Visiting France in September

Take a holiday in France this September and enjoy a convivial wine tour, an exciting weekend city break, a getaway in glorious countryside or a stimulating activity.

September is one of the best months to visit France. Enjoy plenty of sunshine and warm weather, long days and extended hours at attractions – but without the summer crowds. And as the tourist season begins to wind down, the cost of travel and accommodation is lower.

The countryside is mellow and fruitful, the beaches nearly empty. In Normandy and Brittany, there’s a hint of crispness in the air and a tinge of colour in the leaves, while further south the days are still wonderfully bright and sunny with a softer heat than scorching August. 

French Wine Tours in September

This month sees the start of the wine harvest and all over France you’ll find celebrations and festivities. Explore one of the great wine regions of France to visit vineyards, see the harvest and pressing, sample and learn about the wines and enjoy convivial hospitality. Book a wine tasting break, rent a self catering property (it could be a chateau or wine domaine) in the heart of wine country and make daily excursions or stay at a selection of welcoming B&Bs as you tour the area.

French City Breaks in September

Stroll around medieval streets bathed in golden sunshine, take a river trip, pop into a museum or have a big night out at the opera. Choose from top city breaks for history, choices for those who love culture, a selection for gourmet traditions or favourite places for romance. Whatever type of city break you are thinking of, find discounted hotel accommodation.

French country holidays in September

Stay in a gorgeous cottage, farmhouse or converted barn, a characterful gite or manor house and discover the landscape and lakes, the quaint towns and villages. September is perfect for a walking holiday, cycling holiday or a horse riding holiday.

French activity holidays in September

This is a great time to get sporty with golf, fishing or canoeing. Creative types can learn drawing and painting, photography or polish up their French language.

French Public and School Holidays in September

There are no public holidays this month.

Average Temperatures in France During September

The average temperatures across France during September are:

• In Paris the average temperature is around 70 Fahrenheit or 21 degrees Celsius.
• In the South West the average temperature is 73 Fahrenheit or 21 degrees Celsius.
• In Provence the average temperature is 75 Fahrenheit or 24 degrees Celsius.
• In Corsica the average temperature is 72 Fahrenheit or 21 degrees Celsius.

French Events and Festivals in September

This is the start of the grape harvest and pressing in France’s wine producing areas. The medieval town of Saint-Emilion marks the moment with a Heralding the Harvest festival in mid September. Highlights include a mass and a torchlight evening tour of the town. Further South, in Nimes, the Feria des Vendanges from 24-26 September also celebrates the grape harvest and – typically of southern France - couples it with bullfighting events.

In the Aube region of Champagne-Ardenne, celebrate a different kind of golden bubbles at the Traditional Apple Pressing for cider in Othe in late September. Try your hand at apple pressing, visit the museum and buy local produce, including the delicious cider.

Aube is also the location for a 48 hour vintage car parade which will feature 400 vintage cars from across Europe, travelling through the department.

Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez regatta brings together traditional yachts and modern boats in a spectacular celebration of ships, sailing and the sea in glamorous Saint Tropez in late September.

Holiday Accommodation in September

The French tourist season is past its peak so accommodation and travel prices offer fantastic value. To grab even more of a bargain head over to our last minute availability and accommodation special offers.

Great Travel Deals to France for September

If you're planning to travel to France in September, French Connections can point you to some great travel deals including discounted ferry tickets, French train tickets, discounted care hire, and cheap flights to France.