The Seasons in France and Where to Visit

Last updated on September 20th, 2024 at 12:35 pm

Everything you need to know about the French seasons

Maybe I’m biased because I live in France, but for me, all seasons in France are wonderful because they provide something different.

I know that’s not helpful, but like I said, I live here, so I get to experience every season and all they have to offer.

That being said, France is a country of variety, and it depends on what you enjoy doing as to which season is the best season to visit.

Do you love spending time in the snow, enjoying the slopes and après-ski? 

Are you a history buff like me, who loves exploring the medieval villages that time forgot?

Perhaps for you, it’s all about Paris in the springtime and walking in the rain in the City of Love.

Or, maybe you’re a sun worshipper who can’t wait to explore the French Riviera and visit the haunts of the rich and famous.

Whichever it is, this article will help you to decide which is the right season to plan your trip. In this article, I’ve broken the seasons down by weather, things to do, places to visit and more. So let’s dive in.

What Are The Four Seasons In French?

Time for a quick French lesson. When I first started learning French, the seasons, months and days of the week were some of the first vocabulary groups I learnt. 

They’re so handy, and you’ll find they crop up all the time.

The Four Seasons in French – Les Saisons

The collective name for the seasons in French is Les Saisons, and the four seasons are:

Season (English)	Saison (French)	Months
Spring	Printemps	March, April, May
Summer	Été	June, July, August
Autumn	Automne	September, October, November
Winter	Hiver	December, January, February

The months of the year in French

Many of the months in French are similar to English but pronounced a little differently. August is the one I always struggle with. It’s written Août but pronounced as ‘out’.

The way I remember it is that I like to go ‘out’ in August as the weather is warm.

It’s the little word association things like that, which make learning French a little easier.

• January: Janvier
• February: Février
• March: Mars
• April: Avril
• May: Mai
• June: Juin
• July: Juillet
• August: Août 
• September: Septembre
• October: Octobre
• November: Novembre
• December: Décembre

When Are The Best Months To Visit France?

Hmm, this one is subjective because it depends on what you want to do. 

I’m an Autumn girl, so for me, it’s September and October. I love to watch those fabulous fall colours come into their own.

Where I live in the Charente, the colours are stunning, with lots of russet reds, burnt oranges, and crispy browns. It makes your heart sing.

The crowds have left, and tourist season is over, but the wine harvest is in full swing, so you can enjoy a bit of hard graft in the fields helping to pick grapes. It’s an amazing experience known as Fête des Vendanges.

There is a lovely French expression about autumn I love.

L’automne est un deuxième ressort où chaque feuille est une fleur.

Albert Camus

It means, “Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.”

For others though, like my hubby, Spring is the favoured season, especially April, as the cherry blossom is out, and you can feel that summer is around the corner.

And just like September and October, it’s not rammed with tourists, but there are plenty of things to do. 

Places are coming out of their winter slumber, cafes are putting their chairs outside again, and the festival season is kicking off.

If you didn’t know, France loves to celebrate, and they have a festival for pretty much everything you can think of.

Where to go and what to do during the different seasons in France

France is a big country, and the weather in the north of the country is very different to the south. If you’re a skier, you’ll love winter in France as the French Alps come into their own.

But if it’s some sun you’re after, you’ll prefer the warmth of the summer months in places like Carcassonne in the Occitainie region, where you can mix medieval history with plenty of sunshine hours.

The Spring Season in France

Spring is a great season in France. For a start, Easter happens along with the Easter Egg hunts in many of the chateaux, and there are lots of public holidays, mainly in May.

The weather starts to play ball, and France, a bit like the season, starts to come to life.

The weather in spring

Region	Average Temperature (°C)	Weather Characteristics
Île-de-France (Paris)	8°C – 15°C	Mild with occasional rain; increasingly sunny towards June.
Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur	12°C – 20°C	Warm and sunny, with little rainfall. Ideal for outdoor activities.
Normandy	7°C – 14°C	Cool with frequent showers, especially in early spring.
Brittany	8°C – 15°C	Mild temperatures with high humidity and frequent rain.
Occitanie (Toulouse)	10°C – 19°C	Generally mild, with occasional rain but plenty of sunny days.
Nouvelle-Aquitaine (Bordeaux)	10°C – 20°C	Mild and humid, with a mix of rain and sunshine.
Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes (Lyon)	8°C – 17°C	Variable weather, with rain and cool temperatures in early spring, warming up towards the end.
Grand Est (Strasbourg)	7°C – 16°C	Cool with occasional rain and warm sunny days as summer approaches.

The best month to visit in spring

It’s a hard one because March and April have the blossom, but May has the weather. By May, the majority of France is accessible, including mountain regions that might be colder earlier in the season. So if you want more guaranteed good weather May is the best month.

