When summer crowds fade and the landscapes turn golden, red, and orange, France becomes the perfect playground for an autumn road trip. It’s the best time of year to combine panoramic roads, culinary discoveries, and cultural treasures.
Whether you’re traveling as a couple, with family, or with friends, hitting the road in autumn is an opportunity to explore France differently—at a slower, more authentic pace.
💡 Pro tip: Choose short-term rentals with a kitchen to cook with ingredients from local markets. OIQIA offers stays in more than 30 French cities, ideal for planning your autumn itinerary. Check the OIQIA catalog to find a short-term rental in the best stopover cities.
Burgundy’s UNESCO-listed climats are pure magic in autumn. Between Dijon and Santenay, the vineyards glow with golden and red hues, and every bend reveals postcard-worthy views.
💡 Local tip: Many wine estates host open houses and tastings in autumn—book in advance, especially around Beaune.
👉 Get inspired by our blog article for more itinerary ideas in the region — read it here ici.
The Loire Valley castles are at their most enchanting in autumn. The fog rising over the Loire, the golden forests, and the peaceful atmosphere make for an unforgettable journey.
💡 Tip: Plan a stop in Tours, a lively and cultural city where OIQIA offers central stays perfect for exploring the valley.
Browse the catalogue to find the ideal accommodation for your Loire getaway.
In autumn, Provence breathes again. The Verdon Gorges are calm, and the light on the cliffs and turquoise waters is exceptional.
👉 Combine your itinerary with local markets to taste olive oil, honey, truffles, and Provençal wine.
Between Colmar and Strasbourg, the Alsace Wine Route becomes a fairytale of colors. Vineyards shimmer in amber tones, and charming villages invite slow travel.
💡 Tip: Sample freshly harvested Riesling or Pinot Gris and enjoy a tarte flambée in a cozy winstub.
In autumn, the Atlantic coast slows down. The waves attract surfers, and the towns of the Basque Country rediscover their authentic rhythm.
👉 Taste Basque specialties like piment d’Espelette, sheep’s cheese, and local cider at farmers’ markets.
Brittany in autumn is raw and poetic. Waves crash against the cliffs, the light changes by the hour, and the air feels fresh and invigorating.
💡 Local tip: explore the Pointe du Raz, taste a buckwheat crêpe in Locronan, and join one of the sea festivals often held in autumn.
Autumn transforms the Dordogne into a land of warm colors and comforting flavors. Between castles and river valleys, it’s one of France’s most enchanting road trip destinations.La Dordogne est l’une des régions les plus riches en patrimoine et en gastronomie. L’automne met en valeur ses châteaux et ses forêts.
💡 Tip: Enjoy local delicacies like black truffles, foie gras, and walnuts at regional markets.
Before the first snow, the French Alps are a dream destination for road trippers. The Route Napoléon, stretching from Golfe-Juan to Grenoble, offers alpine villages, mountain lakes, and peaceful valleys.
💡 Tip: Autumn is perfect for hiking—crisp air, quiet trails, and incredible views.
From Burgundy’s vineyards to Alsace’s villages, from Basque beaches to Loire castles, autumn is the most beautiful time to discover France on the road.
Golden landscapes, cozy gastronomy, and tranquil roads make every kilometer a pleasure.
👉 And for a stress-free journey, OIQIA offers short-term rentals in more than 30 French cities, perfect for each step of your trip.
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