France in November: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather, & More

November in France is like discovering a hidden gem. While the summer crowds have long gone, you'll find yourself in a France that's refreshingly authentic and unhurried. Stroll through the Louvre without touching elbows with a stranger or savor a moment of solitude at the Eiffel Tower. From the solemn remembrance of La Toussaint to the jubilant cork-popping of the Beaujolais Nouveau festival, November sees new colors paint the landscapes and holiday decorations start to glimmer.

November in France is like nature's way of easing you into winter, one chilly day at a time. As the month unfolds, you'll feel the gradual shift from crisp autumn to the first whispers of winter.

In the northeast, temperatures hover between 36°F and 46°F, while down south, it's a bit warmer, between 48°F and 61°F. Paris reaches highs of 52°F and averages lows around 41°F in November.

The weather sets the perfect stage for cozying up in charming cafés, exploring world-class museums, and indulging in hearty French cuisine. The November weather does often result in rain for some portion of the day.

Dijon • Best Place for Sightseeing

Dijon in November is like stepping into a living history book with a gourmet twist. As the capital of Burgundy, this city serves up a feast for your eyes and your taste buds. Wander through the well-preserved medieval and Renaissance buildings and you'll feel like you've traveled back in time. The Musée des Beaux-Arts de Dijon is one of France's oldest and most impressive museums, and the month also hosts the annual International and Gastronomic Fair. It's a culinary carnival where local cuisine and wine take center stage.

Montpellier • Best Place for Great Weather

Montpellier in November is a secret sunny spot when the rest of France is reaching for umbrellas. This Mediterranean treasure lets you comfortably stroll through the historical center, getting lost among the medieval alleys without the summer heat or the seasonal freeze affecting other corners of the country. In Montpellier, a vacation in November feels less like the onset of winter and more like an extended autumn.

Alsace • Best Place for Families with Children

Alsace in November is like stumbling into a fairytale. Towns like Colmar and Riquewihr are famous for their half-timbered houses and look like they've leapt straight out of a storybook. Your family will half expect to see Hansel and Gretel around every corner. But the real magic happens in late November, when traditional Christmas markets pop up, turning the region into a festive celebration of the season.

Loire Valley • Best Place for Romantic Scenery

The Loire Valley in November is a love letter to romantics everywhere. Storybook castles dot the landscape, creating a dreamy atmosphere, and the fall foliage enhances the picturesque landscape with vibrant reds, oranges, and golds. At the end of the day, it’s easy to relax in the comfort of quaint towns like Amboise or Blois, where intimate dining experiences in historic settings accentuate the region’s feeling of refinement.

Auvergne • Best Place to Avoid the Crowds

Auvergne in November represents the heart of authentic France. This lesser-known region boasts volcanic landscapes that look like they're from another planet, as well as medieval villages that time forgot. November brings a special kind of solitude to Auvergne. You can hike through stunning scenery or soak in natural hot springs, making it feel as if it is just you and the unspoiled French countryside.

Attend the Beaujolais Nouveau Festival

The Beaujolais Nouveau Festival is like France's version of a neighborhood block party featuring wine. What starts on the third Thursday of November takes place over a five-day extravaganza that turns the Beaujolais region into one giant celebration. You can join the heart of the action by sipping on fabulous wines while fireworks light up the sky. With over 100 official celebrations scattered across the region, you're never far from another new way to help enjoy the ambiance, flavors, and tradition, from concerts to elegant dinners and more.

Explore Paris Museums During Off-Peak Season

November in Paris shows the streets and world-class museums thinned of crowds. Visit the Louvre without feeling like you're in a traffic jam or enjoy exploring new museums during the first Sunday of the month when many offer free admission. Autumn in Paris also means special exhibitions in museums and galleries, giving you even more reasons to lose yourself in art and history across the city. With shorter queues and a more peaceful atmosphere, you can take your time soaking in the masterpieces.

Experience Truffle Hunting in Provence

November in Provence isn't just about pretty landscapes, it's when the real treasures bloom along the forest floor. The truffle season can bring out your inner treasure hunter in search of the elusive "black diamond" of the culinary world. Join a guided tour and you'll find yourself trekking through forests with a truffle-sniffing dog. At the end of your tour, you may get to taste the fruits of your labor in mouth-watering truffle-infused dishes before walking away with full knowledge of the famous fungi and the local truffle market.

Attend the Dijon International Gastronomy Fair

The Dijon International Gastronomy Fair starts in early November and offers an exciting destination for you and your taste buds. It's one of France's biggest food fairs and can have you surrounded by the aromas of sizzling regional specialties, clinking wine glasses with strangers, and enjoying the excited chatter of fellow food enthusiasts. With over 600 exhibitors from France and around the world, you can watch top chefs work their magic in cooking demonstrations, swirl and sip your way through wine tastings, and sample delicacies you never knew existed.

Go Skiing in the Alps

In late November, some high-altitude resorts in the Alps open their doors early, giving you a chance to beat the holiday crowds and get first tracks on freshly groomed runs. Many famous resorts are among the first to welcome skiers, turning into winter getaways while the rest of France is featuring fallen leaves. Not all runs might be open, but there's something special about enjoying the early-season snow and the crisp mountain air, perhaps accompanied by a steaming cup of hot chocolate.

Whether you're after cozy cafés, thrilling festivals, or breathtaking landscapes, November in France offers an unexpected blend of adventure and tranquility. From the cultural excitement of Dijon to the sunny allure of Montpellier and the storybook charm of Alsace, there's something for every type of traveler.

For more travel inspiration, explore our France travel guide, where you'll find tailored tips and ideas to help you plan the perfect getaway, or you can find more ideas with our France tours to discover new ways to enjoy your personalized trip.