Autumn in France: 15 Must-See Places for a Spectacular Fall Escape

As the leaves turn golden and the air becomes crisp, autumn in France is truly magical.

With fewer tourists and cozy villages, it’s the perfect time to explore.

I’ll guide you through some of the most inspiring places to visit, from Paris to the charming towns in the south, showcasing the best of the autumn season in France.

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15 Places to Visit in France in Autumn

1. Paris (Île de France)

Paris in the fall offers a perfect blend of romantic ambiance, stunning autumnal colours, and fewer crowds, making it an ideal time to experience the city’s charm.

Beyond the famous landmarks, some of the best ways to experience Paris include:

• strolling the Paris streets – from the famous ones to the quaint cobblestone ones that are off the beaten path. When visiting Paris in autumn, the area to stroll is along the river Seine as the tall linden trees turn into gold, or better yet glide along on a Seine river cruise
• visiting the parks and hidden gardens – where you’ll fall in love with fall in Paris as the bright summer flowers are replaced with orange, yellow and deep red chrysanthemums
• it wouldn’t be autumn in Paris if there weren’t those inevitable rainy days and the best thing to do is to explore the 19th-century secret covered passages dotted around the city

⭐️One of the best places to visit in France in October is Paris! The city hosts so many festivals like the two huge city-wide celebrations of art and culture, Nuit Blanche (White Night) and Paris Artistes. There’s also Jazz sur Seine, the famous Paris Fashion Week, and the annual grape harvest festival at a historic vineyard in Montmartre.

2. Épernay (Grand-Est)

Epernay is a gorgeous little town located in the idyllic countryside, famous for its champagne grapes, on a 90-minute train ride from Paris.

Here are some of the best things to do in Epernay:

• explore the charming old town center, where you can marvel at the gorgeous Notre Dame Cathedral of Epernay
• visit the Chateau Perrier, a stunning example of Late Romantic Era French architecture. This chateau and garden is now a fascinating museum about champagne and regional history
• learn more about the history of champagne, in the nearby village of Hautvillers by seeing the Abbey of St. Pierre, where Dom Perignon, a monk who greatly contributed to champagne production, is buried
• visit the nearby capital city of the Champagne region of Reims, where there’s endless things to do

⭐️Autumn is the best time to visit Epernay because the grape harvest happens between mid-September and mid-October; you’ll get to see the bustling region in action. It’s a great time to get the full experience, learning how champagne is made from harvesting the grapes to production to exporting the finished product.

3. Strasbourg (Grand-Est)

As the capital of France’s Grand Est region, Strasbourg beckons visitors from around the world for its rich cultural heritage, stunning architecture, and savoury cuisine.

There’s no shortage of things to do in Strasbourg, but here are a couple to share:

• Both the Strasbourg Notre Dame Cathedral and the Astronomical Clock. Every day at half past noon, figurines hidden within its walls exit and put on a show.
• Historic Cellar of the Strasbourg Hospices, you’ll find barrels from 1472, take a tour of the wine cellar, which dates to 1395

⭐️One of the best times to visit Strasbourg is in Autumn for its wine production harvest and the beautiful fall foliage in Strasbourg’s largest park, Parc de l’Orangerie.

4. Colmar (Grand-Est)

Colmar is located 65 km south of Strasbourg, between the Vosges mountain range to the west and the Rhine River border with Germany to the east. It’s best known for its colourful, fairytale-like half-timbered houses and as the hometown of French sculptor Frederic Auguste Bartholdi, who created the Statue of Liberty.

This cute Alsatian city is worth at least a day trip to visit some of its highlights:

• Take time to wander the streets, especially the neighbourhood of Vieux Colmar. The most-photographed area is La Petite Venise, where the half-timbered buildings are painted in candy colours and tourists pass on flat-bottomed barques (boats).
• Visit the Bartholdi Museum and, if you have a car, drive past Colmar’s own Statue of Liberty. Musee Bartholdi is located at the sculptor’s birthplace, 30 rue des Marchands.

⭐️In autumn, it’s harvest season, which makes it a great time to follow the Alsatian Wine Route and stop in Colmar for a taste of the white wines it’s best known for. The grape harvest in the region generally takes place between late September and late October.

5. Chamonix (Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes)

Chamonix, nestled in the French Alps, is a paradise for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers, renowned for its breathtaking scenery and world-class outdoor activities. With a vibrant culture and rich history, it offers access to Mont Blanc and a variety of pursuits like hiking, mountain biking, and skiing.

Wondering about things to do in Chamonix, here are three ideas.

• Take the Aiguille du Midi cable car: The Aiguille du Midi is one of the most famous peaks in the French Alps. The cable car ride to the summit takes visitors up to 3,842 metres, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and glaciers. There’s even a restaurant at the top!
• Hike the trails of the Aiguilles Rouges Nature Reserve: The Aiguilles Rouges Nature Reserve is a protected area of the French Alps that offers some of the most stunning hiking trails in the region. There are trails suitable for all fitness levels, so everyone can enjoy the beautiful views.
• Explore the town of Chamonix: The town of Chamonix itself is a charming destination that offers a unique blend of culture, history, and natural beauty. With its streets lined with traditional Savoyard buildings, bustling markets, and art galleries, there’s plenty to explore here. Don’t miss the chance to sample some of the local raclette and tartiflette!

