5 circuits dans l'automne français

The French autumn is the ideal season for learning about the history, cuisine, and culture of French villages and cities. When the throngs of summer tourists have dispersed, tables in the most upscale eateries become accessible, museums, art galleries, and wine tours are more tranquil, and there are colorful celebrations and festivals to enjoy practically everywhere.

Fall is a time when trees’ leaves start to change, fall foliage covers the pavement, and the city’s parks, gardens, and vineyards turn various colours of gold, bronze, and crimson. This time of year in France is a photographer’s paradise because of the gorgeous fall colors.

Our list of French autumn destinations will give you the inspiration you need to start planning your next trip, whether you want to visit Bayonne or Burgundy for gastronomy, explore the rich history, art, and architecture of Lille, Bordeaux, or Paris, or prefer to soak up the autumn sun in Nice or Provence.

Burgundy

You may see the grape harvest in France if you travel there in the autumn. Our top choice is Burgundy because of its active wineries and vibrant towns like Dijon and Beaune. Driving through that area at that time of year is also quite beautiful; all the vineyards are starting to turn orange and yellow, making for some incredible photo opportunity.

A tour in the French Autumn is an extraordinary experience

The Loire Valley

The Loire Valley is a spectacular location to visit in the fall, with chateaux rising out of the morning mist and being surrounded by kilometers of vineyards and countryside. Additionally, a visit to the wineries and vineyards will make your trip even more memorable because the Loire produces some of the best wines in France, including Sancerre, Pouilly Fume, and Saumur. Many chateaux, like Chinon, Chambord, Chenonceau, Villandry, and Chateau de Langeais, are situated close to wine lands and the grapes are typically harvested between September and October. A wine and chateau trip is a wonderful way to experience this stunning country firsthand.

Champagne

Long, leisurely fall days are perfect for lounging in Champagne. A champagne tasting is the ideal addition to a trip to Reims, a city that never ceases to impress. Maison Mumm, the Grande Maison de Champagne Taittinger, or Veuve Clicquot offer some of the best sparkling wines. It is essential to drive or stroll down the Avenue de Champagne in Epernay, which is only 15 kilometers from Reims. The renowned Maison de Champagne Mot & Chandon can be found here.

Provence

If you’re thinking of spending the autumn in Provence, you should know that due to the region’s Mediterranean temperature, the terrain is perfect for cycling and hill walking.

Cherry orchards are in full flower, while the grape vines are flaming golden. Although there may still be a lot of people on the beaches in southern France because the water is still warm enough to swim in, now is a better time to avoid the crowds and visit the major tourist destinations like the Camargue, the Gorges du Verdon, the Calanques Natural Park, and the Luberon villages.

In Provence, September is still peak travel season. In and around Marseille, this month is marine-themed with activities like seafood feasts, scuba diving, and boat trips.

Bayonne

Perhaps not the first spot that comes to mind when considering a fall city break is Bayonne in the French Basque Country. But this small city has a lot to offer. There is enough to keep you occupied for a week or more with riverside timber-framed houses, winding medieval alleyways, a Gothic cathedral, vibrant markets, and an abundance of art galleries and museums to visit.

If you’re in town in September and want to spend some time at the beach, upscale Biarritz and Saint-Jean-de-Luz are close by. Alternatively, you may take advantage of the area’s fantastic natural activities by going hiking, biking, golfing, or surfing.

In October, Bayonne is among the top destinations in France. Over the course of a weekend, the Basque Cake Festival offers guests the chance to sample melt-in-your-mouth cakes topped with custard and served with regional black cherry preserves. The same month, the city transforms into an outdoor theater where contemporary works by international artists are also on exhibit.