France in September offers a magical travel experience with ideal temperatures, fewer tourists, and incredible events. The country transforms as summer fades into autumn, with wine harvests in full swing, cultural festivals throughout the regions, and comfortable weather perfect for exploring both cities and countryside.
September brings the best of France with local cuisine featuring seasonal delicacies, beautiful landscapes in early fall colors, and an authentic atmosphere as locals return from summer holidays.
Is September a Good Time to Visit France?
September in France marks the beginning of autumn and the end of the peak tourist season. You can expect comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds at major attractions, and a lively cultural calendar as locals return from summer vacations.
September is widely considered a “shoulder season,” bringing more affordable accommodations, shorter lines at museums, and a more authentic French experience.
Why Should You Visit?
September is an excellent time to visit France. The weather remains warm and pleasant in most regions, perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Summer crowds have dispersed, allowing you to enjoy attractions without the long lines and packed venues of July and August.
The wine harvest (vendange) is in full swing in wine regions like Bordeaux, Burgundy, and Champagne. Many vineyards hold harvest festivals and special tastings only available during this season.
What to Look Out For?
When planning your France trip for September, keep these points in mind:
- While most tourist attractions remain open, some beach resorts begin to scale back operations after the first week of September.
- Locals return from summer vacations, so cities like Paris come alive with cultural events, new restaurant openings, and art exhibitions.
- Hotel rates drop from summer peaks but book in advance for popular destinations like Paris and the wine regions.
- Pack layers as temperatures can vary, especially in the evenings and in northern regions.
- School holidays end in early September, so family attractions become less crowded.
- Some smaller establishments in coastal areas may reduce hours or close for the season, particularly in late September.
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Weather in France in September
Here’s what to expect for France weather in September across different regions:
|
Temperature |
7 °C – 26 °C (45 °F – 79 °F) across regions |
|
Humidity |
Varies from low to high, generally moderate overall |
|
Chance of Rain |
Low to medium, with northern/coastal areas seeing slightly more showers |
|
Daylight |
~12.5 hours |
|
Sunrise |
~7:00 AM – 7:30 AM |
|
Sunset |
~7:45 PM – 8:15 PM |
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Things To Do in France in September
Here are some exceptional activities to enjoy in France during September:
Wine Harvest Experiences
Location: Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne, and Loire Valley
Why It’s Great in September: September is the vendange (grape harvest) season in France’s wine regions. Many wineries allow visitors to participate in harvest activities or offer special tastings of young wines not available at other times of year.
What to Expect:
- Tours of vineyards during their most active and exciting period
- Opportunities to participate in grape picking (reservation required)
- Special harvest festivals with local food, music, and wine tastings
- Educational experiences about winemaking processes
- Less crowded wine tours than summer months
- Unique photo opportunities with vineyards at their most picturesque
Hike in National Parks
Location: Parc National des Calanques, Parc National des Cévennes, Parc National des Pyrénées
Why It’s Great in September: September offers ideal hiking conditions with mild temperatures, fewer crowds, and the beginning of autumn colors in many parks. The summer heat has subsided, making longer hikes more comfortable.
What to Expect:
- Well-marked trails for all difficulty levels
- Spectacular landscapes from Mediterranean coastlines to alpine scenery
- Wildlife viewing opportunities
- Small group guided tours available
- Refreshing temperatures perfect for physical activity
- Beginning of fall foliage in higher elevation areas
Visit Mont Saint-Michel
Location: Mont Saint-Michel, Normandy
Why It’s Great in September: This UNESCO World Heritage site is significantly less crowded in September compared to summer months. September often brings spectacular tides, and the lighting conditions are perfect for photography.
What to Expect:
- Exploring the medieval abbey without summer crowds
- Opportunities to witness dramatic high tides (check tide schedules)
- Clear views across the bay in typically good September weather
- Evening light shows on select dates
- More relaxed dining experiences in the village restaurants
- Easier parking and access than during peak months
Explore Paris Museums
Location: Paris – The Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, Centre Pompidou, Musée de l’Orangerie
Why It’s Great in September: With summer tourists gone and pleasant weather for walking between sites, September is perfect for museum hopping in Paris. Many museums launch new exhibitions in September as the cultural season begins.
What to Expect:
- Shorter lines at major museums
- New exhibition openings
- More comfortable temperatures for indoor/outdoor museum complexes
- Special events during European Heritage Days (third weekend in September)
- Better availability for guided tours
- Less crowded cafes and restaurants near major attractions
Attend a Local Market
Location: Throughout France – particularly notable in Provence, Dordogne, and Alsace
Why It’s Great in September: September brings harvest season, with markets overflowing with fresh produce, seasonal specialties, and regional products. The weather is comfortable for browsing outdoor markets.
