The scorching heat of August is over, and the weather is cooling down, making France in September the ideal month and time for a vacation. You can take advantage of the cool weather by indulging in outdoor activities that might have been too hot to do in the previous months, like hiking, trekking, and cycling. Another great thing about this month is that it is the end of the tourist season, and the crowds are diminishing. But this is not all; there are many reasons to visit France in September, which you will find out in the following blog.
Is September a good time to visit France?
Yes, September is the best time to visit France, thanks to the indulgent weather that allows you to enjoy a plethora of outdoor activities. The trees shed their green cover, the flowers change colors, and the heat starts diminishing. This change in weather is a great sight for the eyes. Apart from the weather, there are many events and festivals in France that are worth participating in. These events and festivals celebrate French traditions, culture, and art.
Weather in France in September
France weather in September is perfect. Though August is the hottest month, it can get too hot. There are also spells of rain at the most inopportune times that can disrupt daily life. But this does not happen in September. The temperatures start to drop, making the weather pleasant. Rain is also scarce and even when it does occur, it’s often a gentle drizzle. The weather is one of the best reasons to visit France in September.
- Temperature: Low 10°C, High 22°C
- Humidity: Around 71%
- Chance of Rain: 24% chance
- Daylight: 12 to 13 hours
- Sunrise: Around 07:25 AM
- Sunset: Around 08:05 PM
Things to Do in France in September
During this season, there are many things to do in France in September that you may not be able to do the rest of the year. So, include these activities in your vacation itinerary to get the best of France and September:
Tour Beaune
Bang in the middle of the wine region lies the stunning walled city of Beaune. The city hosts the Hospices de Beaune, one of the biggest wine auctions. Nearby there are many wine-making villages to tour and taste the best wines. The Beaune city also has an amazing town square where weekly markets and traders bring in premium foods and drinks like cheese and wine. Many dealers from the country come to be a part of the market. Besides this, Beaune is also a historical city with many old monuments and structures maintained in their old glory. This wonderful city is a must-visit hidden gem.
Relax on the Beaches
September is a great month for enjoying beach activities as the crowds diminish and the heat wave subsides, so many locals head to the beaches to enjoy the sun, swim in the cool ocean, do snorkeling and scuba diving, and play sports on the beach. The French Riviera is the most popular place for this, but places like Nice and Saint-Tropez also have amazing beaches. Many beaches are famed for their beachside cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy a great meal with a stunning view of the beach. So, grab your swimwear and head to France’s gorgeous coastline to soak in the sun and the icy blue waters.
Take a Historical Tour
France has seen a lot of war — and the country has preserved many relics from those wars. To know more about these, you can take professionally guided tours. Verdun is the most popular location where combat during the First World War. Here, you can check out the Verdun Memorial Museum, which holds artifacts from WWI. The trenches where the soldiers fought and died have been preserved. The tour will showcase how difficult those times were. Also, near Verdun, you can check out the home of Joan of Arc, which is another huge part of French history.
Witness Honfleur’s Beauty
Imagine a town so beautiful that it inspired artists like Claude Monet. Yes, the coastal town of Honfleur is that beautiful. Many artists moved here because the town is quite picturesque. You, too, will feel inspired to turn on your camera and take pictures of the coast, the fishing boats, the 17th and 18th century buildings, and the gorgeous crowd. Monet’s best works are housed in the Eugene Boudin Museum. So, this place should be a sure stop. The St. Catherine’s Church is another beautiful sight of Honfleur. Its architecture will inspire you.
Do an Art Crawl
You must have heard of a bar crawl, but an art crawl? Yes, this is where you pack your itinerary full of art galleries and museums that house famous artworks by famous artists and sculptors. The Louvre in Paris is the most renowned art gallery but the city also has other famous galleries like the Dali Museum, Palais de Tokyo, and Musee Marmottan Monet. Dijon has the Museum of Fine Arts Dijon and Bordeaux has the CAPC musée d’art contemporain de Bordeaux. In Nice, you’ll find the Massena Museum, and Lyon is famous for the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon. Therefore, if you ever want to do an art crawl, do it only in France.
