Autumn in France: The Ultimate Guide to Fall Travel (2026)

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Updated Date

January 29, 2026

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Autumn in France: The Ultimate Guide to Fall Travel (2026)

Dreaming of seeing the Eiffel Tower in Paris without the crazy crowd or wandering through the golden vineyards at their utmost beauty? Autumn in France is one of the most rewarding times to visit in 2026. This is the foliage season in the country, which runs from September to November. With pleasant temperatures ranging from 10-17°C in Paris and 18-24°C in the sunny south, summer’s bustle gives way to calm café culture, quieter streets, and a slower, more intimate pace of life. Fall foliage in France transforms the country into a painter’s palette of amber vineyards, tree-lined boulevards and misty country side morning.

This blog helps you discover the best places to visit in France during the Autumn season, seasonal experiences to enjoy, and helpful travel tips to plan a memorable autumn trip across France.

French weather in Autumn

The French weather in Autumn is mild and pleasant. Sept, Oct, & Nov are the best months to visit France. During this time of year, you can witness colourful foliage across the street, vibrant autumn festivals with less crowd compare to the peak tourist season.

Month	Temperature	Weather	Best For
September	15–25°C	Warm & pleasant	Sightseeing, vineyards, beaches
October	10–20°C	Cool & colorful	Countryside, photography
November	5–12°C	Cold & rainy	Museums, budget travel

Where to Go in France in Autumn

Burgundy

From the banks of the canals and the gold-tinted vineyards, Autumn in Burgundy is truly magical. Disconnect from reality and embrace the incredible natural environment here during October and November. It is also an ideal time to enjoy the wine harvest in Burgundy.

Best attractions:

Burgundy wine vineyards
Beaune & Hospices de Beaune
Canal de Bourgogne

Best months: October – November

Paris

As the tree-lined boulevards turn golden, cafes feel cosy and iconic landmarks like Effile tower glow under the soft seasonal light in Paris in autumn. The pleasant weather and fewer crowds make it an ideal time to explore Gardens like Luxembourg and the Tuileries. From Seine river strolls to Montmartre’s ivy-covered streets, autumn reveals Paris at its most charming and timeless.

Best attractions:

Eiffel Tower
Luxembourg Gardens
Tuileries Garden
Montmartre
Seine River walks

Best months: September – October

Alsace

Alsace is a good place in France to visit in autumn, where you can enjoy the surreal view of beautiful vineyards, go on wine tasting, explore half-timbered villages, and enjoy the region’s famous autumn harvest festivals. The contrast of colourful buildings with harvest-season landscapes makes every frame look like a fairytale story to add on your France tour packages.

Best attractions:

Colmar’s old town
Riquewihr & Eguisheim villages
Alsace Wine Route
Harvest festivals

Best months: September – October

Bordeaux

No autumn travel to France is complete without visiting Bordeaux. You can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the grape harvest, wine vineyards and participate in special tastings. Autumn’s pleasant weather makes these things ideal. It is also the best time to enjoy the Bordeaux Wine Festival.

Best attractions:

Bordeaux vineyards
Saint-Émilion village
Wine museums & châteaux
Bordeaux Wine Festival

Best months: September – October

Loire Valley

Are you a history buff who wants to explore historic castles of France with fewer crowds? Visit the Lore Valley. During the autumn Loire Valley transform into a carpet of oranges, reds, and yellows will falling leaves of vineyards.

Best attractions:

Château de Chambord
Château de Chenonceau
Loire vineyards

Best months: October

Banks of the Seine, Paris

Walking on the banks of seine in autumn is purely magical. The trees lining the river turn golden. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, the riverbanks, bridges, and quays are ideal for walking, particularly in late October and November.

Best attractions:

Seine riverbanks walk
Pont Alexandre III
Notre-Dame surroundings
Sunset river views

Best months: October – November

Dordogne:

If you are looking for excellent family-friendly adventures in France in autumn, Dordogne is the place for you. As the summer fades away and autumn transforms this valley into a golden colour, creating a perfect backdrop for hiking and cycling. Autumn is also an ideal time for canoeing on the river and visiting the Lascaux Caves.

Best attractions:

Lascaux Caves
Dordogne River canoeing

Best months: September – October

French Alps (Chamonix & La Clusaz):

Enjoy the colourful hues of autumn at French Alps. The French Alps in autumn provide peaceful hiking trails, colourful forests, and views of Mont-Blanc without the summer or ski crowds. This is also one of the best places to visit in France during the Autumn in 2026.

Best attractions:

Mont Blanc views
Alpine villages

Best months: September – October

Vosges Mountains

Nestled in eastern France, the Vosges Mountains are renowned for their dense forests that turn into fiery red and gold in autumn. This place offers gentle hiking routes, panoramic views and peaceful lakes, whichares perfect for first-time visitors and those travellers seeking a calm nature walk.

Best attractions:

Ballons des Vosges Regional Park
Lac de Gérardmer

Best months: October

Also read –13 Hidden Gems in France You’ve Never Heard Of

Top Autumn Activities in France

Enjoy Fall foliage in the Park

One of the best things to do in France in the fall is to witness the foliage at its city parks. Enjoy the view of trees becoming orange, red and yellow colours, empty beaches and pleasant weather without summer crowds.