What to Expect:
- Abundant fresh produce including seasonal mushrooms, figs, and grapes
- Local cheeses at their peak quality
- Specialty harvest products like walnut oil and new honey
- Fewer tourists, more authentic local atmosphere
- Opportunities to sample seasonal specialties
- Conversations with local producers who have more time than during peak season
Cycle Through the Loire Valley
Location: Loire Valley between Tours and Angers
Why It’s Great in September: September offers perfect cycling weather in the Loire Valley—not too hot, not too cold. The harvest season brings activity to the vineyards, and the tourist crowds have thinned out at the famous châteaux.
What to Expect:
- Gentle, well-marked cycling routes suitable for all levels
- Spectacular views of historic châteaux set against early autumn colors
- Wine tasting opportunities in harvest season
- Charming villages with seasonal local cuisine
- Bicycle rental facilities in major towns
- Special château events as the cultural season begins
Beach Time in the South
Location: French Riviera, Corsica, Biarritz
Why It’s Great in September: The Mediterranean and Atlantic waters remain warm from summer, but the beaches are far less crowded. Hotel rates drop significantly, and beachside restaurants are still open but easier to book.
What to Expect:
- Water temperatures around 23°C (73°F) on the Mediterranean coast
- Warm, sunny days with temperatures around 25°C (77°F)
- Significantly reduced crowds compared to July and August
- Lower prices for accommodations
- Better service at beach clubs and restaurants
- Easier parking and access to popular beaches
Explore Alpine Villages
Location: Chamonix, Annecy, Megève
Why It’s Great in September: September is the perfect time to explore Alpine villages between the summer hiking and winter skiing seasons. Prices are lower, the crowds are gone, but the mountain scenery is spectacular.
What to Expect:
- Clear mountain views before winter snow
- Traditional Alpine festivals celebrating the end of summer pasturing
- Reduced rates at luxury mountain hotels
- Hiking trails with beautiful early autumn colors
- Cable cars and mountain facilities still operating but less crowded
- Authentic local experiences as villages return to their pre-winter rhythm
Cooking Classes and Food Tours
Location: Paris, Lyon, Bordeaux, and Provence
Why It’s Great in September: September brings a bounty of fresh harvest ingredients and is considered one of the best months for French cuisine. Cooking schools offer special seasonal classes, and food markets are at their peak.
What to Expect:
- Classes featuring seasonal specialties like wild mushrooms, game, and harvest vegetables
- Market tours with chefs highlighting the best fall produce
- Wine pairing workshops during harvest season
- Truffle hunting experiences beginning in some regions
- Better availability for popular cooking schools after summer rush
- Special harvest menus at restaurants featuring the freshest local ingredients
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Places to See in France in September
The weather of France in September remains pleasant throughout the country, with warm days and cool evenings perfect for exploring both cities and countryside. Experience France’s diverse regions on this connected journey from the capital city to charming villages and celebrated wine regions.
Paris
Paris awakens with renewed energy in September as Parisians return from summer holidays. The city enjoys comfortable temperatures ideal for strolling through historic neighborhoods, relaxing at outdoor cafés, and visiting museums without summer’s overwhelming crowds.
This month marks the beginning of the cultural season, with Fashion Week bringing creative energy, galleries debuting new exhibitions, and performance venues launching their fall programs.
Provence
A short high-speed train ride from Paris transports you to Provence, where September offers warm days, cool evenings, and noticeably fewer tourists than summer months. While the famous purple lavender fields have been harvested, the region’s vineyards burst with activity during grape harvest.
The legendary Provençal light that inspired great artists like Van Gogh and Cézanne takes on a golden quality in early autumn, illuminating honey-colored stone buildings against deep blue skies. Local markets overflow with seasonal produce, from late summer tomatoes to early autumn figs and olives.
Bordeaux and Wine Regions
From Provence, head west to Bordeaux, where September brings the excitement of wine harvest season. This world-famous wine region buzzes with activity as grapes reach perfect ripeness and picking begins at estates across the region. Vineyard workers harvest by day while winemakers work late into the night processing the precious fruit.
The elegant city of Bordeaux itself enjoys pleasant temperatures perfect for exploring its UNESCO-listed center of honey-colored buildings along the Garonne River. In the city, La Cité du Vin museum offers interactive exhibits explaining wine culture worldwide.
Loire Valley
Just a few hours from Bordeaux, the Loire Valley offers a complete change of scenery with its fairy-tale castles and gentle river landscapes. September provides perfect weather for château hopping, with comfortable temperatures for exploring both historic interiors and magnificent gardens.
