Trick or Treat?
If you answer “trick,” you shall get the ugly truth: Halloween is not yet big in France. The French aren’t too keen on this spooky season. Some think it’s too American, too commercialized, too n’importe quoi. It’s simply not ingrained in the French culture. During this time, they take their annual two-week vacances de la Toussaint and pay respects to the dead on the 1st or 2nd of November.
But if you answer “treat,” then here’s some good news for you: Halloween is getting bigger in France, especially in Paris, and there are so many ways to celebrate it. As a New Yorker who celebrates Hocus Pocus weekend like it’s Christmas, I’ve had my share of Halloween adventures in Paris, and each year only gets better as the French become more welcoming of it. Here are some tips on how to Halloween in Paris – fun and thrill guaranteed!
First Off – Where to Get Costumes
What is Halloween if you won’t channel your inner Heidi Klum? This is, after all, the perfect occasion to disobey all Parisian fashion rules!
If you’re looking to make your costume, I recommend my fool-proof trinity of art stores in Paris: Rougier et Plé, Marché Saint Pierre – Dreyfus, and Leroy Merlin. Rougier et Plé is a multi-floor art store that sells everything an artist or an amateur may need, from fine arts to jewelry beads. Marché Saint Pierre-Dreyfus is a six-story textile paradise – it’s near impossible not to find the fabric you want here at the foot of Sacré-Cœur. Lastly, Leroy Merlin is the go-to place not only for Parisian apartment emergencies but also for crafts, hardware, and paint.
Meanwhile, if you prefer ready-made costumes and accessories, whether you’d like to buy or to rent, my favorite spots are À La Poupée Merveilleuse in Le Marais, Au Fou Rire in the 9e, and Au Clown de la République on Blvd Saint Martin. While these shops are open year-round, it does get busy in October – best to visit ahead of time to avoid lines or out-of-stock items.
Next – Main Event: Families
Halloween was never a solitary experience and oh boy we just cannot advise you to walk the streets of Paris alone in your déguisement without an event to go to.
Mairies
Most mairies and schools organize Halloween parties filled with games and candies.
DisneyLand Paris, October 1 – November 3, 2024
However, even in my mid-30s, I’d always choose to celebrate Halloween festivities at Disneyland Paris (with the villains). There are animations for those young and hold plus spooky characters including Maleficent, Jafar, Captain Hook, and Cruella de Ville to name a few.
Halloween at Parc Astérix, October 5 – November 11, 2024, 10am-6PM
Parc Astérix goes all out for Halloween with haunted houses, attractions, monsters and more. The haunted houses include Enfer à Pompei, Tomb of the Gods, the Cataombes, the Forest of Idefix and a zone on a cursed ship are all part of the festivities.
Paris Zoological Park, October 31, 2024
The Paris Zoo focuses on strangeness during Halloween. Rendez-vous Sauvages is all about mythical and fantastic creatures. Experts enlighten you on ghostly animals. There is the Journée Frissons which includes a fantasy trail. There is a parade from 4PM onwards with candy given out.
Jardin d’Acclimatation, October 5 – November 11, 2024
Celebrate Día de los Muertos at Jardin d’Acclimatation. The park transforms with Mexican folklore. There are festive parades including mariachis, catrinas, skeletons, and fire artists. Attractions include the likes of the Bewitched River and the Mayan Labyrinth. The day concludes with an impressive baile de fuego (fire dance) at dusk.
Gamescape, October 25 – November 3, 2024
Join Sherlock Holmes on a chilling quest to catch Jack the Ripper in this thrilling Halloween murder mystery. Gamescape’s “Murder” event immerses you in a dark Victorian setting, filled with clues and puzzles. Suitable for players aged 15+.
Choco-Story Paris, Gourmet Chocolate Museum, October 19-21, 23-27, 31 2024
Make your own Halloween treats at the Gourmet Chocolate Museum’s Choco-Story workshops. Open to people of all ages, you’ll create delicious chocolates for the spooky season.
Bercy Village, October 27, 2024 12 pm – 5 pm
Children aged 4 to 10 can embark on a magical treasure hunt through Bercy Village, searching for 15 hidden ingredients to make a witch’s potion. Complete the quest and receive a sweet surprise! Pick up your booklet at FNAC to get started.
Ferme de Gally, October 19 – 31, 2024
Celebrate Halloween with the Pumpkin Festival at Gally Farm. Kids get creative carving their own Jack O’Lanterns from pumpkins grown on the farm. Best of all, they watch their creations come alive at night with candles. Workshops are open for kids aged 3 and up.
The Main Event for Adults
For the laid back
Why not organize your own? For my 1920s-themed Halloween entre amis, I was able to book a private bar easily through Privateaser. A house party is also not a bad idea if you have cool neighbors!
For the party animals
The two parties I’m super thrilled about this year are À L’Eau Ween: Halloween Party on a Boat (because I bet you’ve never trick-or-treated in a bateau before), and Terror Halloween Party (a true American Halloween night for a crazy, good time).
For the adventurists
If you want to scale it up a notch and live a real spooky night to remember, you might want to try something for true crime and mystery fans. What could be more perfect than solving a crime investigation at The Live Thriller?
Lastly, Have Fun
Halloween is best enjoyed with good company, so brush off anyone who doesn’t resonate the same energy you have. If your Frenchies are not down to fêter with you, don’t take it personally – as with any French holiday, most Parisians take this time to regenerate out of Paris. Also worth noting: The French don’t say “trick-or-treat.” They ask des bonbons ou un sort (candies or a spell) or friandises ou bêtises (sweets or mischief)!
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Written by Maikka Piquemal for HiP Paris. Looking to travel? Check out Plum Guide and our Marketplace for fabulous vacation rentals in Paris, France or Italy. Looking to rent long or short term, or buy in France? Ask us! We can connect you to our trusted providers for amazing service and rates or click here. Looking to bring France home to you or to learn online or in person? Check out our marketplace shop and experiences.
WRITTEN BY
Maikka Piquemal
Maikka is a Philippine-born, Brooklyn-trained creative who traded the Big Apple for the romance of Paris and a French man. She holds a degree in Fashion Design from Parsons the New School of Design and currently works full-time as a writer in Paris, focusing on adtech, fashion, real estate, and more. When not fondly observing the Parisian fashion scene or engrossed in a good Gallimard book, she escapes to the French Basque country, daydreaming of living in the other two fashion capitals, London and Milan.
