--- title: "France in October (2027): Weather, Events, What Closes" description: "France in October: autumn colors in the vineyards, the last warm days on the Riviera, events, All Saints' holidays and what closes for winter on November 1." url: "https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles/france-in-october" image: "https://www.mobeeinternational.com/_astro/01M5J4124JVNYYAV0KWK2MHBVE.CTkvNL_c_ZB0L8g.jpg" --- 1. [Home](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/) 2. [Travel insights](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles) 3. France in October: Vineyard Colors, Last Warm Days and What Closes [Travel insights](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles) # France in October: Vineyard Colors, Last Warm Days and What Closes France in October: autumn colors in the vineyards, the last warm days on the Riviera, events, All Saints' holidays and what closes for winter on November 1. By [Lucas Gebhardt](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/team/lucas-gebhardt), Founder & CEO · Published on October 22, 2026 · 5 min read ![Bordeaux, Bordeaux & Dordogne Road Trip in 7 Days: Saint-Émilion to Lascaux](/_astro/01M5J4124JVNYYAV0KWK2MHBVE.CTkvNL_c_Z1LCKpN.webp) [Jan](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles/france-in-january)[Feb](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles/france-in-february)[Mar](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles/france-in-march)[Apr](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles/france-in-april)[May](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles/france-in-may)[Jun](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles/france-in-june)[Jul](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles/france-in-july)[Aug](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles/france-in-august)[Sep](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles/france-in-september)[Oct](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles/france-in-october)[Nov](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles/france-in-november)[Dec](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles/france-in-december) October is France's last month of long seasonal hours and its first month of autumn color. The vineyards of Burgundy, Bordeaux and the Loire turn gold and red after the harvest, the Riviera still reaches 70°F (21°C) in the afternoon, and Paris is in the middle of its cultural season. It is also a month of deadlines: Giverny, the Chaumont garden festival and the Versailles fountain shows all end around November 1, and the high Alpine passes close. We like October for food and wine trips and for travelers who prefer cities to beaches. Here is what to know. ## Last chances: what closes at the end of October Several of France's seasonal highlights wind down as October ends. Dates below are the 2026 ones; the pattern is usually the same each year. - **Giverny:** Monet's house and garden close for the winter on November 1. - **Versailles:** the Grandes Eaux Musicales fountain shows end on November 1. - **Chaumont-sur-Loire:** the International Garden Festival closes on November 1. - **The Loire châteaux** switch to winter hours. Chambord closes at 5 p.m. instead of 6 p.m. from late October. - **The Aiguille du Midi** in Chamonix closes from early November until mid-December (November 2 to December 18 in 2026). - **Mountain passes** such as the Galibier and the Iseran close with the first heavy snow, often in October. - **Lake Annecy** sightseeing cruises run until November 30, then only one winter cruise remains. - **Riviera beach clubs** close progressively through October. If any of these are on your list, plan them for the first half of the month. ## Autumn colors and what is in season The color moves through the month. The Burgundy vineyards of the Côte d'Or turn yellow and russet in the second half of October, the Beaujolais goes red, and the forests of the Loire and the Dordogne follow. Saint-Émilion is at its most photogenic once the vines change. October is also a food month: cèpe mushrooms in the Dordogne and the Landes, chestnuts in the Ardèche, the first oysters of the season on the Atlantic coast, and new walnuts from the Périgord. Cellars that were too busy to receive visitors during the harvest open their doors again, and winemakers have time to talk. ## October events, weekend by weekend - **First Sunday: Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe** at ParisLongchamp, one of the world's great flat races (October 4 in 2026; by the usual pattern, October 3 in 2027). - **Early October: Fête des Vendanges de Montmartre**, the harvest festival of Paris's last vineyard, with a parade and food stalls (October 7-11 in 2026). - **Mid-October: the Lumière Film Festival in Lyon**, devoted to classic cinema, with screenings across the city (October 