The region’s flat terrain makes for easy cycling between vineyards and villages, while the Loire River offers kayaking opportunities through picturesque countryside. Gardens remain colorful with late-season blooms, and the harvest season brings excellent local food and wine experiences throughout this agricultural region.
French Riviera
From the Loire’s gentle landscapes, head south to the dramatic French Riviera, where September offers ideal conditions as summer crowds disappear but the Mediterranean remains warm enough for swimming.
The region’s famous light continues to illuminate coastal towns and azure waters, while significantly lower hotel prices and less crowded restaurants make this normally exclusive area more accessible. Temperatures stay pleasantly warm without summer’s intense heat, perfect for exploring both cosmopolitan cities and hillside villages.
Alsace
In your journey, travel from the Mediterranean coast to the German border, where Alsace offers a completely different cultural experience. September brings the beginning of wine harvest festivities without the crowds that flock to the region’s famous Christmas markets later in the year.
The distinctive half-timbered villages and surrounding vineyards start showing subtle autumn colors on south-facing slopes. The region’s unique blend of French and German influences appears in everything from architecture to cuisine, with harvest festivals celebrating local wine traditions that date back centuries.
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France Events in September
Here are some exciting events in September that you can attend during your trip to France:
1. European Heritage Days (Journées Européennes du Patrimoine)
When: Third weekend of September (September 21-22, 2025)
Location: Throughout France
2. Deauville American Film Festival
When: Early September (September 5-14, 2025)
Location: Deauville, Normandy
3. Festival of the Mediterranean Sea (Septembre en Mer)
When: Throughout September
Location: Marseille and coastal Provence
4. Wine Harvest Festivals (Fêtes des Vendanges)
When: Various dates throughout September
Location: Wine regions including Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne, and Loire Valley
5. Paris Design Week
When: Early to mid-September (September 4-13, 2025)
Location: Paris
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Things to Know Before Visiting France in September
Here are some France travel tips for September:
- Back to School and Work: The French return from summer holidays in early September. This means cities like Paris become livelier, with restaurants, shops, and cultural venues reopening after summer breaks.
- Harvest Season: September is harvest time for grapes, apples, mushrooms, and other produce. This means excellent seasonal menus at restaurants and special events in rural areas.
- Reduced Beach Services: Coastal resorts begin scaling back operations after the first week of September. While beaches remain accessible, some beach clubs, restaurants, and water sports facilities may close or reduce hours.
- Reservation Flexibility: After the summer peak, you’ll find more availability and often better rates for accommodations and restaurants. However, popular wine regions may be busy due to harvest season.
- Seasonal Transitions: Weather can be variable, particularly in northern regions. Coastal areas still offer swimming opportunities, especially in the south, while mountain regions begin preparing for the approaching winter season.
- Local Festivals: Many towns hold harvest festivals, food celebrations, or cultural events. Check local tourist office websites for up-to-date information on regional festivities.
What to Pack for France in September?
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Clothing |
Lightweight shirts and tops, one light sweater or jacket, long pants or jeans, one warm layer for evenings, comfortable walking shoes |
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Accessories |
Sunglasses, small umbrella, light scarf (practical and stylish) |
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Sun Protection |
Sunscreen, hat or cap |
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Technology |
Camera, phone, adapters (France uses Type E outlets) |
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Documents |
Passport, travel insurance details, hotel confirmations, digital or physical map |
|
Health |
Personal medications, basic first-aid supplies |
|
Extras |
Reusable water bottle, French phrasebook or language app |
What to Wear in France in September?
France in September calls for versatile clothing that adapts to changing weather conditions. In Paris and northern regions, dress in layers that you can add or remove as temperatures shift throughout the day.
For cities, smart casual is appropriate—neat jeans or slacks with shirts, blouses, or light sweaters. French style tends to favor quality over quantity, with neutral colors predominating. A light jacket or trench coat is useful for evenings when temperatures drop.
In the south, summer clothing remains appropriate during the day, but bring a light sweater or jacket for evenings. If visiting religious sites, carry a scarf or shawl to cover shoulders when needed.
Comfortable but stylish walking shoes are essential for cobblestone streets. Athletic shoes are acceptable for sightseeing but avoid worn-out sneakers if you want to blend in with locals.
Transport in September
- Train Travel: September is an excellent time for train travel in France. The SNCF (French National Railway) runs a comprehensive network, and with fewer tourists, you’ll find better availability. The high-speed TGV connects major cities, while regional trains serve smaller destinations.
- Rental Cars: September offers good value for car rentals after peak season prices. Roads are less congested, and parking is easier to find in tourist areas. This is particularly useful for exploring wine regions or rural areas.
