May 31, 2025
France in the fall is quieter, cozier, and more delicious than ever.
The summer crowds head home. The light turns golden. The markets overflow with truffles, figs, and fresh-pressed wine.
It’s the kind of season that’s absolutely worth packing a scarf for.
If you’ve only seen France in spring or summer, fall is your chance to experience a different side of the country—one that’s slower, warmer, and a bit more personal.
Here are five of my favorite places to visit in France in the fall:
1. Burgundy
Fall in Burgundy means grapevines turning gold, red, and copper.
The wine harvest is in full swing, and tasting rooms feel more intimate than in high season.
You can bike through vineyards, visit family-run cellars, and enjoy long lunches in Michelin-starred spots or tiny village bistros.
Expect dishes with local mushrooms, slow-braised meats, and that unmistakable chill in the air that makes red wine taste even better.
Fall in France is about savoring—and Burgundy leads the way.
2. The Loire Valley
Castles + fall color = magic.
The gardens at places like Château de Villandry are stunning in September and October, and crowds are thin.
This is also apple and pear season. Markets feel festive and a little rustic.
Think fireplaces, afternoon walks along the Loire, and cozy nights in a château hotel with a view.
You can even pair your trip with harvest events at local vineyards, cider houses, or cheese farms.
3. Alsace
Alsace is made for fall.
The air is crisp, the vineyards glow, and the timber-framed villages look like a fairytale.
You’ll sip Riesling, eat warm tarte flambée, and wander cobblestone streets without a selfie stick in sight.
Strasbourg and Colmar both host wine and harvest festivals this time of year.
And if you visit in late fall, you’ll catch the early sparkle of the region’s famous Christmas markets being set up.
It’s France with a German accent—and one of the best places to spend a fall weekend.
4. Provence
You might think of lavender and rosé, but Provence in the fall is its own kind of lovely.
Olive groves turn silvery, the crowds disappear, and village life returns to its rhythm.
In late October and November, truffle season begins.
Markets brim with local specialties like quince, figs, and chestnuts.
The light softens, perfect for long walks and longer lunches.
Fall in Provence is quiet luxury—without the heat or high prices of summer.
5. Paris
Paris in the fall is all about feeling like a local.
The city breathes a little easier. The museums feel calm. The cafés are full of Parisians, not just tourists.
The trees along the Seine turn golden. Window displays shift from pastels to deep jewel tones.
There’s art, fashion, and food—always food.
It’s the season of café crèmes, warm baguettes, and afternoon walks with no agenda.
Paris is always a good idea. But France in the fall? It’s unforgettable.
If you’re dreaming of France without the heat or the crowds, fall is your season.
It’s easier to slow down. The food gets heartier. The air feels fresh and full of possibility.
So pack a scarf, order the seasonal menu, and explore a quieter, richer side of France.
And if you’re not sure where to begin—I’m here to help you plan it just right. Jennifer@FrenchEscapesTravel.com
