Best 2025 Fall Destinations in France
Flipping the calendar to September means one thing in France: la rentrée, or back to school. As summer winds down, tourists return home, the temperatures cool, and most head back to work and school. But truth be told, France begs to be explored in its shoulder seasons, especially fall. With fewer crowds and milder temperatures, autumn in France is just as ravishing as its other seasons. We’ve rounded up some of our favorite spots for the autumn season. From Bordeaux to Normandy, here are our top fall destinations in France for 2025.
Best 2025 Fall Destinations in France
Champagne in the Fall
Not only is France known for its array of reds and whites, but it’s also celebrated for its champagne. And fall 2025 is the perfect moment to discover both this timeless beverage as well as the terroir where it’s produced. Although the exact date varies per year, harvest typically begins late summer and lasts several weeks, per Comité Champagne. The grapes are harvested by hand and require more than 100,000 seasonal workers to carry out the task, according to Comité Champagne. The 2025 harvest in Champagne began in late August and will carry over into September, per Vitisphere.
The region of Champagne is easily accessible from Paris, which makes it an easy extension to your trip to the capital. Start your journey in Reims, where you can dine at the restaurant Le Foch and savor its mussels from Mont Saint Michel along with a glass of champagne. Adventure out in a private hot-air balloon ride as you gape at the beauty of the region. Another town to consider for your autumn trip to France is Epernay, which has earned the nickname of “champagne capital.” With French Side Travel, secure exclusive visits to local wineries and chat with their producers. Discover the bucolic side of Champagne with a group bike tour to quaint villages, including Hautvillers. This village is where the renowned brand Dom Pérignon finds its roots.
You might also be interested in our article on how to spend a weekend in the Champagne region.
Secret Cellar Visit and Tasting in Champagne
Just any flute of champagne won’t do — we get it. At French Side Travel, we curate luxurious experiences, and for your trip to Champagne in the fall, we offer an intimate experience to truly taste this sophisticated beverage. Indulge in a private guided tour with a Moët & Chandon ambassador to Fort Chabrol, its private domain near Epernay. Take your time as you stroll through its vineyards, wander its underground tunnels, discover the centuries-old tradition of champagne-making, including manual disgorging of the bottles. The highlight of the tour? Sipping on glasses of Grand Vintage 2015 and Grand Vintage Rosé 2015.
Bordeaux in the Fall
The city of Bordeaux promises an abundance of gastronomy, history and charm. But you’ll also want to bookmark the region surrounding this town. The region of Bordeaux is ideal for those looking for a mix of urban chic and village charm, plus a good glass of wine! Like Champagne, harvest time for Bordeaux typically begins in September, according to the Domaine du Goût. However, in 2025, harvest began at the end of August for the St-Emilion Premier Grand Cru Classé estate, per Decanter. The particularly warm and dry year contributed to advancing the harvest date.
Wander the Cité du Vin, a museum dedicated to the art and science of wine, in Bordeaux. Discover the Graves appellation with a saunter through the village of Sauternes or Martillac. Wine aficionados, mark your calendars for mid October for the Harvest Festival in Saint Émilion. Or venture out to the Atlantic in the town of Arcachon where you can climb its sand dune.
You might also be interested in our guide to the Bordeaux wine region.
Wine and Cheese Pairing Workshop
It’s hard to come up with a more dynamic duo than wine and cheese, especially when it comes to Bordeaux appellations. And that’s why French Side Travel is ready to organize a wine and cheese pairing workshop for your time in the Bordeaux region. Your workshop will be led by a seasoned sommelier, who will divulge the secrets of pairing theory and — rest assured — will let you taste to your heart’s content.
Normandy in the Fall
Many international travelers associate Normandy with D-Day. And while that connection is accurate, Normandy offers so much more than war history. Trace the footsteps of Joan of Arc in Rouen, or meander the glamorous seaside town of Deauville. Stroll the ancient streets of William the Conqueror’s hometown of Caen. Taste Camembert, the well-loved cheese of the region. Have your breath stolen at the cliffs of Étretrat. Or enjoy a private after-hours visit of the Mont Saint Michel abbey. Whether you’re most motivated by history or nature, Normandy promises a dreamy autumn escape this year.
Loire Valley in the Fall
There’s genuinely no bad time to see a castle, but the Loire Valley is particularly a treat in the fall. Marvel at these centuries-old châteaux framed by brightly colored autumn leaves. From the manicured gardens of the Château de Villandry to the Renaissance architecture of Château de Chambord, the Loire Valley is sure to please. No matter your pace, the Loire Valley abounds with activities for every traveler. Our more adventurous travelers will adore our tour by bike throughout the region. Or perhaps you’d prefer a calmer pace. French Side Travel also offers a private boat cruise on Chaumont Sur Loire River where you can sip on local wines and take in the scenery.
Loire Valley Tour on Horseback
Amid the autumn colors and crisp weather, experience the Loire Valley with a horseback tour. On your private tour with French Side Travel, you’ll saunter through the region’s vineyards and forests. Make a stop at Château Villandry for lunch and a visit to this castle just outside of Tours.
Where to Stay in France in Fall 2025
Relais de Chambord in the Loire Valley
Hate commuting? With a stay at the Relais de Chambord, you’re only a four-minute walk away from the Château de Chambord. With 16th century roots, this four-star hotel offers 55 unique rooms, including a boat suite. The hotel offers several restaurants where you can fuel up after a day of castle exploration.
Château de Sacy in Champagne
This fall, indulge in a stay at the Château de Sacy, a five-star hotel in the midst of vineyards a hop, skip and jump from Reims. Its dozen elegantly designed rooms and an on-site restaurant overlooking the vineyards are sure to woo. Experience the region to the fullest with its champagne bar where you can sip on regional specialities.
Maybe you’ve been bookmarking destinations and activities for that summer trip to France. But truth be told, fall is an ideal time to discover the marvels of France. With fewer crowds and milder temperatures, autumn promises ideal conditions for your trip to France. From the wine culture of Bordeaux or the breathtaking landscapes of Normandy, your fall bucket list awaits. Contact one of our travel specialists today to start planning. You might also like: Normandy Elegance: History, Heritage & a Touch of Paris or Highlights of the Loire Valley.
