10 Destinations Ideas for a November Vacation in France

France has plenty of places to visit in November. Some events only occur during that period, so it is the perfect moment to make the most of it. In this article, I’ll walk you through the best places to go to in November. Here we go!

 

Normandy

The traditional Herring Festivals in Normandy are a must-attend event. They celebrate the fish arrival on the Normandy coasts, and on that occasion, various activities are organized. Called harengades, these festivals take place in several coastal cities.

The Herring Festival of Le Tréport takes place at the beginning of November. The restaurants set their grills up in front of their establishment and sell kippers to the amazed passerbys. Smoked or not, herring always steals the show during the festival.

Take advantage of the festivities to take a stroll in the quartier des Cordiers, and climb on the port funicular. By way of an after-dinner walk, the GR21 will make do. Indeed, the trail passes alongside the Alabaster Coast and Le Tréport is located right there.

On the third weekend of November, it’s the turn of Dieppe to organize its Herring and Scallop Festival. The celebration is in full swing thanks to the numerous street performances, local products markets and other activities for children. Being November’s flagship event, the Dieppe festival is worth the journey.

The season of harengades ends with the Fécamp festival which takes place at the end of the month. Before or after having lunch, you can take the time to visit the city. To keep up with the theme, you may want to explore the musée des pêcheries to know more about the local economy.

Moreover, Fécamp has many beautiful historical buildings like the ducal palace, or the Benedictine palace that will really blow your mind. Finally, the WWII enthusiasts will love the bunker that once hosted a radar station on the Cap Fagnet.

 

Annecy

If you’re thinking about going to the Annecy area in the course of November, don’t hesitate. Indeed, each year, on the second Saturday of the month, the Hog Festival takes place in the city.

Annecy sets many events up for the occasion, in particular the surprising hog holler competition…which will make you laugh. Aside from this, you’ll be able to taste some of the delicious local specialties, such as the génépi liqueur and the rissoles.

There’s also another festival happening in November in Annecy: the Apple and Honey Festival. On the first Saturday of the month. Located in the quartier de Novel, this event puts the region’s typical products under spotlight, like the bidoyon and Savoie apples.

Annecy is also famous for its lake, around which you can go on wonderful hikes. With the help of the ViAnnecy app, download the pedestrian routes, and answer some quizzes while looking at photos or videos.

If you wish to discover the city in more detail, choose a private visit of the historical center during which you’ll cross the Lovers Bridge. Finally, don’t hesitate to enter the castle of Annecy.

 

Paris Shows

The month of November is when many shows and fairs take place in Paris.

The food lovers will absolutely be delighted to go to the Paris Chocolate Show that takes place over 5 days. It is the perfect opportunity to taste the delicious chocolates made by famous artisans or have a look at the technique of the greatest chocolatiers.

Live demonstrations, fashion shows and chocolate sculptures will await you. During the show, different national and international contests take place, like the  international French pastry cupor the Sugar arts world event.

As for the horse lovers, they should rather go to the Paris Horse Show where horse sports are brought to light. You can meet the Republican Guard and see the French Federation for Equestrian Sports train. Moreover, children can even ride a pony for the first time.

Finally, several international contests take place during the show, like the masters de voltige or the championnat du monde du cheval arabe (Arab pure-blood horse world championship).

 

The Beaujolais

In France, November goes alongside beaujolais nouveau, which is a type of wine that is only sold during that time period. So what’s better than visiting the Beaujolais region for your vacation?

The Beaujolais Days are a five-day festival that occurs in all the Rhône department and starts on the third Thursday of November. Wine enthusiasts attend the event for the warm atmosphere that comes out of it. They can also discover and taste the Beaujolais cuvée of the year.

In Beaujeu, the Sarmentelles are one of the must-go festivities. The village hosts shows, concerts, theme parties as well as local products tastings. You’ll even have the possibility to visit Beaujeu in a tourist train.

The festival also takes place in Lyon, with Beaujol’en Scène that is organized by the Jeunes Agriculteurs du Rhône. The program includes concerts and Beaujolais tasting in a wild atmosphere.

If you want to deepen your knowledge about the region, go to Villefranche-sur-Saône to visit the museum of conscripts or the Paul-Dini museum.

 

Montier-en-Der

Nature lovers will be delighted to hear about the Nature and Animal Photos International Festival that takes place in November.

The event gathers 15 exhibition sites in 6 municipalities and 100 exhibitions in which there are more than 2,000 photographs. For 4 days, you’ll be lucky enough to meet the photographers, participate in conferences and discussions on various topics in relation to nature.

The festival will also enable you to raise your awareness about the environment and the sustainable development among children. An international wildlife photo contest is even organized.

