in short
- Weather: 5–10 degrees on average and quite a few rainy days, a month of museums and cafes.
- November 1 and 11: All Saints' Day (la Toussaint) and Armistice Day, Sabbath days when some sites are closed.
- November 19: Beaujolais Nouveau Night, on the third Thursday of the month.
- Exhibitions: Cézanne at the Grand Palais, Monet at the Orangerie and Tintoretto at Jacquemart-André.
- Paris Photo: The 29th edition at the Grand Palais, on the bicentennial of photography.
- Christmas markets: The La Défense market opens on November 12, 2026.
- With children: The Christmas season at Disneyland Paris opens on November 7, 2026.
There is one week in November when Paris switches without warning from autumn to winter. The shadow of the Beaujolais has not yet dried on the bottoms of glasses, and you can already see the workers setting up the first shop windows at the Galeries Lafayette. It is the quietest month in the Parisian calendar, and also, in my opinion, one of the most rewarding to travel in.
For those planning a trip, November 2026 is a busier month than you might think. A major exhibition on Cézanne opens at the Grand Palais, Paris Photo celebrates two hundred years of photography under the same dome, and the La Défense Christmas market opens on the 12th. And in the middle of it all, on November 19th, Beaujolais Nouveau arrives.
Exhibitions in Paris museums in November 2026
Important to note in advance: The main building of the Pompidou Center remains closed for long-term renovations, so the other museums bear the burden of the season. Good timing: Almost all major exhibitions require advance booking of a time slot, and weekends are sold out.
Cezanne and us at the Grand Palais
An exhibition that places Paul Cézanne (1839-1906) against the artists who followed him, from Gauguin to Picasso and Mondrian to Joan Mitchell. Some 180 works show how an artist who almost stopped exhibiting in the late 1880s became the father of modern art.
- September 23, 2026 – January 17, 2027
- Nocturne on Fridays until 22:00 PM
- Closed on Mondays, book a time slot in advance
Monet, painting the time in the Orangery
It's the 100th anniversary of the death of Claude Monet (1840-1926), and the Orangerie is marking it in the building where his Nymphéas hang. The exhibition is about the way Monet painted time, the same landscape that repeats itself over and over again at different times and seasons. It's the right museum for winter: small, quiet in the morning, and you can sit in front of the ponds without being disturbed.
- September 30, 2026 – January 25, 2027
- The same ticket also includes the Nymphaeum Halls
- Small museum, book a time slot in advance
The Eternal Tintoretto at the Jacquemart-André Museum
The Jacquemart-André Museum is dedicating the first exhibition of its kind in France to Tintoretto (1518-1594), one of the greats of the Venetian Renaissance. About forty paintings and works on paper, and the final chapter of the exhibition deals specifically with his influence on 19th-century French painting, from Delacroix to Cézanne.
- September 11, 2026 – January 24, 2027
- Open on Fridays until 22:00 PM
- One of the small museums, book in advance
Bartholdi and Liberty Illuminates the World in Ursa
An exhibition about Auguste Bartholdi (1834-1904), the sculptor who created the Statue of Liberty with Gustave Eiffel. I always love the moment when you discover that the most American icon there is was born in a French workshop.
- September 15, 2026 – January 31, 2027
- Includes original drawings and sketches
- Ursa is always crowded, a pre-booked ticket saves you the queue
Brussels 1900 at the Petit Palais
Brussels' vibrant art scene at the turn of the 20th century, through painting, architecture, jewelry, and fashion of the Belgian Art Nouveau period. The exhibition opens in the middle of the month, so those who arrive in the second third of November catch it fresh.
- November 10, 2026 – April 25, 2027
- Admission to the permanent collection is free.
- The exhibition itself is on a separate ticket.
Eva Gonzalez in Petit Palais
The world's first major retrospective of the Impressionist painter Eva Gonzalès (1847-1883), the only student of Édouard Manet. Less well known, and precisely because of that, you can stand in front of the paintings without being photographed from behind.
- September 15, 2026 – January 24, 2027
- A unique female perspective on Impressionism
- Two exhibitions in the same building, take your time
Louvre Photo at the Louvre
A special tour that opened this month shows how the Louvre itself has become a photographic subject over the years. It blends in nicely with Paris Photo at the Grand Palais, and those who love photography can make a whole day out of the two.
- November 4, 2026 – May 3, 2027
- Included in the regular Louvre ticket
- The Louvre is always crowded, book a time slot
And by the way, if you're planning on seeing more than two exhibitions, it's worth checking your museum pass before buying individual tickets. Note that it doesn't always exempt you from booking a time slot for the major exhibitions.
Holidays and events in Paris in November 2026
November is a special month in terms of events: it opens with a national holiday, crosses one of the most charged moments in the French calendar, and ends with Beaujolais and the first buds of Christmas lights.
La Toussaint, All Saints' Day – November 1
On November 1, which falls on a Sunday this year, France celebrates La Toussaint. Families visit cemeteries with wreaths of chrysanthemums. A public holiday: most shops are closed, major museums are open.
