France in October

October is a magical month in France. The autumn colors are at their best and the often warm weather allows glorious days walking outdoors. The grape harvest is being gathered in many parts of France and the French love of festivals continues with a host of events to enjoy.

What to do

• Book a wine tour. It’s a wonderful time in the countryside with its changing colors; you meet knowledgeable winemakers and of course, sample some great wines.
• Discover the best places to see the fall foliage in France.

Events in France

Here are some highlights from an unexpectedly long list of events and festivals throughout France in October

• Nuit Blanche is celebrated all over France; it's the time when attractions, museums and galleries, parks and swimming pools stay open all night. Admire the art, then breakfast in a cafe. Find out more about Nuit Blanche in Paris
• Lyon Film Festival, appropriately in the city where film started with the Lumiere brothers.
• Amiens Rederie, one of the biggest fleamarkets and fairs takes over Amiens for the day.
• Jazz between the Two Towers in La Rochelle on the Atlantic coast takes place throughout La Rochelle with international musicians.
• Jazz Pulsations is a festival gathering together all kinds of musicians and music in Nancy.

See more events in France in October 2012

Weather

In October the weather can be very variable. Expect sunny days, but perhaps cool breezes and towards the end of the month, rainy days. In Paris and the north it can be cold and rainy. Here are weather averages for some major cities:

• Paris:
  Temperature ranges from 10 degrees C (50 degrees F) to 18 degrees C (64 degrees F
  Average temperature is 14 degrees C (57.2 degrees F)
  Average number of days with some rain is 12


• Bordeaux:
  Average temperature ranges from 8 degrees C (46 degrees F) to 18 degrees C (64 degrees F)
  Average temperatures is 15 degrees C (59 degrees F)
  Average number of days with some rain is 14


• Lyon:
  Temperature ranges from 7 degrees C (45 degrees F) to 16 degrees C (61 degrees F)
  Average temperature is 12 degrees C (54 degrees F)
  Average number of days with some rain is 12


• Nice:
  Average temperature ranges from 17 degrees C (63 degrees F) to 21 degrees C (70 degrees F)
  Average temperature is 16.1 degrees C (61 degrees F)
  Average number of days with some rain is 11


• Strasbourg:
  Average temperature ranges from 6 degrees C (43 degrees F) to 14 degrees C (57 degrees F)
  Average temperature is 10 degrees C (50 degrees F)
  Average number of days with some rain is 13

Find out more: Weather in France

What to pack

Packing for France in October is a tricky business. You should definitely reckon on it being cold at some stage during your visit, unless you are in the south of France at the beginning of the month. But ever here, there can be chilly days. In the north, So include the following in your packing list:

• Light cottong clothes
• A good waterproof coat
• A warm jacket for the evening
• Sweaters or cardigans to layer in case of a cold snap
• Good walking shoes. See the list of Top Travel Walking Shoes for Women or Top Travel Walking Shoes for Men
• Sturdy umbrella that can resist the wind. Buy it now.

Find out more on Packing Tips

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