10 Great Destinations for an October Vacation in France

France has so many places to discover, and what better way to enjoy them fully than by taking a vacation? In this article, you’ll find the best destinations for creating happy memories in October.

 

The Alsace Wine Route

October is one of the best months to hit the Alsace Wine Route. With the summer crowd gone, you can fully enjoy this legendary 170 km route. You should even have beautiful weather during your trip since fall is generally mild in the eastern part of France.

The Alsace Wine Route also hosts a Fascinating Weekend during the month of October. Visitors can discover the Alsatian vineyards and participate in several unusual activities.

Whether you bike or drive all the way to Molsheim or Ribeauvillé or stop somewhere closer, how far you want to go and in what manner you want to do it is entirely up to you.

I suggest taking time to wander around the incredible steep slope vineyard of Thann. Rising at an angle of more than 45°, this vineyard is truly breathtaking. If you walk far enough on the path between the grapevines, you’ll come to what is known as the eye of the witch – the ruins of a tower that once belonged to the castle of Engelbourg. From the top of the eye, you’ll have an amazing view of the village.

 

The Angers Area

Discover Angers and the surrounding countryside with these three places I’ve handselected for you.

Located on the outskirts of Angers, Terra Botanica is a plant park that hosts a Fall Festival every October. The program includes 4D movies, tastings, Halloween themed activities, and much more. Your children will absolutely love it!

Doué la Fontaine’s Bioparc is a 30 minute drive from Angers. During the month of October, the staff of the zoo tells animal themed stories to children between the ages of three and nine as a way to raise awareness. Approximately 1,500 animals live in the Bioparc, so you’ll have plenty to discover!

Last but not least, Saint-Rémy-la-Varenne’s hortomnales occurs every year toward the end of October in the priory of the village. The name is a combination of the words horticulture and autumn. During this event, gourds take center stage in many types of entertainment: local craft markets, brass brands, the weighting of the biggest gourd, and much more!

 

Brittany

Also known as the land of legends, Brittany has a lot to offer. Come and learn about the folklore of this region!

Brittany’s Halloween celebration – called Kala Goañv – takes place in October. In earlier times, it served as a transition between fall and winter. During this time, it was believed that the gates of the underworld were opened and the dead could interact with the world of the living.

To honor this tradition, Brocéliande Forest offers several events on the theme, including storytelling, rides in Ankou’s horse-drawn carriage, and exhibitions. Children can even wander the forest paths in their most horrific disguises.

Brittany is also known for its many islands, such as Gavrinis Island in the Gulf of Morbihan.

If mysteries are your thing, you’ll thoroughly enjoy Gavrinis’ monument with its multiple engravings, the meaning of which we still don’t fully understand!

Accessible by boat from the port of Larmor-Baden or Port-Navalo, the Cairn of Gavrinis is well worth visiting.

 

Puy-de-Dôme

Auvergne is the region to go to if you love greenery.

The département of Puy-de-Dôme is named for the sleeping volcano that is in its territory. In order to facilitate access to the top, a rack railroad was constructed in 2012. A 15 minute drive on the train “Panoramique des Dômes” offers you the chance to see the volcanoes that shape La Chaîne des Puys.

If you’d rather climb all the way up with your legs, you can take le chemin des Muletiers or le chemin des Chèvres. Be sure to come prepared – it is a two-hour walk to the top.

During October, activities are organized to celebrate Halloween. Shows, haunted paths, storytelling, and make-up workshops will keep your youngest children happy and busy.

If you get tired of walking, you can visit the petrifying fountains in Saint-Nectaire. These true marvels of nature allowed for the development of a unique handcraft. The thermomineral sources responsible for the petrifying effect are used to make beautiful decorations from limestone.

 

The Charentes

Come enjoy the mild weather in the Charentes during late fall.

Located on the route of Santiago de Compostela, Talmont-sur-Gironde is considered one of France’s most beautiful villages. At the mouth of the Gironde estuary, Talmont is the perfect place to wander.

As you explore the village, you’ll find art galleries and wine shops that sell the famous “Talmondais”, a wine made from the grapes cultivated in Talmont. I also recommend visiting the Sainte-Radegonde Church, which was built right on a cliff.

You’ll fall in love with the white facades and blue shutters of the houses, typical of seaside architecture, as you stroll through the village.