Wine Harvest and Vineyard Tours

Go to Bordeaux or Alsace to witness the surreal views of vineyards changing their colours. Enjoy the Château de Nitray in the Loire Valley, the wine harvest in Burgundy and tasting new wines in autumn’s pleasant weather. Don’t forget to book in advance through specialised tour operators.

Attend the Fall Festivals

During the autumn season, you can enjoy the vibrant celebrations of fall Festivals in France. You can attend the Fête des Vendanges de Montmartre in Paris or the Fête du Potiron (Pumpkin Festival) in Barr in Alsace. You can also enjoy Chestnut Festivals (Castagnades) in Ardèche during October.

Go on scenic hikes and Nature walk.s

Autumn’s cool weather and comfortable temperature make hiking and nature walks easier without summer heat. It is also the best time for hiking in Ardèche, exploringthe Normandy coast and a walking tour to the fortified gate in Èze on the French Riviera. During this time tails are less crowded, allowing a peaceful and more immersive nature experience.

Visit Normandy Apple Yards

Autumn in France is not only about vineyards but also about the Apple farms. During the autumn, Normandybecomese a hub for apples. You can venture to apple yards to enjoy fresh apple harvests, taste cider and Calvados. The landscape is vibrant with orchards, where fruit is picked or gathered after falling, and traditional festivals celebrate these iconic moments.

Photo Spots & Instagrammable Places in France

Eiffel Tower Views: This is one of the best-photographed locations in France. In autumn, golden and fiery leaves naturally frame the Eiffel Tower, adding warmth and depth to photos.
Montmartre: The ivy-covered walls at La Maison Rose and Rue de l’Abreuvoir change to vibrant red in autumn, creating a mesmerising moment to capture on your lenses.
Parks & Gardens: Autumn transforms gardens like Tuileries, Luxembourg and Jardin des Plantes into a blanket of yellow, copper and rust tones. Falling leaves, empty benches and tree-lined paths create a classic Parisian Fall aesthetics.
Île aux Cygnes: The reflection on the Seine of narrow, tree-lined islands creates an aesthetically pleasing atmosphere. Clam waters, fewer crowd andleaf-coveredd walkways make photos Instagram-worthy.

Metz (Lorraine): It is one of the most Instagrammable places to visit in France in Autumn. Its golden limestone architecture glows even warmer in autumn sunlight, while the tree-lined riverbanks along the Moselle come alive with autumn colours.
Jura Mountains: These mountains in autumn transform their lush forest into a dramatic landscape of red, orange and yellow, which is often compared tothe Canadian wilderness. It creates a breathtaking natural scenery to capture a photograph.

What to Eat in France During the Autumn

Autumn in France offers rich, comforting cuisine. During this time, you can find seasonal produce such as mushrooms, chestnuts, squash and root vegetables along with meats and fruits.

If you are looking for what food you can eat in the autumn season in France, are

Boeuf Bourguignon: A slow-cooked beef stew in red wine with mushrooms and bacon.
Choucroute Garnie: It is a hearty Alsatian dish of sauerkraut, sausages, and pork.
Soupe à l’Oignon: This is a classic French onion soup with crusty bread and melted cheese.
Tartiflette: A rich, savoury gratin of potatoes, bacon, cream, and Reblochon cheese, originating from Savoy.

Tarte Tatin: It is a warm, caramelised apple or pear tart, which is really very delicious.
Chestnuts: One of the must-try foods in fall foliage in France is chestnuts, which are roasted on the street.
Clafoutis: This is a baked custard dessert often made with plums, blackberries, or pears in autumn.

Practical Travel Tips

Best time to book & travel tips for autumn,

Book Flights and accommodation 6-8 weeks in advance for better prices during September and October
November is the best time to book accommodations as it offers lower prices and better deals.
Visit popular attractions during the weekdays, as at weekends it can get crowded.

Weather & Packing Guide

Wear light, breathable clothes during the daytime exploration.
Carry a light coat and scarf for the evening, as it can get cold.
Wear comfortable walking shoes, as France is highly walkable
Carry a compact umbrella or a raincoat for occasional showers during October and November.
Do pack essential medications with the prescription

Transportation Between Regions

Use High-speed trains (TGV) for travel between cities.
Regional trains are ideal for the countryside and winery regions.
Rent a car if you want to explore Provence, the Loire Valley and Alsace.

Safety Tips

Avoid visiting alone in dark areas and non-tourist areas late at night
Be aware of pickpockets in busy areas
Always carry necessary medications

Conclusion

Autumn in France is a season of raw beauty, golden landscapes which offer an authentic experience. The cooler weather, fewer tourists, colourful vineyards, scenic hikes and lively harvest festivals transform the country into a most instagram worthy destination. From misty mornings in the countryside to beautiful tree-lined streets in historic cities, autumn is the most rewarding time to explore France.

FAQS

Is autumn a good time to visit France?

Yes, autumn is a very good time to visit France. During this time, the weather is pleasant and ideal for exploring vineyards, apple orchards and witnessing harvest festivals.

Is Paris very cold in October?

No, Paris is not very cold in October. The temperatures range from 9 degree celsius to 15 degree celsius. It is a mild, autumn month with frequent, light rain and crisp air, requiring layers and a waterproof jacket.

Where to go in autumn in France?

There are many places that one can visit in autumn in France. Visit Paris for golden parks, fewer crowds, and cosy cafés. Burgundy & Bordeaux for the wine harvest, and go to Alsace for colourful villages and harvest festivals. Venture into the French Alps for peaceful hikes and mountain views.