France In Autumn: 15 Best Places To Visit In 2025

Is Autumn A Good Time To Visit France?

Autumn is one of the best times to visit France, especially early autumn in September and October. 

The weather is pleasant in most of the country, making it perfect for sightseeing and nature activities. 

If you visit the south of France, you can still go to the beach in September, but beach activities stop for most people in late September.

One of the things France is known for is wine, and autumn is the harvest season. You can visit vineyards, watch the harvest, and even participate at some locations! 

Best Places To Visit In France In Autumn 

So, what are the best places to visit in France this autumn? Here are my top picks!

1. Bordeaux

Bordeaux is the perfect autumn destination in France!

The city is best known for wine-making and its proximity to some of France’s best vineyards which are the most lively during the autumn harvest.

At the same time, the entire city center is a UNESCO Heritage zone, including the historic buildings, gates, and the river port. 

With 2 days in Bordeaux, you can explore the city center and take a day trip to the vineyards, making it a perfect weekend destination. 

If you have more time, I’d plan at 4 days in Bordeaux to explore at a leisurely pace and even take a day trip to the Ocean. 

Early autumn throughout October is usually dry, but the 2 Novembers I had in Bordeaux were quite rainy, so I’d rather go earlier than later.

2. Strasbourg

Situated in the picturesque Alsace region, Strasbourg is another one of the best autumn destinations in France.

Sure, most people visit Strasbourg and the Alsatian villages for the Christmas Markets, but this wine region is especially beautiful in autumn.

Autumn weather can be slightly unpredictable in Strasbourg, and it gets quite cold already in November, so plan your trip in September or early October to enjoy outdoor activities.

So, what are the best things to do in Strasbourg in autumn? Besides sightseeing, it is a great time for visiting the vineyards, hiking, and cycling.

Alsace Wine Route is the oldest wine route in France, and it goes from Strabroug through fairytale villages like Riquewihr, Ribeuville, and Kaysersberg.

3. Lyon

The second biggest city in France is well worth visiting in autumn too! Lyon is kind of a hidden gem when it comes to places to visit in France. 

Lyon is a big city and people know about it, but most first-time visitors skip it. Yet it makes for a perfect place for a return visit or a weekend city break!

France is known for its delicious cuisine, and Lyon is the place to be for the foodies. With more than 20 Michelin-starred restaurants in the city, you’re in for a treat!

Besides autumn being the perfect weather for sightseeing, another reason to visit Lyon in autumn is all the wine festivities! 

Just 30km from Lyon is the village of Beaujolais, known for its annual Beaujolais Nouveau Day. 

The event is traditionally held on the third Thursday in November, and it celebrates the first release of Beaujolais nouveau wine – the first wine of the season.

4. Nantes

Nantes is another underrated destination in France, which makes it perfect for an autumn weekend getaway. 

With 2 days in Nantes, you can easily visit all the tourist attractions in the city and enjoy traditional galettes.

The best way to get around Nantes is to rent a bike, and autumn is the perfect season for cycling – as long as it’s not raining! 

Another cool thing I did in Nantes was to follow the green line painted on the road leading along the main tourist attractions, cultural sites, and artwork.

On a sunny day, you can also take a small boat tour down the river!

5. Paris

Paris is always a good idea! I don’t think visiting Paris is bad in any season, as the city is so lively and magical at any time of the year. 

Ok, it wouldn’t be my first choice in the summer, but I lived there one summer and loved it.

Still, there is something special about autumn in Paris. It might be the brightly colored leaves, the crisp air, or the Parisian fall fashion—I can’t quite put my finger on it.

Autumn is the perfect time to go sightseeing in Paris, and surprisingly one of the least crowded times of the year. 

You can visit all the iconic landmarks, grab flaky French pastries, and enjoy a coffee on a terrace on a sunny day. 

The weather is perfect for walking around the city without freezing or overheating. Paris is known to get rainy in November, so early autumn is the best option.

6. Toulouse

Also known as the “Pink City”, Toulouse is another great place to visit in France in autumn!

From strolling the cobblestone streets lined with red brick historic buildings to enjoying the sunsets over the river, it is a fantastic weekend getaway destination.

With 7 days in France, you can visit Paris, the vineyards of Bordeaux and Toulouse in autumn, even without a car!

7. The Loire Valley

The Loire Valley is the land of castles and vineyards, and perfect for an autumn getaway. 

The cities in this region might not be on the list of the most popular places to visit in France, but the castles certainly are!

You can treat yourself to a luxurious getaway and stay in a castle, or you can just admire them on a road trip through the region.

Loire River is the longest river in France, so you’ll have to pick the area you’d like to visit! 

This might not be the best region for visiting France without a car, but it makes for a perfect road trip destination!

Some of the most popular spots in the region are Château de Chambord, Château de Chenonceau, Amboise, Blois, and Chartres.

8. Annecy

The charming town of Annecy is one of the most romantic places to visit in France. 

It is also one of those places that are beautiful at any time of the year, as every season brings something special.

The Old Town of Annecy is best known for its unique old prison on a tiny river island and colorful houses lining the canals running through the city. 

At the hill overlooking the town stands a well-preserved medieval castle, and the canal of Pont des Amours gets especially picturesque once the leaves change color.

Annecy is also a great base for easy hikes or cycling trips! You can rent a bike and cycle around the lake, or take a bus to the nearby Semnoz hiking trails.