The best cities to visit during this season

1. Paris was always going to be the number one city to visit in spring because it becomes even more picturesque with its parks and gardens in full bloom. The cherry blossom is breathtaking, and it’s everywhere. Sitting outside a little coffee shop and taking in the blossom is really rather special.
2. Rouen, in the Normandy region, is bursting with medieval architecture, which comes to life in the spring with milder temperatures making it much more fun to walk around the cobbled streets. And if does rain, the Joan of Arc museum is fantastic for all ages.
3. Reims, located in the Champagne region, is a prime destination for those interested in the history and production of champagne. Spring in Reims offers the opportunity to visit numerous champagne houses without all the crowds to enjoy some tastings.
4. Bordeaux in the southwest is wine country. Spring is an excellent time to explore the vineyards as the cellar doors start to open again, and they aren’t as busy as they are in the summer months. 
5. Honfleur: a beautiful village in Normandy, with a picturesque old harbour surrounded by slate-covered houses, and the inspiration for Claude Monet, contributing to the birth of Impressionism. And every Pentecost weekend in May is Sailor’s Day, where the whole town takes on the theme and dresses up. It’s quite a sight to see.

Seasonal Festivals in Spring in France

• Fest’Oie in Sarlat: This festival, held in March, celebrates the gastronomic heritage of the region with a focus on geese, offering tastings, cooking demonstrations, and a festive atmosphere in the picturesque town of Sarlat. France loves its food festivals, and this is one of the best.
• The Loire Valley Garden Festival begins in the month of April, showcasing innovative garden designs in some of the most beautiful chateaux in France.
• The Cannes Film Festival in May attracts cinema enthusiasts and celebrities, offering screenings and glamorous events. It does make it a little more expensive, but it’s an exciting time to be there.

The Summer Season in France

France really does crack the flags out in the summer months. The weather is good, offering long sunny days that stretch into balmy evenings, perfect for al fresco dining and strolls through bustling streets and serene countryside. 

And one of my favourite things to do in France in the summer is to go to the night markets. The food stalls are amazing, and there is usually some live entertainment. It’s community at its best.

The weather in summer

Region	Average Temperature (°C)	Weather Characteristics
Île-de-France (Paris)	15°C – 25°C	Warm and sunny, with occasional heatwaves and thunderstorms.
Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur	20°C – 30°C	Hot and dry, ideal for beach holidays and exploring coastal towns.
Normandy	13°C – 22°C	Mild and slightly rainy, with cooler breezes along the coast.
Brittany	12°C – 22°C	Mild with a mix of sun and rain; cooler and more temperate due to the Atlantic influence.
Occitanie (Toulouse)	18°C – 28°C	Hot and sunny, with occasional thunderstorms in the late afternoon.
Nouvelle-Aquitaine (Bordeaux)	16°C – 26°C	Warm and sunny with some rain, perfect for vineyard tours.
Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes (Lyon)	17°C – 28°C	Warm to hot, with clear skies and occasional thunderstorms, especially in the mountainous areas.
Grand Est (Strasbourg)	16°C – 26°C	Warm with sunny days, occasional rain or thunderstorms.

The best month to visit in summer

I might be slightly biased here as my birthday is in July but it’s also the heart of the season, where the weather is consistently warm, and the country is alive with festivities. 

July also hosts the Tour de France, a pinnacle event for cycling enthusiasts and a festive period for locals and visitors alike. What’s not to like?

The best cities to visit during this season

1. Eguisheim: is a picture-perfect town in Alsace, famous for its well-preserved old town and beautiful half-timbered houses. It was the inspiration for the village featured in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast
2. Carcassonne: a medieval walled city on a hilltop that offers a step back in time with its well-preserved citadel and panoramic views of the countryside. It’s like stepping into the pages of a history book and playing host to ‘Festival de Carcassonne’, a big music festival in July that draws 200,000 people.
3. Aix-en-Provence: a city of art and water, known for its classical architecture, thermal springs, and bustling cafés. It’s also home to the lavender fields, which are in full bloom in July, painting the countryside in gorgeous hues of purple.
4. La Rochelle: is the jewel in the Atlantic crown in the Charente Maritime region of southwest France. With its historic harbour and port, Knights Templar connections, gorgeous beaches and fabulous seafood, it’s one not to be missed. Plus, you’re close to the city of Royan, almost completely destroyed in the war but rebuilt in the 50s, the architecture is very cool.
5. Beynac-et-Cazenac: a Dordogne village perched dramatically on the cliffs overlooking the Dordogne River and one of France’s most beautiful villages. It’s the time to hire a canoe, take a picnic and enjoy the gorgeous countryside of the region.

