This post lists our top 10 suggestions for things to do in Paris, including popular events, attractions, and festivals that are happening October 2022.
For more things to do, check out our popular Paris posts:
- Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus Tours
- River Seine Boat Cruises
- Eiffel Tower Tickets
- Tourist Attraction Discount Passes
- Things to Do in Paris (any time of year)
TOP 10 THINGS TO DO
Our top 10 list includes some free things to do, family-friendly activities, and events happening in the evenings.
When planning your activities for the day or night, check out the weather in Paris in October.
1. Attend a Concert
October has a few big-name artists and events in Paris, which is definitely a great way to spend a night in the City of Lights.
- Cradle of Filth | October 1st
- Swedish House Mafia | October 10th
- Sting | October 11th
- Bob Dylan | October 11th, 12th, 13th
- Anthrax | October 13th
- Kendrick Lamar | October 21st, 22nd
- Agnes Obel | October 22nd, 23rd
- Keifer Sutherland | October 22nd
Check out the full concert lineup to see all of October’s events in Paris.
For more things to do at night in Paris, check out our post on the best evening activities.
2. See the Musical Fountains at Versailles
A day trip to Versailles is something you should consider when in Paris. It's only 40 minutes from Paris by train.
If you are here in October, you might have the opportunity to enjoy an extra special event, Les Grandes Eaux Musicales.
On Saturdays and Sundays until October 30th, 2022, you can stroll through the famous Versailles Gardens while the many splendid fountains ‘dance’ in sync to Baroque music.
Tickets are €10 per person (under 5 y.o. free). When you buy tickets for Versailles Palace as well, the price comes to €27. Tickets can be purchased here..
See our post on the different types of tours of Versailles you can take.
3. Take a Ghost Tour
October is the month of Halloween so it is a perfect time to see some very spooky sites on a Ghosts, Mysteries, and Legends tour of Paris.
On a 2-hour walk, you’ll hear stories of haunted hotels and medieval punishments that happened on the very streets you’re walking on!
Don't like ghosts? No problem. There are many different kinds of tours to take in Paris.
You can try a pay-what-you-wish walking tour with a knowledgeable and entertaining guide.
If you prefer to explore on your own, self-guided walking tours are always a good option.
To experience the best of Paris, take a popular food tour where you will see some of Paris and taste its delicious foods.
4. Enjoy the Theatre
Experience iconic Paris by seeing a show at the Moulin Rouge. The cabaret has exotic costumes, entertaining performers, and live music.
We recommend getting your tickets early, as performances tend to sell out a month or more in advance.
Check out more nighttime activities from our full post.
5) Fête des Vendanges de Montmartre
The Fête des Vendanges de Montmartre is among the most popular annual events in Paris. From October 5th to 9th, you can enjoy 150 events -- mostly free!
There will be dance performances, live music, and special children’s activities. Of course, there will be food and wine!
In fact, you can visit a little known wine vineyard, Clos Montmartre, without leaving Paris!
Find more details about the Fête here.
Whether you attend the Fête des Vendanges or not, we recommend you explore the charming neighborhood of Montmartre.
There are many ways to visit: you can take a guided walking tour, a food tour, or a self-guided tour.
Find out the options from our post on Montmartre Walking Tours.
6. Nuit Blanche (White Night)
It’s going to be a long night on October 2nd, when Paris celebrates its annual Nuit Blanche (White Night).
On this night, loads of cultural institutions, monuments, and galleries stay open ‘til the wee hours of the morning - and the activities are all free!
There are special art installations throughout the city, a race that takes up to 4,000 runners through museums, and a dozen musical artists performing in the streets of Paris until 7 a.m.
Get more details and a schedule for this free event here.
For other activities in Paris that don't cost a euro, see our post on free things to do in Paris.
7. Festival d’Automne
This festival runs from September until December which means that all October, you can find many special events throughout the city.
There will be theatre, music, dance, film, and other art forms.
There is something for everybody during this Festival. See the schedule of events to see what is on while you are in Paris.
Many of these events occur in the evening. If you are looking for other things to do after dark, see our post on things to do at night in Paris.
8. Paris+, by Art Basel
2022 is the first year for Paris+, by Art Basel. The Modern and comtemporary art fair/city-wide festival will focus on "younger and emerging galleries" in Paris.
In addition to art, attention will be paid to "music, cinema, fashion, and design" as well.
Events takes place from October 20th - 23rd in the Grand Palais Éphémère. (It will move to the Grand Palais in 2024 once renovations are completed in prep for the 2024 Summer Olympics).
Additional information and tickets can be purchased here.
NOTE: Suitcases, travel bags and backpacks larger than A3 size are not allowed within the Grand Palais. If you need to store your bags for a few hours, see our post where to store luggage in Paris.
9. See a Major Sporting Event
See the top tennis players in the world, some great footballers, and some very fast horses in Paris in October!
- Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe Horse Race | October 1st - 2nd
- Yonex French Open for Badminton | October 25th - 30th
- 20KM de Paris | October 9th
- Paris St. Germain Football | various dates
- Rolex Paris Masters | October 29th - November 6th
If you’re looking for more family-friendly activities in Paris, check out our full post.
10. Save Money with a Tourist Attraction Discount Pass
With a tourist attraction discount pass, you’ll get to see much more at a bulk discount - up to 55% for some popular attractions!
The passes give you bulk discounts since you're getting entry to multiple attractions upfront. You'll also get to skip box office lines at participating locations!
Attractions Include:
- Arc De Triomphe
- Paris Aquarium
- Paris Opera House
- Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours
- And much more.
For more information on all the discount passes available, check out our full pass comparison post.
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