In order to make the most of Montier-en-Der, take a walk around the cast-iron sculptures and fountains park. You can also have a look at the national stud farm created by Napoleon in the 19th century. Finally, the Saint-Pierre and Saint-Paul abbatial church as well as the numerous gardens of the town are also worth the journey.

For those who’d like to move around, the Nigloland amusement park is located in the next-door town, Dolancourt. If you wish to stay on the topic of nature, the lac du Der, in Giffaumont-Champaubert, is not far either. However, by going further away, you can admire the three artificial lakes of the Orient Forest Regional National Park.

 

Dijon

In November, Dijon hosts France’s fifth most famous international fair. For that reason, I recommend that you walk around the alleys of the Dijon Gastronomic and International Fair.

During ten days or so, you’ll be able to attend sales demonstrations of every kind. Between the amateur and professional culinary contests, and the exceptional meals cooked by the best students and placed on Lucullus’ table, you won’t know which way to go. Moreover, you’ll be able to see chefs making meals from scratch right in front of your eyes.

Take advantage of the Dijon fair to discover the Wine and Gastronomy International City which opened in May 2022. Dedicated to fine food, the palace overflows with bookshops, cooking workshops, and restaurants. Everything was designed for you to stay!

For those who like history, the palace of the dukes of Burgundy is the ideal monument. Finally, if you wish to go around the countryside in an unusual way, choose the tour in the Côte de Nuits, in a Volkswagen’s bus.

 

The Loir-et-Cher

From April to the beginning of November, the International Garden Festival takes place in Chaumont-sur-Loire. Enjoy the festival’s latest days to stroll in the gorgeous gardens of the castle and the Goualoup meadows that spread over 10 hectares.

Each year, a new theme is chosen and the artists let their imagination run wild. As you wander you may come across the jardin de la réciprocité, the jardin idéal, or the jardin des nymphes where you’ll discover the talent of floral artists.

If you feel like it, don’t hesitate to visit the castle of Chaumont-sur-Loire and sail on the river.

Besides, the city of Blois is only a few minutes away from Chaumont, so there’s nothing preventing you from going. The castle of Blois as well as the Maison de la magie Robert-Houdin are awaiting you.

 

The Mayenne

The Mayenne is a department that is very often neglected when it comes to spending a vacation there. Nevertheless, plenty of interesting activities are available.

Indeed, the Gallo-Roman city of Jublains has an archaeology museum that hosts a market on the first Sunday of November. During the “Marché au musée”, beekeepers, herbalists, and potters sell their products. It’s a great way to discover the local craftspeople as well as the museum.

A twenty-minute drive from Jublains is the town of Mayenne. There, you can visit the museum of the castle of Mayenne, thanks to which you will know more about the history of the town. There also is a contemporary art center in the chapelle des calvairiennes that is worth going to.

If it rains, drive to Saulges and its caves, where you can escape from the bad weather and discover the prehistory museum. You’ll have access to several caves, such as the Margot cave, the Rochefort cave or the René-Paul cave.

 

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The Anjou

Despite what people say, the Anjou is a great region to go on a holiday: let me explain why.

First, the town of Doué-en-Anjou is home to huge caves that are called Le Mystère des Faluns. In there, we can find shelly sand which used to recover the entire Anjou territory 10 millions years ago.

This underground troglodytic heritage is brought to light thanks to a luminous and poetic scenography. It’s also the best place to seek refuge from the rain!

Then, you can also take the opportunity to discover Saumur, in particular by choosing a guided visit of the city that is centered on art and heritage.

If you enjoy horse riding, attend the mornings of the Cadre Noir of Saumur which occur over the course of November. The members of this elite school will explain their work with young horses.

Finally, the Ackerman House offers fun activities to discover the wines from the Loire valley, like blind tastings or flavor games. In addition to that, you can freely visit the troglodytic caves of the house.

 

The Combrailles

A natural region located in the Massif Central, the Combrailles are perfect for those who love hiking.

The meander of Queuille is a true gem that will delight nature lovers. Not far from there, the Sioule gorges showcase a fabulous view. Pro cyclists will be able to go along them wholeheartedly.

The less athletic can still enjoy a ride in an electric rail bike on the viaduc des Fades which starts in the Ancizes station.

In order to bring a touch of history to your stay, visit the Manoir de Veygoux – open until the beginning of November – to experience the French Revolution. Put the period costumes on to fully connect with the historical figures of that time. Many activities are organized in the manor, like scavenger hunts and investigation games. Your children will love them!

Finally, discover the rocks carved by the sculptor Rufino Alvarez in Sainte-Hilaire-la-Croix. His sculptures are imbued with the values of tolerance and respect the artist wanted to convey. They definitely won’t leave you indifferent.