Although the weather is a bit cold and tight, October is still the best time of year to explore France. Most attractions remain open, and you won’t have to compete with the multitude of holidaymakers such as in peak season. Discover France as you taste seasonal cuisine, explore wine country and historic chateau covered by vineyards, and get immersed in cultural events such as the Nuit Blanche in Paris.
Climate In France in October
October is an excellent month for a vacation in France, with the hazy, wet season seeing pleasant climate with some more sunny days. If your leading destination is Paris, count around 50–64 ° F (10–18 ° C) temps with light rain. In the northeastern part of France, you can expect temperatures between 45–59 ° F (7–15 ° C). In Atlantic France, more relaxed weather returns along with winds, resulting in an average of 52–64 ° F (11–18 ° C) and 63–70 ° F (17–21 ° C) in the south of the country).
Depending on how you find yourself, you may want to pack warm layers with a coat or waterproof jacket. And if you’re in South France, a swimsuit, because the Mediterranean is a cool 68 ° F (20 ° C).
Where to Go In France In October
Paris
Most travellers will either start their journey with a few days in Paris to explore the rest of the country or will use Paris as a hub, taking day trips in and around the area. Either way, a popular option to visit as many places as possible on your own time is to rent a car or, now, have fewer tourists, ride a train. For the Fontainebleau of the capital Fontle-de-France, consider a spectacular place south of the capital where you can take in the autumn season as you wander through a forest of matured trees and 12th-century Château and its extensive gardens.
Provence
Provence is a great place to explore in the fall. It has several vineyards that produce some of the most excellent wines in the world. It is also known as a home to some of the most famous artists in the world. You can have a bottle of wine and plan a picnic in the colourful landscape of the countryside. In the evening, try going to local markets to buy gifts and souvenirs.
Also Read : Everything you need to know about the Paris transport card
Marseilles
Beer lovers would like to get themselves in for an Oktrafest event (German-style harvest festival) like Paris or Marseille (not to be confused with Marseille in the south). Wash German cuisine with plenty of beer, with listening to the Munich-style Oompah band. If you’re more into wine, look no further than Montmartre’s Grape Harvest Festival for wine tastings, cooking demonstrations and regional cuisine, as the Quarter’s Vineyard is celebrated as the 18th Grace.
Also Read: 10 must-see cities to visit in France for Indian families
What To Do In France In October
Food Festivals
You can find weather-related food festivals in most places across the country, which is the perfect time to enjoy French cuisine of pork, cheeses, chestnuts, chilli peppers and mushrooms. Try the Beco Pork Gourmet Festival in Normandy, make your way south of the Basque Country to sample regional specialities planted by chilli peppers in Claremont-Fraud, Fiera de la Castantha (Chestnut Festival) in Auvergne or at the Fayette du Pament. And while in southern France, consider a trip to Mend for your annual Toqué du Cèpe, where you can take part in mushroom-picking outings, cooking workshops, as well as drinking wine while you stall food. Can sell dishes that are characteristic of the dyspeptic fungus.
Attractions
The Eiffel Tower
No Paris holiday ends without visiting the Eiffel Tower. The Eiffel Tower is one of the most visited attractions on the planet. The Eiffel Tower is an incredible sight during the long stretch of October with the pink sky and adding a beautiful breeze to its appeal.
Seine River Dinner Cruise
You can take a river cruise in the Seine River in Paris. It is a very economical and efficient way to get around the city and explore its grandeur. The boat takes you to many famous landmarks of the city. This river cruise flickers the cityscape and its monuments, especially at night in magnificence and grandeur.
Experience The Villages Of Provence
The quaint terrain and medieval style of architecture many tourists visit the villages of Provence. This quietness and effortless beauty are also responsible for attracting many artists from these villages. You can walk through these villages and admire the many artworks created by these artists.
Calanques National Park
Alpes-Côte d’Azur région, the Calanques, a beautiful setting in the heart of the Provence
The national park is famous for its beautiful landscape, extraordinary biodiversity and cultural heritage, covering 8,500 hectares, its land area is spread over three municipalities, Marseille, Cassis, and La Ciotat, while its seabed is 43,500 hectares.
Europe’s only national park to include land, sea and peri-urban areas, it is a place of incredible biodiversity, with about 140 protected terrestrial animal and plant species as well as over 60 marine heritage species!
You can enjoy Catamaran Cruise & Lunch in the Calanques National Park
Also Read: Don’t Think Twice To Plan A Vacation To France In December!
Occasions in October
Nuit Blanche (White Night). On the first weekend of every October, Parisian museums, galleries, and cultural institutions open their doors overnight, free of charge.
Jazz Between the Two Towers. La Rochelle, on the Bay of Lays, puts on a festival featuring around 100 nationally and internationally recognized acts.
Lumière Film Festival. In the city of Lyon (where the film began with the Lumiere brothers) every week for a week, the festival appears on screen for more than 174 international films.
Festival des Jardins (International Garden Festival). From April to October, this annual festival is hosted in the gardens of Château Chaumont-sur-Loire, which showcase 30 themed gardens planted by landscape architects, designers and artists.
October Travel Tips
- The majority of France has a beautiful climate in October. You can expect lower accommodation rates during the last piece of this shoulder season outside of Paris except during significant planned events.
- Paris can be dry or experience naturally light showers in October. Similarly, average rainfall in October is generally one of the least of the year. So it’s an incredible time to explore Paris.
- Some of the monuments, attractions and restaurants in high tourist regions can close or reduce their hours after most summer travellers leave.
Heading to France in October?
October is the most beautiful time to get travel experiences. From visiting many festivals to seeing fantastic art, there are various things that you can connect with this beloved country. We believe this guide encourages you to design your next French holiday. I wish you a wonderful holiday in the fields of romance, wine, culture, and art. Let us know your requirement? France Vacation Expert in Pickyourtrail will ensure you provide an itinerary with all the magical places, events, festivals, and attractions. Visit www.pickyourtrail.com for the latest deals and offers.
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