With the whirlwind of the Olympic Games now but a memory and the festive pre-Christmas frenzy still weeks away, Paris this fall has settled into a more laid-back pace with fewer crowds. That means less time queuing at museums and galleries, snagging a prime dinner reservation is easier than ever, and finding that perfect hotel room becomes a breeze. To help you make the most of autumn in Paris, we’ve curated some news from our Inspector-approved restaurants and hotels, alongside can’t-miss cultural highlights.
1. Wander Around The Reopened Grand Palais During Art Basel Paris
This autumn in Paris, Art Basel makes its grand return at the newly reopened Grand Palais, which remained closed throughout a three-year renovation. Running from October 18-20, the fair will showcase 194 galleries from 42 countries, including 51 exciting new additions. Beyond the Grand Palais, there will also be satellite events in some of Paris’ most iconic venues. New this year, the program Oh La La! will unveil rarely seen works, adding an extra layer of intrigue. With more galleries and a richer program, this edition of Art Basel Paris promises to be a standout. Art Basel at the Grand Palais, Paris 75008.
2. Get A Taste For Michelin-Starred Mastery With A Sichuan Twist
The Shang Palace at the Shangri-La Paris hotel, the only MICHELIN-Starred Chinese restaurant in France, which has held on to its star for 13 years, welcomes a new culinary maestro this month to head up its kitchen: Chef Tony Xu. Hailing from Chengdu, the heart of China’s Sichuan region, Chef Xu earned his first MICHELIN Star in 2022 for his innovative vegetarian cuisine at the Mi Xun Teahouse at the Temple House luxury hotel (Chengdu). He’s now debuting a new menu at the Shangri-La, so let’s see how it fares with our Inspectors - should they drop by. Shang Palace at the Shangri-La Paris, 10 avenue d’Iéna, Paris 75116
3. Take A Family Vacation At The Historic Abbaye des Vaux de Cernay’s New Spot
Set within 185 acres of countryside less than an hour outside Paris, the recently restored Abbaye des Vaux de Cernay is a stylish retreat that mixes Medieval architecture and a chic, English members’ club twist for well-heeled travelers. This September, the estate expands with La Ferme, a farmhouse-style hideaway designed with families in mind. It has 39 guest rooms, surrounded by flower-planted gardens and meadows for the little ones to run wild and will feature a laid-back trattoria restaurant and Betty’s Bar, named after the former resident of the abbey, the legendary artist and socialite Betty de Rothschild. La Ferme at the Abbaye des Vaux de Cernay, 78720 Cernay-la-Ville
4. Celebrate Africa’s Bold Voices at AKAA Art Fair In The Marais
France’s leading contemporary art fair dedicated to Africa, AKAA (Also Known As Africa) reflects the continent's rich and multi-faceted identity. Now in its ninth edition, the fair explores dialogues between Africa, the Americas, and the Caribbean, with a spotlight on queer African identities with the photographic series QUEER BLACK & LOVED. With 31 African nations still criminalizing homosexuality, this exhibition is a powerful act of resistance. Held during Paris Art Week on October 18-20, AKAA offers a fresh perspective on African and Afro-descendant art, inviting discovery and dialogue beyond borders. AKAA at Le Carreau du Temple, 4 rue Eugène Spuller, Paris 75003
5. Take A Deep Dive into the Evolution of Privacy, Then and Now
Opening this October in Paris, Private Lives: From the Bedroom to Social Media is a must-see exhibition that delves into the ever-evolving relationship between privacy and the public sphere. Running from October 15 to March 30, this thought-provoking showcase takes visitors on a journey through 12 themes of intimacy, from sleep and sexuality to the far-reaching effects of social media and surveillance. A unique exploration of how privacy has shaped, and continues to shape, our lives, it highlights works by iconic artists like Édouard Vuillard, David Hockney, and Nan Goldin. Private Lives: From the Bedroom to Social Media at Les Arts Décoratifs, 107 rue de Rivoli, Paris 75001
6. Raise a Glass at Peacock Alley, Where New York Chic Meets French Elegance
The iconic New York bar concept, Peacock Alley, has made its grand debut in France at the Waldorf Astoria Versailles – Trianon Palace. Halfway bewteen American flair and French elegance, this historic hotel has established itself as a cornerstone of Versailles over the past decade, particularly celebrated for its restaurant helmed by British chef Gordon Ramsay. The arrival of Peacock Alley this autumn serves as a timely tribute to Ramsay's 15-year collaboration with the hotel. Waldorf Astoria Versailles – Trianon Palace, 1 boulevard de la Reine, Versailles 78000
7. Explore A New Chapter For This Iconic 3-Star Restaurant
After 25 years under Éric Fréchon, who held three MICHELIN Stars for an impressive 15 years, Epicure restaurant at the Bristol Palace Hotel in Paris is set to embark on a new culinary chapter with Chef Arnaud Faye at the helm. Faye unveils a contemporary gastronomic experience where vegetables take center stage. With a deep respect for exceptional ingredients, he allows nature to guide his culinary creations, believing that true excellence stems from the gifts the earth provides. Passionate about France's diverse regions and their terroirs, Faye values relationships with producers built on trust and respect for nature's rhythm. His eagerly anticipated Epicure menu will debut this September, leaving us all curious to see how the stars will align for him come Michelin awards ceremony come March. Epicure at Le Bristol, 112 rue du Faubourg Saint- Honoré, Paris 75008
8. See This Restaurant’s New Look For An Elevated Dining Experience
Opened in 2018, the One MICHELIN-Starred Substance is the flagship restaurant of the Éclore Group and is a collaboration between the group’s headman Stéphane Manigold and Chef Matthias Marc. Six years on, it's become a dining destination in its own right, showcasing Marc's increasingly personal cuisine inspired by his French Jura roots. After an extensive renovation, it’s reopened with a fresh décor and ambiance inspired by Marc's book, IN SITU. The redesign is meant to capture the chef’s dual identity, blending elements of his Jura heritage with his Parisian lifestyle. Substance, 18 rue de Chaillot, Paris 75116
9. Try The New Chef's Dishes At This Sleek Paris Hotel
The French chef Thierry Marx, who held Two MICHELIN Stars at the Mandarin Oriental Paris has transitioned from his illustrious ten-year tenure to unveil a new project, Delano Café within the chic confines of the Maison Delano hotel. Renowned for his commitment to innovative and sustainable cuisine, his menu highlights responsibly sourced ingredients from across France. Delano Café at Maison Delano, 4 rue d’Anjou, Paris 75008
10. Marvel At Alain Ducasse’s New Project At Maison Baccarat
Baccarat embarks on a dazzling new chapter with Alain Ducasse, one of only two chefs to hold a total of 21 MICHELIN Stars across his establishments, who will take the culinary direction at its elegant hôtel particulier. Opening in October, it will feature furniture by artist Jean-Guillaume Mathiaut and creative director Harry Nuriev’s bold, maximalist designs that echo Baccarat’s signature baroque spirit. Mixologist Margot Lecarpentier, headwoman of Belleville staple Combat bar, will add a playful twist with her cocktails. As the MICHELIN Star awards approach, anticipation grows to see if Ducasse’s latest venture will add yet another Star to his illustrious career. Ducasse Baccarat, 11 place des Etats-Unis, Paris 75016Related articles:
Hero image: The Grand Palais, the venue for Art Basel, seen from a boat on the River Seine (© Aliki Christoforou)
