A Stroll Along the Siene - Paris in Fall

How exhilarating to stroll along the Seine with an open spirit and no fixed destination...

Here's My Love Letter To Paris.

It's early October. Cooler days and a mix of rainy days have washed away the crowds and it's the best time to just be here. It all somehow feels even more beautiful. Not exactly low season, but early to middle autumn in Paris is a special thing. 

The autumn months are my favourite in Paris. Late September to Late November there is something even more romantic about the city of love. The fall colours, sway of scarves rustling by and the cool air along the Seine River make it something truly worth writing about. 

A Day Trip In Paris

Most come to Paris with a full itinerary running from the Louvre Museum to the Eiffel Tower, never slowing down to really embrace her beauty & experience what Paris is all about. She's most beautiful in the early morning light of sunrise, as the City is just waking up. Golden light of pinks and creams dance on the facades, the Seine's still water creates perfect reflections of memories you'll hold dear. 

I arrived in Paris with hopes of remembering who I was outside of my defined roles of Mom, Wife, Photographer and Sports Mom. I have spent the last 29 amazing years raising two boys, being a wife to my high school sweetheart, building a community we love, and capturing every sports game I could. And I regret none of it. But, with a recent move out of state, our boys grown and starting their own journey and my photography business pivoting away from what I've known for years, I felt lost and unsure on what was next on my journey. The answer for me is always Paris. And the time of the year makes it that much more special. 

The Perfect Time For A Stroll Along the Seine River

I'm in my trench coat about to start a day of the best things about Paris. And it's probably not what you think. I want to capture the beautiful fall foliage, well... what's left of it. It's a bit late but there's still enough leaves left peppering the streets to make for some great photographs. Wandering the banks, I notice the Cafe's, Boulangarie's & the Bouquinistes start to open up for the day, watching lovers walk hand in hand... Is there any better way to enjoy a sunrise in this beautiful city? Oh, maybe a wool coat would have been better. It's crisp and a bit windy so I pop into a cafe for a hot chocolate and a pain au chocolat. Never enough chocolate. I open up my journal and look over the small list I wrote down the day prior of things I'd like to photograph. There isn't much there and on purpose. I wanted to spend this trip taking candid, unplanned photos. Snapping my shutter when I felt compelled to. 

My Top Tips For Paris In Autumn 

There's no better time than late October. The average temperature in Paris in October ranges from daytime highs of 61 F (16C) to evening lows of 49 F (10 C). October in Paris receives more rainfall than in September with an average of 0.98in (25mm). Some of the best places that aren't necessarily on most Paris travel guides are those with fewer crowds. 

My absolute favourites include:

Jazz Sur Seine: Usually mid october. Check Paris Jazz Club for dates in 2024 two-week jazz festival in Paris.

Wine Festivals: My favourite is the Montmartre Harvest Festival (La Fête des Vendanges). This 4-day Paris festival is back this fall from October 9 – 13, 2024. The Montmartre Grape Harvest Festival celebrates the grape harvest and wine production from the little, ancient vineyard in Montmartre. You can do some great wine tasting there! 

For beautiful gardens and walks through Parisian parks, here are some of my favourite places to find beautiful fall colors:

• Jardin of the Palais Royal
• Père Lachaise Cemetery
• Jardin des Tuileries
• Parc des Buttes Chaumont
• The old railway line of La Coulée Verte
• Palace de Versailles 
• Luxembourg Gardens
• Parc Monceau

Paris Is Always A Good Idea - Reflections

Traveling and slowing down to really get an essence of a place seems to bring me back to center. I not only reconnect with myself and my creativity but with my husband. We get to focus on our relationship and what brings us joy, and this always seems to include a cafe, a glass of wine and a pastry. We've both always loved Paris as it's a great place to explore, try and do some soul searching. The city is filled with little spaces and moments for self reflection and happiness. Another wonderful thing to do alone or as a couple is a bike ride through the city, stopping into various cafes along the way with a good book. You'll have a great time and see the city from a new perspective, and that's always welcome. 

I want to capture the small things I notice and love about a place, and share it with you. To inspire, invoke a memory and remind you of a dreamy place you want to visit. Think of it as visual therapy for your life.