As the summer heat fades and the crowds reduce, France undergoes a magical transformation. A trip to France in the fall reveals a side of the country that is both intimate and spectacular. Imagine strolling through Parisian gardens bathed in golden light, toasting with the year’s first wine at a harvest festival, and exploring majestic castles without the queues.
This guide will show you why autumn is the best kept secret for France travel, covering all the best things to do in France from October to November. We’ll explore everything from the mild weather and vibrant events to the very best places to visit in France and experience the unique enchantment of France in the fall.
Why Visit France in the Fall?
Planning your trip to France during the autumn months offers advantages that elevate the entire experience. Choosing to visit France in the fall is arguably one of the smartest decisions for savvy travelers. The season perfectly showcases the romantic and serene atmosphere that defines France, making your France travel itinerary much more enjoyable and authentic.
Here’s why you’ll love it:
- Fewer Crowds: No more long lines at the Louvre and packed streets in Montmartre. You’ll experience a more authentic, peaceful France, allowing you to truly connect with the culture and ambiance.
- Better Value: With the peak season over, you’ll find significantly better deals on flights and accommodations, making your trip to France more affordable.
- Perfect Weather for Exploration: The summer heat is replaced by crisp, cool air that’s ideal for walking tours, hiking through vineyards, and exploring cities. This comfortable climate is perfect for checking off all the best things to do in France.
- Harvest Season & Culinary Delights: This is the time for vendanges (grape harvest), oyster season, and truffle markets. It’s a foodie’s paradise, plus the menus turn to a more hearty style that’s perfect for a cool fall dinner.
- Breathtaking Fall Foliage: From the gardens of Paris to the forests of the Loire Valley, the landscape is full of vibrant shades of red, orange, and gold. This stunning natural display is a quintessential part of the France in fall experience.
Pro Tip: Use a site like Trip.com to easily compare and book hotels at a lower cost.
What’s the Weather in France Like During Autumn?
Understanding the weather in France during the autumn months is key to packing correctly and planning your activities. The climate across the country is pleasantly mild but varies significantly by region, making layering an essential strategy for any trip to France at this time of year.
Here’s a regional breakdown to help you prepare for your visit to France in the fall adventure:
Northern France (Paris, Loire Valley, Normandy):
- October: Perfect in between seasons weather. Average temps: 12°C – 20°C (54°F – 68°F). Perfect for sweater weather and exploring cities.
- November: Cooler and damper but with a truly fall feel. Average temps: 7°C – 14°C (45°F – 57°F). Pack a warm coat and an umbrella for rain showers—a perfect excuse to cozy up in a café.
Southern Half of France (French Riviera, Provence, Bordeaux):
- October: Still very pleasant, with plenty of sunshine. Average temps: 14°C – 21°C (57°F – 70°F). Ideal for coastal walks and vineyard tours.
- November: Cooler but often still sunny. This is when the rainy season begins, but it’s also far warmer than the north, offering a lovely escape.
Before you zip up your suitcase, make sure you’ve got everything covered with this handy International Travel Packing List 2024: Budget-Friendly Essentials.
Travel Smart: The weather in France can be unpredictable in autumn. Protecting your investment from unforeseen cancellations or delays due to weather is crucial. A policy from Travelex Insurance can cover everything from trip interruption to lost luggage, giving you peace of mind throughout your visit to France.
Unmissable Fall Events & Festivals in France
A trip to France in the fall is packed with vibrant festivals and cultural events. As you plan your France travel, consider these highlights that make autumn a special time to visit France.
Halloween
While not a traditional French holiday, Halloween celebrations are growing in popularity, especially at major theme parks like Disneyland Paris. It’s a fun, family-friendly addition to the events of France in the fall.
Montmartre Grape Harvest Festival (Fête des Vendanges de Montmartre)
(Early October, Paris) This beloved Parisian festival is a highlight of France in the fall. Enjoy wine tastings, parades, and live music in one of the city’s most charming neighborhoods.
Points de Vue Street Art Festival
(October, Bayonne) For a different cultural experience on your trip to France, this festival in the Basque Country celebrates urban art. International artists create large-scale murals and installations across the city, offering a dynamic and colorful reason to visit France’s beautiful southwestern region.
If you’re inspired by the charm of France’s southwest, discover more hidden gems in this guide to a Southwest France Vacation: Beaches, History & Adventure.
