French Toussaint holidays
The French autumn holidays can bring more traffic, more families and higher demand around theme parks and popular cities.
Official information: Éducation nationale – calendrier scolaire
An autumn half-term holiday in France suits families, couples and adult travellers who want culture, food, wine, theme parks, châteaux and milder days after the summer.
The Norwegian autumn half-term often falls earlier than the French Toussaint holidays. That can be an advantage: some destinations are quieter in early October, while the end of the month brings more family activity and Halloween programmes.
This guide helps you choose between Paris, the Loire, Alsace, Burgundy, Provence, the Riviera and family experiences around Disneyland Paris and Parc Astérix.
The autumn half-term is one of the best times for cities, châteaux, food and shorter touring holidays. Temperatures are more comfortable, and it is easier to have a calmer experience than in July and August.
At the same time, you need to plan for the weather. The coast and the south can still be mild, but inland areas and the north can have chilly evenings and rain. Choose bases with museums, restaurants and indoor alternatives.
This page is designed as a practical seasonal guide. It combines travel suggestions, regular events and advice on when to book, where to stay and what to look out for.
Here are events that make the period extra interesting for travellers. Some dates are fixed, others change from year to year. Always check the organiser's own website before booking your trip.
The French autumn holidays can bring more traffic, more families and higher demand around theme parks and popular cities.
Official information: Éducation nationale – calendrier scolaireHalloween decorations, characters and family experiences make Disneyland Paris especially appealing during the autumn half-term. Book park tickets and hotels early.
Official information: Disneyland Paris HalloweenHalloween season with scarier zones and evening events. Best suited to families with older children and teenagers.
Official information: Parc Astérix – eventsChocolate, pastry artistry and a family-friendly food experience in Paris towards the end of October.
Official information: Salon du Chocolat ParisA colourful food festival in Espelette, worth considering if your autumn holiday takes you to Biarritz, Bayonne and the French Basque Country.
Official information: Fête du Piment d’EspeletteFrance is a big country, and the right destination depends on the weather, opening hours, your interests and how much you want to move around. These suggestions are particularly well suited to the period.
Paris is the safest autumn half-term choice: museums, restaurants, parks, shopping and short distances to Disneyland and Versailles.
Châteaux, gardens and short driving distances make the Loire very well suited to an autumn holiday, especially with children who enjoy adventure and history.
Strasbourg, Colmar and the wine villages take on autumn colours and a wonderful food atmosphere. Lovely before the Christmas market season.
Dijon, Beaune and the vineyards are ideal for food, wine and a slower pace of travel. Best for adults or families with an interest in food and history.
Provence is milder than the north, with markets, villages and great opportunities for a driving holiday without the summer heat.
If you want to make the trip more concrete, you can search for guided tours, tickets, excursions and activities for the period in question. Use this as a supplement to hotels, trains and your own itinerary.
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Yes, especially for city breaks, châteaux, food, wine and family experiences. The weather is less predictable than in summer, but the destinations are often quieter.
Paris, Disneyland Paris, the Loire Valley, Alsace and Provence are good choices.
In some places in the south and on Corsica it may still be possible in early October, but it should not be the main reason for the trip.
Events can change their dates, programmes and opening hours. Use these links as a final check before publishing or booking.
An autumn holiday in France works best when you combine culture, food, family experiences and flexible bases. Choose destinations that can cope with rain and chilly evenings, and you will get a holiday with plenty of space, beautiful colours and lots to do.