Paris in November glows with autumn colors and early holiday lights. As the crowds fade, the city feels calm, intimate, and easy to explore. Cultural events animate the season and guide the rhythm of the month. Concerts headline the excitement, with Lady Gaga bringing spectacular energy to Paris. The momentum continues at Paris Games Week, drawing gamers and curious families. Beaujolais Nouveau adds festive spirit as wine bars fill with midnight toasts. Thanksgiving brings warmth with French chefs reimagining American classics. Between celebrations, the city also pauses to honor history and remembrance. This balance creates a meaningful and joyful November across the capital.
Here are the ten best things to do in Paris in November 2025, with dates, locations, and curated recommendations.
1. Paris Games Week (Through November 2)
Location: Paris Expo Porte de Versailles, 15th arrondissement
Admission: Starting at €30 euros for adults | free for children under 7
Paris Games Week returns from October 30 through November 2, offering Europe’s most anticipated gaming festival. The event expands into the new Dôme de Paris beside Paris Expo, creating an even larger playground. The PGW Coca-Cola Stage hosts major e-sports finals, live shows, and creator appearances. Premium Night Sessions run until 11:30 pm and add a thrilling late-night atmosphere. Esports fans can watch League of Legends Game Changers Rising and the Silvergeek Senior Trophy Final. Visitors explore virtual reality zones, cosplay areas, and exclusive previews of upcoming releases. The festival welcomes both casual players and dedicated fans, delivering nonstop entertainment from morning to night.
2. Louis Vuitton Art Deco (Through November 30)
Location: LV Dream, 1st arrondissement
Admission: Free with reservation
Step into the elegant world of the Louis Vuitton Art Deco exhibition inside LV Dream near Pont Neuf. The venue blends gallery, concept store, and café in a refined cultural space. The exhibition presents over 300 heritage pieces across eight themed rooms. It highlights geometric lines, bold typography, and lavish ornamentation from the Art Deco era. These elements shaped Vuitton trunks, accessories, and designs that still inspire the Maison today. A highlight is the recreation of the 1925 exhibition stand from the Paris Art Deco Expo, a moment which helped define Louis Vuitton’s place in modern design history. The exhibition also honors Gaston-Louis Vuitton and his visionary collaborations. Visitors can end their tour at Café Maxime Frédéric or browse exclusive collectibles. Admission is free, but advance online reservations are required due to high demand.
3. Paris Restaurant Week (November 1-30)
Paris becomes a vibrant culinary destination during Restaurant Week. Top restaurants offer curated menus at accessible prices throughout the month. The event showcases French gastronomy across casual bistros and Michelin-starred establishments, as guests enjoy gourmet experiences without the usual high cost. New venues join weekly, expanding choices and encouraging culinary discovery. At the affordable level, Dame near Île Saint Louis and Ouzala by Canal Saint Martin serve three- and four-course meals. These menus cost €30-€40 and often include a welcome drink. Cozy settings create warm and relaxed dining experiences. Mid-range options include Prévelle near Bourse and Boutary by Place de Clichy. These restaurants offer 5-course menus between €50 and €70. Seasonal plates, cheese selections, and crafted drinks elevate each meal. For elevated dining, Halle aux Grains near Pigalle and Irwin by Gare du Nord offer six- and eight-course menus, and artistic presentations and seasonal ingredients guide each tasting journey. L’Ours in Montmartre, Le Pergolèse in Passy, ERH in the Marais, Quelque Part, and Episodes serve seven- to 12-course menus. These gourmet tastings cost €180 to €250 and include expert pairings. Restaurant Week welcomes every palate and celebrates the best of Parisian cuisine.