10-18 in 2026). Our guide [is Lyon worth visiting](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles/is-lyon-worth-visiting) explains why we always include it. - **The Sunday nearest October 22: the autumn pilgrimage in Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer**, smaller and calmer than the May one. - **Last weekend: the Fête du Piment in Espelette**, the Basque Country's chili-pepper festival, when the village's red strings of peppers hang from every façade. Check the date with the Basque Country tourist office. ## Two Octobers: the north and the Mediterranean Météo-France 1991-2020 normals (Chamonix: 1981-2010) show two different months. **In the north and center,** October is cool and settled for long stretches, with gray spells. Paris averages 62°F (16.5°C) by day and 50°F (9.9°C) at night, with about 10 rainy days. Tours and Dijon are close, at 61 to 63°F, and Strasbourg is the coolest at 60°F (15.8°C) by day and 45°F (7.2°C) at night. Normandy averages 61°F (16.2°C) but is wetter, with 12 rainy days. **In the South,** it is still mild but no longer dry. Nice averages 70°F (21°C) by day and 57°F (14°C) at night, but October is its wettest month, with about 128 mm of rain over seven or eight days. Provence (Carpentras) is similar: 70°F (21.1°C) by day, 88 mm of rain. Lyon gets its heaviest rainfall of the year in October, about 100 mm. **In the Southwest,** Bordeaux averages 67°F (19.6°C) and the Dordogne 68°F (19.8°C) by day, with crisp mornings around 47 to 51°F. **In the Alps,** Chamonix drops to 58°F (14.7°C) by day and 36°F (2.5°C) at night, and snow can fall on the passes. The light changes fast. In mid-October the sun sets in Paris around 7 p.m.; after the clocks go back on Sunday, October 31, 2027, sunset moves to around 5:20 p.m. ## The All Saints' school holidays French schools break for two weeks around All Saints' Day (November 1). In 2026 the holidays ran from October 17 to November 2, for all zones at once. Families head for the Atlantic coast, Disneyland Paris, the Loire châteaux and the Riviera, so the second half of October is busier and a little pricier than the first. ## Best value in the first half of the month The first half of October is one of the best-value periods of the year: shoulder-season rates on the coast and in the countryside, and few crowds at the big sights. Paris is busy with fashion week (which spills into early October), trade fairs and the Arc weekend. The Mont-Saint-Michel abbey moves to its lower winter price, €13 (about $15), on October 1. ## Layers and waterproofs - Layers: a sweater, a light down jacket and a waterproof shell cover every region. - Waterproof walking shoes for the vineyards and cobbled villages. - An umbrella, especially for Lyon and the Riviera. - Something smart for the Arc races or a starred dinner. ## Autumn wine routes **Bordeaux and the Dordogne in autumn.** Saint-Émilion in its colors, cèpe season in Sarlat and the Lascaux caves without the summer lines, on our [Bordeaux and Dordogne road trip](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/packages/roadtrip-in-bordeaux-and-dordogne). **Cognac and the Atlantic.** The cognac houses after the harvest, a blending workshop and a day in Bordeaux, on our [Cognac getaway](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/packages/wine-getaway-to-cognac). **Paris, Burgundy and Provence.** Our [luxury France honeymoon](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/packages/luxury-honeymoon-trip-from-paris-to-provence) in its autumn version, with the Côte d'Or in color and a warm finish in the South. A [7-day France trip](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/countries/france/7-days) can do Paris plus one wine region at a gentler pace. To compare October with its neighbors, see our [best time to visit France](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles/best-time-to-visit-france) guide or read [France in November](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles/france-in-november). Tell us your October dates and a designer will fit the trip around the colors and the closing dates: [plan your trip](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/plan-your-trip). More guides: [Month by month](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles/topics/seasons)[Planning](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles/topics/planning) ## Related destinations - [France](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/countries/france) ## Contents Written by ### [Lucas Gebhardt](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/team/lucas-gebhardt) Founder & CEO · Based in Villefranche-sur-Saône Founder of Mobee International, wine and golf enthusiast, designs trips that show France the way the French live it. [More about Lucas](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/team/lucas-gebhardt) ## Trips