Paris in the Fall: Travel Highlights & What I Wore
Even after just a few days in Paris, I always come away with so much to process. It’s such an inspiring city in so many ways, from the architecture to the art, and the beauty around every corner. This visit was no exception! Today I’m sharing a few favorite moments from my fall visit, along with some of the outfits I wore from my travel capsule wardrobe.
Paris in the Fall: First Impressions
There’s something truly special about Paris in the fall. The golden light, the crisp air, and the slower pace make it one of my favorite times to visit. My London friend Annie decided to join me this time, and it was even more fun to share some of my favorite Paris spots.
Paris Parks and the Magic of Autumn Light
Paris has so many magnificent parks, but Jardin du Luxembourg is my favorite. On our first day, we spent hours just wandering, marveling at the light, and snapping photos. That light really is magical!
Exploring the City: Architecture, Cafés, and Culture
After lunch at one of my favorite bistros, Les Antiquaires, we strolled along the Seine and soaked up the atmosphere…
One of the things I love most about Parisian architecture is the emphasis on beauty, even in everyday spaces. Sculptures, friezes, pediments, and ironwork adorn so many buildings. It’s worth slowing down and looking up to appreciate the details.
On my spring visit, I stopped in to see the newly renovated Notre-Dame Cathedral. This time, we visited St. Sulpice in the 6th arrondissement: less crowded, and in my opinion, just as beautiful. Built mostly in the 17th century (with some of the foundations dating back to the 12th), it’s the second-tallest church in Paris and well worth a stop.
The renovated La Samaritaine department store is worth a visit for the architecture as much as the shopping. I can never resist stopping to admire the Belle Époque touches: the graceful ironwork and romantic artwork. (The café on the top floor here is a lovely spot for an afternoon tea break!)
What I Wore
My fall travel capsule wardrobe worked out beautifully for this portion of the trip. I’ve been comfortable and felt appropriately dressed for every occasion. Here are a few of the outfits I wore in Paris:
BACKPACK | SUITCASE
(You can’t see it, but I’m wearing a blouse (similar) underneath the cardigan.)
I’ll be sharing a full recap of my travel wardrobe once I’m back home, but so far I’ve worn almost everything at least once, and have repeated a few favorite combinations.
(Yes, I did purchase a few items, which I’ll also share once I’m back home.)
Final Thoughts
Paris in the fall never fails to inspire me. The combination of timeless style, art, nature, and architecture is hard to beat. Have you visited during this season? I’d love to hear what you enjoyed most! And if you’re planning your own trip, be sure to check back; I’ll be sharing a full recap of my travel wardrobe and how it performed soon.
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Would you share a recap of your luggage as well? I’m looking to upgrade my 20+-year-old Lipault two-wheeler for a spinner and your luggage caught my eye.
Absolutely worth it to do a candle concert at Saint chappelle. And an hour at sunset on the Bateau Mouche. A walk through the Jarden des Plants. The markets and vide grenier.
Susan, I love your style! Where did you find the pretty “leash” for your phone?
Hi Nan, thanks! I purchased at Le Bon Marché in Paris, brand is La Coque Francaise.
Merci!
Paris in the fall is most enjoyable when sunny! Looks like you hit the spell of good weather we had recently. Today is grey and showery – somewhat less appealing. But yes, always so much to look at.
You are an inspiration in so many ways. I have not been to Paris for two years, it is so beautiful. I enjoy my first cup of tea with your email and this morning was lovely.
Hi Susan: welcome back! I’m sure you and Annie wanted to stay–I would have too. I’m wondering how you like your Lipault carry on bag (I noticed that Annie got one too). Are they lightweight? I still have my Brigg’s and Riley carry on spinner which seems indestructible (black) but it doesn’t seem to hold much. Also: I tried a tote this last visit instead of a backpack (Annie said she hates backpacks). The tote didn’t seem to hold as much as I wanted either! Also, the leather straps weren’t comfortable in my hand or over my arm. Are you liking that backpack? I tried the R and B retro sneakers but they didn’t fit my feet very well. I seem to be stuck with regular running shoes 😉
Looking forward to your next posting!
Hi Sally, I’ll be doing a review of the luggage but I quite like it! I call these Lipault spinner bags “the clown car of suitcases” because you can just keep stuffing things in! 😉
Do you like the expandable backpack? I’m considering the maple color–what do you think?
Hi Sally, I’ve traveled a few times now with this backpack, and do really like it.
Every outfit is fabulous on you, and your accessories really lift your looks. Can you source your phone lanyard?
Hi Becky, thanks so much! The lanyard is from a French brand, La Coque Francaise.
I was eyeing that as well Susan! Good find!
I can’t say enough good things about a phone lanyard! I lost my phone in Amsterdam—fortunately I recovered it, but it’s so easy to lay it down somewhere when there’s so much happening around you. I didn’t think I needed a lanyard, but now I’m never going to Europe again without one.
