Change in weather getting you down? Look on the brighter side with one of these top autumn events in Paris. From art exhibitions to fashion extravaganzas and Christmas activities a-plenty, we’ve run down our favourite autumnal events for those precious days off!

1. Get in the festive mood with a traditional Christmas market

The famous Champs-Elysées Christmas market might have been cancelled this year, but there’s still plenty of festive fun to be had around Paris.

To replace the loss at the Champ-Elysées, a swell of 70 cabins bursting with food and handmade crafts is coming to Les Halles. There’s also another biggie at La Defense, a Christmas village and ice skating rink taking over Champ de Mars, and our personal favourite, the 3-day blink-and-you’ll-miss-it at Saint-Pierre de Montmartre, TBC usually from 2 to 4 December.

2. Fashion fans, get your freak on

L’enfant terrible of the French fashion industry, Jean Paul Gaultier has been disrupting and making trends for decades. In hommage to his great fashion prowess, Le Freak Show de Jean Paul Gaultier is a theatrical extravaganza that traces his beginnings and inspirations to a rock-pop soundtrack. Part catwalk, part retrospective, it’s a must-see for fashion addicts.

Folies Bergère, until 30th December 2018. Tickets from €30.

Photo ©jpgfashionfreakshow.com

3. Sport a classic Brit Christmas jumper

Missing those quintessentially British Christmas references? There’s help at hand! Club Peña Festayre is hosting the first edition of the International Ugliest Christmas Jumper Competition! Don your most cringe-tastic itchy festive jumper on Saturday 15th December and head on over to Peña Festayre for a night of jazz music, dancing, and a prize giving at 11pm.

Sign up here.

4. Shamone down to Grand Palais for MJ

Undoubtedly the glitziest exhibition to hit Paris this autumn, Michael Jackson: On The Wall is a reflection on his cultural influence throughout the decades. Expect works from Andy Warhol, David LaChapelle and more.

Grand Palais, tickets from €9.

5. The must-see exhibition of the year, extended

Such is the success of Gustave Klimt at Atelier des Lumières that they extended it until 6th January 2019. Walk in his most beautiful works, projected onto the walls of the 2000m2-square space. Don’t attempt the queues, booking is strongly advised!

Atelier des Lumières, under 25 ticket, 9€50.

Credit Atelier des Lumières © Culturespaces / E. Spiller

6. Party on Ice

Do you shrug off the Christmas spirit until your feet are on ice? Then skate on down to L’Espace Sportif Pailleron on Saturday 18th November for a disco on the rink. Show off your best moves to a live DJ, lightshow and get bags full of glow in the dark goodies.

Warning: there’s a strict dress code, white and fluorescent!

Pailleron 19, advance tickets 12€.

7. Catch the new wave of French cinema

The Independent Paris Film Festival returns from 21st to 24th November at Le Royal Monceau Raffles Paris. Featuring indie filmmakers from all over the world, the festival pays particular attention to low-budget and first-time film makers. Reserve your seat and maybe you’ll see the next Spielberg in action.

8. Beaujolais is back

Love it or hate it, everyone can agree that the famous wine harvest is a jolly time to be in Paris. You don’t necessarily need to have a penchant for Beaujolais to enjoy a tipple around the city — check out one of these great wine bars to get in the spirit on 15th November.

9 – A must-see museum with a monumental exhibition

Musée d’Orsay is a sightseeing must, so cross it off while going to a beautiful new exhibition. Picasso Bleu et Rose traces 5 monumental periods in the artist’s career. Stick around for the permanent collections (yes, you’ll need more than an hour!) and enjoy the legendary seat of French art.

Remember, on the first Sunday of every month there is free entry to main Parisian museums. Getting their early is a given, but it’s worth it for some cheap culture!

Musée D’Orsay, tickets free for under 25 years old.

10. Enjoy some Franglais comedy

If you’re not familiar with Paul Taylor and his What the f**k France? videos, we urge you to get acquainted. His sold-out tour is coming to an end with 3 shows at the Casino de Paris. 50% in English, 50% in French, his mocking comedy looks at some of the funny things you’re likely to discover during your time in France. Book now so you don’t miss out on your franglais education.

Casino de Paris, tickets from 19€.