Best time to visit Paris

Best Time to Visit Paris: A Month-by-Month Guide to Perfect Travel

Introduction

Imagine the first morning light catching the gilded dome of Les Invalides, or the last rays of a summer sun setting the Seine ablaze in molten gold. This is Paris, a city whose very soul shifts and shimmers with the seasons. Choosing the best time to visit Paris is not merely a logistical decision; it is the first step in composing your own unforgettable symphony of experiences in the City of Light. A trip in the hushed, crystalline air of January is a fundamentally different journey from one taken amidst the riotous bloom of May or the festive glow of December. Timing transforms a checklist of sights into a living, breathing memory, aligning your desires with the city's eternal rhythm.

This guide is your key to unlocking that perfect alignment. We will navigate the delicate balance of elements that define your journey: the capricious dance of Parisian weather, from misty mornings to sun-drenched afternoons; the ebb and flow of crowds that can mean the difference between a solitary moment with Monet's water lilies and a shuffling queue; the fluctuation of prices that dictates the luxury of your stay; and, most importantly, the spectacular calendar of events that gives each month its unique heartbeat. Whether you dream of picnicking in the Luxembourg Gardens, discovering a hidden courtyard draped in autumn vines, or toasting with champagne under a starry sky, understanding the city's seasonal personality is paramount. Let us embark on a cinematic journey through the Parisian year, frame by frame, to find the moment when the city will speak directly to your traveler's heart.

Paris Weather Overview by Season

Parisian weather is a character in its own right, a subtle yet powerful force that paints the city in different moods. Understanding its seasonal arcs is crucial for planning your best time to visit Paris. Spring (March-May) is a season of gentle awakening. Temperatures climb from cool averages of 10°C (50°F) in March to a pleasant 18°C (64°F) by May. Rain is frequent but often light—brief, sparkling showers that give way to brilliant sunshine, making the city's famous gardens explode in color. Humidity is moderate, and the air carries the fresh scent of blooming chestnut trees. It is a season of soft light and hopeful energy.

Summer (June-August) brings warmth and vibrancy, with average highs reaching 24-25°C (75-77°F), though heatwaves can push thermometers past 30°C (86°F). Days are long, with sunlight lingering until nearly 10 PM. Rainfall is less frequent but can arrive in dramatic summer thunderstorms. Humidity can be noticeable, making the shade of a sidewalk café a welcome refuge. Autumn (September-November) is arguably the most painterly season. Starting with mild, golden days in September (19°C/66°F), it gradually cools to a crisp 9°C (48°F) in November. Rainfall increases, particularly in October, but this only enhances the romantic atmosphere, with fallen leaves carpeting the boulevards in ochre and gold. Winter (December-February) is cold and damp, with average highs around 7°C (45°F) and lows dipping near 2°C (36°F). Snow is rare but magical. Gray skies are common, but they provide a stark, beautiful contrast to the city's luminous architecture and festive holiday decorations, creating an intimate, introspective ambiance.

Month-by-Month Breakdown

January

Weather Snapshot: High: 7°C (45°F), Low: 2°C (36°F). Rain is likely, with overcast skies dominating. Days are short, with dusk falling by 5 PM.

Crowd Levels & Atmosphere: Deep off-season. Tourist crowds have vanished, leaving the city to its residents. The atmosphere is calm, authentic, and slightly austere—a true "local's Paris."

Key Events: The city is quiet post-New Year, but winter sales ("Les Soldes") begin mid-month, sparking a shopping frenzy in the grands magasins.

Hotel Price Ranges: $ - $$. Exceptional deals are available at all levels, from boutique hotels to luxury palaces.

Best Activities: Cozying up in historic cafés like Café de Flore with a book. Exploring world-class museums (Louvre, d'Orsay) with minimal queues. Attending a classical concert at Sainte-Chapelle.

Perfect for: The introspective traveler, the culture vulture, and the budget-conscious shopper seeking an unfiltered Parisian experience.

February

Weather Snapshot: High: 8°C (46°F), Low: 2°C (36°F). Similar to January, with a persistent chill. The occasional sunny day feels like a gift.

Crowd Levels & Atmosphere: Still very quiet, with a slight uptick around Valentine's Day. The city feels intimate and romantic in a raw, uncurated way.

