Sun-dappled landscapes, stunning hotels, warm weather and unique things to do.
Autumn is a glorious time to explore France. Made even better because it’s outside the main tourist season.
Here are seven reasons to consider France for a holiday between September and November.
Wine Harvest
La vendange – the French wine harvest – is between late-August and October. The vineyards are a hub of activity and there are many unique experiences at vineyard hotels.
Like pressing the grapes with your feet, just like they’ve done for centuries. Or making your own blend to age. Just being part of the harvest celebrations is a fantastic experience.
La vendange differs per region. It starts in the south, with the Bordeaux harvest usually starting in late August. Burgundy starts around mid September and Champagne in late September.
French Riviera Sunshine
The French Riviera is a mesmerising destination. All those enchanting towns like Cannes, the famous beach clubs, the beautiful coastline. And the amazing place to dine!
The Riviera is as celebrated as the celebrities that go there.
Summer and autumn are completely different in the riviera. Autumn is still warm and sunny, truly ideal for elegant lazy days. Except there is only a small fraction of the visitors seen in summer.
EliteVoyage co-owner David Eder did a road trip to France in spring. He’s already planning his next trip to the south of France, outside the crowded season.
Paris in Autumn
Paris can always surprise and charm. And the City of Lights has added some outstanding new hotels in the last three years.
October is a wonderfully colourful time as the leaves fall from the trees, along the River Seine and beyond. While the weather can be erratic, Paris has so much to explore.
Paris Fashion Week is 25 September to 3 October, with events held across the city. And Paris can also be a great autumn family travel idea.
The Rugby World Cup
The Rugby World Cup starts on 8 September and continues until 28 October, with games in nine cities across France.
The Stade de France in Paris is the flagship stadium and will host the most important games, including the final, both semi finals, and the opening between France and New Zealand.
Nice on the French Riviera will host some matches, as will Bordeaux. Saint-Etienne, near Lyon, is another interesting host city to try.
Provence with Family and Friends
Provence in the south of France is the archetypal autumn destination. Beautiful weather, abundant local festivals, no tourist crowds and some fairytale places to stay.
There are many cute villages and towns to uncover. These places hibernate during the hot summer months, before coming alive once more in autumn.
It’s a great time for cycling, hiking, golf, driving on country roads and staying at rural retreats, like the superb Terre Blanche Hotel Spa Resort.
Food, Food, Food
Autumn in France is perhaps the greatest treat for foodies. There’s the wine harvest. Distillation of Cognac is under way. Figs, olive and many other foods are being harvested.
It’s the best time to go truffle hunting. Or to eat foie gras. It’s hunting season, so lots of game meat comes to the restaurant tables.
Autumn is the time of traditional French food festivals, when the fresh seasonal harvest becomes a celebration of life.
Corsica
It’s easy to forget Corsica, the third largest Mediterranean island. This is a spectacular destination for an active holiday, especially in autumn.
September and October are cooler than July and August, so it’s easy to do sports activities. Yet the sea remains warm and these are mostly dry months too.
Although it’s not a highly developed destination in terms of luxury accommodation, certainly not like the Riviera or Paris, it’s one of the best places in Europe for exploring the outdoors. And there some superb private villas for rental.
Your Autumn Holiday in France
France is the world’s most visited country. So it’s worth steering clear of the busiest months. When a lot of Europe becomes drab and cold, France remains full of life and predominantly good weather. Plus all these unique experiences.
Will you explore France this autumn?
France in Autumn For You
