What’s On in Paris – November 2025

Exclusive Mini-Guide for Community Members: The 2025 Paris Holiday Guide

November 1st is an official holiday in France (Toussaint, or All Saints’ Day), so Paris municipal museums will be closed, as well as government offices and some smaller shops.

November 1, 2025
Step into the elegance of the Jazz Age at Paris Follies: Downton Abbey Feeling (La Coupole, 102 boulevard du Montparnasse, 14th arrondissement, from 10pm to 7am). Hosted by La Baronne de Paname, this glamorous costume ball channels the spirit of the Roaring Twenties as inspired by Downton Abbey, with live jazz from The Serpentine Orchestra, ballroom dancers, burlesque acts, and vintage dance lessons by Chapoustache. Dress code: formal, creative, or extravagant. Tickets €26 in advance, €30 at the door.

November 1–2 & 8–9
The Association pour l’Estampe et l’Art Populaire celebrates Mexico’s Day of the Dead with Le Jour des Morts aux Cascades (49bis rue des Cascades, 20th arrondissement, 3–8pm), a colorful annual exhibition of calaveras (skulls) and traditional offerings. Works by contemporary artists and students from the Lycée Auguste Renoir bring this colorful homage to life. The vernissage on November 1 includes a convivial serving of Mexican soup from 6pm. Free entry.

November 2 (and every 1st Sunday)
Many museums and monuments in Paris are open for free the first Sunday of the month. In November, that includes the Orsay, Picasso, Cluny, Arts-et-Métiers, Musée Rodin, Orangerie, Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature, Musée Delacroix, Musée Gustave Moreau, Cité de l’Architecture, Musée des Arts Asiatiques Guimet, Cité de la Céramique de Sèvres, Musée Jean-Jacques Henner, Musée départemental Albert-Kahn, Quai Branly, Musée de l’histoire de l’Immigration, and the Château Fontainebleau. Monuments include the Arc de Triomphe, Pantheon, Conciergerie, Sainte-Chapelle, Versailles, Château de Vincennes, and Saint-Denis Basilica. Be sure to check each museum’s website, as some still require you to have a timed ticket; even if the entrance is free. See the full list here.

Through November 2
Stuff yourself with all kinds of chocolately goodies at the 30th annual Salon du Chocolat, at the Paris-Expo – Porte de Versailles (metro line 12), 10am-7pm. Entrance €17 (€14 for kids under 12), €44 for families (less if you purchase early bird tix before October 5th). You can get advance tickets online or ask at your favorite chocolate shop if they have any extra invitations. Avoid the weekend unless you’re a masochist!

Through November 2
The Jour des Morts (aka Dia de los Muertos, aka Day of the Dead, aka Toussaint in France) is officially November 1st, but there are events all over Paris in the week leading up to it, from celebratory altars and music concerts to parades and “catrinas” contests, including special decorations and events for kids at the Jardin d’Acclimatation. The big costume parade is on November 2nd at the Stravinsky Fountain (near the Pompidou Center) at 6pm.

November 6-9
Time to stock up on original Christmas gifts “Made in France” at the 12th annual MIF Expo at the Porte de Versailles (expo hall 3): “MIF Expo offers a showcase that allows French industry, innovation and creativity to meet consumers.” There will be gourmet goodies, toys, home & decor, clothing, beauty & hygiene products, and technological innovations. Get a preview of the show on this video. Open 10am-7pm (Sunday until 6pm), tickets free on the website or pay €10 at the door (reimbursed with your first purchase). Note that coat check is €2/item. 

Through November 7
For just a few weeks this fall, the mythical Mausoleum of Lek & Sowat in the 19th arrondissement (near Porte de la Villette)—an abandoned 40,000m² supermarket turned clandestine canvas for French graffiti legends—opens to the public with free guided tours. Created in 2010 by the duo Lek & Sowat, the site became a secret playground where dozens of renowned street artists (including Seth, Bom.K, Gris1, Brusk, and many others) created monumental frescoes and art installations. Closed for many years, the Mausoleum now reveals about 60% of its preserved interior via a one-hour walk led by expert guides. Expect to bring a flashlight (or use your phone) and immerse yourself in this raw, experimental environment at the frontier of urban art and archaeology. Tours are limited to 20 people per slot, in French only, not accessible to reduced mobility visitors. New booking slots are released every Wednesday at 6pm on Explore Paris. A chance to step inside a legendary street art landmark before it disappears.

