The Paris Postcard: Culture, Tradition, and a Bit of Whimsy

le 2 octobre 2026

Bonjour mes chers amis. Your Paris Postcard is here, bringing you the latest happenings in the City of Light.

October has arrived, and with it comes one of my favorite times of year in Paris, as the city settles into the rhythm of autumn. There is something especially lovely about being in Paris in October — whether you’re walking along the Seine, touring the Jardin de Luxembourg, or enjoying an afternoon at your favorite café, there is something for everyone.

And there is certainly plenty happening in Paris this month.

LOOK! 40 Years of Fashion at the Museum

If you love decorative arts and design, there is another exhibition worth adding to your Paris itinerary this fall: LOOK! 40 years of Fashion opened at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs on September 30.

Celebrating 40 years since the creation of the Musée des Arts de la Mode within MAD Paris, the exhibition brings together 40 iconic silhouettes from the museum’s collections, offering a fascinating look at the artistry, craftsmanship and history behind fashion. And, of course, the setting makes it even more appealing. MAD Paris is located in the Marsan wing of the Louvre, and very near the Jardin des Tuileries, making it an ideal location for a tour of the gardens or lunch at LouLou or Café Marly.

For me, this is one of the pleasures of Paris: you can easily walk to a museum expecting to see beautiful objects and come away having discovered an entirely different story about design, culture and the way we live. Then, have a delicious lunch in a beautiful setting. I usually plan my own travel to include a morning museum visit, followed by lunch, and then “free time” in the afternoon to wander the neighborhood and discover new places.

A Parade of Sausage Dogs

For a total change of pace, the annual Sausage Dog Walk is Sunday, October 4 at Etoile, or the top of the Champs-Élysées. This whimsical event shows the fun and quirky side of Parisian character. Expect to see hundreds of dachshunds and their owners. The sight of so many short-legged, long-bodied dogs making their way through the streets of Paris is almost guaranteed to bring a smile.

I have to admit, this is exactly the sort of thing I love about Paris. Alongside the grand museums, historic monuments and world-class performances, there are these wonderfully unexpected little traditions that make the city feel alive — and remind us not to take Paris too seriously.

A Taste of Montmartre

The Fête des Vendanges de Montmartre, the Montmartre Harvest Festival, returns October 7–11 for its 93rd year, bringing five days of celebrations to the 18th arrondissement. This year’s theme, “Le 18e donne le rythme,” puts music at the heart of the festivities, with the traditional Grand Défilé, visits to the vineyards of the Clos Montmartre and the ever-popular Parcours du Goût.

What I love most about this tradition is that a vineyard still exists in Paris—and that every October, Montmartre celebrates its harvest right in the heart of the city. There is something wonderfully charming about that. It is a reminder that Paris is not simply its grand monuments and famous museums; it is also the traditions, neighborhoods and rituals that have been woven into the life of the city for generations. These are the things that give Paris its character and make me fall in love with the city over and over again.

A Weekend for Photography

If photography is your passion, the Salon Photo & Vidéo takes place October 8–11 at the Grande Halle de la Villette. This year’s salon has an especially significant theme: 2026 marks the bicentenary of the birth of photography.

I have always loved going to salons when I am in Paris. Perhaps it is because they give me an opportunity to step into something I might not otherwise seek out—and I almost always discover something new. There is also something wonderfully Parisian about the tradition of the salon: people coming together around a shared interest, browsing, talking, learning and simply taking the time to look.

The location alone makes this one worth considering. The Grande Halle de la Villette is in the 19th arrondissement, giving you an opportunity to explore a different part of Paris while discovering photography, cameras, exhibitions and the cultural program surrounding this important anniversary. And if you are like me, you may arrive interested in one thing and leave having discovered several others.

MES COUPS de CŒUR

This week’s favorites are all about transitioning your wardrobe between seasons when summer hasn’t quite left, but fall is beginning to make an appearance. I have last season’s versions of these exact Prada slingbacks and handbag, and I absolutely love them—not only for fall, but for spring as well. Paired with a black midi skirt and an ivory cashmere sweater, they create the perfect wardrobe bridge between seasons. These are pieces I know I will reach for again and again: classic, polished and versatile enough to carry you beautifully from one season to the next.

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#ICYMI

If you missed my latest post, check out my latest post Vatel: A Film, A Château, and A Story from Chantilly. It’s the perfect escape to one of the most beautiful chateaux in the world as well as a mix of history and heartache.

For a bit of nostalgia, let’s revisit my November 2021 post, My Paris Pied-a-Terre, featuring my home-away-from-home, filled with cherished memories and everything you want in a Parisian apartment.

October is one of those months when Paris seems to settle into its rhythm. The days are still inviting, the cultural calendar is full, and there is always another exhibition, salon, performance or neighborhood tradition waiting to be discovered. It is a wonderful time to be in the city—and, for those of us who cannot be there, a wonderful time to begin thinking about when we will return. Until then, I’ll continue bringing a little bit of Paris to you from Chicago.