Key Events: Valentine's Day is celebrated with gusto. The Chinese New Year parade in the 13th arrondissement brings vibrant color. Paris Fashion Week (ready-to-wear) often occurs late in the month.

Hotel Price Ranges: $ - $$. Prices remain low, though may spike for Valentine's weekend.

Best Activities: A romantic cruise on the Seine with blankets and champagne. Indulging in hot chocolate at Angelina. Discovering covered passages like Galerie Vivienne.

Perfect for: Couples seeking a deeply romantic, crowd-free getaway, and fashion enthusiasts drawn to the buzz of Fashion Week.

March

Weather Snapshot: High: 12°C (54°F), Low: 4°C (39°F). Unpredictable. You may experience chilly rain, brilliant sun, or both in one day. Signs of spring emerge.

Crowd Levels & Atmosphere: The tourist season begins to stir. Crowds are manageable, a mix of early-bird travelers and Parisians emerging from winter.

Key Events: The Paris Half-Marathon. The Foire du Trône funfair begins late March at the Bois de Vincennes.

Hotel Price Ranges: $$ - $$$. A noticeable rise from winter, but still reasonable.

Best Activities: Witnessing the first blooms in the Tuileries Garden. Day trips to Versailles as its gardens awaken. Exploring the vibrant street art in Belleville.

Perfect for: The optimistic traveler who doesn't mind a little rain for the reward of spring's first whispers and lower prices.

April

Weather Snapshot: High: 16°C (61°F), Low: 7°C (45°F). Truly spring-like. Days are longer, but April showers are a real phenomenon—always carry a light umbrella.

Crowd Levels & Atmosphere: Busy, especially around Easter. School holidays bring European families. The city feels energetic and hopeful.

Key Events: Easter celebrations and markets. Marathon de Paris. The famous Poisson d'Avril (April Fools') tradition.

Hotel Price Ranges: $$$ - $$$$. Prices climb significantly during school holidays. Book well in advance.

Best Activities: Strolling beneath the cherry blossoms at Parc de Sceaux or the Square Jean XXIII behind Notre-Dame. Visiting the outdoor markets for spring produce like asparagus and strawberries.

Perfect for: Garden lovers, runners, and families able to travel during the Easter break.

May

Weather Snapshot: High: 19°C (66°F), Low: 10°C (50°F). Glorious. The air is mild, the light is exquisite, and the city is in full bloom. Evenings are cool and perfect for a light jacket.

Crowd Levels & Atmosphere: Very busy. The start of the peak tourist season. The atmosphere is jubilant, with Parisians and visitors alike spilling onto terraces.

Key Events: Numerous public holidays (Labour Day, VE Day) mean some closures but also festive moods. The French Open (Roland-Garros) begins late May. Nuit des Musées.

Hotel Price Ranges: $$$ - $$$$. At peak levels. Demand is extremely high.

Best Activities: Picnicking in the Champ de Mars with views of the Eiffel Tower. Taking a day trip to Giverny to see Monet's garden. Exploring the hidden vineyards of Montmartre.

Perfect for: Photographers, romantics, and anyone who wants to experience Paris in its most classically beautiful state, crowds notwithstanding.

June

Weather Snapshot: High: 23°C (73°F), Low: 13°C (55°F). Summer arrives. Days are long and luminous, with sunset after 9:30 PM. Warm, with occasional hot spells.

Crowd Levels & Atmosphere: Peak season in full swing. The city is thrumming with international tourists. Reservations for everything are essential.

Key Events: The iconic Fête de la Musique on June 21st, with free music on every corner. Paris Pride Parade. The French Open concludes.

Hotel Price Ranges: $$$$ - Peak prices. Luxury hotels often require minimum stays.

Best Activities: Evening strolls along the illuminated Seine. Dining at an open-air bistro until late. Attending an outdoor film screening at Parc de la Villette.

Perfect for: Night owls, music lovers, and travelers who thrive on vibrant, high-energy urban atmospheres.

July

Weather Snapshot: High: 25°C (77°F), Low: 15°C (59°F). Warm to hot. Heatwaves can occur. Evenings are balmy. Thunderstorms provide dramatic relief.

Crowd Levels & Atmosphere: Extremely crowded, but with a twist: many Parisians leave for their own holidays, shifting the dynamic slightly. The city feels like a global playground.

