9 Best Things To Do In France In The Fall
In this guide we take a look at some of the best things to do when visiting France in the fall.
Fall is one of the best times to visit France, with cooler weather, fewer crowds, and stunning autumn landscapes. Whether you're strolling through Paris, touring the vineyards of Bordeaux, or soaking in the golden hues of Provence, autumn offers ideal conditions for sightseeing, outdoor adventures, and cultural experiences. As France’s shoulder season, fall also brings the added benefit of lower prices compared to peak travel months.
Let's take a look at some of the some of the best things to do in France in France!
Explore Paris Without Large Crowds
Paris in the fall is perfect for exploring iconic sites like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, and Notre Dame Cathedral without the summer crowds. The crisp air makes it comfortable for long walks along the Seine, and the city's parks, like the Jardin des Tuileries and Luxembourg Gardens, glow with autumn colors.
- September offers mild weather and still-lively café terraces.
- October is great for museum visits and fall festivals like Nuit Blanche.
- Early November is ideal for lower prices on accommodations.
Wine Tasting in Bordeaux and Burgundy
Fall is harvest season in France’s wine regions, making it the best time for wine tours and tastings in Bordeaux, Burgundy, and the Loire Valley. The vineyards turn shades of red and gold, creating beautiful landscapes.
- Visit during "les vendanges" (grape harvest) for a chance to see winemakers at work.
- Many châteaux offer special tours and wine-tasting events in the fall.
- Late October sees fewer visitors, making it easier to book exclusive tastings.
Hiking in the French Alps and Pyrenees
By fall, the summer crowds have disappeared, but the hiking trails remain open in the French Alps and Pyrenees. The cooler temperatures and fall foliage make for perfect hiking conditions.
- The Chamonix Valley offers breathtaking views of Mont Blanc.
- The Pyrenees National Park is filled with golden forests and mountain lakes.
- October is a great time for wildlife spotting, including ibex and marmots.
Visiting the Loire Valley Castles
The Loire Valley is home to some of France’s most beautiful castles, including Château de Chambord, Château de Chenonceau, and Château de Villandry. In fall, the surrounding gardens turn golden and red, making it a beautiful time to visit.
- The cooler weather makes castle tours more enjoyable.
- Fewer tourists mean shorter lines and better photo opportunities.
- The vineyards in the region also produce some of France’s best wines, which can be enjoyed alongside a castle tour.
Fall Festivals and Events
France hosts several fall festivals that celebrate wine, food, and art. Some of the best include:
- Montmartre Grape Harvest Festival (Fête des Vendanges) – Early October, Paris
- Beaujolais Nouveau Festival – Third Thursday of November, celebrating new wines
- Lyon Festival of Lights – While technically in December, it marks the transition into the winter season with stunning light displays.
Exploring the French Riviera with Fewer Tourists
While summer is peak season for the French Riviera (Nice, Cannes, Monaco, Saint-Tropez), fall offers warm weather without the crowds.
- September still has beach-friendly temperatures.
- October brings lower prices on hotels while still being warm enough to enjoy outdoor cafés.
- The Menton Lemon Festival and other regional events make fall a fun time to visit.
Fall Foliage in Normandy and Alsace
Normandy and Alsace are among the best places to see fall foliage in France.
- Normandy’s countryside, including areas like Giverny (Monet’s gardens) and Étretat, is covered in golden leaves.
- Alsace, known for its storybook villages and vineyards, looks magical with autumn colors.
- The Alsace Wine Route is one of the best road trips in fall, with charming towns like Colmar and Riquewihr.
Enjoying French Cuisine in Cozy Bistros
Fall is food season in France, with dishes like:
- French onion soup and boeuf bourguignon perfect for colder nights.
- Truffle season begins in November, especially in Périgord and Provence.
- Chestnut and mushroom festivals take place in various regions.
Visiting Mont Saint-Michel with Fewer Crowds
Mont Saint-Michel is one of France’s most visited sites, but fall is the best time to visit without crowds.
- The early morning mist around the island makes for breathtaking views.
- The cooler weather makes the steep climb up the village streets more comfortable.
- Sunset views over the bay are even more spectacular in the fall light.
Whether you're exploring historic cities, wine regions, or the countryside, the cooler temperatures and beautiful scenery make visiting France in the fall a wonderful experience.
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