November 8–9
Now held in the Marais, this Afro-Caribbean Christmas market — one of the first holiday markets of the season — brings together a wide range of artisans and brands highlighting Afro-Caribbean culture through fashion, beauty, books, games, décor, specialty foods, and gift ideas. Expect more than a thousand potential gifts, all-day activities, and on-site food options. Open 12pm–8pm at 5 rue Saint-Merri, 4th arrondissement (metro Châtelet or Hôtel de Ville). Entry €2.

November 7 – 23
The Festival des Fiertés returns for its 5th edition across the 12th, 13th, and 14th arrondissements, featuring an array of LGBTQIA+ cultural and artistic events, while raising awareness against discrimination. Highlights include the opening night “Célébrons la bisexualité” on Nov 7 (Annexe de la Mairie du 14e), drag storytime, a screening of Orlando, concerts, and community meet-ups. Free, with some events requiring advance registration (see each listing).

November 7-11
The 49th annual Salon Marjolaine, the largest organic fair in Paris, takes place this week at the Parc Floral (Bois de Vincennes) with 450 stands selling everything organic you could imagine: produce, meats, cheeses, artisan oils, wines, essential oils, herbs, teas, cosmetics, beauty products, household cleaning products, clothing, shoes, accessories, home decor, books, gardening supplies, as well as stands for environmental tourism, different green activist groups such as Greenpeace, etc. There are also plenty of food stands for lunch onsite, a coat check, and a little shuttle from the metro Château de Vincennes to the entrance of the Parc Floral. Open 10:30am-7pm (Friday until 9pm). Entry €10, but you can get a €3 discount voucher on the website to print out in advance (or pay the ticket online in advance and skip waiting in line).  

November 8–16
Paris marks the tenth anniversary of the November 13, 2015 terrorist attacks with a week of remembrance and reflection. From November 8 to 16, Parisians are invited to leave candles, flowers, or messages at the foot of the statue on Place de la République, honoring the victims, survivors, and first responders. On Thursday, November 13, a public ceremony at 6pm will be broadcast live on a giant screen in the square, while a new Jardin du 13-Novembre-2015 will be inaugurated at Place Saint-Gervais (behind Hôtel de Ville; the event isn’t open to the public).

November 11th is an official holiday in France (WWI Remembrance Day for the 1918 Armistice), so several museums will be closed (including the Louvre, Orangerie, and Delacroix Museum), as well as government offices and some smaller shops.

November 11
Armistice Day Ceremonies under the Arc de Triomphe: Each year on November 11, France honors the end of World War I and the memory of all those who died for the nation. The official Armistice Day ceremony takes place beneath the Arc de Triomphe (Place Etoile – Charles-de-Gaulle), beginning at 11am with the Ravivage de la Flamme (rekindling of the Eternal Flame) in the presence of the President of the Republic, military representatives, and veterans’ organizations. Access around the monument is restricted during the ceremony, but it is broadcast live on national television and visible from surrounding areas on the Champs-Élysées. A public vigil organized by the Comité de la Flamme follows at 8pm, with music by a military band and a solemn torchlight rekindling of the flame. This evening ceremony is open to the public without reservation. There will also be Veterans’ Day ceremonies at American cemeteries in France today, including Suresnes American Cemetery and the Lafayette Escadrille Memorial Cemetery near Paris.

November 14 (Book Now!)
Le Cordon Bleu – Masterclass Pastry with Amanda Bankert (vegan) at Hôtel de la Marine (Place de la Concorde). The Boneshaker Donuts founder leads a 3-hour hands-on session (2:30–5:30pm; in French & English) creating an Autumn cranberry–pumpkin spice entremet—plant-based, ultra-indulgent, and beginner-friendly. €165, very limited spots; book via Le Cordon Bleu Paris.