4. Gaga, Hans Zimmer & Other Concerts (November 5-30)
November in Paris offers vibrant concerts for every musical taste. The month opens at the Accor Arena with global pop star Katy Perry, performing hits like “Teenage Dream” and “E.T.” Tickets range from €50 to €120. On November 10th, the Accor Arena hosts 90s rock icons The Offspring, who will deliver energetic anthems like “Pretty Fly (For a White Guy).” Prices range from €40 to €90. A change of mood arrives on November 12th at the Church of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, where the Orchestre Helios will perform classical masterpieces under conductor Glen Rouxel. Tickets cost €30 to €70. On November 15th, singer-songwriter Julien Doré takes the stage at the Accor Arena, with seats priced €35 to €80. From November 17-22, Lady Gaga will bring four spectacular shows to Paris (November 17, 18, 20, and 22) for the European continuation of The Mayhem Ball. Tickets range from €70 to €250. Simply Red will perform on November 19th for a 40th anniversary concert, where fans will hear soulful classics like “Stars” and “Holding Back the Years.” Tickets cost €67 to €100. On November 28th, Jamiroquai will turn the Accor Arena into a dancefloor, with Jay Kay leading the band through groove-filled hits like “Canned Heat.” Prices range from €45 to €100. The concert season concludes on November 20th at La Défense Arena, where Hans Zimmer will perform epic film scores from “The Dark Knight” and “Gladiator.” Seats cost €60 to €130.
5. Made in France Expo (November 6-9)
Location: Paris Expo Porte de Versailles, 15th arrondissement
Admission: Free with reservation | €10 onsite
The MIF Expo at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles covers more than 430,000 feet, gathering over 1,000 French exhibitors in one major event. Visitors can discover fashion, home décor, gastronomy, beauty, and eco-friendly innovations, as family artisans and pioneering startups present their creations side by side. Exhibitors include traditional linen makers from the Landes region and biscuit producers from Marseille, alongside ethical heritage yarn manufacturers from the Hautes Alpes. Innovative brands also stand out at the fair. Anatra Conserverie Moderne offers award-winning purifiers that support the social economy, and Likoolis presents space-saving furniture with patented telescopic designs. Responsible cosmetics are offered by a collective of 48 French beauty brands. Eco-conscious textile producers and traditional soap artisans preserve historic skills, and makers of natural hygienic products for outdoor enthusiasts add modern practicality. Regional development agencies and winegrower organizations further enrich the experience. Social enterprises present products that combine craftsmanship and positive impact. Cookie makers employ disabled workers and use recycled organic ingredients. The event is ideal for finding unique gifts and high-quality French products.
6. Armistice Day (November 11)
Location: Arc de Triomphe and Champs-Élysées
Armistice Day on November 11th is a major national holiday in France, marking the end of World War I. A solemn ceremony takes place at 11 am beneath the Arc de Triomphe, as the President of France rekindles the eternal flame at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The Champs Élysées grows quiet during the commemoration as crowds reflect. After the ceremony, many visitors slow the pace and explore cultural sites. A peaceful walk through the Tuileries Gardens offers calm and beauty. The Musée de l’Orangerie invites guests to admire Monet’s Nymphéas. Many museums and monuments remain open on this public holiday, including the Musée d’Orsay, Musée du Quai Branly, Musée Carnavalet, Musée des Arts Décoratifs, Rodin Museum, and Palais Galliera. The Sacré Cœur Basilica welcomes guests throughout the day, and the city hosts major exhibitions, including Art Deco showcases and retrospectives. Public transport runs on a reduced schedule, so planning is important. Some shops close, although many restaurants stay open for visitors. Armistice Day offers a meaningful blend of remembrance and cultural discovery, and remains a powerful moment to experience Paris with reflection and respect.
7. Street Art Festival at La Poste du Louvre (November 15-23)
Location: Poste du Louvre, 1st arrondissement
Admission: Free
The Street Art Festival takes place inside the historic Poste du Louvre. The landmark dates from 1886 and is clearly inspired by the designs of Gustave Eiffel. The event transforms 3,767 square feet of indoor space across two floors. Seventeen street artists reimagine the venue with murals, sculptures, canvases, and installations. Artists include Sax, Petite Poissone, Jo Di Bona, and Djalouz. Their work creates a dialogue with the building’s industrial heritage. A semi-covered courtyard adds 12,917 square feet of outdoor activity. Live painting sessions and performances animate the space for visitors. Guests can meet artists and discuss the creative process. The festival also welcomes international talent from Brazil and Germany, including artists like Rafael Slicks and Patrizia Casagrande. A pop-up boutique offers original pieces and accessible artwork, where visitors can discover sculptures, canvases, and unique creations to bring home. The festival is free and open to everyone. It blends history, modernity, and street culture in central Paris, making it a must for art lovers and curious travelers.