⭐️Chamonix’s high altitude and diverse terrain, including a mix of deciduous and coniferous forests, create ideal conditions for a unique fall foliage display. These conditions result in an explosion of colours, contrasted against the snow-capped mountains for a stunning visual experience that can only be enjoyed in Chamonix!

6. Nice (Provence-Alpes-Cote d’Azur)

If you’re looking for a destination to spend the fall in France that offers a stunning coastline, picturesque hillsides, and plenty of sunshine, then head to Nice in Côte D’Azur.

There are lots of wonderful things to do in Nice, but here are a couple that might entice you:

• relax on the Promenade des Anglais or one of the private beach clubs and enjoy a classic Aperol spritz like a true local.
• You can easily see other noteworthy locales like Cannes, Antibes, and Monaco on a quick day trip. There’s also the beautiful nearby hilltop town of Èze which is a medieval gem worth exploring for the day.

⭐️Linda of Looking for Linda recommends visiting in the fall for the Monaco Yacht Show in September. And, for movie buffs, visit in October and attend the Nice Film Festival showcasing films from around the world.

7. Antibes (Provence-Alpes-Cote d’Azur)

Antibes is a little coastal town nestled between Nice and Cannes with the Nice airport only being a 30-minute taxi ride.

Even if Antibes is a small town it still offers many things to do and see to fill your days, here are a few ideas.

• Fort Carré, an impressive fort from the 16th century built just outside the town harbour
• Picasso Museum which houses an impressive collection of the artist’s work
• Marché Provençal, the bustling daily market, to experience the local flavours and fragrances
• Port Vauban, is home to an impressive array of yachts and provides the perfect setting for a leisurely evening stroll

⭐️One of the best places to visit in France in autumn is Antibes. After the tourists are gone the market returns to its origins of fulfilling the everyday needs of its locals. You can buy local specialties, like hot, tasty socca and plenty of bread, cheese and wine for those autumn picnics. Or take a stroll along the coastal path of Chemin de Tirepoil. Visit in early November and attend the Jammin’ Juan Jazz Festival to hear some incredible jazz music.

8. Avignon (Provence-Alpes-Cote d’Azur)

Avignon, a charming city in the South of France, is known for the impressive 14th-century Palais des Papes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in France worth visiting.

Other top sightseeing sites in Avignon include:

• the iconic 12th-century medieval Pont Saint-Bénezet (Saint Benezet Bridge), which spans across the Rhône River
• maze of narrow streets in Old Town with a 14th-century Clock Square or Place de l’Horloge and 19th-century Opéra Grand Avignon, as well as Musée Angladon-Dubrujeaud and Musée du Petit Palais – two museums that house impressive collections of European paintings from medieval times up until the present day
• take a day trip to see some of the best nearby villages in the Luberon region

⭐️Visit Avignon in autumn and attend the annual Parcours de l’Art (Contemporary Art Festival) from October 7 to 22, 2023. This free event promotes contemporary painting, sculpture and photography. Visit the daily market in Avignon and you will see pumpkins (la Courge) everywhere in mid-October. A lot of food stalls will sell food made with squash, such as soupe à la courge, jams, cakes and more.

9. Carcassonne (Occitanie)

Carcassonne is a city that’s divided in two by the meandering Aude River. On a hilltop overlooking the Aude River and the Ville Basse (Lower Town) is the Cité.

It’s worth visiting Carcassonne just to see the impressive La Cité with its 52 turrets and 3km of ramparts, but here are a few more:

• a visit to Comtal Castle
• walk across the beautiful Pont Vieux bridge
• explore the farmer’s market at Bastide Saint Louis

⭐️Visiting Carcassonne in autumn is the perfect time to admire the beautiful shades of orange on the tree-lined Canal du Midi. There are many wine festivals in nearby vineyards. Starting in late August, the nearby village of Castelnaudary hosts a Cassoulet festival. This annual 5-day festival includes concerts, free street shows, growers’ markets, a gala meal and, of course, cassoulet served in every restaurant in town. 

10. Toulouse (Occitanie)

Within the Occitanie region of France, a lovely place to visit during Autumn is the capital city of Toulouse! Toulouse is commonly referred to as “the pink city” since several of the buildings display a pinkish hue as a result of the colour of the bricks that the buildings were made out of.

Here are a couple of interesting things to do around Toulouse.

• Capitole de Toulouse – a massive building dating back to the 12th century and functions as Toulouse’s city hall. Visitors can go inside for free and see beautiful murals on display, but the hours of visitation are limited.
• Basilique Saint-Sernin – is the largest Romanesque church in France. This church is free to enter, and you’ll find lots of benches that you can sit on outside.

⭐️Visit Toulouse in September when it hosts the Piano aux Jacobins. This is an almost month-long Piano festival that takes place at the Couvent de Jacobins, another historic building in Toulouse.

