Fall in France brings out some of the best of the country from the crisp weather and stunning fall colors to special seasonal foods and more. It truly is a wonderful time to visit and you can’t go wrong with almost any region. We’ve identified some of our top picks for what to see and do during fall in France in 2023.
Fall in France 2023: What to See and Do
Normandy: Authentic Cider and Cheese Tour
Fall is a great time to discover Normandy with fewer crowds compared to the summertime. No trip to the region would be complete without at least a day spent tasting some of the gourmet regional specialties, namely ciders and cheeses.
The morning is dedicated to learning about Norman cheeses, in particular the famous Camembert de Normandie. Meet the last Camembert farmer in the village that gave it its name. You will taste the best products and see the cows and the production in detail. You will also discover the making of two other Normandy PDO cheeses: Pont l’Évêque and Livarot.
After stopping for a fabulous picnic lunch, you’ll be learning all about ciders: apple, pear, pommeau, and Calvados. You will see all the steps of the production in remarkable places. Learn about the traditional raw cider, the 50-year-aged Calvados, and more. This delicious day ends in one of the most beautiful villages in France with colorful half-timbered buildings and great shopping.
Where to Stay in Normandy
Hotel Saint-Delis
Nestled in the heart of Honfleur’s historic district, this luxury 5-star hotel with a discreet charm is an essential part of the city’s arts and historical heritage. Situated in a charming setting of 17th-century architecture, the hotel appears enchanting from the first glance.
Every room overlooks beautiful gardens and provides a variety of views in an intimate and personalized setting. Bedrooms are elegantly furnished and have magnificent, comfortable bathrooms where the beauty of marble and mirrors combine to create a luxurious and contemporary atmosphere.
All the rooms are equipped with modern amenities. Each room has a shower hammam, and the Deluxe and Junior suites have a spa bath as well. Guests enjoy services such as horse carriage rides, massage therapy, and painting lessons. There are also facilities for child care.
This is an ideal place for a family stay or a weekend of relaxation, as well as a vast array of activities that will delight young and old alike.
Paris: Colorful Modern Art Museums
While the trees in Paris are filled with beautiful colored leaves in the fall, rain can be common, especially further into the season. A great way to escape the rainy weather is with a museum visit. Classics like the Musée du Louvre and Musée d’Orsay are always wonderful options and are always ever-changing thanks to temporary exhibits. However, if you’ve had enough of the gray skies, consider the Centre Pompidou for colorful modern and contemporary art or the intimate and beautiful Musée Picasso in the heart of the Marais.
Burgundy: Fall Along The Wine Trails
For wine lovers, the Burgundy wine trails are a highlight no matter what time of year. The visits are especially spectacular drenched in the gorgeous fall colors. Our local wine expert guides will lead you through the renowned estates and surrounding scenery. Spend a wonderfufl day exploring the Côte de Nuits vineyards.
The Côte de Nuits is known as the Champs-Élysées of Burgundy – the best of the best. For lovers of Pinot Noir, this is truly a paradise. While it is a small area, there are plenty of terroirs and an incredible variation of parcels and vines that make it renowned around the world. Along the Route des Grands Crus you will discover Morey-Saint-Denis, Gevrey-Chambertin, Chambolle-Musigny, Gevrey-Chambertin, Clos de Vougeot, and Nuit Saint Georges. During this incredible day, you will taste 20 wines in total including 14 Premiers and Grands Crus – red and white wines and young and old vintages.
Loire Valley: A Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride
For a unique perspective of the majestic Loire Valley châteaux, we recommend taking a hot air balloon ride at sunrise. Imagine floating above on a misty fall morning with gorgeous golden light touching the vineyards, forest, rivers, and châteaux below. The region is especially stunning with fall coloring. This fabulous experience ends with breakfast and you’ll have the rest of the day to continue exploring!
Bordeaux: Private Dordogne Gastronomy and Wine Traditions Tour
Spend a fabulous day in gorgeous Southwest France focused on gastronomy and wine.
The first stop of the day is at a farm located 10 minutes from Sarlat-la-Canéda called “The Geese of the Black Périgord.” You will discover livestock breeding and taste local products. Then you will head in the direction of Castelnaud La Chapelle, where you will have the opportunity to visit an eco-museum of walnuts and a truffle farm. Enjoy a light lunch before continuing to the village of Castelnaud where you’ll see its impressive castle. Visit a small organic chocolate shop, before a final stop enjoy a tasting of local wine, the Vin de Domme.
Provence: Private Cooking Class and Wine Tasting in Chateauneuf-du-Pape
During the fall, you can take in the mesmerizing beauty of the historic Châteauneuf-du-Pape village and vineyards dressed in a layer of gold. Chateauneuf-du-Pape is famous for powerful, full-bodied red wines, made from the southern Rhône grape trio of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre. Besides the golden leaves, you’ll find distinct lightly colored stones amongst the vines: a spectacular fall combination.
Enjoy a cooking workshop and experience a real gastronomic experience at the heart of this historic village. You’ll discover the regional flavors and learn how to cook recipes with fresh local products along with a talented Chef from the region. Wine is also a key ingredient in the enjoyment and improves the various tastes in cooking. The cuisine will be perfectly paired with Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines.
Where to Stay in Provence
Hotel Le Pigonnet
This luxury 5-star hotel is set in an elegant Provençal mansion that marries 18th-century style with contemporary refinements. The property grounds have a large garden so you’ll enjoy calm, but still be just a short walk to the city center.
Enjoy access to it offers an outdoor swimming pool, wellness area, and pétanque grounds.
Rooms feature modern amenities. Some offer a view of the garden and the Sainte-Victoire mountain from their balcony or terrace.
The casual fine dining restaurant serves regional cuisine. You can enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner on the terrace in summer.
Ready to experience fall in France? There’s still time to make it this year! Our travel designers are standing by and can help you book any of these activities and create the perfect fall itinerary in France. Some of our most popular fall destinations include Normandy, Burgundy, Bordeaux, the Loire Valley, and Southern France.