Key Events: Bastille Day (July 14th) with its military parade on the Champs-Élysées and spectacular fireworks at the Eiffel Tower. The Tour de France finale on the Champs-Élysées. Paris Plages, where riverbanks transform into beaches.

Hotel Price Ranges: $$$$ - Remains at peak.

Best Activities: Watching the Bastille Day fireworks from the Trocadéro gardens. Lounging on the artificial sands of Paris Plages. Taking a sunset cruise to see the city lights come alive.

Perfect for: Festival-goers, families on summer break, and those wanting to experience France's biggest national celebration.

August

Weather Snapshot: High: 25°C (77°F), Low: 15°C (59°F). Similar to July, often the hottest month. The city can feel sultry, with occasional intense heat.

Crowd Levels & Atmosphere: A paradox. Tourist crowds are thick at major sights, but many local shops and restaurants close for the annual "congés d'été" (summer break), giving parts of the city a strangely quiet, almost vacant feel.

Key Events: Paris Plages continues. Rock en Seine festival at the end of the month. Outdoor cinema festivals.

Hotel Price Ranges: $$$ - $$$$. Slight dip possible late in the month as peak season wanes.

Best Activities: Escaping the heat in the air-conditioned depths of the Catacombs. Exploring neighborhoods like Le Marais, where more boutiques stay open. Day trips to coastal Normandy.

Perfect for: Travelers who plan meticulously (checking closures) and enjoy a slightly slower, sun-drenched pace amidst the tourist throngs.

September

Weather Snapshot: High: 21°C (70°F), Low: 12°C (54°F). Arguably the finest weather. Warm, sunny days, cool evenings, and gentle light. The "Indian Summer" is a real possibility.

Crowd Levels & Atmosphere: Still busy, but thinning out after Labour Day. A sophisticated, "back-to-business" energy returns as Parisians come home. The cultural season reignites.

Key Events: The Journées du Patrimoine (European Heritage Days) open normally closed monuments. Paris Design Week. Fashion Week returns.

Hotel Price Ranges: $$$ - $$$$. Remains high but begins to soften in late September.

Best Activities: Wine tasting at the annual Fête des Vendanges de Montmartre. Long walks along the Canal Saint-Martin. Visiting the vineyards in Montmartre during the harvest festival.

Perfect for: Discerning travelers, food and wine enthusiasts, and those seeking a balance of great weather and receding crowds.

October

Weather Snapshot: High: 16°C (61°F), Low: 8°C (46°F). Autumn in full display. Crisp air, golden light, and increasing rainfall. Perfect sweater weather.

Crowd Levels & Atmosphere: Shoulder season. Crowds are manageable, creating a more relaxed pace. The city dons its autumn colors, offering a profoundly romantic setting.

Key Events: Nuit Blanche, an all-night contemporary art festival. The Salon du Chocolat for sweet-toothed visitors. Halloween is observed in some bars and shops.

Hotel Price Ranges: $$ - $$$. A significant and welcome drop from summer peaks.

Best Activities: Getting lost in the fallen leaves of the Luxembourg Gardens. Visiting museums as the cultural calendar gets busy. Cozying up in a wine bar in the Latin Quarter.

Perfect for: Romantics, art lovers, and photographers captivated by autumn's palette and atmospheric mists.

November

Weather Snapshot: High: 10°C (50°F), Low: 5°C (41°F). Cold, damp, and gray. Daylight is scarce, but this accentuates the warmth of indoor havens. A true atmospheric month.

Crowd Levels & Atmosphere: Quiet, the calm before the holiday storm. The city turns inward, offering a moody, contemplative charm. Ideal for museum-going and café culture.

Key Events: The Armistice Day ceremony at the Arc de Triomphe. The launch of the Christmas markets at the end of the month. The Beaujolais Nouveau release on the third Thursday.

Hotel Price Ranges: $ - $$. Excellent value returns, especially early in the month.

Best Activities: Sipping the year's first Beaujolais in a bustling bistro. Exploring the covered arcades like Passage des Panoramas. Spending hours in the Musée d'Orsay or the Centre Pompidou.

Perfect for: Budget travelers, oenophiles, and lovers of moody, atmospheric cities who find beauty in rain-slicked cobblestones.

December

Weather Snapshot: High: 7°C (45°F), Low: 3°C (37°F). Winter cold sets in. The possibility of a magical, light dusting of snow exists. Days are short, but the city compensates with light.

