France in October

Autumn colour in Burgundy and Alsace; still mild in Provence. Autumn school holidays late in the month.

• Paris and the north · Paris, Lille, Champagne, Normandy inlandfine

  Grey, damp winters; late spring and September are the sweet spot. Paris heatwaves hit 35–40 °C in July–August and most flats and small hotels lack air conditioning.

• Atlantic west · Brittany, Normandy coast, Bordeaux, Biarritzfine

  Rain in any month; mild summers without much heat. The Basque coast is greener and wetter than people expect.

• Centre and east · Loire, Burgundy, Alsace, Lyon, Dordognebest weather

  Cold foggy winters and hot summers; Alsace Christmas markets make December busy despite the cold.

• Mediterranean south · Provence, Riviera, Languedoc, Corsicabest weather

  Dry and sunny; lavender blooms late June to mid-July. Mistral wind in the Rhône valley; autumn flash floods.

• Mountains · Chamonix, Annecy, Pyreneesfine

  Skiing mid-December to April; hiking and lifts late June to early September. Many resorts close in May and November.

Crowds · France

Low

Prices · France

Medium

Nothing unusual for the weather this month.

Build the full packing list for your trip →

Rated best or good this month

• Centre and east

  Best weather of the year (Loire, Burgundy, Alsace, Lyon, Dordogne)

• Mediterranean south

  Best weather of the year (Provence, Riviera, Languedoc, Corsica)

• Paris

  Mild and colourful; the best month for walking.