September is one of the best months to visit France. In France in September, you’ll usually enjoy warm weather, fewer crowds than during the peak summer season, and the start of harvest season in many of France's wine regions.
Whether you’re interested in charming villages, world-class wine, historic sites, beautiful scenery, or scenic road trips through France, September offers an excellent balance of pleasant temperatures and a more relaxed atmosphere.
In this guide, we’ll help you decide where to go in France in September based on the weather, your interests, and the type of trip you’d like to take.
Best Places to Visit in France in September At a Glance
- Paris — pleasant weather, outdoor cafés & fewer crowds at major attractions
- Normandy — coastal scenery, WWII history & charming villages along the Normandy cider route
- Loire Valley — famous châteaux, beautiful gardens & harvest season
- Provence — warm weather, lively markets & picturesque countryside
- Burgundy — vineyard landscapes, wine harvests & outstanding food
- Alsace — wine villages, local festivals & early fall colors
- Bordeaux — elegant architecture, vineyards & wine experiences
- Lyon — exceptional food, historic neighborhoods & local markets
Is September a Good Time to Visit France?
Yes. September is widely considered one of the best times to visit France. The weather remains pleasantly warm across much of the country, while the peak summer crowds have started to disappear.
It’s also harvest season in many wine regions (including Bordeaux, Burgundy and the Loire Valley in early September, and Champagne and Alsace in late September). This makes September an excellent month for food and wine lovers.
For travelers planning to explore France by car, the combination of comfortable temperatures, quieter roads, and beautiful landscapes makes September one of our favorite months to visit France.
Weather in France in September
In September, the weather in France begins to cool down as summer moves into fall. Weather conditions will vary depending on the region, but in general, the weather is mild and pleasant throughout the country.
In northern regions (like Paris), the average high temperature is around 68°F (20°C) and the average low temperature is around 52°F (11°C).
In the south of France, the average high is around 75°F (24°C) and the average low around 61°F (16°C).
There can be occasional rain showers in September, particularly in the north and along the coast, so it's a good idea to bring an umbrella or rain jacket, just in case.
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Jonty & Felicity, NZ
Where to Go in France in September Based on Your Interests
- For wine lovers and vineyard landscapes — explore Burgundy, Bordeaux, the Loire Valley, or Alsace during harvest season
- For warm weather and sunny countryside drives — head to Provence
- For castles, gardens, and beautiful river landscapes — visit the Loire Valley
- For food lovers and traditional French gastronomy — Burgundy and Lyon are excellent choices
- For WWII history and coastal scenery — Normandy and Brittany are wonderful options
- For colorful, fairy-tale villages — spend time exploring Alsace and its wine villages
- For museums, cafés, and a classic city break — enjoy a few days in Paris
Best Places to Visit in France in September
Normandy
Normandy is famous for its beautiful countryside, charming villages, and historic landmarks.
Visitors can explore the D-Day landing beaches, the Bayeux Tapestry, and the beautiful coastal areas such as Honfleur, Trouville, and Mont Saint-Michel.
Gourmets will be able to try the delicious soft Norman cheeses, as well as the famous Calvados apple brandy and cider along the Normandy Cider Route. If you visit Normandy with France Just For You, we can also arrange for you to do a private French cooking class with Chef Brigitte at her home.
Here we share more suggestions of the best places to visit in Normandy.
Brittany
September is one of our favorite times to visit Brittany. The summer crowds have largely disappeared, but the weather is often still mild enough to enjoy the region’s spectacular coastline, historic towns, and seaside villages.
This is a wonderful time to explore places such as Saint-Malo, Dinan, and the Crozon Peninsula, where dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, and coastal walking trails showcase a very different side of France. You can also visit the mysterious Carnac Stones, one of Europe’s most important prehistoric sites, where thousands of standing stones have puzzled historians for centuries.
Many travelers are surprised by how different Brittany feels from the rest of France. You’ll see traditional granite houses, hear references to Brittany’s Celtic heritage, and occasionally spot road signs in both French and Breton, the region’s historic language.
Food lovers will also find plenty to enjoy. Brittany is famous for its crêpes, galettes, oysters, and cider, and September is an excellent time to sample these regional specialties while exploring local markets and fishing ports.
If you enjoy history, beautiful coastal drives, and authentic local culture, Brittany makes an excellent addition to a self-drive tour of France.
Loire Valley
The Loire Valley is beautiful in September, when the weather is often ideal for cycling through the countryside or along the river on one of the region's many dedicated cycling routes.
These scenic paths wind past some of France's most famous châteaux, including Chambord, Chenonceau, and Amboise, allowing you to explore at your own pace while soaking in the beautiful landscapes.