Crowd Levels & Atmosphere: Crowds return for the holidays, peaking between Christmas and New Year. The atmosphere is pure magic—festive, sparkling, and deeply enchanting.

Key Events: Ubiquitous Christmas markets (Notre-Dame, Champs-Élysées). Spectacular department store window displays. New Year's Eve celebrations along the Champs-Élysées and at the Eiffel Tower.

Hotel Price Ranges: $$ - $$$$. Prices surge for the Christmas/New Year period, but early December can still offer good value.

Best Activities: Ice skating at the Grand Palais or the Eiffel Tower. Shopping for gifts at the Christmas markets. Enjoying a festive "réveillon" meal on Christmas Eve.

Perfect for: Families, holiday enthusiasts, and anyone who believes in the magic of Christmas, seeking a dazzling, festive experience.

Peak vs. Shoulder vs. Off-Season Analysis

Decoding the best time to visit Paris requires understanding the three distinct travel seasons. Peak Season (June-August) offers the quintessential Parisian summer: long, luminous days, vibrant street life, and major festivals like Bastille Day. The weather is reliably warm, ideal for outdoor dining and river cruises. However, this comes at a cost. Crowds are intense at every major monument, with queues snaking for hours. Hotel and flight prices hit their annual zenith, and the heat can be oppressive during occasional heatwaves. The atmosphere, while energetic, can feel more like an international tourist hub than an intimate Parisian experience. It's a trade-off: maximum daylight and events for maximum expense and company.

Shoulder Seasons (April-May & September-October) are the golden mean for many. Spring and autumn provide arguably the most beautiful weather—mild, pleasant, and perfect for exploration. Crowds are present but manageable, especially if you avoid Easter and French school holidays. Prices, while not cheap, are more reasonable than in summer. The cultural calendar is rich, from spring gardens to autumn wine festivals. The light is photographer's gold, and the city feels authentically alive. The primary con is weather unpredictability, particularly in April and October, where rain is a frequent companion. Off-Season (November-March, excluding holidays) is the realm of the connoisseur. You'll find deeply discounted flights and hotels, and you can have the Louvre's Mona Lisa or a quiet corner of Montmartre almost to yourself. The city's moody, atmospheric winter beauty is profound, and the holiday season (December) is uniquely magical. The trade-off is undeniable: short days, cold, often damp weather, and some seasonal closures. Yet, for those who prioritize culture, value, and an authentic local vibe over perfect weather, this can be the most rewarding time of all.

Best Time for Specific Traveler Types

Best for Budget Travelers: Your sweet spot is deep winter (January, early February, November) and late autumn (late October). This is when airfares and accommodation prices plummet. Embrace the cozy indoor life of museums, historic libraries, and atmospheric cafés. The lack of crowds means more spontaneous discoveries without the price tag.

Best for Honeymooners: For classic romance, May and September are unparalleled. The weather is ideal for strolls and outdoor dinners, the gardens are in bloom or turning gold, and the light is eternally flattering. Shoulder season crowds are manageable for creating intimate moments. For a cozier, festive romance, early December offers magical Christmas markets and sparkling lights.

Best for Families: Summer (July-August) aligns with school breaks and offers long days for sightseeing, plus kid-friendly events like Paris Plages and Bastille Day fireworks. However, consider late June or very late August to avoid the absolute peak crowds. The Easter break in April is another option, though cooler.

Best for Culture Seekers: Target the shoulder and off-seasons. September and October see the reopening of the cultural calendar with new exhibitions, opera, and ballet seasons. October's Nuit Blanche is a highlight. Winter months offer empty museums and a chance to dive deep into art without the summer shuffle.

Best for Outdoor Adventurers: Late spring (May, early June) and early autumn (September) provide perfect conditions for extensive walking, cycling along the Canal de l'Ourcq, or taking day trips to the forests surrounding Paris. The weather is comfortable for all-day exploration, and the natural scenery within and beyond the city is at its peak.

Money-Saving Timing Strategies

Mastering the art of timing can make your dream trip to Paris surprisingly affordable. The single biggest lever is when you travel. Flying mid-week (Tuesday-Thursday) is consistently cheaper than weekends. For accommodations, target Sunday-Thursday nights, as business hotels often drop prices when their corporate clients leave. Booking windows are critical: for flights, aim to book 2-4 months in advance for summer travel, and be flexible with nearby airports (Orly, Beauvais, CDG). Use fare alert tools religiously. For hotels, last-minute deals can be found in off-season, but for peak times, book 6+ months ahead to secure the best rates at desirable locations.

