Enjoy a cosy autumn city break in Amsterdam, Brussels, or Paris
Thalys tickets just released for travel dates through October. Take advantage of low fares!
Crisp autumn air, colourful leaves, and local comfort food: it’s a recipe for a perfect fall day in Amsterdam, Brussels, or Paris. September and October offer up fall festivals, cooler weather, and fairy-lit romantic nights. Hop on a Thalys train to take advantage of fall-only events and experience Europe’s capitals as you’ve never seen them before. Here are our favourite fall activities if you’re looking for that cosy autumn magic.
Bask in the splendour of golden fall foliage as you walk along the city’s famous canals. The weather is still warm enough for a bike ride or a leisurely boat tour. Urban green spaces like Vondelpark and Rembrandtpark take on a new a charm. Tempted to run through a museum? Now just might be your chance! The Amsterdam Marathon on 15 October goes right under the Rijksmuseum. If you’re looking for a more party-oriented atmosphere, techno festival ADE (the Amsterdam Dance Event) is happening this year from 19 to 23 October.
November and beyond brings Museumnacht (Museum Night), a late-night art extravaganza and the Amsterdam Light Festival, a city-wide exhibit that adds some sparkle to those winter nights. Grab a hot cup of Chocomel to power you through the night.
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🍃 Brussels
Enjoy the autumn leaves at the Neo-Classical Parc Royale, located between Parliament and the Royal Palace. Or if you’re craving a real outdoor adventure, hop on a tram through the Sonian Forest to Tervuren, A UNESCO natural heritage site. Back in the city centre, feed your inner foodie at one of Brussels’ many food and drink events. The city’s signature restaurant festival (appropriately named EAT) features over 60 chefs and vendors showcasing their delectable dishes, cheeses, snacks, and desserts (28 September to 1 October). Tasting continues at Brussels Beer Weekend (1 to 3 September) and the MegaVino expo (23 to 25 October). Once you’ve eaten and drank to your heart’s content, don’t forget to stop by the RMFAB (Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium) to take in your share of the local masterpieces!
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Autumn is the perfect time to take advantage of the city’s many green spaces—from the manicured Luxembourg Gardens to the forest surrounding the castle at Vincennes. Plus, on the 16 & 17 September, France’s hidden heritage sites open for one weekend only. Step behind the scenes at the French Parliament, the Élysées Palace, and more. (Reserve online for the most popular sites!)
Paris is a foodie’s dream, and we wouldn’t think of passing up fall food and drink. Taste wine from Paris’ only urban vineyard at the Fête des Vendanges (the Harvest Festival) in Montmartre from 11 to 15 October. The harvest celebration includes tours of the unique site, a pop-up farmer’s market, and live entertainment. Other culinary celebrations include the Salon du Chocolat at the Versailles Expo Centre (28 October to 1 November).
If you’re into spooky Halloween outings, Paris’ cemeteries are legendary. Visting Père Lachaise (the final resting place of historic figures from Oscar Wilde to Jim Morrision) is a unique experience. Wander amongst larger-than-life mausoleums, marble tombs, and enjoy the peace and quiet of this 110-acre outdoor museum. Other cemeteries of interest include the Cimetière du Montparnasse (for fans of Simone de Beauvoir and Jean-Paul Sartre) and the Cimetière de Montmarte, the final resting place of Dalida.
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