le 6 novembre 2026

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

November has arrived, and although the days are growing shorter, Paris offers plenty of reasons to venture out and enjoy the city’s cultural treasures. From an afternoon spent admiring Impressionist paintings to an evening at the opera, this is a wonderful time to discover some of the experiences that make Paris so special. Whether you are visiting for the first time or returning to familiar places, there is always something new to enjoy.

Here are a few activities to consider for the week of November 6 through November 13.

Mary Cassatt at the Musée d’Orsay

For anyone who appreciates Impressionist painting, a visit to the Musée d’Orsay is always a pleasure. This autumn, the museum is presenting a major exhibition devoted to the American artist Mary Cassatt, bringing together approximately 80 paintings, pastels, and prints that explore her remarkable career.

I have always been drawn to the beauty of Impressionist paintings, particularly their delicate use of color and light. Cassatt’s work offers a wonderful opportunity to appreciate the intimate moments and everyday scenes that made her such an important figure in the Impressionist movement. The exhibition continues through January 31, 2027, making it a lovely addition to your Paris itinerary.

Mary Cassatt is not the only exceptional exhibition happening in Paris this fall. From celebrated artists to fascinating new discoveries, the city’s museums have plenty to offer art lovers. For more inspiration, take a look at my post, Five Major Exhibitions to See in Paris This Fall, where I share various exhibitions well worth adding to your Paris itinerary.

An Evening at the Opéra Bastille

If you are looking for something truly memorable, consider spending an evening at the Opéra Bastille.

The Paris opera season is presenting Wagner’s Das Rheingold, the opening work of his celebrated Ring cycle, as part of the RING Festival. Performances take place through 15.

Even if opera is not something you regularly attend, there is something quite extraordinary about experiencing a performance in Paris. The music, the staging, and the atmosphere make for an evening that feels distinctly different from the usual dinner and a stroll through the city.

A word of caution, however, from personal experience: don’t linger too long outside the opera after the performance. I have come close to being mugged only once in Paris, and it happened after an evening at the Opéra Bastille. I had been saying a rather lengthy goodbye to friends before finally setting off on my own. I soon found myself surrounded by a group of three women who seemed particularly interested in my evening attire. They followed me through the Métro, and I quickly realized that I was being targeted. As they closed in, I started running toward the point of transfer, where I knew I would find a crowd and, hopefully, security guards.

It was a frightening experience, and one I have never forgotten. Since then, I have made a point of leaving promptly, using private transportation, particularly when dressed for a special occasion. Enjoy the performance, say your goodbyes, and make your way home without lingering.

Paris is a city to be enjoyed, but a little vigilance goes a long way.

PhotoSaintGermain: Discovering Art on the Left Bank

One of my favorite ways to experience Paris is to wander through the galleries of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, where art and culture have long been part of the neighborhood’s identity.

PhotoSaintGermain returns November 5 through 28, bringing photography exhibitions to galleries and cultural spaces throughout the neighborhood.

I particularly enjoy the idea of discovering an exhibition while exploring the Left Bank. You can spend the afternoon visiting galleries, stopping for a café along the way, and enjoying the familiar streets that make this part of Paris so charming.

It is an invitation to slow down, look a little closer, and discover something unexpected.

A Final Thought

November is a wonderful month to experience Paris at a slightly slower pace. The summer crowds have disappeared, the museums offer plenty to discover, and there is something particularly appealing about spending an afternoon exploring an exhibition before settling into a neighborhood café.

For me, Paris has always been about more than its famous landmarks. It is the little discoveries, the familiar streets, the art, and the traditions that make each visit feel special. And if you are dreaming of a visit to Paris, my Paris Guide is designed to help you discover the city beyond the usual tourist attractions, with recommendations for the places, experiences, and neighborhoods that make Paris so unforgettable.

Until next week, mes chers amis, enjoy your Parisian adventures.

#ICYMI

In case you missed it, earlier in the week, I shared Five Traditional Bistros That Keep the Spirit of Old Paris Alive. I suggest bookmarking it, if you’re travels take you to the City of Light anytime soon!

For a bit of nostalgia, here’s a look back to May 2009 and the evening out that nearly resulted in my getting mugged on the metro! Tosca at Opera Bastille.

Until next time, mes chers amis, have a great week!