Autumn in France is the time of La Rentrée, the return – to school, to work and to normality after the long summer holidays. It’s also a busy cultural season with lots of new exhibitions, plus wine festivals and food festivals. Find out what’s on in France in Autumn 2026:
National Holidays in Autumn in France
1 November – La Toussaint, a national holiday, a day of remembrance of those who have passed. It’s traditional to put tubs of colourful chrysanthemums on the graves of loved ones.
11 November – Armistice Day, a national holiday to commemorate the end of World War I at 11am, November 11, 1918 in Compiègne, Picardy. Every town and village will honour those lost, laying wreaths at memorials and holding services of remembrance.
National Events in Autumn in France
Journées Européennes du Patrimoine – European Heritage Days – 19/20 September 2026: Hundreds of historical buildings, famous monuments, Government sites and places of interest – some of which are normally closed to the public, open their doors and welcome in visitors. Details: journeesdupatrimoine.culture.gouv.fr
31 October – Halloween: Not as popular in France as it is in the US, but events seem to increase year on year, especially at theme parks and major attractions from museums in Paris to chateaux in the Loire Valley.
Beaujolais Nouveau – third Thursday of November (19 November 2026): The first wine of the season is released at 12.01 a.m., celebrated in France and beyond.
What’s on in France
French Property show 12-13 September 2026, Cheltenham, England: For anyone planning to buy a property in France or move to France, the French Property Show is an absolute must to help you make your dreams of a new life in France come true. Tickets are free…
Rederie d’Amiens, 4 October 2026: An annual flea market that takes over the whole town with a whopping 5km of stalls. The second biggest flea market in France after Lille, which is the biggest flea market in Europe!
Paris, Montmartre – Fêtes des Vendanges, 7-11 October 2026: This is one you definitely should not miss if you’re in Paris at this time. A harvest celebration of the wine made in the secret vineyard of Paris, with dance, food, fireworks and a lot of fun.
Vignobles en Scène, 16-18 October 2026: A major annual wine tourism event across France. In Vaucluse there are tastings, banquets, vineyard visits and more! Find out what’s on and where: https://www.vignobles-decouvertes.com/vignobles-en-scene/
Lille Street food festival, 1-4 October 2026: Celebrates 5 years of gastronomic fervour! An eclectic mix of food stalls and a variety of different cuisines as well as local brewers and mixologists, plus music. It’s a cashless event (preloaded cards needed), details on website: https://www.lillestreetfoodfestival.com/
Ventoux Saveurs Festival 30 August – 25 October 2026: Local festivals take pace every weekend with more than 100 workshops, shows, exhibitions, markets, tastings and more. Details: parcduventoux.fr
Étaples Herring Festival, 14-15 November 2026: In Étaples, Pas-de-Calais, near Le Touquet, the humble herring is celebrated with a huge street food event which features the fish cooked every which way – grilled, marinated or smoked. And it’s accompanied by a crispy chunk of French bread and a robust glass of wine. 9-10 November 2026 etaples-tourisme.com
Festival of Lights, Lyon | 5-8 December 2026: 4 nights of enchantment in Lyon. The Lights Festival is innovative, intriguing and startling, and best of all free of charge. Each night brings a different theme, colour scheme and vibe with designers from around the world taking part. Video, Music and Sound effects are used to accompany the vibrant images dotted around the city. fetedeslumieres.fr/en
Épernay Les Habits de Lumiere, Champagne, 11-13 December 2026: The famous Champagne city of Épernay celebrates the gastronomic heritage of the region with a vibrant festival. For three days, the city is lit up and there are lots of activities on offer, including a firework display and a big street parade on Avenue de Champagne, exhibitions, musical entertainment, pop up Champagne bars, cellar tours and more.
Coming up
The Good Life France Magazine winter issue – don’t miss it, subscribe (see page 4) to make sure you get your free copy in November…
The Christmas markets of France will run from end November to start of January – we’ll have all the info on our website: thegoodlifefrance.com
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