October is an ideal month to visit France. The leaves are turning as already-picturesque French villages surrender to autumn. Halloween still retains its old-fashioned innocence in France, and also is a great time to sample delectable candies and chocolates. As the peak tourist season has passed, there are fewer lines and crowds, but more bargains on hotels and airfare.
Weather
The weather can range from sunny but cool days to downright chilly nights. There are major variations in climate depending on where you are in France, but here are weather averages for some major cities:
- Paris: Average high temperature is 15 degrees celsius/59 degrees fahrenheit, and the average low is 8 celsius, 46 fahrenheit. Average number of days with precipitation is seventeen in the month.
- Nice: Average high temperature is 18 degrees celsius/65 degrees fahrenheit, with the average low at 15.5 degrees celsius/60 degrees fahrenheit. Average days with precipitation is eight.
- Bordeaux: Average high temperature is 18 degrees celsius, 64 degrees Fahrenheit, and the average low is 9 Celsius/48 Fahrenheit. Average days with precipitation are sixteen.
- Strasbourg: Average high temperature is 14 degrees celsius, or 58 degrees Fahrenheit, and the average low is 6 celsius/44 fahrenheit. There are an average of sixteen days with precipitation.
What to pack
It can be challenging to pack for France, particularly if you will visit multiple cities. For the most part, this is an unpredictable time of year. Be prepared for everything from warm, sunny days to cold, rainy evenings. Your packing list should include:
- A light jacket or layers
- Good walking shoes with nice tread (Also see Top Travel Walking Shoes for Women and Top Travel Walking Shoes for Men)
- A sturdy umbrella for windy and rainy days (Buy it now!)
Why to go in October
- France is at one of its most scenic times at the start of autumn
- Enjoy the quiet and avoid the long lines in the low tourist season
- Rates are low on lodging and airfare
Why not to visit France in October
- The weather can be unpredictable
- Some attractions could have restricted hours, especially in smaller villages
Events and festivals
- Autumn leaf peeping season
- Halloween
- British Film Festival in Dinard
- Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe horse race at the Hippodrome de Longchamp near Paris, one of the world's most prestigious horse races
- Horse Festival in the Calvados department
- Descent from the Mountain Pastures in Annecy
- World Snowboard Exhibition, Mondial du Snow, in Les 2 Alpes
- Armagnac in Fete in LaBastide d'Armagnac, an homage to this delectable eau de vie
- Pepper Festival in Espelette, a splendid Basque celebration
- Scorcerers' Festival in Chalindrey, featuring a Halloween market
- Cider and Chestnut Festival in Sauveterre de Rouergue.