What to do in France in Autumn

Autumn is a lovely time to visit France and discover the country’s flamboyant colors and mild climate. A trip in autumn opens up many opportunities to discover France. The destinations are less crowded, the seasonal cuisine is delicious, nature is bathed in gold and red, and the weather, both rainy and sunny, makes for lovely walks and fireside moments.

LOIRE VALLEY

Autumn unveils a whole new face of the Loire Valley, revealing a palette of warm colors and a magical atmosphere to discover over a weekend or during the All Saints’ vacation. The Loire Valley, famous for its picturesque towns, majestic châteaux and culinary delights, is transformed into a veritable paradise for travelers in search of charm and authenticity.

In the heart of this French region, the châteaux of the Loire stand amidst flamboyant forests. A visit to the Châteaux of Chambord, Chenonceau or Villandry will plunge you into the fascinating history of French royalty. The sumptuous gardens that surround them take on autumnal hues, creating breathtaking landscapes.

For outdoor enthusiasts, the Loire Valley offers countless opportunities for cycling. You can cycle along the banks of the Loire, passing through picturesque villages. It’s an ideal way to soak up the peaceful atmosphere of the French countryside in autumn.

Wine lovers will also find much to enjoy in this region. The Loire Valley is renowned for its vineyards, where some of France’s most delicious wines are produced. Take advantage of this season to visit the cellars, taste local wines and discover the secrets of viticulture.

Autumn in the Loire Valley is also a time to savor refined, flavorful cuisine based on local produce. Markets and restaurants offer comforting dishes such as coq au vin, wild mushrooms and delicious apple tarts.

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BORDEAUX

Discovering Bordeaux in autumn is an enriching experience, combining history, culture, gastronomy and wine.

A visit to the city of Bordeaux immerses you in a remarkable architectural heritage. Stroll through streets lined with 18th-century buildings listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Place de la Bourse, the majestic Porte Cailhau and Saint-André Cathedral are just some of the treasures to explore. Autumn brings soft light and golden reflections on the facades, creating a warm atmosphere.

Bordeaux’s gastronomy is a real invitation to taste buds. Local markets are decked out with seasonal produce, from porcini mushrooms and truffles to delicious oysters from the Arcachon Basin. Bordeaux’s restaurants and bistros offer refined cuisine featuring duck, foie gras and lamb. Let yourself be tempted by a tasting of the unmissable “cannelé bordelais”.

Of course, a visit to Bordeaux wouldn’t be complete without a wine tasting. The region is famous for its world-renowned vineyards, notably in the Saint-Émilion, Pomerol and Médoc appellations. In autumn, the vines are decked out in flamboyant colors, creating an exceptional backdrop for wine tastings. Take a tour of the cellars and châteaux, and let the experts guide you as you taste sublime wines.

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PARIS

Discovering Paris in autumn is a very special time of year, when the City of Light is decked out in shimmering colors and an enchanting atmosphere. Discovering Paris at this time of year is a unique experience.

A visit to Paris is an adventure in itself. You can lose yourself in the cobbled streets of the Marais, stroll along the quays that offer an open-air museum, or explore the inescapable charm of Montmartre. Autumn adds a touch of magic, adorning the gardens and parks with flamboyant colors.

Parisian museums are a priceless cultural treasure to be discovered on rainy days. The Louvre and the Musée d’Orsay are home to exceptional collections, while other more confidential sites such as the Musée Bourdelle and the Musée Carnavalet are also open to you.

Autumn is also the perfect season for evening outings, with many plays to see, ballets at the Paris Opera, musicals, cabaret and intimate concerts in unexpected places.

French cuisine reaches its peak in autumn with comforting dishes such as boeuf bourguignon, velouté de potiron, cassoulet du sud ouest and more. Pair your meal with a glass of regional wine and enjoy an unforgettable culinary experience.

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JURA

The Jura reveals itself as an exceptional destination with the arrival of autumn. This mountainous region, famous for its natural beauty and outdoor activities, offers an unforgettable travel experience during this magical season.

Hikes through the Jura mountains are an ideal way to discover the autumn landscapes. The forests are adorned with shades of gold and red leaves, creating a breathtaking scene. Hiking trails will take you through picturesque valleys and peaceful lakes.

The Cascades du Hérisson, one of the natural jewels of the Jura, are a must. These spectacular waterfalls reveal their full beauty when the rivers are fed by autumn rains. A stroll along the developed trails will allow you to discover these natural wonders in a serene and mystical setting.

For fall sports enthusiasts, the Jura offers a variety of activities, from cycling to fishing to paragliding. The mountains also offer opportunities for mountain biking, rock climbing and even canoeing on local rivers.

Jura cuisine is an invitation to indulgence. Don’t miss out on tasting regional dishes such as Comté fondue, Morteau sausage and chicken with morels. Accompany your meals with a Jura wine, renowned for its quality and diversity.

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ILE DE FRANCE

Île-de-France, with its autumnal charm, offers an unforgettable getaway for travelers seeking an experience rich in culture and nature. In autumn, the region is decked out in flamboyant colors, creating the perfect backdrop for exploring the hidden treasures around Paris.

A visit to the region’s sumptuous châteaux, such as the majestic Château de Versailles, Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte, Château de Maintenon or Château de Pierrefonds, will transport you to t. You’ll discover the opulence of French royalty and the breathtaking architecture that surrounds them.

For nature lovers, a walk in Rambouillet is an experience not to be missed. The park of the Château de Rambouillet, with its vast expanses of woodland and tranquil pond, offers a peaceful setting for an autumn stroll. If you’re lucky, you might even witness the brame du cerf, a captivating spectacle of local wildlife.

Picturesque towns such as Barbizon are also Île-de-France gems to discover in autumn. Barbizon, famous for its school of painting, seduces with its cobbled streets lined with stone houses, its art galleries and its unique artistic atmosphere.

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ALSACE

Alsace, in eastern France, transforms into a dream destination as autumn approaches. This region, famous for its wineries, gastronomy and picturesque charm, offers an unforgettable travel experience during this magical season.

Visiting the vineyards of Alsace is an adventure not to be missed. The hillsides are adorned with shimmering colored leaves, creating an idyllic setting for wine lovers. You can taste exceptional wines, such as Riesling, Gewurztraminer and Pinot Gris, in traditional cellars, while admiring the rolling landscapes.

Alsatian gastronomy is a celebration of the flavors of autumn. Don’t miss tasting iconic dishes such as garnished sauerkraut, tarte flambée (flammekueche), and baeckeoffe. Accompany your meal with a glass of Alsatian wine for an authentic culinary experience.

Alsatian villages, with their half-timbered houses and cobbled streets, shine with timeless beauty in autumn. A walk in Colmar, Riquewihr, Keysersberg, Eguisheim, etc. will transport you into an Alsatian fairy tale.

If you are a nature lover, the Vosges, which encircle Alsace, offer a multitude of activities in autumn. Hikes through flamboyantly colored forests, walks by the lakes and excursions into the mountains offer a moment of relaxation and a change of scenery.

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