light.
Paris is a bit more crowded during Fashion Week but it was also really exciting too. It was worth strolling by the Ritz Paris, where you might get a glimpse of a celebrity (if that’s your thing). We saw some fashion models here and paparazzi. If you are here in September during this week, just plan and make sure there isn’t an event at an attraction during the time you want to be there to avoid big crowds or canceled tours like ours.
Paris Fashion Week 2024 is scheduled for Mon, Sep 23, 2024 – Tue, Oct 1, 2024.
3. Arc de Triomphe
Skip the ticket line and climb to the top
During my solo sightseeing adventure, I climbed the stairs to the top of the Arc de Triomphe. Undeniably this was worth every step as what a spectacular view it offered! I had wisely secured a mobile ticket in advance through Viator. This is a practice I highly recommend for entry to this attraction, as the ticket line was notably lengthy. Booking advanced tickets to this Paris attraction is a must! Thanks to this preparation, I strolled right up to the entrance. The effort of climbing those stairs was entirely justified by the magnificent view that awaited me!
Additionally, for us shoppers, there was the best gift shop as you come down!
Viator also has several tour options.
4. Sacre-Coeur Basilic
Sacre Coeur holds a special place in my heart. Walking up here reminded me of my dad, Wally, who took me here during my teenage years. He had a deep appreciation for visiting churches and reveling in their beauty.
My husband was with me for this and we hiked to the top after eating the best hamburger I’ve ever had. After the steep climb, we discovered there was a funicular, which peeved my husband as the climb wore him out. Going inside takes your breath away. I lit a candle in memory of my dad and the experience was truly beautiful. Finally, the only drawback was witnessing numerous people taking photos despite clear signs urging respect for those in prayer.
Sacre-Coeur is free to enter and the line wasn’t long despite the crowds. There are walking tours available to see Sacre Coeur as well as the Montmartre neighborhood.
Link to great tours to Sacre-Coeur
5. Moulin Rouge
Another great landmark in the Montmartre district is the Moulin Rouge, the famous cabaret in Paris. I love the iconic exterior of this building. Visiting the Moulin Rouge in September can provide a unique experience as the summer crowds begin to taper off, making it more manageable to secure tickets or reservations with fewer crowds. Additionally, the pleasant weather during September enhances the overall enjoyment of the evening. When visiting the Moulin Rouge, it is advisable to book tickets in advance to ensure you can secure a spot and avoid any last-minute disappointments. It’s important to note that the Moulin Rouge has a formal dress code, so attendees should wear an evening dress or suit for men.
Click here to book tickets to the Moulin Rouge
6. Opéra Garnier
The Opera Garnier is truly breathtaking, with its intricate and stunning design. My solo visit was worth it and I had booked tickets to this attraction beforehand. To my surprise, this place is a haven for those who love capturing moments for what seems to be social media. There were people scattered about in glamorous gowns making it a perfect backdrop for a photoshoot.
To see the Opera Garnier, I used a mobile timed entry ticket. I’d recommend a guided tour as the building is vast, and I found myself wandering.
Links to the Guided Tour can be Found Here
7. Louvre Museum
The Louvre is undeniably spectacular and a beautiful place. It is one of the world’s most famous museums with one of the most famous works of art, the Mona Lisa. The Mona Lisa often falls victim to its hype, drawing crowds of people eager to snap selfies, you’ll have to navigate your way to see this carefully and with patience. Amidst the crowds, it’s easy to overlook one of the most impressive aspects of the Louvre: the exquisitely detailed ceilings that adorn the museum’s interior. These intricate ceilings are a hidden treasure, offering a captivating and often under-appreciated glimpse into the artistic grandeur of the Louvre.
For an efficient entrance to the Louvre, it’s highly recommended to secure a timed entry ticket. This method allows for a relatively swift entry process even during busy periods with minimal time spent waiting in line.
Link to Timed Entry Tickets to See the Louvre
An easier way to see the Mona Lisa is through a Skip the Line Guided Tour to the Mona Lisa, letting the experts guide you is a great way to see the best of the Louvre.
Link to the Skip the Line Masterpieces Fully Guided Tour
8. Seine River Cruise or Dinner Cruise
With the wonderful weather in September and as we say goodbye to the summer months, it just may be the best time to take a Seine River cruise. A River Seine cruise is an excellent activity, and a dinner cruise can be an amazing way to experience Paris under the enchanting lights of the City of Romance. Dinner cruises typically offer gourmet meals with a blend of traditional French dishes and international cuisine. Whether you opt for a daytime or nighttime cruise, both provide a perfect time to admire iconic Paris landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Louvre Museum.
Click here to book a Seine River Dinner Cruise
9. Musée d’Orsay
The Musée d’Orsay, another renowned museum in Paris, is a must-see. Located on the left bank of the Seine River, it contains a remarkable art collection that includes works by renowned artists like Monet, Van Gogh, Degas, and Renoir. The museum is particularly celebrated for housing some of the world’s most famous Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces. Its location along the Seine River adds to the picturesque setting, making it an ideal destination for exploration. Walking along the Seine was one of my favorite outside activities in Paris.
Click here for Tickets and Tours to the Musée d’Orsay
10. Food Tours
Here are some top tours for foodies in Paris.
- Montmartre Hill Sweet & Savory French Gourmet Food & Wine Tasting Tour
- Paris Walking Food Tour
- Le Marais Paris The Original District Food and Wine Tasting Tour
Paris Wine Tasting plus Cheese Lunch with an Expert Sommelier Guide
11. Other Popular Events in September
There are other cultural events throughout September to enjoy. Below is a list of some notable ones you may not want to miss with links to more info and 2024 dates.
- Jazz à la Villette
- Wednesday, August 28, 2024 – Sunday, September 8, 2024 – Estimated date!
- Paris Design Week
- September 5-9, 2024
- European Heritage Days (Journées du Patrimoine)
- September 21 and 22, 2024
- Techno Parade
- September 22, 2024 (Date to be confirmed)
- Fête des Jardins
- September 2024
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the average temperatures in September in Paris?
The September weather is quite nice and typically sunny though you can expect some rain.
Does it rain a lot in Paris in September?
September typically experiences a moderate amount of precipitation, and occasional light rain showers are possible. While it’s not the rainiest month and there are more sunny days, it’s a good idea to be prepared for an occasional rainy day.
What should I pack for Paris in September?
Click here for my Packing List for Europe in September
When does the fall foliage change colors?
In Paris, a good time to see the fall foliage usually begins in late October and continues through November. However, the timing can vary depending on the weather conditions each year. I was hoping to see the colors changing when I was there in late September but they had not started at this time yet.