Leverage local transportation hacks. Upon arrival, buy a "carnet" of 10 Metro tickets or a weekly "Navigo Découverte" pass if staying from Monday-Sunday. Walking is, of course, free and the best way to discover the city. Dining smartly saves euros: opt for the "prix-fixe" lunch menu at dinner restaurants—often the same food at half the price. Shop at local markets for picnic ingredients. Consider staying in less-touristy arrondissements like the 11th, 12th, or 19th, where hotel rates are lower and you'll experience a more authentic neighborhood vibe. Finally, many of Paris's greatest pleasures—people-watching from a park bench, admiring architecture, window-shopping—cost absolutely nothing. Prioritize these experiences to stretch your budget further.

Festival & Events Calendar

Paris's event calendar is a powerful magnet, shaping the city's energy and your experience. Timing your visit around these spectacles can define your trip. Spring kicks off with the Paris Half-Marathon in March, followed by the joyous Fête de la Musique on June 21st, a city-wide free concert that is pure magic. Summer is dominated by the national spectacle of Bastille Day (July 14) and the athletic drama of the Tour de France finale and the French Open (May-June). Paris Plages transforms the Seine banks into a beach for all of July and August.

Autumn brings a sophisticated cultural revival. The Nuit Blanche contemporary art festival in October turns the city into an all-night gallery. The Fête des Vendanges de Montmartre celebrates the harvest of Paris's last vineyard with parades and tastings. The Journées du Patrimoine in September unlocks palaces, government buildings, and private mansions rarely open to the public. Winter culminates in the enchanting holiday season. From late November, Christmas markets sprout across the city, with dazzling light displays on the Champs-Élysées and grand magasins. New Year's Eve, while crowded, offers a celebratory atmosphere centered on the Arc de Triomphe. Planning around these events requires booking accommodations far in advance, but the reward is a Paris pulsing with shared celebration and unique access.

Practical Monthly Packing Guides

Packing for Paris is an exercise in layered elegance and practicality. The golden rule: always pack a lightweight, packable umbrella, regardless of the season. Spring (March-May): Think layers. A trench coat is your best friend. Pack long-sleeve shirts, light sweaters, a scarf for chilly mornings, comfortable walking shoes (stylish sneakers or ankle boots), and perhaps one dressier outfit. A light pashmina can dress up an outfit and provide warmth. Summer (June-August): Lightweight, breathable fabrics (linen, cotton). Sundresses, shorts, polo shirts. A light jacket or cardigan for cooler evenings and over-air-conditioned interiors. Sunglasses, a sunhat, and sunscreen are non-negotiable. Comfortable sandals and walking shoes.

Autumn (September-November): The season of the chic coat. A wool blend trench, a leather jacket, or a stylish wool coat. Sweaters, jeans, long-sleeve tops, and versatile boots. Scarves become both a fashion statement and a necessity. Waterproof footwear is wise for October and November's rain. Winter (December-February): Bundle up. A warm, insulated coat (down is ideal), gloves, a wool hat, and a substantial scarf. Thermal underlayers are discreet and effective. Waterproof boots with good traction for potentially slick cobblestones. The key is looking polished while staying warm—opt for dark, classic colors that blend in. Regardless of season, bring one slightly dressier outfit for a nice dinner or a night at the opera.

Sample 7-Day Itineraries by Season

Spring Itinerary: Celebrate renewal. Day 1-2: Classic icons—Eiffel Tower, Seine cruise, Arc de Triomphe. Day 3: A day trip to Versailles to witness the gardens awakening. Day 4: Montmartre & Sacré-Coeur, exploring the hidden vineyard. Day 5: The Marais for shopping and the Place des Vosges. Day 6: Musée d'Orsay and a picnic in the Tuileries among tulips. Day 7: Luxembourg Gardens and a farewell dinner in Saint-Germain-des-Prés.

Summer Itinerary: Embrace the light. Day 1-2: Louvre (book early), evening picnic at Champ de Mars. Day 3: Bastille area and a stroll along the Coulée Verte. Day 4: Day trip to Giverny for Monet's garden. Day 5: Relax at Paris Plages, evening bike ride along the Seine. Day 6: Latin Quarter and a visit to the Panthéon. Day 7: Shopping in Saint-Germain and a final sunset cruise.

