The best time to travel to France is all year round! Yes, of course, the whole year round the multifaceted neighboring country is worth a trip. The south is still hot, the mountains are perfect for hiking, the windy north coast is especially picturesque in autumn and the harvest season in Burgundy, Champagne and Bordeaux is a must for all gourmets. Of course, though, it all depends on where you’re travelling to and what you’re up to. But here you can find out when and where to find the most beautiful France in autumn.
Autumn capital
One word is enough to describe autumn in Paris: magical. The year still has many sunny days ahead, bathed by a gentle, light breeze that reminds you that summer has just ended. Jardin du luxembourg, Jardins des Tuileries, Montmartre or the banks of the Seine, let the wind carry you away. Autumn in Paris is an unforgettable experience. Fascinating the cultural themes in autumn or the new culinary discoveries.
October markets
The Cider and Chestnut Festival in Sauveterre-de-Rouergue is a more specific culinary destination and a pretty town perched high above a valley. The town is known for its ancient chestnut trees and high quality cider and the town hosts an annual festival in October where the cobblestone streets fill with music, seasonal treats and excited visitors just waiting to sample the delicious food. Do you know about the pepper festival in Espelette? This town in the Basque Country celebrates the Fête du Piment at the end of October, a festival where farmers come together to sell their produce, accompanied by lots of music, dancing, food and drink.
The Auvergne and Lake Pavin
Lovers of Auvergne will tell you that there is no season to admire its magnificent landscapes. But when the autumn light caresses its forests, lakes, mountains and valleys, it becomes impossible not to fall for the natural charm of such a colourful season. The Cantal, the Puy-de-Dôme, the Haute-Loire and the Allier, going to the Auvergne in autumn is not a bad idea!
Alsace and the Wine Route
In autumn, the vineyard turns iridescent colours for a phenomenon of the most beautiful effect! Shades of red, yellow and orange dress the slopes and give the landscape a special charm. Take advantage of this dazzling and unusual spectacle to take a break on the Alsace Wine Route. Picturesque villages and famous wine towns follow each other along this mythical route. The ideal opportunity to taste the great wines of Alsace and discover their secrets, and to discover Colmar or Strasbourg! Spend a night in a charming wine hotel? Or taste some wines? (Offer only available in Germany)
Autumn on the Côte d’Azur
The show on the Côted’Azur is over. The yachts are firmly stowed in the harbor, the self-promoters have moved on. And they don’t know what they’re missing. Because the truth is that autumn is the most beautiful time here – together with spring. Then it’s not as crowded as in high summer, not as hot either, but still wonderfully sunny and warm on many days well into October. In the most beautiful street cafés of Antibes, in the most atmospheric restaurants of Cannes, on the jetties of the bars at the Plage de la Garoupe on the Cap d’Antibes, you can get free seats at the drop of a hat – and unlike in summer, the waiters now even have time for a smile again. And so autumn is the most beautiful season on the Mediterranean coast of southern France. Connoisseurs know that.
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More tips for relaxing getaways in the fall:
Switzerland in autumn
Car hire in France With a rental car from Sixt in France you can explore the country unbound and flexible at your own pace