September is also when the International Garden Festival takes place in the gardens of Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire. This annual event showcases innovative garden designs from around the world, set against the backdrop of the Loire River and the Renaissance château. It's a perfect blend of art, nature, and history that you won't find anywhere else in France.
Bordeaux
Bordeaux is a UNESCO World Heritage city known for its stunning architecture, historic landmarks, and world-class vineyards. It's the perfect destination for wine lovers and history buffs alike. September offers ideal weather for exploring the city's pedestrian-friendly center on foot, from the impressive Girondins monument to the iconic Place de la Bourse with its famous Miroir d'Eau. The comfortable temperatures also make it perfect for discovering trendy neighborhoods like Les Chartrons, where 17th-century wine trader warehouses now house boutiques and wine museums, or browsing the antique markets around the gothic Saint Michel Basilica.
We have listed some of our favorite things to do in Bordeaux, if this is on your itinerary!
Burgundy
September is one of the best times of year to visit Burgundy. The vineyards are busy with the grape harvest, and the landscape is a patchwork of green, gold, and deep red vines stretching across the countryside.
Wine lovers can explore the famous Côte d’Or, a stretch of vineyards between Dijon and Beaune that produces some of Burgundy’s most prestigious wines, visit local wineries, and sample some of the region’s most celebrated wines, including Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. September is also a wonderful time to discover Burgundy’s rich food culture, from traditional dishes such as boeuf bourguignon to local cheeses like Époisses.
The pleasant weather makes it ideal for exploring the medieval streets of Beaune, browsing local markets, or enjoying a scenic drive through the vineyards. If you book one of our Burgundy tours, we’ll recommend some of our favorite wineries, picturesque villages, and lesser-known routes that many visitors miss.
Lyon
The third largest city in France is a gastronomic paradise, with a fantastic food scene that includes traditional French cuisine as well as international flavors. Lyon has many cultural attractions, including its centuries-old secret passageways (the traboules).
September brings comfortable temperatures perfect for exploring Lyon's UNESCO-listed old town and discovering the hidden Renaissance courtyards connected by these historic passageways.
It's also harvest season, making it an ideal time to visit Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse indoor market, where you can sample seasonal delicacies like roasted chestnuts and truffles alongside local specialties such as quenelles and artisanal cheeses.
Alsace
Located in eastern France, the Alsace region feels like stepping into a storybook. Its half-timbered houses painted in pastel colors line the cobblestone streets of villages such as Colmar, Riquewihr, and Kaysersberg, while the charming canals of Colmar’s “Little Venice” wind through one of the town’s most picturesque neighborhoods.
September is an ideal time to visit as the summer crowds have thinned, and you can truly appreciate the town's authentic charm. Museums worth visiting include the Unterlinden Museum, which houses the famous Isenheim Altarpiece. The Bartholdi Museum tells the fascinating story of the Colmar-born designer of the Statue of Liberty.
You can also explore the Alsace Wine Route, visit local vineyards during harvest season, and enjoy the region’s unique blend of French and German influences. You will want to spend plenty of time wandering through the flower-filled streets of Alsace’s beautiful villages.
Provence
Provence is one of the best regions in France to experience the Mediterranean lifestyle, with its warm weather, beautiful landscapes that have inspired painters such as Cézanne and van Gogh, and slower pace of life. From historic cities and hilltop villages, to vineyards and the Mediterranean coast, the region offers a wonderful variety of experiences and scenery.
September offers the perfect balance - the weather is still warm enough to enjoy waterfront dining at Port des Goudes near Marseille (without the crazy weekend crowds of peak season) and comfortable temperatures for walking up to Notre Dame de la Garde Cathedral for panoramic views over the Vieux-Port ('old port').
Marseille is well worth including in your itinerary, with its historic Vieux-Port, multicultural atmosphere, and Roman ruins. You can also take a day trip to Cassis and visit the gorgeous calanques nearby, one of the most spectacular stretches of coastline in southern France.
Away from the coast, Provence’s hilltop villages, local markets, vineyards, and scenic countryside drives make September one of the best times of year to explore the region. Avignon is particularly worth visiting for the impressive Palais des Papes, the former seat of the Catholic Church in the 14th century, and Les Halles, the city’s lively covered market where you can sample Provençal specialties and browse stalls selling local produce, cheeses, oils, and spices.
Annecy
This picturesque town is situated on the shores of Lake Annecy, surrounded by the French Alps. It's a great place to relax, go hiking, and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
The old town is known for its picturesque canals and colorful buildings. Take a wander through the cobbled streets and admire the medieval architecture, stop at a café or bakery, or browse the many boutiques and artisan shops.
The Château d'Annecy is a must-see. It dates back to the 12th century and offers gorgeous panoramic views of the town and lake. It also houses a museum that showcases the history and culture of the Savoy region. September is an ideal time to take a leisurely boat cruise on the crystal-clear lake, where you can enjoy the surrounding mountain reflections without the busy summer crowds.
