Tip
5 tips to visit France in the fall
Fall in Love with France: 5 Tips for Your Autumn Adventure.
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France in the fall
Every season has its own charm. France shows its beauty in the fall, so it is definitely worth a visit this time of the year. Arguably, it might even be one of the prettiest seasons to visit France due to the beautiful landscapes that show its diverse colors in the fall. Ardennes, Bretagne and Bourgogne are popular destinations in October and November, but there is a lot more to do during the fall season! We’ve written down 5 tips to visit France in the fall.
Curious for our selection of authentic French holiday homes in the fall?
Tip 1.
Combine a visit to Fontainebleau and Paris
Paris is known as one of the most beautiful cities of Europe. In you visit Paris in the fall, you can shop for Christmas presents in November or visit the Eiffeltower and Montmarte in October.
Our tip would be to combine a city trip to Paris with a visit to Fontainebleau, which is only a one-hour drive from the city.
The wood of Fontainebleau is one of the most visited woods of Europe, and this is not without good reason. You can find over 150 km hiking trails leading the way through gorgeous rock formations and other breathtaking nature. Besides the woods, you’ll find Château de Fontainebleau – the castle of Fontainebleau – in the city center. This castle belongs to Unesco’s world heritage. You can visit the beautiful gardens – among which a big English garden – ponds and fountains.
Tip 2.
Discover the French vineyards
The fall is known as the grape harvest season in France. This means wine! The countryside of France – in which a lot of the vineyards are located – has a very pretty landscape with castles and valleys.
During fall, a visit to the Loire-valley with its beautiful red and orange colors is highly recommended. You can visit some castles – which are on the Unesco’s world heritage list as well – and enjoy the view.
You can enjoy a wine lunch on the beach in the wine region Roussillon, visit the gorgeous wine region Côte d’Or in Bourgogne or go to the Côte d’Azur to have a warm fall season while you enjoy some tasty wines.
Wherever you go in France: visit one of the vineyards and enjoy a nice glass of wine. Or maybe two.
3.
Visit the North-Coast of France
The North-Coast of France – also known as the Opal Coast – is truly beautiful in autumn. Thanks to its location in the north it is easily accessible by car from Germany, The Netherlands, Belgium or the UK. You’ll find a very diverse landscape with stretched meadows, dunes, sand beaches and impressive rock cliffs. If you like to hike you won't get bored, but also for children there is plenty to do. Visit the capes Cap Gris Nez and Cap Blanc Nez for example.
There are a lot of cozy towns on the coast, such as Boulogne-sur-Mer, Le Touquet-Paris-Plage, and Amiens, which are a bit less crowded in the fall than in the summer, which gives you plenty of time to take in the surroundings in a relaxed way. You can also visit Lille from here.
4.
Follow the cider route in Normandy
The cider route in Normandy is extra special during the fall because the apple harvest is taking place. There are a lot of things going on at the farms, markets, and villages in the surrounding. If you like apple cider or strong calvados you’ll be pleased to visit Pays d’Auge in the region Calvados.
There is plenty to do in Normandy during this time. You can join the apple harvest on a 17th-century manor, Manoir de Grandval, which is located in a beautiful valley. Or you can relax at Domaine du Coq Enchanté: a 3 hectares big orchard where you can enjoy a sauna visit (in a wine-barrel!), practice yoga, or have a massage. Visit the museum-castle Saint-Germain-de-Livet or have a look at farms such as Ferme du Lieu Chéri in Coquainvilliers where calvados is stoked. Tasting and fun guaranteed!
5.
Make an autumn walk in the French Pyrenees, The Ardennes or the Alpes
The color of autumn on the mountains makes it even prettier to visit the Alpes, Ardennes, or Pyrenees. If you love hiking, we don’t need to convince you that these are worth a visit. Every mountain area in France has an incredible landscape and view. Pack your hiking shoes and explore!
Do you want to visit France this fall? View our selection of holiday homes in France in autumn!