7 Reasons to Visit Paris in the Autumn

Planning a trip to the French capital? Keeping reading to find out why you'll want to avoid the crowds and take in Paris in the Autumn.

The temperature drops, the days are shorter, the crowds have largely dispersed and the city seems to be doused in a golden hue - it's Autumn in Paris. There's never a bad time of year to visit the French capital but after the hustle and bustle of the Summer season, it's a more relaxing time to discover the city. Not convinced? We've got the lowdown on the best reasons to visit Paris in the Autumn.

Beat the crowds

For starters, the tour groups aren't as regular an occurrence in the Autumn. Whilst the city is a buzzing hive of tourist activity during the Summer months, a quieter vibe descends upon the city once September rolls around which means less time queuing at attractions, fewer crowds to weave through and more space in the museums so you get more time to see the sights. Plus, as Parisians return from their homes in Provence and the South, you can truly immerse yourself in the local activity and feel more like local.

Versailles

Autumn is by far the best time to visit the Palace of Versailles. Not only are there fewer crowds, but the gardens are vividly coloured with the autumn foliage and walking through the apartments, state rooms, halls and chapels when the air is crisp is truly magical.

Magritte Surrealist Exhibition

For the first time since 1979, the Centre Pompidou is hosting a retrospective of surrealist Belgian artist Magritte. Focused on masterpieces by the artist themed around fire, shadows, curtains, words and the fragmented body, this exhibition dives deeper into Magritte's approach to realism. Something not to be missed! Opening hours: Daily 11am - 10pm, closed Tuesdays

Oscar Wilde in Paris

For the first time, Paris will host a major exhibition of Oscar Wilde's life and works this Autumn. From photographs and personal items to manuscripts, artwork and more, up to 200 items will be on display at Petit Palais. Wilde was an ardent Francophile who moved to Paris in 1897 after being driven out of Britain for indecency. He ended up dying in a Parisian hotel and since then his grave in Père-Lachaise cemetery has become a place of pilgramage for fans. Le Petit Palais, Avenue Winston Churchill, 75008 Paris, France Opening hours: Tuesday - Sunday 10am - 6pm, Late opening Friday: 10am - 9pm

Gorgeous Gardens

Without a doubt, Autumn is when Paris' range of beautiful gardens get even more gorgeous. The sunny weather, autumn leaves and golden colours make for perfect garden-strolling weather before nipping into a cafe for a chocolat chaud. If you're on the lookout for the perfectly framed autumn picture? We suggest your head over to Luxembourg Gardens nestled between Saint-Germain-des-Prés and the Latin Quarter, and the world-famous Jardins des Tuileries, between the Louvre Museum and the Place de la Concorde.

Sweet Treats

Chocoholics will be delighted this Autumn because the Paris Chocolate Fair is returning to the capital at Porte de Versailles. Sample delicious cocoa creations as well as enjoy chef demos, workshops and live performances by expert chocolatiers from Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Belgium, Japan and more. Porte de Versailles, 1 Place de la Porte de Versailles, 75015 Paris, France Opening Hours: 28 October - 1 November, 10am - 7pm

Riverside views

Drift down the River Seine and take in the sights and riverside foliage at a more relaxed pace. Don't forget to bring a scarf when you hop on a Bateaux Parisiens River Cruise and get a different view of the city as you sail past some of Paris' most iconic landmarks such as the Notre Dame, Eiffel Tower, Grand Palais, Musée D'Orsay and Pont Neuf.