Festivals and Events in France in September
American Film Festival in Deauville, Normandy
The American Film Festival in Deauville is an annual event held in the coastal town of Deauville in Normandy. Established in 1975, the festival showcases the best of American cinema.
Over the years, the festival has premiered some of the most celebrated films in American cinema, including movies by Quentin Tarantino, Martin Scorsese, and Steven Spielberg. The festival also features competitions for American independent films, documentaries, and student shorts. As well as screenings, the festival includes panels and Q&A sessions with filmmakers.
Montlouis Jazz Festival, Loire Valley
The Montlouis Jazz Festival is a must-attend event for anyone who loves jazz music and wants to experience the rich culture and heritage of French jazz. It’s been held annually in the town of Montlouis-sur-Loire for over 30 years and has become one of the most significant jazz festivals in France.
The three-day festival is a celebration of all forms of jazz, from traditional to contemporary, and features an impressive lineup of international and French jazz musicians, as well as a variety of concerts, workshops and masterclasses for jazz enthusiasts.
Grande Braderie de Lille, Northern France
This is one of the biggest flea markets in Europe, and takes place in the city of Lille on the first weekend of September. It is a two-day event that attracts millions of visitors who come to hunt for antiques and bargains, and enjoy the festive atmosphere. There is a similar event in the city of Tours in the Loire Valley, too.
Les Journées du Patrimoine, across France
During this annual event in France, the public are allowed free entry to visit numerous historic and cultural sites that are often not open to the public or require an entrance fee. It takes place over a weekend in September and is organized by the French Ministry of Culture.
Visitors can explore a wide range of buildings and monuments, including palaces, government buildings, museums, and churches, among others. These include the Palace of Versailles, the Eiffel Tower, many castles in the Loire Valley, Mont Saint-Michel Abbey, the Palace of the Popes in Avignon, the castle of Carcassonne, the Roman Amphitheatre of Nîmes, and many more. Many places also offer guided tours, workshops, and cultural events.
Tomato Festival in La Bourdaisiere castle, Loire Valley
On the second weekend of September, the Tomato Festival takes place in the beautiful Bourdaisiere castle in the Loire Valley. The festival has been held for over 25 years and celebrates the history, diversity, and flavors of tomatoes.
The castle's owners, Prince and Princess of Broglie, are passionate tomato growers and have created an impressive collection of over 700 varieties of tomatoes from all over the world. During the festival, visitors can discover the castle's magnificent tomato garden, taste a wide variety of tomato-based dishes, and attend workshops and lectures on tomato growing and cooking.
Pumpkin festival in Le Rivau, Loire Valley
The Pumpkin Festival starts in mid-September and happens at the historic Le Rivau Castle. It has been held for over 10 years and is a celebration of the fall season and the pumpkin!
Visitors can explore the castle's beautiful pumpkin-filled gardens, taste a wide variety of pumpkin-based dishes, and attend workshops and activities related to pumpkin growing, cooking, and decorating.
The festival also features a pumpkin carving contest, a pumpkin-themed market, and live entertainment.
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Best Things to do in France in September
Wander through the walled city of Saint-Malo, Brittany
Saint-Malo in Brittany offers a perfect blend of history, literature, and coastal beauty that makes September an ideal time to visit. This walled port city has captured the hearts of readers worldwide through Anthony Doerr's acclaimed novel All the Light We Cannot See, set here during World War II. If you're traveling with France Just For You, we can arrange a self-guided walking tour that takes you to the places featured in the book.
The cobblestone streets within the granite ramparts tell stories of 17th and 18th-century privateers (king-approved pirates) and wartime sieges. You can walk along the impressive city walls for panoramic views of the English Channel, then explore the atmospheric old town at your own pace. September's mild weather makes it perfect for wandering these historic streets without the summer crowds.
After soaking in the history, head to Plage du Môle, one of the finest sandy beaches on Brittany's Emerald Coast. The water should still be warm enough for swimming in September, and the beach less crowded than in peak summer. For lunch, indulge in fresh Breton specialties like oysters straight from the bay and traditional crêpes at one of the local restaurants.
Saint-Malo pairs beautifully with a visit to Mont Saint-Michel Abbey, just under an hour's drive away in Normandy, making it easy to experience two of France's most iconic destinations in one trip.
We invite you to browse our Brittany tours
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Stroll through picturesque Honfleur
Honfleur is a lovely coastal town in Normandy, renowned for its picturesque harbor and historical significance.
The town has a vibrant art scene, with many artists and writers calling it home over the years, including Claude Monet. The Eugene Boudin Museum, dedicated to the renowned 19th-century painter, and who also mentored a young Monet, features a collection of his works, and those of other artists who depicted Honfleur's scenic beauty.
