France in September is a fantastic choice! It’s a transitional month between summer and fall, offering milder weather, fewer crowds (compared to July and August) and towards the end of September, you may even get to see the beginning of the fall colors.
Weather in September
In September, the weather in France begins to cool down as summer moves into fall. Weather conditions will vary depending on the region, but in general, the weather is mild and pleasant throughout the country.
In northern regions (Paris, Normandy etc), the average temperature is 13-22°C
In the south of France (Provence, Côte d’Azur), the average temperature 17 to 27°C.
Eastern France (Alsace, Lyon), moderate temperatures
Festivals and Events
American Film Festival in Deauville, Normandy
The American Film Festival in Deauville https://www.festival-deauville.com/en/ is an annual event held in the coastal town of Deauville in Normandy. Established in 1975, the festival showcases the best of American cinema.
Grande Braderie de Lille, Northern France
This is one of the biggest flea markets in Europe https://www.fleamarketinsiders.com/grande-braderie-de-lille/ , and takes place in the city of Lille on the first weekend of September. It is a two-day event that attracts millions of visitors who come to hunt for antiques and bargains, and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
Les Journées du Patrimoine, across France
During this annual event in France, the public are allowed free entry to visit numerous historic and cultural sites that are often not open to the public or require an entrance fee. It takes place over a weekend in September and is organized by the French Ministry of Culture https://journeesdupatrimoine.culture.gouv.fr/
Visitors can explore a wide range of buildings and monuments. These include the Palace of Versailles, the Eiffel Tower, many castles in the Loire Valley, Mont Saint-Michel Abbey, the Palace of the Popes in Avignon, the castle of Carcassonne, the Roman Amphitheatre of Nîmes, and many more.
Places to visit
Normandy
Normandy https://en.normandie-tourisme.fr/ is famous for its beautiful countryside, charming villages, and historic landmarks. Visitors can explore the D-Day landing beaches, the Bayeux Tapestry, and the beautiful coastal areas.
Lyon
Lyon https://en.visiterlyon.com/ is the third largest city in France is a gastronomic paradise, with a fantastic food scene that includes traditional French cuisine as well as international flavors. Lyon has many cultural attractions.
Strasbourg
Located in the Alsace region of eastern France, Strasbourg https://www.visitstrasbourg.fr/en/welcome-in-strasbourg/ is a beautiful city with a stunning cathedral. Its old town is a UNESCO World Heritage site and ‘La Petite France’ neighborhood is lovely to stroll through. Strasbourg is also home to the European Parliament.
Annecy
This picturesque town is situated on the shores of Lake Annecy https://en.lac-annecy.com/, surrounded by the French Alps. It’s a great place to relax, go hiking, and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Avignon
Avignon https://avignon-tourisme.com/en/ is this historic city in Provence is known for its stunning architecture and is also a great place to enjoy the local cuisine and wine. The Palais des Papes is an impressive fortress-like palace that was the seat of the Catholic Church in the 14th century. Today, the Palais des Papes is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a must-visit attraction in Avignon. You can enjoy stunning views of the city from the rooftop terraces.
Marseille
This port city is a melting pot of cultures, with a mix of French, North African, and Middle Eastern influences. Marseille https://www.marseille-tourisme.com/en/, the second largest city in France, is a great place to experience the Mediterranean lifestyle, with its warm weather, beautiful beaches and slower pace of life.
Bordeaux
Bordeaux https://www.bordeaux-tourism.co.uk/ is a UNESCO World Heritage city known for its stunning architecture, historic landmarks, and world-class vineyards. It’s the perfect destination for wine lovers and history buffs alike.
Things to do
Visit the Valley of Saints in Brittany
La Vallée des Saints https://www.lavalleedessaints.com/ is a unique project in Brittany that seeks to commemorate 1,000 Breton saints by crafting statues from granite extracted from the Armorican peninsula. In ancient times, Brittany was called Armorica.
Honfleur
Honfleur https://en.normandie-tourisme.fr/unmissable-sites/honfleur/ is a lovely coastal town in Normandy, renowned for its picturesque harbor and historical significance. The town has a vibrant art scene, with many artists and writers calling it home over the years, including Claude Monet.
WWI sites near Verdun
The World War I sites at Verdun https://www.ww1battlefields.co.uk/others/verdun/ are fascinating places to visit for history buffs. There you can learn about the history at the Verdun Memorial Museum, visit well-preserved trenches, and find out about the key role played by the American military in the 10-month Battle of Verdun, which was crucial in ending the First World War. You can also visit the Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery and Memorial, the largest American military cemetery in Europe, with 14,246 graves.
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