The Paris Postcard: Toussaint, Chocolate, and a Touch of Chic!

le 31 octobre 2026

Bonjour à toutes et a tous! Your Paris Postcard is here, bringing you the latest happenings in the City of Light.

Despite the turmoil and protests disrupting parts of France, Paris continues to enjoy unseasonably warm weather, offering a welcome invitation to spend time outdoors. Find a quiet corner of the city, and you can still enjoy the simplest pleasures of Paris: lunch on a terrace, a leisurely meal outdoors, or a pause at a neighborhood café to watch the world go by.

The transition from October to November is a lovely time to experience the city. Autumn is in full swing, the city is beginning to prepare for the holiday season, and Halloween and All Saints’ Day bring a distinctly seasonal atmosphere. Here is a selection of special events, cultural activities, and seasonal experiences to consider in this week’s Paris Postcard.

Celebrate Halloween the French Way

Halloween has gradually made its way into Paris. Shop windows are filled with pumpkins, children dress up in costumes, and an increasing number of families have embraced the American tradition of trick-or-treating. While I always enjoy seeing little ones dressed up for Halloween, I hope this imported celebration doesn’t overshadow the deeply rooted French traditions surrounding La Toussaint (All Saints’ Day, November 1) and Le Jour des Morts (All Souls’ Day, November 2).

These two observances have distinct meanings in the Catholic calendar. La Toussaint is a feast honoring all saints, while Le Jour des Morts is dedicated to remembering the faithful departed. In France, families traditionally mark this time by visiting cemeteries, tending to family graves, and placing chrysanthemums on the resting places of loved ones. It’s a time when families gather for a leisurely lunch or dinner, sharing memories, telling stories of generations past, and passing family traditions along to the next generation.These moments are important, and I hope will continue to hold their place in France.

If you’re lucky enough to be in Paris this weekend, the best opportunity to experience these traditions is at the magnificent Notre-Dame de Paris, where special liturgies will mark All Hallows’ Eve, All Saints’ Day, and All Souls’ Day. I always tell my Catholic friends, family, and followers, “don’t just visit Notre Dame, experience Notre Dame.” Here’s your rundown for the weekend:

Saturday, October 31 – All Hallows’ Eve

The cathedral will celebrate Solemn Vespers at 5:15 p.m., followed by an anticipated Mass for All Saints’ Day at 6 p.m.

Sunday, November 1 – All Saints’ Day

A full program of services will honor the saints, including a Gregorian Mass at 10 a.m., Mass at 11:30 a.m., and a diocesan Mass at 6 p.m.

One particularly beautiful moment to look forward to is at 4:45 p.m., when a procession of banners from the nearby church of Saint-Étienne-du-Mont is expected to arrive at Notre-Dame, followed by Solemn Vespers at 5:15 p.m. It promises to be a lovely expression of the pageantry, beauty, and enduring faith of the Catholic tradition.

Monday, November 2 – All Souls’ Day

The cathedral will turn its attention to remembering the faithful departed, with Masses scheduled throughout the day. Of particular note are the midday Mass at 12 noon and the evening Mass at 6 p.m. These services invite the faithful to remember those who have died and reflect on the Christian hope of resurrection.

Planning your visit: Check the cathedral’s official schedule before heading out, as liturgical services may affect visitor access. For the complete program and any updates, visit Notre-Dame de Paris.

And to complete the experience, why not reserve a table at a traditional Parisian bistro for dinner? Enjoy a classic French meal, linger over a glass of Burgundy, and savor the simple pleasure of an evening around the table. For recommendations, consult my Paris Guide, where I share some of my favorite places to dine and experience the city like a local. After all, a little art de vivre à la française is always in season!

Salon International du Patrimoine Culturel

A little apology for this late-breaking recommendation, but I couldn’t let the weekend slip by without telling you about one of my absolute favorite Paris events: the Salon International du Patrimoine Culturel. The good news is that you still have through tomorrow, Sunday, November 1, to visit.

Conveniently held at the Carrousel du Louvre, this annual celebration brings together master artisans, restorers, craftspeople, and heritage specialists to showcase the extraordinary savoir-faire behind France’s cultural treasures. This year’s theme, Patrimoine en lumières (Heritage in Lights), explores the role of light in heritage, architecture, and the decorative arts.

From antique furniture and fine textiles to gilding, stained glass, and architectural restoration, there is something fascinating around every corner. I especially love meeting the artisans and seeing these traditional skills firsthand. If you are in Paris this weekend, do make time for a visit. It is an event I never like to miss!

Salon du Chocolat

For an experience completely different, but equally sweet, turn your attention from Paris’s time-honored traditions to one of its most indulgent celebrations: chocolate!

An annual favorite for chocolate lovers, the Salon du Chocolat brings together renowned chocolatiers, pastry chefs, and artisans from around the world to celebrate the art of chocolate. Visitors can sample exquisite creations, watch live demonstrations, discover emerging chocolatiers, and admire the celebrated chocolate fashion show, where culinary artistry meets haute couture. Whether you are a devoted chocolate enthusiast or simply appreciate the craftsmanship behind French pâtisserie, it is a deliciously indulgent way to experience Paris’s culinary creativity.

MES COUPS de CŒUR

And speaking of chocolate… from the delicious creations at the Salon du Chocolat to a different kind of indulgence, I’m taking inspiration from this season’s love affair with chocolate brown.

I’m particularly drawn to a monotone look in rich shades of brown, pairing the Sézane Samuel sweater with the Ramy trousers and finishing with the Solal suede bag. The beauty of wearing one color from head to toe is in the subtle variations of texture and tone. It’s understated, effortlessly chic, and a lovely way to embrace fall dressing. Très chic!

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#ICYMI

write a sentence about my recent alexis de tocqueville post

If you missed my recent post exploring Alexis de Tocqueville, Democracy in America, and the Frenchman’s observations of American democracy, I invite you to take a moment to read it. His reflections, written nearly 200 years ago, remain remarkably relevant today.

For a bit of nostalgia, revisit my November 2013 post, La Toussaint, when I woke up to the sounds of church bells ringing throughout Paris.

Until next week, mes chers amis, I am sending a little Parisian inspiration your way.