Cosy Pubs & Parisian Wine: London and Paris in Autumn

If you’re dreaming of Europe in autumn, it’s hard to beat London and Paris in October.

With cooler weather, fewer crowds and beautiful autumn colours, it’s the perfect time to spend five days in London and five days in Paris, connected by the easy Eurostar train. Autumn is one of my favourite times to travel, and these two cities truly come alive during the season.

For this trip, I also wanted to experience one of our partner suppliers firsthand, so I decided to travel on Collette’s classic London & Paris tour. It was a fantastic way to experience both cities while having the convenience of accommodation, some meals, transport and a range of included sightseeing already organised.

The tour made travelling between the two cities seamless, especially with the Eurostar connection, and still allowed plenty of free time to explore at your own pace. I loved having the flexibility to wander through London’s iconic streets and get lost in the charming corners of Paris, while also enjoying the comfort and ease that comes with travelling on a guided tour.

It was a great option for travellers wanting a balance of independence and structure, particularly for first-time visitors to Europe or anyone looking for a stress-free way to experience two of Europe’s most iconic cities.

London: Pubs, History & Classic Sights

Spend your days in London exploring famous sights around Westminster, including Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and Westminster Abbey. Watching the Changing of the Guard is a must for first-time visitors, and a walking tour is one of the best ways to discover London’s history and hidden corners. You may also want to immerse yourself in the British tradition and have a cuppa tea at The Orangery at Kensington Palace.

Covent Garden is another favourite, filled with street performers, cosy cafés, boutique shopping, and plenty of atmosphere.

And of course, no London trip is complete without experiencing the classic British pub scene. October is perfect pub weather – think cosy fireplaces, local ales, hearty meals, and proper fish and chips after a day of sightseeing.

If you love musical theatre, I highly recommend seeing a show in the West End. Many theatres offer affordable last-minute tickets to fill seats. I saw Mamma Mia! and it was incredible even from the back row.

Paris: Cafés, Culture & Romance

Paris in October is simply beautiful. The city feels effortlessly romantic as the leaves begin to turn and the crisp autumn air settles in. Wander along the Seine, admire iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, and spend slow afternoons café hopping with a glass of rosé or French wine in hand.

One of my favourite things to do in any new city is to simply wander the streets and get a little lost. Paris is perfect for that and every corner seems to lead to a charming local boutique, cosy bistro, hidden courtyard or beautiful sight you weren’t expecting to find. Some of the best moments come from stepping away from the itinerary and soaking up the atmosphere of the city itself.

Paris is also all about the food culture. From flaky croissants and cheese platters to classic French dishes like escargot, every meal feels like an experience. Whether you’re dining at a cosy bistro in Montmartre or enjoying wine beside the river as the city lights begin to glow, Paris has a way of slowing you down and making you savour every moment.

Why October?

I always find myself travelling most during the autumn season, and after visiting London and Paris in October, it’s easy to see why. The cooler temperatures make sightseeing far more comfortable, the summer crowds have eased, and the cities take on a completely different atmosphere with golden leaves, cosy cafés and slower-paced days.

It’s the kind of travel that feels more relaxed and immersive. You can wander through London’s parks without rushing from attraction to attraction or spend hours getting lost in the streets of Paris, discovering local boutiques and hidden bistros along the way. There’s something about autumn in Europe that makes you want to slow down and truly enjoy each moment.

October also strikes the perfect balance between still having plenty happening in the cities while avoiding the peak-season chaos. Whether it’s sipping wine beside the Seine, warming up in a traditional London pub, or simply enjoying crisp mornings exploring iconic sights, autumn creates such a memorable atmosphere for travel.

If London and Paris have been sitting on your travel list for a while, October might just be the perfect time to experience them. Sometimes the best trips happen when you embrace the slower season and allow yourself time to wander, explore and soak it all in.