November 14-17
The Portes Ouvertes d’Anvers aux Abbesses invites the public to explore over 75 artist studios around Montmartre in the 9th and 18th arrondissements, where 124 painters, sculptors, photographers, ceramists, and engravers will showcase their work. For this open-studio event, you’ll find exhibitions like Le Mur des Émiles, a collection of small-format pieces for sale at €100 (50 Rue Labat). Free entry. Hours: Friday 6-9pm; Saturday-Sunday 11am-8pm; Monday 2-8pm. Start at 8 Ave Trudaine for maps, or download online.

November 14, 2025 – January 11, 2026
The Domaine National de Saint-Cloud (metro 10 Boulogne-Pont de St-Cloud) is decorated with over 25 illuminated installations for Lumières en Seine, a sparkling winter lights festival just outside Paris. Wander through themed worlds like the Route of Stars, the Cosmic Forest, and the Symphony of Elements, all set to music and visual projections. Gourmet chalets serve hot drinks and festive snacks along the way. The 75-minute stroll is family friendly, but not particularly accessible for wheelchairs. Open 5–11pm, tickets €23-€28 (€18-€20 for kids 3-11, free for children under 3).

November 16
The Paris Sausage Walk returns today for its sixth edition, when hundreds of dachshunds—those beloved little “sausages on legs”—once again take over the Seine for a good cause. Starting and finishing on the Esplanade David-Ben-Gourion in the 7th arrondissement, opposite the Musée du Quai Branly, the walk follows the river toward the Port de Solférino by the Musée d’Orsay from 11am to 1pm. Beyond the irresistible photo ops, the event supports Teckels sans Doux Foyer, a volunteer-run rescue helping dachshunds find new homes across France. Whether you’re walking your own or simply want to watch a few hundred happy pups trotting along the quays, it’s one of the most heartwarming sights in the city this month.

November 18
Tickets go on sale today at 10am for Les Créateurs ont du Cœur – Arcat Solidarity Sale (December 18–22), a hugely popular charity sale bringing together thousands of donated items from major fashion and lifestyle brands, all discounted 50–90% off retail, including clothing, shoes, accessories, jewelry, cosmetics, and home décor. The event supports Arcat’s work providing social, medical, psychological, legal, and employment assistance to more than 2,000 people each year affected by chronic illness or poverty. The €2 entry tickets go on sale here at 10am and sell out fast.

November 20
The third Thursday of November marks the annual release of Beaujolais Nouveau, the young wine from the Beaujolais vineyard straddling the north of the Rhône and part of Saône-et-Loire. Since 1985, French law has fixed this date as the official start of sales, and winemakers have gradually turned it into a nationwide celebration (other AOC Beaujolais and Beaujolais-Villages wines must wait until December 15 to go on sale.) Across Paris, the arrival of the new vintage is an excuse for tastings, menus built around the first bottles of the year, and plenty of conviviality, such as the fabulous bistro & wine bar YARD. You can also try out the less formal Food Market experience on the boulevard de Belleville, a festive open-air edition dedicated to Bojo Nouvo & Vins Primeurs. From 6pm to 10:30pm, the street between the Ménilmontant and Couronnes metro stations transforms into a lively nighttime food market, where glasses of freshly released Beaujolais Nouveau and other young wines are on sale to enjoy with food from the city’s favorite street-food chefs, all at reasonable prices, eaten alongside locals at long communal tables under the stars. As always, entry is free and the atmosphere is pure Belleville: convivial, a little chaotic, a little loud, and full of good smells and good humor. Dress warm (bring an umbrella!), watch your pockets, and enjoy.

November 21-23
The annual Salon Idées Japon features 60 stands of arts, decor, foods, and clothing from Japan just in time for the holiday shopping. At the Bastille Design Center (74, bd Richard Lenoir, 11th). Open 11am-7pm.

November 22–23
The Paris Pen Show returns to the Hôtel de l’Industrie (4 place Saint-Germain-des-Prés, 6th arrondissement) for a weekend dedicated to fine writing instruments, from vintage pieces to contemporary luxury pens. Collectors and specialists from across Europe and beyond will present and sell fountain pens, inks, nibs, and rare models, with Visconti as guest of honor. Open Saturday 10am–7pm and Sunday 10am–3pm. Entry €10 for both days or €20 for early admission on Saturday from 9am.

