Early to mid-October in particular is a great time to visit France if you want to enjoy the fall colors and mostly pleasant weather.
Weather in October
We typically start to have more rainy days and cooler temperatures in France by October. In Northern France, you may expect temperatures of between 7-18°C. In the south of France the weather tends to remain very pleasant, with average temperatures of between 17-21°C.
Places to visit in France in October
Alsace
Alsace https://www.visit.alsace/en/ is the place to go in France during fall for the beautiful colors. Until mid-October there will be plenty of wine-tasting and wine-pairing events along the Alsace Wine Route.
Champagne
Enjoy a personalized self-drive tour of Champagne https://www.chalons-tourisme.com/, driving through the stunning landscapes of this world-renowned region, and enjoying tastings at some of the famous Champagne houses, such as Taittinger, Veuve Clicquot or Moët & Chandon.
A stop in the region’s lively capital, Reims, is also a must. Try the famous pink biscuits (biscuits roses) from Reims and visit the majestic 13th-century Cathedral.
Normandy
October is a peaceful and poignant time to visit Normandy https://en.normandie-tourisme.fr/. The tourist crowds have eased, but many key sites remain open, making it a wonderful month for those interested in World War II history and beautiful coastal landscapes. The D-Day beaches, American Cemetery, and Caen Memorial Museum are quieter and more reflective in the off-season.
We can also recommend to visit La Maison du Camembert https://www.maisonducamembert.com/en/home/ a regional speciality that taste even better in fall.
Loire Valley
The Loire Valley https://www.loirevalley-france.co.uk/discover/ is stunning in October. The weather is still mild enough to explore the châteaux, and the surrounding gardens and vineyards are bathed in rich autumn colors.
It’s the perfect time to visit iconic castles like Chenonceau and Chambord without the summer crowds.
If you’re a wine lover, October is also harvest time in the Loire, so you may be able to join a local wine festival or tasting event in towns like Saumur, Amboise, or Chinon.
Dordogne
October brings a crispness to the air in Dordogne https://www.france.fr/en/campaign/perigord-dordogne/, and it’s one of the best months for food lovers to visit this part of France. It’s the start of truffle and mushroom season, and you’ll find market stalls and restaurants featuring local specialties.
It’s also a quieter time to explore the region’s stunning medieval towns like Sarlat, Domme, and Beynac, or take a peaceful walk along the Dordogne River.
Burgundy
October is one of the most beautiful and delicious times to visit Burgundy. The vineyards https://www.burgundy-tourism.com/discover-burgundy/vines-and-vineyards-of-burgundy/ are ablaze with fall colors, and the air carries the scent of the harvest.
This is the heart of the grape-picking season, and many local winemakers open their doors for tastings and cellar visits. It’s a wonderful opportunity to sample world-renowned wines like Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, along with regional specialties like boeuf bourguignon and Epoisses cheese.
Things to do in France in October
Cider tasting in Normandy
The best time to explore the Normandy cider route https://en.normandie-tourisme.fr/the-cider-route/ by car is during the apple harvest, which runs from September to November. Stop at the gorgeous private Chateau du Breuil, where they produce some of the best calvados brandy in Normandy. Along the way you’ll find some perfect picnic stops.
Cycling in the Loire Valley
There are many well-marked cycling trails https://www.loirevalley-france.co.uk/discover/by-bike/cycle-routes-and-greenways-in-the-loire-valley/, many of which connect different chateaux in the region. We can also recommend a very nice vineyard or a picturesque stop by the Loire river, where you can stop for a picnic lunch.
Bread, wine and cheese trade show in Beaune, Burgundy
The ‘Salon de dégustation Pains Vins Fromages’ https://www.beaune-tourisme.fr/sejourner/agenda/salon-de-degustation-pains-vins-fromages-beaune-fr-3860725/takes place at the Halles of Beaune on 11th/12th October 2025.
At this exceptional gastronomic event, your entrance fee of €14 will get you an engraved wine glass, and allow you to taste many wines from different regions of France, paired with delicious cheeses and artisanal breads.
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