9. Dordogne

Dordogne region is one of the hidden gems in France. Most people coming to the Southwest only visit Bordeaux and Saint Emilion, but Dordogne is well worth a trip!

This picturesque region is dotted with beautiful villages and stunning landscapes that come alive in the fall when leaves change colors. 

The best way to explore Dordogne is to rent a car and embark on an adventure. 

There’s no shortage of sightseeing opportunities! Sarlat-la-Canéda is the most beautiful town in the region, but 10 Dordogne villages are classified as the most beautiful villages in France.

Kayaking in Dordogne Valley is one of the best things to do in the area, and tours run throughout autumn if the weather is good!

10. Lille

Lille is a beautiful town in Northern France, situated just a short train ride from Paris. 

I love the aesthetics of the Old Town of Lille, with its Flemish-influenced architecture, featuring grand buildings with ornate facades and lively squares. 

The main square is the Grand Place, with its stunning Vieille Bourse where you can browse stalls with antique books and other cool trinkets. 

My favorite things about Lille are the small cobblestone streets and beautiful houses. Also, the city is not overrun by tourists, so you can enjoy the laid-back French atmosphere, without crowds.

11. Verdon Gorge

Certain areas of France can be overrated, but Verdon Gorge is not one of them! It is easily one of the most majestic landscapes in France!

Most people visit in summer when you can swim in crystal clear turquoise waters, but it is magical in autumn too.

If you visit in early autumn, you can still rent a boat and discover the gorge from the water level. Alternatively, it is as stunning to see from above and makes for a perfect road trip destination. 

12. Aix-en-Provence

Who says Provence is only worth visiting during the lavender season? Autumn is one of the best seasons to visit Provence villages and the beautiful Aix-en-Provence!

As the summer crowds dwindle, Provence transforms into a tranquil haven, perfect for leisurely exploration. 

The mild weather makes it ideal for sightseeing, with golden light casting a warm glow on the picturesque landscapes.

You can stroll the cobblestone streets, admire colorful houses, and enjoy a drink in one of the many cafes lining Cours Mirabeau.

Provence is also a wine region, so it’s lively during harvest and absolutely beautiful when vineyards turn vibrant shades of yellow and orange. 

13. Dijon

As the capital of the Burgundy Region, Dijon is another must-stop place on every wine lover’s itinerary!

If you’re traveling in France by train, Dijon is under a 2-hour train ride from Paris, making it accessible even as a day trip from Paris!

While the Burgundy region is renowned for its wine, the city of Dijon is famous for its mustard. Dijon mustard, one of the iconic French foods, originated in this city.

Besides wine and mustard, Dijon also offers great sightseeing opportunities, with its beautiful half-timbered houses and lively squares. 

A fun way to explore the city is to follow the Owl Trail – a tourist trail that takes you to the most iconic Dijon landmarks, marked by bronze owl plaques. 

14. Nice

Nice is one of the most popular French coastal towns in summer, so you might think it is unusual to recommend visiting in autumn. 

However, early autumn is the best time to visit Nice if you want to avoid crowds, scorching temperatures, and high prices. 

The weather is pleasant throughout September, and you can easily swim on Nice beaches until late September. On a particularly sunny year, you might even go for a dip in October!

If you have 5 days in France, you can base yourself in Nice and visit other coastal towns, like Menton and Villefranche-sur-Mer, on a day trip!

Another perk of visiting in the fall is that the accommodation prices drop significantly. 

Prices in France are relatively high, but in autumn you can stay in a 4-star hotel for the price of 2 dorm beds in a hostel in the high season!

15. Corsica

Finally, we have the island of Corsica!

While most people visit the island in the summer to enjoy some of the most beautiful beaches in France, Corsica is also the perfect autumn destination.

The best way to spend a week in Corsica is to rent a car and explore the island, basing yourself in one or two towns along the way. 

The weather stays warm well into October, and you can even go for a quick dip in mid-October if the year is warm!

Also, Corsica is a fantastic destination for nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts.

The whole island is rather mountainous, so if you have a car you can easily explore the trails and mountain villages. 

When Is Autumn In France?

According to the calendar, the autumn in France is from 23 September to 21 December. 

However, if you’re hoping for mild autumn weather and fall foliage in France, plan your trip from September to November.

Late November and early December already entered the Christmas Market season in France!

September in France

September is one of the best months to visit France. 

The weather in early September is still warm enough to go to the beach if you’re visiting the South. I usually go to the beach in Bordeaux until late September!

Continental France is also warm, with the weather starting to cool down as the month progresses.

Late September is the best time to visit the wine regions, as the harvest and wine-tasting events are plentiful!

October in France

The weather starts to cool down significantly in October. While you could walk around in summer clothes for most of September, you’ll need a light jacket in October.

Going to the beach is not an option for most people, but October is the perfect time for sightseeing. 

Also, it’s the perfect time for nature hikes, as the weather is crisp, but usually sunny at midday.

As the clock changes in late October, days get shorter and the weather gets cooler. 

November in France

The main con of visiting France in November is that the Novembers in France are unpredictable – I spent 4 Novembers in France, and they can be sunny one year, then rainy the next.

North of France is already seriously cold, and you should pack your winter jacket – especially mid to late November. 

Fall foliage is in “full bloom” and streets are lined with trees with bright-colored leaves. If it’s dry, the weather is perfect for sightseeing.

Also, Beaujolais Nouveau Day is in November, the day when the first wine of the season is released to be sold.