November 22, 29, and 30
The Centre Commerciale Italie Deux (30 avenue d’Italie, 13th arrondissement, level 3 near Sephora) is hosting a women’s Grand Troc-Dressing (Clothing Swap) in partnership with DressLike. To participate, bring clean, good-condition autumn/winter items (no shoes, lingerie, swimwear, jewellery, or fast-fashion brands); for each accepted piece, you can trade for one of 600 curated garments, with on-site styling advice. Sessions run noon–6pm on November 22nd, 29th and 30th (the last two dedicated to holiday outfits). Free, but you need to sign up here.

November 25
Inspirelle’s latest Author Evening presents journalist and TV producer Robin A. Davis and her memoir Surviving Paris: A Memoir of Healing in the City of Light. The book recounts her breast cancer diagnosis shortly after moving to Paris and her experience navigating treatment, recovery, and lockdown alone in a new country. The evening includes readings, a Q&A, wine and refreshments, cookies from Cookie Love, and an exhibition by artist Diane Cassia Matsuda. Books will be available for purchase, and 10% of ticket and artwork sales benefit breast cancer research via Collectif Triplettes Roses. La Caverne d’Art & Miss, 23–25 rue Saint-Paul, 4th arrondissement, metro Saint-Paul. 7pm–9:30pm. Tickets €15–€30 (buy in advance on Inspirelle’s website).

November 25
Cookbook author and longtime Paris resident David Lebovitz will be signing copies of his newly updated Ready for Dessert at Smith&Son (248 rue de Rivoli, 1st arrondissement, 5:30–7pm). Attendees can purchase books on-site or preorder via the bookstore’s website for a personalized inscription. Free entry; early arrival recommended.

November 28-30
Les Banques Alimentaires — French food banks — are holding their annual collection drive this weekend to stock up for the winter. You’ll see them just after the check-outs in supermarkets where you can purchase food and hygiene products to contribute.

Through December 13
De Paris à Belém: 10 ans d’actions mondiales pour le climat is a new free exhibition at the l’Hôtel de Ville (5 rue Lobau, 4th arrondissement) marking the 10th anniversary of the Paris Agreement (COP21) and looking ahead to COP30 in Belém. It features powerful visuals like a monumental work by Shepard Fairey (Obey) on the façade and striking photographs by Sebastião Salgado, alongside interactive installations for all ages. The exhibit also highlights the role of cities in global climate action (read this interview with the Canadian Cities Guru Brent Toderian about the exhibit). A child-friendly visitor path includes a booklet and works created by Paris youth. Open Tuesday through Saturday. Free admission, but online reservation required.

Through December 14
Fluctuart presents a Carte Blanche retrospective of JonOne (John Andrew Perello), retracing the career of the groundbreaking urban artist from his early graffiti works in Harlem to his large-scale abstract canvases in Paris. The exhibition brings together historic and new pieces, highlighting his constant experimentation with form and color. Open Wednesday to Sunday from noon, with guided tours available Friday through Sunday. Free entry.

Through January 11, 2026
Paul Poiret, Fashion is a Party expo is on at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs (107 rue de Rivoli, 1st arrondissement), open Tuesday to Sunday, 11am–6pm (late opening Thursday until 9pm). Closed Mondays. Admission €15 (€11 reduced). This major retrospective traces the creative universe of Paul Poiret, the early 20th-century designer known for liberating women from corsets and revolutionizing fashion. Featuring 550 works—from garments and accessories to decorative arts and archival images—the show highlights his influence across fashion, interiors, fragrance, and high society festivities, from the Belle Époque to the Roaring Twenties.

Outside Paris

Through November 2
The Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte marks the 150th anniversary of Alfred Sommier’s purchase of the estate with a special exhibition, “Vaux-le-Vicomte, rebirth of a masterpiece.” On view are rare objects, family archives, and documents that trace how the 19th-century industrialist and art patron revived the abandoned château in 1875, restoring it to its 17th-century grandeur. The story of this extraordinary heritage rescue is told through the eyes of those who carried it out—and continued by his descendants today. Exhibition included with the regular château entry. Open daily 10am–7pm (last ticket 5:30pm). One hour from Paris, train and shuttle options available (see practical info on the website).