France: Fun Things To Do in October

Luxurious hotels, Michelin-starred restaurants and high-end boutiques probably cross your mind when you think of France.  But France has an array of well-hidden gems that are not only world-class but also budget-friendly. To avoid the hordes of tourists and get the best value for your money, schedule your visit to France in October when the cold is just settling in, the markets teem with the autumn harvest and all kinds of local festivals abound. Here is your guide to finding fun things to do in France in October.

Visit Nantes

Jean-Pierre Dalbéra from Paris, France / Public domain

Nantes lies along the Loire River and has a deep history as a port and industrial centre.  Here you will find the medieval castle, Château des Ducs de Bretagne, home of the Dukes of Brittany, now restored as a local history museum. Perhaps, one of the events not to miss in Nantes is La Folle Journée, a classical music festival held for five days, featuring around 250 45-minute concerts at an affordable price.

To enjoy good food, you don’t have to go to an expensive restaurant. Nantes has affordable diners that feature a variety of fresh seafood.  For dessert, try the decadent Gâteau Nantais, a soft pound cake made with a generous measure of rum.

Take A Guided Tour of Mont Blanc

If you love adventure, a guided tour of Mont Blanc will satisfy your craving for an adrenaline rush. You can explore 175 kilometres of spectacular views and 10,000 meters of ascent through various routes, including the most common Gouter Route via the Dome du Gouter. Other traditional tracks are Grand Mulets and Trois Monts.

October is usually the end of the climbing season when the temperatures are slightly lower, and the days shorter. However, the trails are also quieter during this time, with more budget-friendly accommodation and guided tours available.

Discover Mende

By User:civodule – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link

Mende is an embodiment of the traditional French countryside — a picturesque village surrounded by mountains and crisscrossed by numerous streams and the raging Lot River. It boasts of the Penitent Tower, the Notre Dame bridge, the Museum Ignon Fabre, a 14th-century cathedral that houses a 12th-century black wooden statue of the Virgin.

Mende used to be a commune with vast farms and true to its agricultural past, the town celebrates Les Toqués du Cèpe or the Mushroom Festival in October, attracting chefs, curious eaters and hungry visitors from around the world.

Go Skiing

Les Arcs is one of France’s most beloved ski resorts. Once you’ve landed it takes around 2 hours 30 minutes to get from Grenoble airport to Les Arcs 1950. Known for being family-friendly, it is a perfect blend of innovation and tradition. Les Arcs offers a diversity of trails for all levels, from breathtaking glaciers to forested slopes to challenging runs for beginners- all providing a grandiose panorama of Mont Blanc. However, more than skiing awaits you at Les Arcs; it also provides relaxing activities such as yoga, concerts, waterslides as well as shopping and elegant dining. The first heavy snowfall can happen as soon as the end of October, so don’t delay to book early to avoid the winter crowd. 

Paris Is Always A Good Idea

Despite the colder and wetter weather, October is one of the best times to visit Paris.  Being a lean month, visiting in October can help you save money not only on airfare, especially if you are visiting from outside of Europe but also on accommodation. 

Paris is quieter and more solemn in October, creating the perfect atmosphere for meditative walks along tree-lined boulevards, or tranquil afternoons at a roadside cafe.  However, Paris does not completely sleep in October.  The popular event Nuit Blanche or White Night happens in late September and throughout October. During this celebration of French culture, museums, galleries, monuments, and national sites are open all night.