Paris, November 2021
These are some cool things to do when you visit Paris in November 2021:
WALK THE COVERED PASSAGES OF PARIS
Paris in November is the perfect time to visit some of the most beautiful covered passages of Paris, a labyrinth of covered commercial passages built during the 18th century across the city. These covered passages, all bathed in natural light, are decorated with beautiful mosaic works and iron latticework.
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After some years of abandonment, the covered passages of Paris were restored to their former glory, and they are today real Art Nouveau / Neoclassical architectural gems.
If you know where to look, you will find delightful ancient boutiques, cute cafes, and other curiosity shops.
TAKE A FOOD TOUR IN PARIS
Food tours in Paris are a good option when the air is fresh, but it is not too cold to wander outside. Discover the best food in Paris and some good addresses to eat or buy while learning fascinating historical facts and anecdotes about the neighborhood that you are exploring.
The most popular neighborhoods for food tours are Le Marais, Saint Germain-des-Prés, and Montmartre. Saint Germain, is also very reputed for its pastries and chocolate tours, like this popular, top-rated Saint Germain Pastry and Chocolate Walking Tour.
GET INSPIRED DURING THE MONTH OF PHOTOGRAPHY IN PARIS
In Paris, November is the month of Photography, and there are numerous fairs and exhibitions to honor the world of cameras, pictures, and great photographers.
In the second week of November (10 – 14 November 2021), the Salon de la Photo (Paris Photography Fair) occurs at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles.
Then it’s Paris Photo (10 – 14 November 2021), the world’s biggest photography fair, which takes place under the glass-domed roof of the Grand Palais. Plus there are always many small photo exhibitions, free or for a small fee, where photography passionates can admire the work of some of the most iconic photographers but also new talents.
VISIT A CEMETERY
In France, on 1st November (La Toussaint) we honor the dead. This is a Catholic tradition, and also a national holiday in France, and people like to go to the cemeteries to visit the graves of their relatives.
Paris boasts beautiful cemeteries spread all around the city, which are quiet places perfect for a stroll. Some cemeteries (Saint Vincent in Montmartre), are more intimate while other cemeteries (Père Lachaise) are monumental and attract tourists.
If you can, try to visit one of the cemeteries of Paris in November right after La Toussaint. The cemeteries of Paris are gorgeous under the fall colors, and the flowers on the graves have been renewed.
CELEBRATE THE ARRIVAL OF THE NEW BEAUJOLAIS
In November, Paris, and France celebrate the Beaujolais Nouveau’s arrival (this year, on Thursday 18 November 2021), when it is possible to taste this wine’s latest vintage everywhere in the city.
This tradition seems to be more popular abroad than in France (we are not particularly fond of this wine…), but it makes just another excuse to toast and celebrate with friends and family. Cheers!
HOT CHOCOLATE AND PEOPLE-WATCHING IN A TERRASSE CAFE
When the air gets crisp, it is a good moment to cozy up with a good book and a steaming cup of hot chocolate somewhere picturesque.
The neighborhoods of Le Marais, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, or Montmartre are some good places to find picturesque cafes, but there are pretty cafes all around Paris.
If the weather is good, enjoy lounging at one sidewalk terrace café in Paris for people watching. It’s as simple as that.
HAVE FUN AT THE LANTERN FESTIVAL
Feel like experiencing a magical moment in Paris in November? Then, head to the Parc de La Villette on Saturday, 27 November, for the Lantern Festival, a beautiful celebration of magic, love, and hope.
Light up your handmade lantern and join the lantern parade along with musicians Zalindê and Doubayabi. After the lit parade across the park, the celebration will wrap up over some spicy tea to warm up.
EXPLORE THE FIRST CHRISTMAS MARKETS IN PARIS
Around the second half of November, the first Christmas Markets in Paris start to open, and some streets start to dress up for the festive season.
If you like the idea of getting a glimpse of Paris at Christmas time in November without the crowds, have a look at the best Christmas Markets in Paris 2021 to see their opening times this year and program.
CHECK OUT THE TEMPORARY EXHIBITIONS IN NOVEMBER IN PARIS 2021
At the end of the summer, the new cultural season starts in Paris, usually with many temporary exhibitions in the main museums or art galleries.
Botticelli at Musée Jacquemart-André, from 10 September 2021 to 24 January 2022.
Dalí, l’Énigme Sans Fin (Dalí, the endless enigma) at Atelier des Lumières, from 12 February 2021 to 2 January 2022.
The World of Banksy: the Immersive Experience at Espace Lafayette Drouot (44 rue de Faubourg Montmartre, Paris 9), from 1 June 2021 to 31 December 2021.
Picasso-Rodin, a Giants’ Dialogue, mega exhibition in two sites – Musée Rodin and Musée Picasso -, from 19 May 2021 to 2 January 2022.
Enfin le cinéma ! Arts, images et spectacles en France at Musée d’Orsay, from 28 September 2021 to 16 January 2022.
Paris-Athènes – Naissance de la Grèce moderne 1675-1919 at Musée du Louvre, from 30 September 2021 to 7 February 2022.
David Hockney. A Year in Normandie, at Musée de l’Orangerie, from 13 October 2021 to 14 February 2022.
Vogue Paris 1920 – 2020 at Palais Galliera, from 2 October 2021 to 30 January 2022.
Thierry Mugler, Couturissime at MAD-Musée des Arts Décoratifs, from 30 September 2021 to 24 April 2022.
La Collection Morozov – Icônes de l’Art Moderne at Fondation Louis-Vuitton Paris, from 22 September 2021 to 22 February 2022.