Seasonal Festivals in Summer in France

• Fête de la Musique (June): Celebrated across France on June 21st, this music festival fills the streets with free performances, ranging from jazz to rock and electronic, showcasing amateur and professional musicians.
• Bastille Day (July): France’s National Day on July 14th is marked by fireworks, parades, and parties. The most spectacular fireworks display can be seen in the Eiffel Tower area.
• Fête du Cassoulet (August): held in Castelnaudary, the capital of cassoulet, a hearty bean and meat stew that’s a staple of French comfort food, this festival celebrates its culinary heritage. Over several days, the town comes alive with music, markets, and cooking competitions, where chefs and home cooks vie to create the best cassoulet.

The Autumn Season in France

The fall foliage paints the landscapes in spectacular shades of gold, red, and orange. I absolutely love it. Often, you can still be sat out in your garden till 7 pm, which I’ve never been able to do in the UK.

The big celebration in France is All Saints Day, aka La Touissant.

The weather in autumn/fall

Region	Average Temperature (°C)	Weather Characteristics
Île-de-France (Paris)	10°C – 16°C	Mild with occasional rain; cooler evenings. The city’s parks are beautifully adorned with autumnal colours.
Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur	14°C – 21°C	Mild and often sunny, with cooler evenings. Less crowded, and ideal for exploring the coast and hinterlands.
Normandy	9°C – 15°C	Cool with frequent showers, making the countryside lush and green.
Brittany	10°C – 16°C	Similar to Normandy, with a mix of sun and rain; the coastal winds begin to pick up.
Occitanie (Toulouse)	12°C – 20°C	Generally mild with sunny days and some rain; pleasant for outdoor activities.
Nouvelle-Aquitaine (Bordeaux)	11°C – 19°C	Mild temperatures with a mix of sunny and rainy days; the vineyards are in harvest, a great time for wine tours.
Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes (Lyon)	9°C – 17°C	Cooler, especially in the mountains. Sunny days interspersed with rainy periods. Ideal for enjoying the fall foliage.
Grand Est (Strasbourg)	8°C – 15°C	Cool with clear, crisp days and chilly nights. The vineyards of Alsace are particularly beautiful in autumn.

The best month to visit in autumn in France

For me, October is the best month to visit France in the Autumn. It strikes a perfect balance between the warm days of early autumn and the cooler, more reflective atmosphere as the season progresses. 

It’s also a time of harvests and cultural festivals such as Halloween, which is more celebrated in places like Paris but has become more popular in the more rural areas every year. I even saw Halloween sushi in my local supermarket last year.

The best cities to visit during this season

1. Dijon: is the capital of the Burgundy region, and is famous for its wine and gastronomy. Autumn is harvest time, making it perfect for wine-tasting tours in the surrounding vineyards of the Côte d’Or, where the grape leaves turn spectacular shades of red and gold. The city’s International Gastronomy Fair, held in October, showcases local and international cuisine, offering tastings and workshops.
2. Annecy, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes: often called the “Venice of the Alps,” is stunning in autumn, with its lake reflecting the fall foliage and the snow-capped mountains in the distance. The cooler temperatures are ideal for hiking in the nearby Alps or exploring the medieval town centre with its canals, flower-bedecked bridges, and markets.
3. Aveyron, Occitanie: is a hidden gem in autumn with its changing leaves that blanket the rugged landscapes. The region is dotted with picturesque villages like Conques and Estaing, part of the “Les Plus Beaux Villages de France” association. 
4. Loire Valley: is full of majestic châteaux and sprawling vineyards, and is particularly magical in the fall. The changing leaves provide a stunning backdrop to the historic castles, and the cooler weather is perfect for cycling tours along the Loire River. If you get the chance, try and visit Fontevraud Abbey where Richard the Lionheart is buried.
5. Marseille: it has a much milder autumn compared to other parts of France, making it ideal for those looking to escape the chill. The city’s vibrant cultural scene continues into the fall, with events like the Fiesta des Suds music festival in October. Autumn is also a great time to explore the Calanques National Park by boat or hiking, with fewer crowds and pleasant temperatures.

Seasonal Festivals in Autumn

• Fête de la Gastronomie, nationwide (September): Also known as Goût de France/Good France, it’s a nationwide homage to France’s culinary heritage, with events ranging from local markets showcasing regional specialities to gourmet dinners prepared by top chefs. 
• Fête des Vendanges de Montmartre, Paris (October): The Montmartre Grape Harvest Festival celebrates the wine produced from the small vineyard in the heart of Montmartre and the only one left in Paris. This event, which has been running since 1934, features parades, live music, art exhibitions, and, of course, wine tastings. 
• The Beaujolais Nouveau Festival (November): It marks the release of the new Beaujolais wine and is eagerly anticipated in France, especially in the Beaujolais region, where tradition meets festivity. Initially, it was a local celebration marking the end of the harvest, where the newly made wine was tasted as a preview of the vintage’s quality. The practice of celebrating the new wine spread after World War II, gaining international fame in the latter half of the 20th century.

