All Saints’ Day weekend in Saint-Germain-des-Prés : planning for October 31 and November 1, 2026
For October 31 and November 1, 2026, plan your trip around confirmed tours, the Luxembourg Gardens’ hours, and a return trip timed to coincide with the end of the school break.
The All Saints’ Day weekend in 2026 spans Saturday, October 31, and Sunday, November 1—the last weekend of the school break in zones A, B, and C. To make the most of it in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, first book the tours and meals that matter most to you, then leave time for a stroll. The holiday falls on a Sunday, and Monday, November 2, marks the return to school. At the Luxembourg Gardens, closing time changes from 5:15 p.m. on Saturday to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday. From the Hôtel Pas de Calais on Rue des Saints-Pères, here are some useful tips for planning these two days without letting your entire stay depend on an unconfirmed tour or venue.
Make sure to note the dates of your stay
The official 2026 holiday calendar lists All Saints’ Day as Sunday, November 1. For school zones A, B, and C, as well as Corsica, the break begins after classes on Saturday, October 17, and classes resume on the morning of Monday, November 2. This information pertains to the organization of departure and return; it does not provide insight into museum attendance or traffic conditions.
If you arrive on Friday evening, keep that first evening simple. Choose a dinner time that works with your travel schedule and confirm your reservation directly with the restaurant. If you’re leaving on Sunday, check your train or flight time before booking your final activity. A visit planned around the time you actually have available will be more enjoyable than a schedule where every stop forces you to keep an eye on the clock.
Confirm the important visit on Saturday
Start with the tour that’s the reason for your visit, then check the available time slots for Saturday, October 31. An exhibition, a permanent collection, and a guided tour may have different requirements. Verify the exact location, ticket type, number of people allowed, and access to the areas you wish to explore. Keep your confirmation with your ticket, then locate the entrance and plan your route from the hotel.
The Musée d’Orsay is a cultural option on the Left Bank. Its usual Saturday hours are 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with last admission at 5:00 p.m. and galleries closing starting at 5:30 p.m. Check the Musée d’Orsay’s official visitor page for admission requirements and information regarding construction work. Opening hours do not guarantee that tickets are still available or that all galleries are accessible.
November 1 at Orsay : be sure to make a reservation for the first Sunday
Sunday, November 1, 2026, is also the first Sunday of the month. For this day, the Orsay’s official ticket office requires a free, mandatory reservation with a specific time slot. This ticket grants access to the permanent collections and temporary exhibitions available on the day of the visit. Free admission does not mean, therefore, that you can arrive at any time without a reservation.
Check the ticket availability for the “First Sunday at Orsay” event before adding this visit to your itinerary. If no time slots are available, choose another confirmed activity or check for availability on Saturday. The neighborhood is also perfect for a day spent strolling and enjoying a reserved meal. A successful trip doesn’t require replacing an unavailable ticket with a series of impromptu visits.
Visit the Luxembourg Gardens Before They Close
For a stop in the fresh air, the Luxembourg Gardens offer an easy destination. Admission to the gardens is free. The Senate’s official schedule indicates that they will be open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. on Saturday, October 31, and from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 1. A stroll after lunch might be a good option, but planning a visit at the very end of the day may leave little time to explore the grounds.
Check the Luxembourg Gardens’ hours for your chosen date. Decide in advance whether you’d like to simply sit by the pond or explore more of the paths. From Rue des Saints-Pères, Saint-Sulpice can serve as a stop along the way to the garden. The goal for this weekend is to combine a few well-chosen moments without having to make a long detour between two reservations.
Book a meal, check addresses separately
For dinner on Saturday or lunch on Sunday, contact the restaurant of your choice or use its official reservation system. Make sure the date and time are confirmed. If you have dietary restrictions, ask how they can be accommodated before making a reservation. For an important meal, a confirmation is better than just a general indication of weekly hours.
Sundays and holidays do not have a single set schedule for all venues in the neighborhood. A shop, a bookstore, a café, and an art gallery may have different schedules. Do your essential shopping on Saturday if the confirmed hours allow it, and save Sunday for venues whose opening times you’ve verified. You can then decide where to take a break based on which places are actually open.
Keep a pleasant option in mind in case the weather changes
Build part of your itinerary around a confirmed indoor activity and another part around a flexible walk. If the weather turns bad, shorten your time in the garden rather than rushing to an exhibition without a ticket. A coffee break, a longer lunch, or a return to the hotel may be enough to rebalance the day. Check the forecast as your trip approaches and choose shoes suitable for walking.
Plan your Sunday with the return trip in mind
Leave some time between your last activity and departure. Check your route to the train station or airport with your transportation provider and adjust your itinerary to match the confirmed schedule. If you’re traveling with family, keep in mind that school resumes on Monday, November 2—a factor to factor into your return trip. There’s no need to schedule another visit in the late afternoon to fully enjoy your stay.
If you’re extending your trip into Monday, double-check the schedule for that day: the Musée d’Orsay is usually closed on Mondays. A weekend reservation doesn’t cover the options for the following day. In Saint-Germain-des-Prés, the Hôtel Pas de Calais, a 4-star boutique hotel at 59 rue des Saints-Pères, lets you plan your stay around the neighborhood. Choose your room and dates, then confirm the must-see experiences. The rest of the weekend can follow a more relaxed pace.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the All Saints’ Day weekend in 2026?
The weekend spans Saturday, October 31, and Sunday, November 1, 2026. All Saints’ Day falls on a Sunday. In school zones A, B, and C, as well as in Corsica, classes resume on the morning of Monday, November 2.
What are the Luxembourg Gardens’ hours this weekend?
The Senate’s schedule lists 8:00 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. on Saturday, October 31, 2026, and 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 1. Check the official hours for the date of your visit.
Should you make a reservation for the Orsay Museum on Sunday, November 1, 2026?
Yes. November 1 is the first Sunday of the month, and the official ticket office requires a free reservation with a specific time slot. Check availability before planning this visit; free admission does not guarantee a spot.
How to Plan Meals and Visits on All Saints’ Day?
Check each venue separately and keep your reservation confirmations. Hours on Sundays and holidays may vary depending on the museum, restaurant, café, or store. Keep part of your itinerary flexible.