Another village that you shouldn’t overlook is Aubeterre sur Dronne, which is home to a subterranean church. Hewn into the limestone, the Saint-Jean Church has impressive dimensions in addition to its absolutely wonderful design. Many pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela come to Aubeterre and visit this church since the village is on their way.

 

Ardèche

Chestnuts are a huge part of Ardèche’s culture and economy. That is why a chestnut festival – called Castagnades – is held from mid-October to mid-November. You must attend one!

If you want to know more about the relationship between the Ardechois and chestnuts, come to Castanea. Located in Joyeuse, the museum is dedicated to the history of the chestnut industry.

Moreover, during Castagnades, you’ll have the opportunity to meet chestnut growers and visit their farms to learn about their work.

Another great museum to visit is La Maison du Châtaignier in Saint-Pierreville. It’s the perfect place to discover the many ways that chestnuts are used in the Ardèche region. Don’t forget to stop by the shop so you can bring some chestnut-based products home!

If all these chestnut-themed activities make you hungry, I recommend that you attend the culinary contest organized by the Confrérie de la Châtaigne d’Ardèche.

After eating your fill, you can take a walk in Monts d’Ardèche Regional Nature Park that covers a large part of the Ardèche region. During the Castagnades, you can go on chestnut hikes to enjoy the beautiful views that the park offers while picking chestnuts.

 

Grenoble

As Europe’s 2022 green capital, Grenoble is a dynamic city capable of adapting to what’s currently at stake.

Surrounded by multiple mountains, the town benefits from its unique location. Trail lovers, you’ll be able to keep up with your training since Grenoble is home to 15 trail paths.

To visit the city and its surrounding areas, I would advise you to purchase a Grenoble Alpes-Métropole Pass, which is a very economical way to experience Grenoble. It will cost you €19 for one day, €33 for two days, and €48 for three days, and can be used anytime within seven days of its activation. The pass gives you free access to all the partner places as well as public transportation.

For example, you can climb onto the Grenoble Bastille cable car, discover the Saint Cecile Chapel, or take a walk around the Stendhal Museum.

If you want to experience the outskirts of the city, your pass also allows you to go to the cave Les Cuves de Sassenage. As you explore it, let the legend of the fairy Mélusine guide you via a sound and light show.

 

The Somme Bay

Located in the northern part of France, the Somme Bay is a place of great natural beauty. During the fall, the scenery changes colors to visitors’ great delight.

You can also witness the flight of migratory birds who fly across France on their way to Africa for the winter.

If you like to go hiking, the Parc du Marquenterre is the perfect place to do so. You can walk to Le Hourdel Lighthouse or admire France’s largest seal colony.

The northern region of France is known for its fish industry, in particular herring fishing. Every year, most port towns host an event called harengade, which is the celebration of the harengaison – the beginning of the herring season. From the end of October until the end of November, herring sales are organized everywhere. All you need is enough curiosity to try it!

 

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Burgundy

Known as the Land of Dukes, Burgundy has many surprises in store.

History lovers should visit the Castle of Guédelon.

Built from scratch, this medieval fortified castle is the product of years of hard work and passion. A team of stonemasons, blacksmiths, tile makers, bakers, and other tradesmen bring the place to life by engaging with visitors. As you walk around the castle, you can see all the people at work – a functioning medieval town right in front of your eyes.

You might also be interested in discovering the Hospices de Beaune, which is a fantastic medieval hospital foundation known for its wine auction in November.

Since Burgundy is an important wine-growing region, it comes as no surprise that in October, Dijon hosts a fair for independent winegrowers from Burgundy and Jura (salon des vignerons indépendants de Bourgogne et du Jura).

The other main event of the season is the festival of vin bourru in Nuits-Saint-Georges. Vin bourru is a newly pressed wine that, for two days, people enjoy along with cheeses and other Burgundy wines from local producers.

 

Camargue

Camargue is a natural region located in the southern part of France, near the Mediterranean Sea.

Whether you want to admire the fauna and flora of Camargue or learn more about the region’s culture, you’ll find what you are looking for here.

The region is also famous for its herds of cattle and horses. Try visiting the Domaine de Méjanes where you can visit the Paul Ricard Museum and attend multiple activities in relation to bulls.

As horses are a huge part of Camargue’s culture, you should also take the opportunity to go horseback riding in the domain.

Finally, if you want to learn more about the region, go to Saintes Maries de la Mer for the October Pilgrimage. The event commemorates the arrival of the saints on the shore of the town. A great sound and light show is usually organized, followed by a procession the next day.