Autumn Itinerary: Seek atmosphere. Day 1-2: Notre-Dame area, Sainte-Chapelle, cozy café in Île Saint-Louis. Day 3: Pere Lachaise Cemetery under autumn leaves. Day 4: Day trip to Fontainebleau forest. Day 5: Musée de l'Orangerie and a walk through the Tuileries in golden light. Day 6: Canal Saint-Martin exploration and vintage shopping. Day 7: Wine bar hopping in the 11th arrondissement.

Winter Itinerary: Find warmth and light. Day 1-2: Christmas markets, Galeries Lafayette dome, evening at Palais Garnier. Day 3: The Louvre and Musée des Arts Décoratifs. Day 4: Montmartre, exploring its cozy squares and cafes. Day 5: Day trip to the Champagne region. Day 6: Musée d'Orsay, followed by hot chocolate at Angelina. Day 7: Le Marais for Sunday vibes and falafel, evening ice skating.

Conclusion

So, when is the absolute best time to visit Paris? The answer, beautifully, lies with you. If your soul yearns for long, golden days, vibrant street life, and iconic festivals, embrace the bustling peak of summer, armed with advance bookings and patience. If your ideal Paris is painted in the soft pastels of blooming chestnuts or the rich gold of falling leaves, with a perfect balance of comfort and crowd, then the shoulder months of May or September will be your masterpiece. And if you are a seeker of authenticity, value, and the profound, moody beauty of a city in introspection, then the quiet, crisp months of winter will reveal a Paris few tourists truly know. Each season holds a different key to the City of Light. Prioritize your personal trinity of weather, budget, and crowd tolerance, and you will unlock the Paris that is waiting for you. No matter the month, Paris is always a good idea, but with the right timing, it can be the idea of a lifetime.

FAQ - Best Time to Visit Paris

What is the absolute worst time to visit Paris?

There is no objectively "worst" time, as each season has its charm. However, the most challenging period for many is mid-July to mid-August. Crowds are at their absolute peak, prices are highest, the heat can be oppressive, and many local shops and restaurants close for holiday, which can diminish the authentic Parisian atmosphere. If you dislike intense crowds and heat, this period might be best avoided.

Is Paris worth visiting in the winter?

Absolutely. While cold and gray, winter offers a uniquely atmospheric and intimate experience. Museums and cafes are cozy havens, queues are minimal, and prices are low. The Christmas season (December) is spectacularly festive with markets and lights. For culture lovers and budget travelers, winter can be the most rewarding and authentic time to explore the city's depth.

When is the best time to see the gardens in bloom?

For the most spectacular floral displays, aim for late April through May. This is when the Tuileries, Luxembourg Gardens, and the grounds of Versailles are in full, riotous bloom. The cherry blossoms at Parc de Sceaux typically peak in early April. The weather is also ideal for spending long, pleasant hours outdoors enjoying the scenery.

What month has the least rainfall?

Statistically, April and July tend to be among the drier months in terms of total rainfall, but Paris weather is famously unpredictable. September often enjoys a dry, stable period known as "l'été indien" (Indian summer). However, you should always be prepared for a passing shower regardless of the season—a compact umbrella is an essential packing item year-round.

When is the cheapest time to fly to Paris?

The most affordable airfares are typically found during the off-season months: January, February, November (excluding Thanksgiving week), and early December (before the holidays). Flying on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday also yields lower fares. Be flexible with your dates and use fare tracking tools to snag the best deals.

Is Paris crowded during Easter?

Yes, Easter (which can fall in March or April) is a very busy period. It coincides with school holidays across Europe, leading to a significant influx of families. Major attractions will have long lines, and hotel prices will be at shoulder-season peaks. If you visit during Easter, book everything far in advance and expect a vibrant, family-oriented atmosphere.

What is the best time for a first-time visitor?

For a first-timer wanting the classic postcard experience with the best chance of good weather, late spring (May to early June) or early autumn (September) are ideal. These shoulder seasons offer a wonderful balance: pleasant temperatures, beautiful cityscapes, lively but not overwhelming crowds, and a full roster of open attractions and events. It provides the quintessential Parisian atmosphere most first-time visitors dream of.