- Public Transportation: City public transport returns to regular schedules after summer adjustments. The Paris Metro, buses, and trams in major cities run frequently and are an efficient way to get around.
- Air Travel: Domestic flights between French cities continue on regular schedules. Regional airports remain well-connected, though some may reduce flights to seasonal destinations.
- Cycling: September’s mild weather makes it perfect for cycling. Many cities have bike-sharing programs, and dedicated cycling routes are found throughout the country, particularly in the Loire Valley, Burgundy, and Provence.
Where to Stay in France in September?
France offers diverse accommodation options, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels. In September, you’ll find better availability and often lower rates than during summer months. Consider staying in:
City Hotels: For exploring urban areas like Paris, Lyon, or Bordeaux. September brings lower rates at many establishments. Here are some recommendations:
- Hotel Le Bristol Paris (luxury)
- CitizenM Paris Gare de Lyon (modern budget)
- Hotel Carlton Lyon (boutique)
- InterContinental Bordeaux Le Grand Hotel (luxury)
Wine Region Accommodations: For harvest season experiences. Some châteaux offer on-site accommodations, though book early as this is a popular time for wine tourism.
Coastal Retreats: Beach accommodations offer significant discounts compared to August prices, with many properties still open but less crowded.
Rural Gîtes and Farmhouses: For an authentic French countryside experience, particularly lovely in harvest season.
Bed and Breakfasts: For personalized service and local insights, often found in restored historic buildings in both cities and countryside.
What to Eat in France in September?
September in France is a gastronomic delight as harvest season brings the freshest ingredients to restaurant menus and markets. Must-try seasonal specialties include:
- Wild Mushrooms: September marks the beginning of cepe (porcini) and girolles (chanterelle) season. Look for them in omelettes, sauces, and as side dishes.
- Game Meats: Early hunting season brings dishes like venison, wild boar, and game birds to restaurant menus, particularly in rural areas.
- Seafood: September is an excellent month for seafood along the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts. Look for fresh oysters as the season begins (months with ‘R’).
- Figs and Grapes: Fresh figs appear on dessert menus and cheese plates, while table grapes reach their peak of sweetness.
- Tarte Tatin: This caramelized apple tart is perfect as apple harvest begins in September.
- Regional Harvest Specialties: Each region celebrates local harvests differently, walnut dishes in Périgord, new-vintage wine festivals in Alsace, and olive specialties in Provence.
- Cheese: September is an excellent time for alpine cheeses like Beaufort and Comté, made from summer milk when cows grazed on mountain herbs.
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FAQs
Is September a good time to visit France?
Yes, September is an excellent time to visit France. The weather remains pleasant with temperatures ranging from 13-26°C (55-79°F) depending on the region. You’ll enjoy fewer crowds at major attractions, lower accommodation prices, and special events like wine harvests and cultural festivals.
How hot is France in September?
France’s temperature in September varies by region. Paris and central France average 13-22°C (55-72°F), while southern regions like Provence and the French Riviera enjoy warmer temperatures of 17-26°C (63-79°F). Northern regions and higher elevations are cooler, especially in the evenings.
What is the average temperature in France in September?
The average temperature across France in September ranges from 12-24°C (54-75°F), with cooler temperatures in the north and higher elevations, and warmer conditions in the south. Evenings typically cool down by 5-10°C (9-18°F) from daytime highs.
Can tourists enjoy France in September?
Absolutely! Tourists can thoroughly enjoy France in September with comfortable weather, fewer crowds, and special seasonal events. Many consider it the ideal month to visit as you’ll experience more authentic local culture with French residents back from holidays, while still enjoying good weather for sightseeing.
What to wear in France in September?
Pack layers for France in September, including light tops, one or two sweaters, a light jacket, and comfortable walking shoes. Southern regions remain warm enough for summer clothing during the day, while northern areas may require warmer layers, especially in the evenings. A light scarf is both practical and helps you blend in with stylish locals.
Is it safe to visit France in September?
Yes, France is generally safe to visit in September. The country has standard safety precautions like any major travel destination. September sees fewer tourists, potentially reducing risks associated with crowded areas. The weather is generally stable, though occasional rain showers are possible, especially in northern regions.
What are the best places to visit in France in September?
The best places to visit in France in September include Paris for cultural events, wine regions like Bordeaux and Burgundy during harvest season, Provence for pleasant weather without summer crowds, the Loire Valley for château visits, and the French Riviera for beaches without the summer crush.
Are outdoor attractions open in France during September?
Yes, outdoor attractions in France remain open during September, often with extended hours into mid-month. Parks, gardens, outdoor monuments, and hiking trails are all accessible and particularly pleasant with September’s mild weather. France in September offers the perfect balance of good weather and accessibility for outdoor exploration.