Places to Visit in France in September
France has a lot more than just the Eiffel Tower. The country has many wonderful cities and places with unique and brilliant things to offer. So, here are the best places to visit in France in September that will add a lot more flair to your vacation:
1. Avignon
The commune city was once where catholic Popes resided over the catholic church in the country. The city may not be huge, but it is still a beautiful location that has preserved its history and culture. The Festival d’Avignon is one of the largest fine arts festivals in the country that brings in talent from all over the world. This festival is held in July and is one of the main attractions. Avignon is also known for its river tourism, with many riverboat hotels floating on the Rhone River. These boats offer stays and sightseeing. Avignon is a unique destination that is a must for a fun vacation.
2. Normandy
The most famous location where the D-Day invasion by the Allied forces was done changed the tide for WWII; Normandy is a gorgeous place with beautiful countryside. Start at Normandy Beach, where you can witness the location of Operation Neptune (D-Day). There are many war memorials here that will bring alive that fateful day. Then check out the stunning Mont-Saint-Michel Island adorned with the stunning Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey, one of the most beautiful Gothic abbeys in France. Also, check out the Etretat shoreline, which consists of naturally formed rock cliffs. Other regions worth seeing here are Deauville and Trouville, home to the rich and famous of France. Normandy is a great location that is never crowded, so you can have a leisurely time here.
3. Annecy
Quintessentially European, the gorgeous town of Annecy is an Alpine town full of natural beauty and old-world charm. Walk the Old Town to see centuries-old buildings that have stood the test of time. Many canals give you a feel of Venice but are a lot cleaner. The Le Palais de l’Isle is a must-see site located in the Thiou River. Despite its many different faces in the past, today, it is a museum with many historical relics. If you are tired of walking, you can relax at the Jardins de l’Europe and enjoy a picnic. End your day at Annecy Lake, where there are many fun activities. Though this beautiful town is French, you will find a lot of Swiss influence here. So, if there’s a Switzerland vs France issue in your mind, choose France as you can also experience Switzerland here.
4. Bordeaux
Wine lovers would love to make a beeline for Bordeaux, the city where some of the best wines in the world are made. Yes, many wine tours and tastings await you here, but there’s more to Bordeaux. The city has many museums that keep the history of the region alive. One must-see museum here is the La Cité du Vin, the city’s biggest wine museum. Also, check out the Bassins de Lumières, a digital art museum. Bordeaux also has a UNESCO World Heritage Site called Saint-Seurin, where you will find many other historical sites. Bordeaux has a lot to offer if you are willing to take the time to explore its unique locales.
5. French Riviera
September is the month when you can truly enjoy this gorgeous location. Many cities fall within the Riviera, including one of the world’s smallest and richest countries, Monaco. Packed with stunning beaches, award-winning restaurants, and wonderful attractions, the French Riviera is one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world. If you love water sports, there’s a lot to do here, like yachting, jetting, and kayaking. The French Riviera is so beautiful that throughout the centuries, many artists have created works trying to capture its beauty. Still, you must witness the French Riviera to truly see and appreciate its beauty.
Events & Festivals in France in September 2024
Another great reason to visit France in September is the events and festivals. There’s a celebration of culture and music, and tourists can have the best time here.
Festivals in France in September 2024
There are many festivals in France in September that you can be a part of and uplift your vacation with oodles of fun elements. Here are some awesome festivals that will happen in France in September:
Deauville American Film Festival
This wonderful film festival features American films. From creative, independent films to worldwide blockbusters, this festival is a premiere event that grabs the attention of film lovers from all over the world. More than 100 films are shown during the festival, so grab your tickets if interested.
- When: 6th to 15th September, 2024
- Location: Deauville, Normandy
Montlouis Jazz Festival
Come and celebrate the rich heritage of French Jazz in the Montlouis Jazz Festival. It’s an outdoor festival featuring the biggest and best in the business. There are also many food and drink stalls where you can taste delicious French cuisine. The Montlouis Jazz Festival is 30 years old and keeps getting bigger with each year.
- When: 13th to 22nd September, 2024
- Location: Loire Valley
Tomato Festival in La Bourdaisiere Castle
Prince and Princess Broglie have been holding this festival for the past 25 years. They are avid growers of tomatoes and display more than 700 international species during this festival. The Prince and Princess open the doors to the castle’s gardens where the event is held. Visitors can taste all the tomato species and even partake in workshops. This is quite a fun festival.