11. Saint Emilion (Nouvelle-Aquitaine)

Perched high on the hills of the Saint Emilion appellation, a 35-minute train ride from Bordeaux, lies the charming medieval town of the same name. Best known for its exceptional quality wine, this UNESCO-listed town is also iconic for its beautiful limestone architecture and as a stop on historic pilgrimage routes in France. 

Here are a few things to do in Saint Emilion:

• Visit some of the nearby chateaux for wine tastings and be sure not to miss sampling some of the finest wine on offer – the Saint Emilion Grand Cru.
• Explore the Monolithic church, a reminder of the Middle Ages. Take a tour of the church and underground, before climbing the stairs to the top of the bell tower for a view across the appellation.
• Stop by Fabrique de Macarons to pick up some of the original recipe Saint Emilion macarons, a delectable fluffy sweet treat made of almonds, egg and sugar.  

⭐️For a truly magical experience in Saint Emilion, visit in Autumn during the harvest season. Starting in September, the winemakers pluck ripe, juicy grapes from the vines to prepare the season’s best vintages and bottled collections. Later in autumn, the leaves around the village will transform into shades of orange and red making for a beautiful contrast against the limestone architecture.

12. Angouleme (Nouvelle-Aquitaine Region)

Angouleme is like taking a trip back in time to an era of knights, castles, battles and ramparts. With winding cobbled streets, breathtaking views of the Charente River and beautiful old buildings, you’ll be drawn in by the colourful past of this town.

There are three things you should do in this off-the-beaten-path France destination:

• Visit the Hôtel de Ville said to be the birthplace of Marguerite de Navarre who married Henry II of Navarre. Originally called Château d’Angoulême it was built as a fortified castle to protect the town in the 10th century.
• The covered market, Les Halles, was built on the site of an old prison dating back to the 13th century. It was designed by the architect Victor Baltard who modelled the design on the famous Les Halles market in Paris.
• Cathédrale Saint-Pierre is a great example of Romanesque architecture

⭐️One of the biggest events, the Circuit International des Remparts, takes place in autumn. This vintage car race is held annually on the third weekend of September and is a popular event among vintage car enthusiasts and racing fans.

13. Loire Valley (Centre-Val de Loire)

The Loire Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is renowned for its stunning châteaux scattered throughout the countryside and along the banks of the Loire River. These magnificent buildings range from medieval fortresses to elegant palaces.

Visitors from around the world flock to the Loire Valley. Here are three noteworthy chateaux in the Loire Valley to add to your itinerary.

• The Château de Chenonceau: this magical Loire Valley castle spans the Cher River with elegant arches that are reflected in the water below. The interior is exquisitely decorated. Known as the “Ladies Château”, Chenonceau has always been owned by women. Beautiful female energy is still felt in the castle today. 
• Château d’Azay-le-Rideau: this Renaissance castle set in the River Indre provides magnificent reflections making it a photographer’s dream! Wander the grounds, admire the turrets soaring to the skies, and the castle’s delicate stonework. 
• The Château de Chambord: the largest and grandest of the Loire Valley châteaux, Chambord is truly spectacular. Its famous intertwined staircase leads to the lantern tower and the rooftop of chimneys. It’s a remarkable sight.

⭐️With the crunch of leaves underfoot and the golden leaves framing the chateaux, autumn is magnificent in the Loire Valley. Hop on a hot air balloon to view the castles from above or hit up the Vignes Vins Randos weekend, a festival celebrating winemaking in the Loire Valley.

14. St Malo (Brittany)

The stunning harbour city of St Malo, on Brittany’s Emerald Coast, has some of the best – and least busy – beaches in Northern France. St Malo is popular with day-trippers from Jersey in the British Channel Islands and here are some of the things to do on your visit:  

• Browsing the Intra-Muros area. Take a bracing walk along the ancient city walls, for amazing views out to sea and over the rooftops of the city 
• Visit the stunning Gothic and Romanesque Cathédrale de St Malo which towers high above the iconic city skyline 
• Explore the pretty offshore islands of Le Grand Bé and Le Petit Bé at low tide 

⭐️In the autumn months, the best thing to do in St Malo is to follow the tempting aromas wafting out from the restaurants and settle down for an unrushed meal of delicious local seafood. Oysters are a local specialty, and the oyster season runs from late September until April! 

15. Mont Saint Michel (Normandy)

Normandy, known for its D-Day beaches and charming countryside, boasts Mont Saint Michel, a tidal island crowned by a magnificent abbey. Visit here for its:

• 11th-century abbey perched dramatically above the sea
• breathtaking views and stunning Gothic-style architecture
• Island where you can explore the abbey, wander its narrow streets, and indulge in fresh seafood

⭐️Fall is a great season to visit Normandy for those who want to witness the breathtaking natural display of autumnal colours that paint the surrounding landscape. The region hosts various food festivals, such as the Festival de la Pomme in Caudebec-en-Caux, where visitors can taste local cuisine and drinks while enjoying the stunning fall scenery. 

As a Holidaymaker

Escape the summer crowds and head to France in the fall, with the chance to visit Parisian Christmas markets in late November!