Day 3047 (Saturday) 11th October 2025

This was taken from the citadel here in Villefranche

This is a unique view of Nice – it must have been taken from a boat.

This was Badger and Huw yesterday evening; Huw found some videos with mice running about and Badger watched it for ages – it was fascinating.

After doing our weekend chores we went up to the Cabana for lunch. I was very jealous of this sheepskin cushion cover on a motorbike.

 

The view, as always, was magnificent and the waiter was super friendly.

Huw had a cheese and ham omelette and I had a brochette de poulet, both washed down with a deliciously cold glass of rosé.

There were more Christmas decoration up in Place de la Paix – why are they up so early?

I found this article advising people where to go in France in the autumn, it’s quite long so I’ll post it over two days…

Visiting France in Autumn (Where to go in Fall in France)

By Nadine Maffre Updated on March 7, 2025

Autumn season in France is the best time of year to get to know the heritage, gastronomy and culture of French towns and cities. When the hordes of summer crowds have disappeared, tables in the finest restaurants become available, museums, art galleries and wine tours are more peaceful and there are lively celebrations and festivals to enjoy almost everywhere.

In fall, leaves begin to change on the trees, the city’s parks, gardens and vineyards transform into shades of gold, bronze and red, and fall foliage litters the pavements. These vibrant fall colours in France, make this time of the year a photographer’s dream.

Whether you are planning a gastronomy related trip to Bayonne or Burgundy, wish to discover the rich history, art and architecture of Lille, Bordeaux or Paris or prefer basking in the autumn sunshine in Nice or Provence, our guide to French autumn locations will inspire you to book your next holiday.

Fall Weather in France

The weather in France in fall can vary, depending on where you decide to stay. For example, most cities – coastal, inland and alpine, remain pleasant and warm in September, with the Côte d’Azur, Provence, Loire Valley and Bordeaux regions still reaching in excess of 22 to 24 degrees Celsius.

In October, daytime temperatures drop to around 15 to 18 degrees Celsius (lowest in the north), and in November, the weather becomes a lot cooler reducing by a further 3 or 4 degrees Celsius across the country, with a greater chance of rain.

However, these are perfect times to immerse oneself in the history and culture of cities and sample bountiful fresh produce from local markets, and as a bonus, you’ll find that flights and hotel rates can be a lot cheaper than in the high season of summer.

Best Places to Visit in France in Autumn

The autumn months from early September to late November, are perfect times to experience all regions of France without tourist crowds.

It’s a time when festivals are abundant, food and wine are plentiful and when autumn colours and landscapes are at their most scenic and magical. If you’re searching for the best places to visit in fall, look no further, we have all the information you’ll need to inspire your next destination.

LOIRE VALLEY

The Loire Valley, an area of around 800 square kilometres in Northern France, is lush and green, punctuated with fairytale chateaux, medieval riverside villages, and home to some of the country’s finest food and wine.

Include the city of Orléans into an itinerary, famed for its Joan of Arc connections, and while there, take a trip to the nearby French Renaissance-designed Chateau de Chambord. This, the largest castle in the Loire Valley, offers incredible photo opportunities and has 15km of cycling routes to explore.

Spend time leisurely driving by the river to some of the ‘Plus Beaux Villages de France’, each with a rich history to discover. Whilst here, sample the wines and cheeses of the region. Don’t forget to try the mouth-watering Tarte Tatin. The famous caramelised apple pie was first created in Sologne in the Loire Valley.

In late September, Festival de Loire takes place, a grand celebration dedicated to the sailing of days gone by and hundreds of boats take to the river in Orléans.

If you plan to experience fall colours in France from mid-October to early November, Chateau de Chaumont-sur-Loire is an exciting place to be. The grounds are adorned with beautiful gardens and pumpkins in autumnal shades, and there are themed installations dedicated to art and nature showcasing works from local artists.

BURGUNDY

Words cannot do the French region of Burgundy justice. During the autumn months, while the rest of France is preparing for the winter months, Burgundy is wide awake, bursting with colour and scenic natural wonder.

Spending holidays in Burgundy is akin to stepping back in time, to a place where you can take pleasure in the simpler things in life, such as gliding along canals on a narrowboat, soaring above the French countryside in a hot air balloon, cycling through ancient villages or photographing blazing autumnal colours.

Fall season in France is a great time for foodies. In Burgundy, you can seek out ceps or prized truffles in the forests followed by tastings at a local bistro or head for Beaune to one of the city’s many Michelin-star restaurants for a meal to remember. Alternatively, enjoy wine tasting on a vineyard tour or, if you prefer to become even more immersed in the process, book to join in with a local wine harvest in September.

History lovers will adore exploring Burgundy’s medieval villages such as Noyers-sur-Serein, instantly being transported to an era where wine merchants once traded beneath arcade squares in the shadow of half-timber houses.

Alternatively, take a day trip to Flavigny-sur-Ozerain, a beautiful, fortified village famous for producing aniseed sweets for over 700 years. The fragrant aroma will lead you to the Benedictine Abbey where they are still curated today to an identical recipe.

PROVENCE

If you’re considering spending autumn in Provence, the Mediterranean climate means the weather is still warm, dry and pleasant, making it ideal for cycling and hill walking.

The grape vines are golden and glowing and cherry orchards are in full bloom. The beaches of southern France may still be busy as the waters are warm to swim in, but it is also a better time to visit the main tourist attractions such as the villages of the Luberon, the Gorges du Verdon, the Calanques Natural Park, and the Camargue, with fewer crowds.

The month of September is still tourist season in Provence, and around Marseille, this month is marine-themed with events dedicated to all things maritime incorporating seafood feasts, scuba diving and boat excursions.

For motorcycle enthusiasts, Le Castellet hosts Bol d’Or mid-month. It’s a fabulous race weekend with plenty of food, activities and partying.

Festivals are a highlight of Provence in October (primarily food-related) with the annual Fête de la Châtaigne (sweet chestnut festival) being a favourite. Here you can pick your own from the orchards and have them roasted by a stall vendor. There are also celebrations dedicated to everything from mushrooms and pumpkins.

Alternatively, if you wish to focus on music for a while, rather than food, Marseille hosts several autumn music festivals throughout the fall season with EDM music and Fiesta des Suds in October.

I will post the rest tomorrow…