Lyon Festival of Lights (Fête des Lumières)
(Early December, Lyon) While stretching beyond fall, this spectacular event, where the entire city is illuminated with breathtaking light installations, is worth planning for if your visit to France extends into early December.
Wine Harvest Festivals (Vendanges)
Throughout the renowned vineyards of Bordeaux, Burgundy, and the Loire Valley, local villages celebrate the end of the harvest with lively parties, tastings, and markets. This is a quintessential France travel experience for any oenophile.
Planning to dive deeper into the wine capital? Don’t miss this breakdown of Bordeaux At A Glance: 7 Most Popular Areas.
La Nuit Blanche
(October, Paris and Ile-de-France) This annual all-night arts festival is a fantastic thing to do in France for culture lovers. Museums, galleries, and public spaces across Paris and the Île-de-France region stay open all night, featuring cutting-edge contemporary art installations and performances, transforming the city into an open-air museum.
The 7 Best Places to Visit in France During Fall
Planning your trip to France during autumn offers a chance to see the country in its most romantic light. From vibrant cities to serene countryside, here are the best places to experience the magic of France in the fall.
1. Paris
The City of Light truly shines in autumn, making it a premier destination to visit in France. The crowds thin, the pace slows, and the city’s famous gardens like the Jardin du Luxembourg and Tuileries become a kaleidoscope of color. Enjoy long, comfortable walks along the Seine, explore museums without the crowds, and spend afternoons in cozy cafés. The crisp weather in France during this season is perfect for taking a comprehensive tour to see all the iconic sights.
If you’d like to pair your Paris trip with something unique, here’s a list of Weekend Away from Paris: 9 Hidden Gems You Won’t Find on Other Lists.
Experience it: For a seamless and insightful visit, consider a guided tour. Paris City Vision offers a wide range of options to enhance your autumn in France travel experience. From skip-the-line museum tours and enchanting evening cruises on the Seine to the convenience of their Hop-On Hop-Off Bus tours, they make exploring the City of Light both effortless and enriching. This flexible option is perfect for taking in Paris’s stunning fall foliage and iconic landmarks at your own pace.
2. Loire Valley
The “Garden of France” is at its most picturesque in the fall. The forests surrounding the legendary Castles explode with color, creating a storybook setting perfect for a trip to France. Explore the grandeur of Château de Chambord, the elegance of Chenonceau spanning the River Cher, and the fairytale charm of Ussé (the inspiration for Sleeping Beauty).
3. Bordeaux
For wine lovers, this is the prime time to visit France. The harvest is in full swing or just finishing, and the energy in the region is palpable. Enjoy wine tastings straight from the source, explore the elegant city of Bordeaux, and visit the stunning medieval village of Saint-Émilion. Don’t miss the Foire aux Plaisirs, a classic French fall fair in Bordeaux.
4. Lyon
The culinary capital of France is a feast for the senses in autumn. The pleasant weather in France during this season is ideal for exploring the traboules (hidden passageways) of the Old Town and hiking up to Fourvière Basilica for stunning views. As the home of the famous Bouchons, it’s the perfect time for rich, hearty Lyonnais cuisine.
5. French Riviera (Nice & Provence)
Escape to the south for milder weather in France and a different kind of beauty. The lavender fields may be gone, but they’re replaced by the olive harvests and the serene beauty of the Mediterranean coast without the summer crowds. It’s a fantastic time for hiking in the hinterlands and enjoying al fresco dining.
6. The Pyrenees (Montségur)
For breathtaking autumn foliage and dramatic mountain scenery, head south to the Pyrenees. The hike to the Cathar castle of Château de Montségur offers unparalleled panoramic views of forests blazing with fall color. It’s a destination for active travelers and history buffs alike, showcasing the diverse landscapes of France in the fall.
7. Limoux
Nestled in the sunny south near the Pyrenees, the Limoux region is famous for its sparkling wine (Blanquette de Limoux). The vineyards turn brilliant shades of gold and orange during the harvest. It’s a quieter, more authentic alternative to other wine regions and the perfect place to enjoy a festive glass, offering a unique perspective on France travel.
Your Fall France Itinerary Awaits
October and November in France offer a uniquely sophisticated and serene travel experience. From the romantic streets of Paris adorned in autumn colors to the festive, grape-stained vineyards of Bordeaux, the country is bursting with life, flavor, and beauty.
Ready to plan your unforgettable autumn adventure? Start by finding the best deals on your stay with Trip.com. Plus ensure your trip is protected with a plan from Travelex Insurance.