- When: 7th & 8th September, 2024
- Location: La Bourdaisiere Castle, Loire Valley
Events in France in September 2024
The following events in France in September are another fantastic reason to visit the country. If you visit these events, you are guaranteed to have a great time:
Médoc Marathon
This is probably the most fun marathon because in the race, people run through the vineyards of Médoc, and can eat delicious food, drink tasty wine. This event is a lot of fun for all the participants.
- When: 7th September, 2024
- Location: Médoc Wine Region
European Heritage Days
Get a behind-the-scenes look at all the heritage places in France, thanks to the European Heritage Days event. This is celebrated all over Europe and is a great chance for history buffs to get a closer look at the European heritage monuments.
- When: 20th to 22nd September, 2024
- Location: All Over France
La Gacilly Photo Festival
Witness some of the most stunning photographs in La Gacilly at the La Gacilly Photo Festival. Each year, there is a different theme and participants must submit pictures according to the theme. The whole town turns into an open-air gallery, creating a wonderful atmosphere.
- When: 21st June to 3rd November, 2024
- Location: La Gacilly
Travel Tips to Visit France in September
September is an amazing month and here are some awesome travel tips that will help you plan a great vacation.
- The temperatures are favorable, so be sure to include many outdoor activities in your to-do list.
- If you love fine arts, you should buy tickets to the Opera House in Paris, France as it is one of the most stunning opera houses in the world.
- September is when the tourists start leaving, so you may be able to take advantage of offers and discounts.
- Make sure to include all the above-given festivals and events as they are specially held in September.
- Though most French people understand English, it is better to know a few common French terms that will help you communicate better.
Things to Know Before Visiting France in September
What to pack for France in September?
The weather is going to be quite pleasant, but it might still be warm for tourists coming from cold climates and vice versa, so pack accordingly. Also, bring the right chargers, your prescribed drugs, good-quality shoes, beachwear, and other important things that you won’t get in France.
What to wear in France in September?
If you feel the weather is warm, wear soft, loose, cotton clothes that will make you feel comfortable. If you feel the weather is cool, wear some warm clothing. One thing you must wear, irrespective of the weather, are good shoes. France is a country best explored on foot, so make sure you put on comfortable shoes.
Getting Around in France in September
France has an excellent network of trains, buses, and trams that are reasonable. There are also many official cabs that will take you around the cities, so getting to any place in France is not hard.
Where to stay in France in September?
Stays will be available at cheaper rates as it is the end of the tourist season and many hotels, resorts, and lodges will have empty rooms. If you want to stay in rural areas and towns, look for Airbnb and homestays that will let you experience real French-style living.
What to eat in France in September?
Many consider French cuisine as the best cuisine in the world. Your only problem will be too many choices. Start your days with baked goods like macarons, profiterole, pain au chocolat, and eclair. Your lunch and dinners will consist of dishes like quiche lorraine, coq au vin, boeuf bourguignon, ratatouille, confit de canard, and blanquette de veau. But these are just a few options, take your time and explore more original dishes.
FAQs about France in September
One of the best ways to know more about what tourists feel about vacationing in France is by checking out the most common FAQs about France in September. So, here they are:
1. What’s unique about September weather?September is the month when the weather changes, and this change is known as autumn or fall. The temperatures are quite pleasant. This is also the best time for outdoor activities.
2. What special things happen in France in September?Events like the European Heritage Days and the Tomato Festival are some of the best September events and festivals, including some music and film festivals. France will be recovering from major events like the Tour de France and the Olympics, so such events can be a nice change.
3. What outdoor activities are best for September?Hiking and cycling in France’s vibrant nature are the most popular outdoor activities, as the temperature and atmosphere are perfect. Beach activities, too, pick up as the sand and water temperatures are ideal.
4 .Is France expensive in September?No, France is not expensive in September, as the peak tourist season ends in August. To increase tourism, there are many discounts and offers on tour packages, flights, and hotel stays that you can take advantage of.
5. Do any special precautions need to be taken when visiting France in September?Get all the right clothing and other travel essentials and follow all the dos and don’ts regarding behavior in France. With these conscious steps, you should be okay to have a trouble-free and hassle-free vacation in France in September.
From learning amazing Eiffel Tower facts to gorging on delectable French cuisine, September will give you awesome things to enjoy. This is a wonderful month for France as the season is changing, the temperatures are plummeting, and crowds of tourists are leaving, so a well-planned vacation has the potential to be the best one. Start planning now and have a great time in France in September.
