Day 3401 (Thursday)1st October 2026

This is Abbey Lerins on the island of Ile Saint Honorat, off Cannes

and this is Cannes.

Key practical and cultural dates for your diary in France for October 2026

Strong storms to hit southern France, heightened alerts raised

Practical dates

September 30: Christmas train journeys tickets go on sale for TGV and Intercités journeys between December 13 and January 6. Ouigo Grande Vitesse tickets will be available for journeys up to July 2.

October 15: Deadline for overseas US citizens to file tax returns

This deadline applies to US citizens living overseas who requested an extension to file their tax returns.

October 15 and 20: Taxe foncière deadlines

Payments by cash, cheque or bank transfer are due by October 15. Bank transfer is only possible for bills of €300 or less.

Payments of €300 or more must be made by direct debit or through your personal space on the French tax website by October 20.

October 17: Start of school holidays

The two-week autumn holidays, known as the vacances de la Toussaint, begin for Zones A, B and C. Classes resume on November 2.

October 25: Clocks go back

At 03:00, clocks are set back to 02:00 as France returns to standard time.

October 26: Income tax instalment deadline

This is the deadline for paying the second instalment of income tax for amounts over €300, as part of the four-month automatic debit schedule.

Cultural dates

October 1-12: Fête de la Science

This year's national science festival explores the links between science, cooking, taste and food, with more than 6,000 events taking place across France.

October 2-4: Biblis en folie

This national event, now in its third year, celebrates libraries and médiathèques. Events range from escape games and writing workshops to activities for children and families.

October 3: Paris Pride (rescheduled)

The Paris Pride march, originally scheduled for June 27 but cancelled because of a heatwave, will take place on October 3. The parade will leave Place d'Italie at 14:00 and arrive at Place de la Bastille at 18:00.

October 7-11: Fête des Vendanges de Montmartre

The 93rd edition of this grape-harvest festival in Paris's 18th arrondissement will feature parades, music, picnics and wine tastings.

October 12-18: Semaine du Goût

This national 'taste' week celebrates French gastronomy, with cooking classes, tastings and conferences taking place across the country.

October 12-18: Mondial de l’Auto

The 91st Paris Motor Show takes place at Paris Expo, Porte de Versailles. It is one of the world's largest car shows, attracting more than 500,000 visitors.

October 15-18: Les Journées nationales de l’architecture

This year's national architecture celebration has the theme Réhabiliter: bâtir l'avenir (Rehabilitate: building the future). Events include construction site visits, urban walking routes and exhibitions.

October 16-18: La Nuit des Châteaux

Around 100 châteaux and monuments are expected to open their doors late into the night for events including candlelit dinners, light shows and concerts.

October 20-24: Paris Internationale

This contemporary art fair in Paris showcases both established and emerging artists.

October 31: Halloween

Halloween is increasingly celebrated in France, although the festival was traditionally overshadowed by La Toussaint, or All Saints' Day, on November 1.

Throughout October: Breast cancer awareness month

Known in France as Octobre Rose (Pink October), the annual campaign raises awareness of breast cancer through events and activities across the country.