France Travel in November

November is a good time to travel to France. You see the last of the fall colors brightening up the countryside; Armistice Day on November 11th, the end of World War I, is celebrated all over France in tiny villages and large towns. Towards the end of the month, the Christmas markets sparkle in the crisp air. Airfares are beginning to fall, plus there are good holiday and hotel prices to take advantage of.

Some November Highlights

Armistice Day is celebrated in every corner of France. It's particular moving to visit the many World War I sites in north France.

Beaujolais Nouveau is released at midnight on the last Thursday of the month. Never mind the quality; this is a great occasion for a bit of feasting and drinking, French-style.More about Beaujolais Nouveau

Le Salon des Antiquaires in Toulouse sees some 300 dealers setting up shop for avid antique hunters.

Christmas markets open all over France in preparation for the annual December holiday.

Weather

In November the weather can still be warm in the south but even here, pack for the cold. It can get really cold and rainy in the North, so err on the comfortable side and take plenty of layers to keep Jack Frost at bay. Here are weather averages for some major cities:

Paris:
Temperature ranges from 3 degrees C (7 degrees F) to 7 degrees C (44 degrees F
Average temperature is 4 degrees C (39 degrees F)
Average number of days with some rain is 16

Bordeaux:
Average temperature ranges from 5 degrees C (41 degrees F) to 13 degrees C (55 degrees F)
Average temperatures is 7 degrees C (45 degrees F)
Average number of days with some rain is 15

Lyon:
Temperature ranges from 4 degrees C (39 degrees F) to 10 degrees C (50 degrees F)
Average temperature is 7 degrees C (45 degrees F)
Average number of days with some rain is 14

Nice:
Average temperature ranges from 9 degrees C (48 degrees F) to 16 degrees C (61 degrees F)
Average temperature is 11.5 degrees C (53 degrees F)
Average number of days with some rain is 12

Strasbourg:
Average temperature ranges from 2 degrees C (36 degrees F) to 8 degrees C (46 degrees F)
Average temperature is 5 degrees C (41 degrees F)
Average number of days with some rain is 15

Find out more: Weather in France

What to pack

Packing for France in November is a question of making sure you have plenty of layers to keep you warm. Remember it can get very wet so take good walking shoes, plus an umbrella for blustery winds. If you are going to the Alps it can snow. And remember all those goodies in the Christmas market and perhaps take an extra suitcase or leave room in your main one for French treats. I advise including the following in your packing list:

A good winter coat

A warm jacket for daytime

Sweaters or cardigans

Scarf, hat and gloves

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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