Beautiful photos!
Thank you!
The cross body phone case looks very handy!
Thanks, yes it really is.
Lovely photos and very inspiring!!
Beautiful photos of my favorite city. I love the pulled together look,without being too fussy.
Thanks for sharing your trip.
Please tell us about your phone chain! And the case you connect it to!
Hi Judith, it’s from a brand called La Coque Francaise. I purchased mine at Le Bon Marche, but according to the website they do ship worldwide.
Thanks for sharing these lovely photos! Wish I was going with the group next spring. Maybe another time!
Thanks, Tammy! I’m hoping if the April tour goes well that we’ll be able to offer more in the future.
No tourist look for you! You looked great, very well put together, loved your color combos!
Thank you, Lucretia!
I’ve been a longtime reader of your blog, and as I started planning a two-week trip, I found myself clicking back through your travel wardrobe posts for inspiration.
What really struck me was the evolution of your style over the years– the shift since having your colors and style done is remarkable. Side by side, the difference is incredible: you now look so confident, modern, and completely you. It’s vibrant and compelling– clearly whatever you’re doing is working!
Thanks so much Abbey for your kind words! Having my color and style analysis was one of the best investments I’ve ever made.
Thanks for the memories. When I was last in Paris, Notre Dame was still in scaffolding and Le Samaritaine was still closed. With family in France, we have visited often, and the grandchildren always loved the playground at Luxembourg. I agree that fall is the best time to visit.
Hi Susan,
What gorgeous pictures thank you for sharing!! I am going to London very soon to see family and friends and like you, I deride so much pleasure walking in the parks and being out in nature. My brother taught at the Sorbonne for many years and Paris highlights for me in Fall are Le Pere-Lachaise and Rodin Museum and The Sainte Chapelle for the stained glass. I have wonderful memories of taking my daughter to Shakespeare’s book shop for the first time. Have fun travel safe!I love that brown Bash jacket !
Thanks so much, Francesca!
Susan, your Paris pictures were tres magnificent!! Have a terrific time in London!!
Thanks very much, Margi!
Hi Susan, thank you for your always thoughtful suggestions and sharings. You look great! I was wondering how you tied your scarf in the third outfit photo? I feel this could suit me. Thks!
Thanks so much, Dawn! I’ll do a video soon to share that scarf tie.
Hi .i do love your taste . What i would like to know is what your bag weighed. When we go on an airline my bag is weighed
Hi robyn, I didn’t notice what the bag weight was, but I can lift and carry it easily even when packed. I’ll make a note if they weigh my bag on the flight home.
That green is luscious. Similar pistachio greens and warm browns are also in US stores this fall, although the clothing cuts tend to be fussier and not as cleanly classic as your choices (and my preferences).
Thanks very much, Ann!
I love that La Samaritain is situated in Rue de la Monnai. Very befitting haha.
That bright green is such a lovely pop of colour on the brown.
Glad you had good weather and lovely company.
Greetje
Thanks Greetje, and yes, very apropos location!
Susan, your photos are, as always, stunning! Thank you so much bringing a little bit of Paris to us. And watch out for jewel thieves!
Haha! Didn’t find anything they might have dropped, unfortunately…. And thank you!
Having recently visited London and the Cartier exhibit myself, I am interested in what you thought of those experiences.
Any plans to update your Paris city guide? I’m looking for current hotel recommendations. Thanks!
Hi Jerikk, yes, I’ll be working on that soon.
As for Paris sights, I wonder if you’ve visited Ste. Chapelle, a stone’s throw from Notre Dame? It’s like a little jewel box. The first floor is amazing, until you go up the stairs to the second floor, which is even more so. I never tell friends to skip Notre Dame, but as long as they are there…….take another short walk to Ste. Chapelle.
I’ve been to Paris twice, in mid-November both times. Lucked out with the weather, other than one rainy day. It could be cool though that didn’t stop me from getting gelato at Bertillon (Ile St Louis branch). Ended up near the Bourse on Beaujolais Nouveau release day and got a kick out of seeing people on the cafe terraces/outdoor patios drinking it.
Jardin des Plantes, Buttes-Chaumont are on my list to visit. I’ll confess much of my Paris geography knowledge has come from Cara Black’s Aimée Leduc series.
Hi I’ve been following you for many years, I always love your jackets. I live in Perth Australia I’m petite too 5.1 and we are the same size, I’m a summer pallet. That leather jacket is amazing i absolutely love it, sadly was out of my price range, I also love the Betty sezane jacket in the Ecru colour and the mini Belfast crop peacoat. I have all these saved in my cart. Who knows a miracle may happen and I could afford them. Love your blog
We visited France last October, including Paris. It rained much of the trip. And it was rather chilly. But the weather did nothing to dampen our pleasure and the beauty of the city!