The Winter Season in France

Winter is a season of stark contrasts, and I’m not a fan of January as it’s often very wet. But December in France is a whole other ballgame. Cities glitter with festive decorations and Christmas markets, while the countryside and mountain regions offer plenty of snow for winter sports. 

It’s a time when French culinary traditions come to the forefront, with regional dishes designed to warm the heart and soul. Moreover, the lower tourist numbers in winter mean you’re not fighting the crowds.

The weather in winter

Region	Average Temperature (°C)	Weather Characteristics
Île-de-France (Paris)	1°C – 6°C	Cold and occasionally snowy, with crisp, clear days and chilly nights.
Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur	6°C – 14°C	Mild and sunny, with cooler nights. The region enjoys plenty of clear days.
Normandy	2°C – 7°C	Cold with frequent rain and wind, especially along the coast. Snow is rare but possible.
Brittany	3°C – 9°C	Mild and wet, with strong winds. Snow is uncommon.
Occitanie (Toulouse)	3°C – 10°C	Generally mild with occasional cold snaps and rain. Snow is rare in the city but more common in the Pyrenees.
Nouvelle-Aquitaine (Bordeaux)	2°C – 10°C	Mild with some rain; occasional frosty mornings.
Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes (Lyon)	0°C – 8°C	Cold, with foggy mornings and occasional snow, especially in the Alps.
Grand Est (Strasbourg)	-1°C – 5°C	Cold and snowy, especially in the Vosges mountains. Ideal for Christmas markets.

The best month to visit in winter in France

Hands down, the best month to visit France in the winter is December. December in France is synonymous with Christmas markets, especially in regions like Alsace, where traditional markets create a fairy-tale atmosphere. 

For those interested in winter sports, the ski resorts in the Alps and Pyrenees begin to hit their stride, offering excellent skiing and snowboarding conditions. 

The best cities to visit during this season

1. Chamonix, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes: Located in the shadow of Mont Blanc, Chamonix is a haven for winter sports enthusiasts. From world-class skiing to snowboarding, it’s a gateway to the French Alps‘ thrilling landscapes. It was also the home of the very first Winter Olympics in 1924.
2. Strasbourg, Grand Est: The home of France’s oldest Christmas market and the capital of Christmas, Strasbourg is magical in winter. The city’s half-timbered houses, canals, and cathedral are beautifully illuminated, creating a festive atmosphere. There are 12, sometimes 13 Christmas markets in total so plenty to keep you occupied.
3. Lille, Hauts-de-France: Lille’s vibrant Christmas market and Ferris wheel transform the city into a winter wonderland. The Flemish influence on its architecture adds to the charm of wandering through its festive streets.
4. Biarritz, Nouvelle-Aquitaine: Unlike the typical snowy scenes of winter, Biarritz offers a milder climate along the Atlantic coast. Winter surfers will find Biarritz’s waves particularly appealing, as the season brings some of the best surfing conditions in Europe. The city’s Thalassotherapy centres are perfect for relaxing after a day in the cold sea air, offering treatments using seawater, seaweed, and other marine elements. 
5. Grenoble, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes: Surrounded by mountains, Grenoble is ideal for those who love winter sports but want the amenities of a city. Its cable car, the Bastille, offers stunning views of the snow-covered Alps.

Seasonal Festivals in Winter

• Fête des Lumières, Lyon (December): This Festival of Lights transforms Lyon into a dazzling display of artistic light installations, celebrating the city’s unique heritage and the beauty of light.
• La Grande Odyssée Savoie Mont Blanc (January): This is one of the world’s most challenging international dog sled races, taking place in the Savoie Mont Blanc region. Spectators can enjoy the breathtaking landscapes of the Alps while witnessing teams compete over two weeks.
• Nice Carnival (February): One of the largest carnivals in the world, the Nice Carnival is a festival of parades, flower battles, and music. For two weeks, the city buzzes with activities and celebrations, making it a vibrant escape from the winter chill.

FAQS: The seasons of the year in France

Final thoughts: The French seasons and months

So there you have it, France through the seasons. As I said right at the start, France has something to offer in every season. It’s a case of knowing where to go.

So when you’re planning your next trip to France, my advice is to write a list of all the things you’d love to do or see. Don’t limit yourself at that point, just scribble down everything that comes to mind.

Then, start to filter those into seasons, and the season with the most entries underneath is the winner. Simple!