- A quiet and relaxing day at the museums
- Cemeteries like Pere Lachaise are lit up with daffodils
- Most shops and businesses are closed.
Armistice Day – November 11
National Remembrance Day for the end of World War I. The main ceremony takes place at the Arc de Triomphe, with a minute of silence at 11:00 AM sharp and a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. A public holiday.
- The state ceremony at the Arc de Triomphe, an exciting experience
- Free and open to the general public
- This year it falls on a Wednesday, plan accordingly.
Beaujolais Nouveau Night – November 19
Since 1985, French law has set the date: Beaujolais Nouveau is released to the market every year on the third Thursday of November, at midnight. This year: Thursday, November 19, 2026. Bistros across Paris hang the famous sign, and the crowd celebrates with jugs of wine, charcuterie, and cheese.
- One of the most “French” moments you can experience
- Beaujolais Nouveau cruises on the Seine are available
- Popular bistros fill up early
Christmas Buds: The First Markets
The largest market in the Île-de-France, the La Défense Christmas Market, opens on November 12th on the square, with about three hundred wooden booths. Around the same time, the five or so Parisian “Grands Magasins” reveal their festive display windows, and it’s an opportunity to see Paris in its festive attire without the December crowds.
- La Défense: November 12 – December 31, 2026
- The shop windows, real works of art
- Tuileries: November 14 expected, not yet officially confirmed
And beyond the big events, here are a few more dates worth marking in your calendar:
- Rolex Paris Masters (October 31 – November 8) – The world’s largest indoor tennis tournament, at Paris La Défense Arena. If you’re in town that week, be aware that hotels in the La Défense area are getting more expensive.
- The Louvre is free in the evening (November 6) – Every first Friday of the month, the Louvre opens its doors for free from 18:00 p.m. You have to book a ticket in advance, and it sells out.
- Nights of Light at the Château de Vincennes (until November 8) – Digital art festival in the courtyard of Vincennes fortress, a metro stop from the city. The first week of November is the last chance.
- Le Grand Noel in Beaux-les-Vicomtes (November 14 – January 3, 2027) – The Chateau de Foucault (Vaux-le-Vicomte) is decked out in holiday decorations. A perfect day trip for families looking to get out of Paris.
- Belle du siècle at Versailles (November 30) – A 1920s-themed costume ball, at the palace itself. Ticket sales opened in early September, and it sold out quickly.
Salons and fairs in Paris in November 2026
November is the month of the big salons, and it's the best time of year to find real gifts instead of tourist souvenirs. The three big ones this month are all concentrated in one week, so if you're planning around the fair, this is the week.
Paris Photo in its 29th edition
The world's most important photography fair returns to the Grand Palais, this year as part of the bicentennial of the invention of photography. More than 220 exhibitors, some 180 galleries and 40 publishers from 33 countries, and the Pompidou Center is specially invited to present a selection from its photography collection. Even for those who are not collectors, a stroll under this dome is worth the ticket.
- November 12-15, 2026, at the Grand Palais
- Metro Champs-Élysées Clemenceau
- The weekend is crowded, come on Thursday
MIF Expo, the French Made Exhibition
The largest fair in France, dedicated entirely to “Made in France” products, in its 14th edition. A thousand exhibitors in one hall at the Porte de Versailles: fashion, cosmetics, leather goods, home decor and delicacies from all the provinces. This year, Normandy is the honored region. It is the place from which people return with a heavier suitcase.
- November 12-15, 2026, Pavilion 7.2
- Free admission with pre-registration on the website
- 10 euros at checkout, refunded on first purchase
The Chocolate Salon, The Last Days
The world's largest chocolate celebration is in its 31st edition, and those who come at the very beginning of the month will catch it at the last minute. Tastings, workshops, chocolate sculptures and a fashion show of chocolate dresses. Even for those who aren't particularly fond of sweets, this is one of the most fun glimpses into the French industry.
- October 28 – November 1, 2026
- At Porte de Versailles, like MIF Expo
- Ends November 1st, don't be late
Concerts in Paris in November 2026
A busy month on the concert calendar, from huge halls to intimate churches. If you're coming to Paris in November and want a musical evening, here are our recommendations.
Sainte-Chapelle: Music under the stained glass windows
Throughout the month, the regular concert series continues at Sainte-Chapelle. An hour of baroque and classical under the 13th-century stained glass windows built by Louis IX to house the Crown of Thorns. Add champagne or wine and tapas afterwards. If you do one thing in an evening in Paris, this is it.
- Throughout November, multiple dates
- Tickets from 15 euros, about an hour
- It's cold inside, take a scarf.
Verdi's Requiem at the Church of La Madeleine
Verdi's Requiem is performed in the neoclassical Church of La Madeleine, the building Napoleon intended to be a temple for his army and ended up as a church. The acoustics do things for Verdi that a modern concert hall cannot.