You can see this beauty for yourself in Honfleur's well-preserved colorful buildings and narrow streets that date back to the 17th and 18th centuries.
In addition, St. Catherine's Church is an architectural masterpiece constructed entirely of wood and a must-see for visitors.
We recommend spending a day in Honfleur as part of our Normandy driving itineraries
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Pixabay CC0
Visit the WWI sites & Joan of Arc’s House near Verdun
The World War I sites at Verdun are fascinating places to visit for history buffs. There you can learn about the history at the Verdun Memorial Museum, visit well-preserved trenches, and find out about the key role played by the American military in the 10-month Battle of Verdun, which was crucial in ending the First World War.
If you’re on a tour with us, we’ll arrange for an expert private tour guide to take you to the key sites and explain more about the history and context. He will also take you to one of the nine villages in the area, Fleury-devant-Duaumont, which was completely destroyed during the battle. There are now landmarks and posts that indicate where different buildings in the town once stood, including the school and the city hall.
You can also visit the Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery and Memorial, the largest American military cemetery in Europe, with 14,246 graves. The people of Verdun are very open to talking about their region’s history with travelers. Some may even share personal stories of ancestors they lost in the battles.
Browse our Verdun tours
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France Just For You
Take a boat trip or cycle along the Loire River
A boat trip on the Loire River is a peaceful and relaxing way to experience the beauty of France's longest river. You'll pass through idyllic countryside dotted with quaint villages, historic chateaux, and lush vineyards. Many boat trips offer guided tours with knowledgeable local guides who can share their expertise about the Loire Valley's rich history, geology, and ecology. We can even organize a trip on a traditional boat that will take you for a wine-tasting experience on an island in the middle of the river!
If traveling on the water isn’t for you, you can also hire bicycles and cycle along one of well-marked cycling trails. If you’re on a tour with us, we’ll recommend our favorite picnic spots (including a vineyard and the garden of one of our favorite castles!) in your personal guidebook.
We invite you to browse our Loire Valley tours
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France Just For You
Browse the independent art galleries of Mougins
Mougins is a small, picturesque hilltop village located on the Côte d'Azur, French Riviera, about a 15-minute drive from Cannes. We love its charming atmosphere, with its narrow, winding streets, beautiful stone houses, lovely gardens, and stunning views over the surrounding countryside.
Mougins has a rich artistic heritage, with many famous painters and sculptors having lived and worked there over the years, including Pablo Picasso, who spent the last years of his life in a farmhouse, Notre Dame de Vie, on the outskirts of the village. There are many art galleries and museums in Mougins, so it’s an ideal place to pick up an original piece of art from a local artist as a souvenir.
Mougins has also been home to many other notable figures, such as the writer and philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre and the fashion designer Christian Dior.
A food lover's paradise, Mougins has a wide variety of restaurants and cafes serving up traditional French cuisine and local specialties. You can try many of these if you visit the village during the International Gastronomy Festival in September (also known as ‘Les Etoiles de Mougins’.)
You can visit Mougins on one of our French Riviera tours
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Côte d'Azur - Mougins Tourisme
Browse our France Driving Itineraries
If you’re thinking of visiting France in September and would like to explore at your own pace on a self-drive itinerary planned by us, we would love to hear from you!
These are some of our sample itineraries, and any of these can be customized to suit your preferences. We can also craft an itinerary for you from scratch at no extra cost.
Tap the button below to see our tours, or complete the planning form below!
Send us your France trip-planning form
FAQ about traveling to France in September
How hot is France in September?
The first half of September is usually very pleasant all across France, with the warmest temperatures in the south of France, where temperatures will be around 20-25°C (up to 75°F). You can expect the average high temperature in Paris to be in the low 20s°C/70s°F in early September. Then as the month draws on and the fall sets in, the temperatures gradually drop to the high teens in °C and the 60s°F. Find more information on the temperatures across France on our FAQ on French weather.
Where is the warmest in France in September?
The warmest parts of France in September are Provence, the French Riviera, Dordogne, and Carcassonne.
Is September a good month to visit France?
September is a lovely time to visit France, as you're unlikely to experience the extreme temperatures of the summer and the weather should be pleasantly warm across the whole country. If you're visiting toward the end of September, you should be in time to see the beautiful fall colors. It may be a great time to visit the vineyards during the wine harvest. There may be some rainy days in late September, so be sure to bring a rain jacket just in case.
How do I decide where to go in France?
Choosing where to go in France depends on how fast you want to travel, the landscapes you enjoy most, and the time of year you’re visiting. Some travelers prefer vineyards and small villages, while others prioritize cities or coastal scenery.
Our overview of the best regions to visit in France walks through these considerations step by step to help you narrow your choices.
Considering visiting France in a different month? Check out our other guides below:
