The days are getting shorter, and coats are coming out of the closets, but in Paris, the outdoor seating season isn’t over yet! While they were normally scheduled to be taken down by the end of October, summer outdoor seating areas will ultimately be allowed to remain set up for an additional month. This is good news for those who love to enjoy a coffee outdoors, even in the fall! But behind this extension lies a decision made to support Parisian business owners.
In Paris, the outdoor dining season is extended until November 30
Usually, summer outdoor seating areas appear on April 1, before disappearing on October 31. You know, those temporary setups that take over sidewalks or sometimes parking spaces, allowing cafés and restaurants to accommodate more people when the warm weather arrives.
This year, however, there’s no need to put away the tables and chairs so soon! The City of Paris announced on Friday, October 23, that summer outdoor seating areas will be allowed to remain open through November 30, 2026. In other words, Parisians will have an extra month to sit outside—provided, of course, that the weather cooperates.
Note, however, that this extension applies only to seasonal outdoor seating areas that already have a permit. The operating hours remain the same as well; they must still close at 10 p.m., unlike during the summer when some were allowed to serve customers until 11 p.m.
An exceptional extension to support business owners
While Paris has decided to extend the season, it’s not just for the pleasure of having one last drink outdoors! This measure comes in the wake of the October 17 protests, during which several businesses suffered damage. To help business owners continue their operations, the City has therefore chosen to grant them an extra month of outdoor seating at no additional cost. The establishments in question will therefore not have to pay any additional fees or taxes to take advantage of this extension.
And this decision doesn’t just apply to businesses that have suffered damage. All establishments with a summer terrace permit will be able to take advantage of it. This will allow cafés, bars, and restaurants to continue welcoming customers outdoors until the end of November. And for Parisians, it’s another chance to enjoy their favorite spots before winter sets in.
So, even though the evenings are now a bit cooler, there’s still the entire month of November left to enjoy Paris’s outdoor dining areas. You might just need to pack a slightly warmer jacket!