for this guide - [![Roadtrip in Bordeaux and Dordogne](/_astro/01M5J4124JNJEF6KWBYHBQH5VV.B-bmXz-z_Z151TLb.webp)**Bordeaux & Dordogne Road Trip in 7 Days: Saint-Émilion to Lascaux**From €1,499 · 7 days](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/packages/roadtrip-in-bordeaux-and-dordogne) - [![Wine Getaway to Cognac](/_astro/01M5J4124MAGX84KA6Y71NCFTD.TtHMYKx5_Z2eTFfx.webp)**Cognac Getaway in 6 Days: Distilleries, Vineyards & Bordeaux Blending**From €1,999 · 6 days](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/packages/wine-getaway-to-cognac) - [![Luxury honeymoon trip from Paris to Provence](/_astro/01M5J4124PCV0X28RGDBW365YT.lZhWvtW-_Z16PGzJ.webp)**Luxury France Honeymoon in 14 Days: Paris, Burgundy, Alps & Provence**From €9,999 · 14 days](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/packages/luxury-honeymoon-trip-from-paris-to-provence) When you’re ready, we’re ready ## Let us help you plan a trip that feels right Tell us what you’re dreaming about: dates, pace, who you’re traveling with, and what would make it special. A real person will get back to you with thoughtful ideas, not a generic pitch. ## Frequently asked questions ### Is October a good time to visit France? Yes, especially for wine regions, cities and food. The vineyards are in autumn color, cellars have time for visitors after the harvest, and the first half of the month is good value. Expect cool, sometimes gray days in the north and mild but wetter weather on the Riviera, where afternoons still reach about 70°F. ### Is it still warm in the South of France in October? Mild rather than warm. Nice averages 70°F (21°C) in the afternoon and 57°F (14°C) at night. The sea is still swimmable early in the month for many people. October is the Riviera's wettest month on average, though, with heavy showers on seven or eight days, and beach clubs close progressively. ### What closes in France at the end of October? Monet's garden at Giverny, the Versailles fountain shows and the Chaumont-sur-Loire garden festival all end around November 1. Loire châteaux move to shorter winter hours, the Aiguille du Midi in Chamonix closes from early November to mid-December, and the high Alpine passes close with the first snow. ### When do the clocks change in France in October 2027? France returns to winter time on the last Sunday of October, which is October 31, 2027 (it was October 25 in 2026). Clocks go back one hour at 3 a.m. After the change, sunset in Paris moves from around 6:20 p.m. to around 5:20 p.m., so plan outdoor visits earlier in the day. ## Plan this trip Day by day, with prices. Each one is reshaped around you. [All itineraries](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/packages) ![Roadtrip in Bordeaux and Dordogne](/_astro/01M5J4124JNJEF6KWBYHBQH5VV.B-bmXz-z_Z1QhH3A.webp) 7 days / 6 nights ### [Bordeaux & Dordogne Road Trip in 7 Days: Saint-Émilion to Lascaux](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/packages/roadtrip-in-bordeaux-and-dordogne) Six nights self-drive, three in Bordeaux and three in Sarlat: a gourmet walk in Chartrons, e-bike and balloon in Saint-Émilion, oysters at Arcachon, Rocamadour, Padirac and Lascaux IV. Boutique 4-star hotels; for keen eaters. From **€1,499** per person ![Wine Getaway to Cognac](/_astro/01M5J4124MAGX84KA6Y71NCFTD.TtHMYKx5_241FgY.webp) 6 days / 5 nights ### [Cognac Getaway in 6 Days: Distilleries, Vineyards & Bordeaux Blending](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/packages/wine-getaway-to-cognac) Five nights in one hotel in Cognac, 4-star or the 5-star Chais Monnet: a masterclass, an e-bike ride to a family distillery, a Bordeaux blending workshop, a cooking class, lunch at Rémy Martin and the Hennessy cooperage. From **€1,999** per person ![Luxury honeymoon trip from Paris to Provence](/_astro/01M5J4124PCV0X28RGDBW365YT.lZhWvtW-_Z1S6tR9.webp) 14 days / 13 nights ### [Luxury France Honeymoon in 14 Days: Paris, Burgundy, Alps & Provence](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/packages/luxury-honeymoon-trip-from-paris-to-provence) Thirteen nights in 5-star hotels from Paris to Aix: a Seine cruise, Dior and Place Vendôme, the Grands Crus of Burgundy, a helicopter over Mont Blanc, Lavaux, lavender by 2CV, the Camargue and a chef's class. Private guide daily. From **€9,999** per person ## More to read [All articles](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles) ![Colmar, French Christmas in 7 Days: Alsace Markets, Lyon & Val d'Isère Skiing](/_astro/01M5J4124J7Y9HBDAPM97GQE87.DspDAOlu_Z1xmWx2.webp) France ### [Alsace Christmas Markets 2026: Strasbourg, Colmar and the Wine Villages](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles/alsace-christmas-markets) Alsace Christmas markets 2026: official dates for Strasbourg, Colmar, Eguisheim, Riquewihr and Kaysersberg, crowd tips, where to stay and a 5-day plan. ![Monaco (2)](/_astro/01M5J4124V8J8YXJGSSAFRQMSM.DFoUcLYF_ZUnzkX.webp) France ### [Where to Stay on the French Riviera: 7 Towns Compared](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles/where-to-stay-on-the-french-riviera) Where to stay on the French Riviera: Nice, Antibes, Cannes, Villefranche, Èze, Menton or Monaco. Our Nice designers explain who each base suits, and why. ![Masterclass and e-bike, Cognac Getaway in 6 Days: Distilleries, Vineyards & Bordeaux Blending](/_astro/01M5J4124MJD6K6DFS3DMC37TC.D3P-PFmG_181RiS.webp) France ### [France in November: Beaujolais Nouveau, Wine Auctions and the First Markets](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles/france-in-november) France in November 2026: Beaujolais Nouveau on November 19, the Hospices de Beaune auction, first Christmas markets, ski openings and real weather by region. Tailor-made, from France ## Let us help you plan a trip that feels right Tell us what you’re dreaming about: dates, pace, who you’re traveling with, and what would make it special. A real person will get back to you with thoughtful ideas, not a generic pitch. 1. 1Share your dates and wishes 2. 2Get a priced itinerary within 48 hours 3. 3Refine it together, then travel 9 travel designers in Lyon and Nice reply to every request themselves. ★★★★★ > “A wonderful travel partner” Carol W., Seattle, WA · 4.8/5 on 273 reviews - [US+1 607 354 8896](tel:+16073548896) - [Europe+33 4 26 30 36 82](tel:+33426303682) - [contact@mobeeinternational.com](mailto:contact@mobeeinternational.com) Two minutes, three steps. Free and without obligation. ## Contact Plan a tailor-made trip in Europe with Mobee International: https://tally.so/r/nWplRv — e-mail contact@mobeeinternational.com — phone +33 4 26 30 36 82 (Europe) or +1 607 354 8896 (US). ## Données structurées ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "TravelAgency", "@id": "https://www.mobeeinternational.com/#organization", "name": "Mobee International", "url": "https://www.mobeeinternational.com", "logo": "https://www.mobeeinternational.com/images/brand/mobee-international.png", "description": "Mobee International is a Destination Management Company (DMC) based in France: tailor-made trips and packages in France, Switzerland, Germany, Italy and Belgium, designed by local travel experts for travelers, travel agencies and tour operators.", "telephone": "+33426303682", "email": "contact@mobeeinternational.com", "areaServed": [ "US", "CA", "FR", "CH", "DE", "IT", "BE" ], "knowsLanguage": "en", "legalName": "MOBEE INTERNATIONAL", "vatID": "FR33824986947", "foundingDate": "2016", "sameAs": [ "https://www.kimkim.com/o/mobee-international", "https://www.linkedin.com/company/mobee-international", "https://www.instagram.com/mobeeinternational/", "https://www.youtube.com/@MobeeInternational", "https://www.trustpilot.com/review/mobeeinternational.com" ], "address": { "@type": "PostalAddress", "streetAddress": "206 rue Alexandre Richetta", "postalCode": "69400", "addressLocality": "Villefranche-sur-Saône", "addressCountry": "FR" }, "contactPoint": [ { "@type": "ContactPoint", "contactType": "customer service", "telephone": "+16073548896", "areaServed": "US", "availableLanguage": [ "English" ] }, { "@type": "ContactPoint", "contactType": "customer service", "telephone": "+33426303682", "areaServed": "FR", "availableLanguage": [ "English", "French", "Spanish" ] } ], "parentOrganization": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "MOBEE INTERNATIONAL", "url": "https://www.mobeeinternational.com", "vatID": "FR33824986947", "address": { "@type": "PostalAddress", "streetAddress": "206 rue Alexandre Richetta", "postalCode": "69400", "addressLocality": "Villefranche-sur-Saône", "addressCountry": "FR" } } }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://www.mobeeinternational.com/#website", "url": "https://www.mobeeinternational.com", "name": "Mobee International", "inLanguage": "en", "publisher": { "@id": "https://www.mobeeinternational.com/#organization" } }, { "@type": "Article", "headline": "France in October: Vineyard Colors, Last Warm Days and What Closes", "description": "France in October: autumn colors in the vineyards, the last warm days on the Riviera, events, All Saints' holidays and what closes for winter on November 1.", "mainEntityOfPage": "https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles/france-in-october", "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Lucas Gebhardt", "@id": "https://www.mobeeinternational.com/team/lucas-gebhardt#person", "url": "https://www.mobeeinternational.com/team/lucas-gebhardt" }, "publisher": { "@id": "https://www.mobeeinternational.com/#organization" }, "datePublished": "2026-10-22T00:00:00.000Z", "dateModified": "2026-10-22T00:00:00.000Z", "image": "https://www.mobeeinternational.com/_astro/01M5J4124JVNYYAV0KWK2MHBVE.CTkvNL_c_ZB0L8g.jpg", "inLanguage": "en" } ] } ```