- Saturday, November 7, 2026, 20:45 PM
- One of the most beautiful halls in Paris
- Church pews, not armchairs
Vanessa Pardee in Bacoor Arena
After two evenings at Zenith in the spring, Vanessa Paradis takes to the big stage of the Accor Arena for a single evening. For those who want to get to know French pop through one of the figures who has accompanied it for four decades, this is the right entry.
- Tuesday, November 17, 2026
- Accor Arena, Bercy Metro
- Single evening, tickets sell out quickly
Anduchine in La San Musical
After the tour of venues that concluded at Bercy, Indochine are adding three more evenings at Le Saint Musical on the island of Sage. The French band most associated with the 80s still fills venues, and their performances are a visual experience as much as a musical one.
- November 26, 27 and 28, 2026
- Three nights, more chance of a ticket
- In Boulogne-Billancourt, not in central Paris
Placebo in Bercy, thirty years
Placebo are celebrating three decades on stage with a European tour, and the Parisian stop is one night at Bercy. Anyone who grew up on “Every You Every Me” knows exactly what they’re coming for.
- Wednesday, November 25, 2026
- Accor Arena, easy access by metro
- A solo evening in Paris
Muse at Paris La Défense Arena
Muse in the largest indoor hall in Europe. If you're in Paris at the end of November anyway and like huge productions, this is the evening to build your day around.
- Friday, November 27, 2026
- RER A or Metro 1 to La Défense
- Huge hall, worth investing in location
And for those looking for more, here are some of the other notable evenings of the month:
- Benjamin Biolay – Zenith, November 5 and 6.
- Cat Power – At the Cell Playhouse, November 9, at a show to celebrate the twentieth anniversary of the album The Greatest.
- Fontaines DC – In Bercy, November 13.
- Interpol and Bloc Party – At the Zenith of La Villette, November 16, at a joint evening.
- Christophe Maé – In Bercy, November 19 and 20.
- The Pogues – At Olympia, November 26. The mythical hall, and the band that changed Irish folk.
- Beth Hart – In Olympia, November 29.
For all the regular concert series in churches and halls in Paris, I have compiled everything in an article about classical music in Paris.
Children and Disneyland Paris in November 2026
November is an excellent month for Disneyland Paris: the Halloween festival ends on the 1st of the month, and the Enchanted Noel season begins on the 7th, which lasts until January 6, 2027.
The Enchanted Noel at Disneyland Paris
From November 7, 2026 to January 6, 2027, the park wears its holiday attire: decorations, character encounters in winter costumes, the lighting of the giant tree and castle, and the spectacular Shine A Light parade. The first few weeks of November are the quietest of the entire season.
- November 7, 2026 – January 6, 2027
- November is relatively quiet before the holiday season.
- Included in the regular admission ticket, no additional charge
I've compiled everything you need to know before you go, including hotels, queuing strategy, and how many days you really need, in the complete guide to Disneyland Paris . And for those staying in the city, there's plenty more to do with kids in the guide to attractions for kids in Paris.
Questions and Answers about November in Paris
What is the weather like in Paris in November?
Cool and sometimes rainy. Average temperatures range from 5 to 10 degrees. It is recommended to bring layers, a raincoat, a scarf and gloves. An updated forecast can be found on the Paris weather page.
When is Beaujolais Nouveau 2026?
On Thursday, November 19, 2026, at exactly midnight. This is the third Thursday of November, a fixed date in French law since 1985.
When do the Paris Christmas markets open in 2026?
The first and largest is the Le Défense market, which opens on November 12, 2026 and closes on December 31, with the “Summit” area (Le Sommet) continuing until January 3, 2027. The Notre Dame market will open on November 26 and close on December 27. The Tuileries Garden market is expected to open on November 14, 2026 and remain open until January 3, 2027, but these dates have not yet been officially confirmed, so it’s worth checking before you go. All the information about the Christmas markets in Paris.
Is the Pompidou Center open in November 2026?
No. The main building is closed for long-term renovations from the end of 2025. The collection has temporarily moved to exhibitions in other museums in the city, and in November 2026 he is showing a selection from his photography collection as part of Paris Photo at the Grand Palais.
When is Paris Photo 2026 and where?
From November 12 to 15, 2026, at the Grand Palais, in its 29th edition and in the context of the bicentennial of the invention of photography. More than 220 exhibitors from 33 countries are participating. The nearest stop is Champs-Élysées Clemenceau. The weekend is particularly busy, so Thursday is preferable.
Which sites are closed on November 1 and 11?
Both dates are public holidays in France. Most shops and businesses are closed, but the major museums are usually open as usual. Don't plan a day of shopping at either of them, and instead plan a day of museums or a trip to the cemeteries of Père Lachaise and Montparnasse, which are best seen in Toussaint.
Is it worth coming to Paris in November?
If the cold weather doesn't deter you, yes. This is the month with the shortest lines of the winter season, hotel prices are relatively low, and all the big fall exhibitions are already open. From the last third of the month, the Christmas atmosphere begins without the crowds of December.
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