8. Organïk XXL Techno Rave (November 22)
Location: Hippodrome Paris-Vincennes, 12th arrondissement
Tickets: starting from €53
Organïk XXL transforms the Hippodrome Paris Vincennes into a massive techno arena for one unforgettable night. The event runs from 9 pm to 7 am, lasting 10 hours, and it is a major highlight of the Paris electronic music calendar, with thousands of ravers traveling from across Europe for the experience. A 360-degree stage surrounds the crowd with sound and light. Laser tunnels, LED structures, and synchronized visuals create full sensory immersion. The lineup features Charlie Sparks, Dual Damage, Gravedgr, Caravel, Rooler, 25ème Heure, Noname, and Balagan. High BPM sets keep the energy relentless, with no cooldowns, and the music drives nonstop intensity from the first kick to sunrise.
9. Beaujolais Nouveau (November 20)
Every third Thursday of November, Paris celebrates the arrival of Beaujolais Nouveau, the world’s most anticipated wine celebration. This young, fruit-forward red is bottled only weeks after the harvest, and is released at one minute past midnight across France on Beaujolais Nouveau Day. Bars and wine shops uncork the first bottles as the clock strikes twelve. The celebration spreads from Paris to Tokyo, London, Montreal, and New York, now that this simple winemakers’ tradition has become a global annual event. Parisians and visitors enjoy bar hopping without tickets or reservations, and only private events require advance planning. In the 11th arrondissement, La Buvette, Septime La Cave, and Déviant attract lively crowds. Glasses fill and conversations spill onto the sidewalks. Belleville and the Latin Quarter offer a classic atmosphere with traditional bistros. Au Père Louis serves Beaujolais with saucisson, pâté, and charcuterie boards. In Montmartre, the celebration feels like a village festival, with places like La Bonne Franquette hosting warm gatherings on cobblestone streets with city views below.
10. Thanksgiving in Paris (November 27)
Thanksgiving remains a deeply important holiday in the United States, but is not officially celebrated in France. However, a growing American community and many U.S. visitors in Paris during late November have gradually introduced the tradition to the city. Today, Paris hosts a variety of Thanksgiving dinners that allow Americans to honor their holiday away from home. This also gives curious Parisians a unique chance to experience an iconic American celebration. Occasionally, prestigious hotels and restaurants like The Bristol and The Fouquet’s offer elegant menus that elevate classic Thanksgiving dishes with French culinary techniques. For a more casual setting, popular spots such as Breakfast in America and Joe Allen serve Thanksgiving staples like turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie. Many Americans cook Thanksgiving meals at home, inviting French friends to share gratitude and stories, and specialty stores in the Marais provide essential ingredients such as cranberries and pumpkin purée.
Why November Is One of Paris’s Best-Kept Secrets
Paris in November is not a postcard. It is a mood shaped by calm and contrast. Misty mornings lead to candlelit dinners and quiet museum halls. The city invites long strolls, fine wine, and moments of reflection. Major events mix with cozy pleasures and late night surprises. As the month ends, the city begins to transform, as twinkling lights appear and Christmas markets open across Paris. Seasonal aromas and handmade treasures fill lively winter stalls. Holiday concerts and festive exhibitions animate the final weeks of the year. New Year’s Eve celebrations prepare to light up the Seine, and visitors are invited to linger and enjoy Paris as the year closes.
Mariam, originally from Paris, now calls the Bay Area home. A seasoned traveler and writer, she’s always on the lookout for exciting new restaurants, hidden bars, and offbeat experiences. She has a passion for writing about travel, food, people, and all things unexpected. If you’d like to share your tips and events about Paris and France, please feel free to send them her way at [email protected].
