I don’t know about you, but autumn is a season that literally makes me come alive. The landscapes don a thousand colors, the forests turn magical, and the air becomes crisper, like an invitation to slow down. It’s the time when I love escaping for a few days, just long enough for a weekend, to breathe, recharge, and enjoy the surrounding nature.
And the best part? Rates are often much more attractive than in peak summer, tourist spots are quieter, and the atmosphere is downright cozy. Whether you’re planning a family outing with kids or a romantic getaway for two, autumn is a great season to get away without going far.
So, ready to discover my favorite autumn weekend ideas?
TABLE OF CONTENTS :
| Why choose autumn for a weekend in France?
Autumn is the season when nature puts on a show. The forests turn red, the vineyards gild, and every stroll looks like a postcard. It’s truly the ideal time for an autumn nature escape: you walk, you marvel, you take a thousand photos, and you return in the evening with rosy cheeks.
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Attractive off-season rates
Let’s be honest: traveling in summer often means a huge budget. But in autumn, it’s a different story! Hotels, guesthouses, and even some unusual accommodations offer much gentler prices. It’s the perfect time to treat yourself to a little break without breaking the bank.
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A cozy, cocooning atmosphere
If you love blankets, candles, and hot chocolate, you’ll adore traveling in autumn. After a walk in the fresh air, there’s nothing better than settling into a chalet, a wooden cabin, or a small family lodge. Autumn truly is the season of cozy weekends, the time to slow down and enjoy the moment.
| Autumn weekend in the great outdoors: where to find the most beautiful landscapes?
If there’s one season when nature reigns supreme, it’s autumn. The flamboyant colors transform forests, lakes, and mountains into living paintings. Personally, it’s when I crave lacing up my sneakers, wrapping a warm scarf, and losing myself in the woods.
Here are some ideal destinations for an autumn weekend in the great outdoors.
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The forests of Alsace and their colorful villages
Alsace in autumn is a true gem. The vineyards turn golden, the forests blaze with color, and typical villages like Eguisheim or Riquewihr resemble fairy-tale settings. It’s a region that captivates both nature lovers and heritage enthusiasts.
A memorable moment? Strolling through the vineyards at sunset, then extending the experience with a night in a typical guesthouse. The atmosphere is warm and exotic, ideal for an autumn weekend.
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The Jura and its waterfalls surrounded by orange hues
The Jura is one of those regions that sometimes gets overlooked, yet in autumn, it’s a real treasure. The Hérisson waterfalls, framed by forests of a thousand colors, offer an incredible show. If you love photography, you’ll be in your element.
Plus, accommodations there are much more affordable than in “classic” mountain regions like the Alps. You can stay in a small family lodge or a cozy guesthouse at a very reasonable price. And honestly, waking up to that surrounding nature is a luxury in itself.
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Auvergne and the Chaîne des Puys, perfect for beautiful hikes
If you dream of wide-open spaces, Auvergne is an ideal destination. The Puy de Dôme and the Chaîne des Puys offer spectacular panoramas, especially in autumn when the hills are dressed in red and orange hues.
Climbing to the summit lets you enjoy a breathtaking view of the sleeping volcanoes. And for those traveling with family, the rack railway makes the experience accessible to everyone, without difficulty.
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The Landes or Sologne, immersion in preserved natural areas
For a truly nature-filled weekend, away from noise and crowds, head to the Landes forests or the Sologne. Here, simplicity is key: bike rides, mushroom picking, wildlife watching… I love these kinds of stays that reconnect you to the essentials.
And a little bonus: these regions offer very affordable off-season accommodations. Perfect if you’re looking for a budget-friendly autumn getaway without long travel times.
| Autumn weekend for couples: romantic and cozy getaways
Autumn is clearly the season of cozy weekends. Between the flamboyant colors outside and the desire to snuggle under a blanket in the evening, it’s the perfect time to escape as a couple. I love this atmosphere where nature invites you to slow down, reconnect, and share simple moments.
Here are some ideas for an autumn weekend for two that really hits the spot.
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Stay in a treehouse or a bubble in the forest
Sleeping up in the trees always has a magical touch. In Dordogne, for example, several estates offer cabins with private jacuzzi among the oaks. In Sologne, you can sleep in a transparent bubble and drift off gazing at the stars.
In autumn, waking up in a glass cabin in the forest is magical: the mist enveloping the trees, the golden leaves gently falling, a scene straight out of a romantic movie.
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Gourmet getaway in Burgundy or the Beaujolais
Autumn rhymes with harvest. And what could be better than treating yourselves to a trip for two in a wine region? Burgundy is ideal for combining tastings with strolls through typical villages like Beaune or Nuits-Saint-Georges. The Beaujolais is stunning in November with the Sarmentelles festival, where the arrival of the Beaujolais Nouveau is celebrated in a festive, convivial atmosphere.
My tip: book a guesthouse amid the vines—it’s often more affordable than a hotel and so much more charming.
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Relaxing stay in a spa with views of nature
Nothing beats a spa weekend to unwind as a couple. In the Vosges, some hotels offer heated outdoor pools overlooking colorful forests—a pure delight after a hike. In Auvergne, you can try thermal resorts like Vichy or La Bourboule for a perfect mix of well-being and nature.
| Autumn weekend with family: ideas for young and old
Autumn is also a magical season for children. Crunching leaves underfoot, forest walks, hot chocolate after a day outside—simple joys indeed. An autumn weekend with family is the perfect opportunity to reconnect, laugh together, and enjoy nature.
Here are some ideas to combine discovery and a reasonable budget
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Easy hikes through colorful forests
No need to be a seasoned hiker to enjoy a fall walk. In Sologne, for example, the forests are covered in orange hues, and it’s one of the best places to hear the deer rut at dusk (a moment that impresses both young and old).
In the Vosges, numerous easy trails lead to lakes surrounded by blazing forests. Lake Gérardmer is perfect for a child-friendly stroll.
My tip: bring a small bag with snacks (and a thermos of hot chocolate—it’s magic for keeping the crew motivated)
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Unique accommodations suitable for families
Surprising kids with a night in unique lodging is often the highlight of the weekend. In the Périgord, you’ll find treehouses sometimes even with slides to descend. In Brittany, some farms offer stays in colorful caravans—perfect for a countryside immersion.
And in the Beaujolais, tiny houses nestled among the vines offer an incredible autumn setting while remaining kid-friendly. Off-season rates are much lower, making the experience even more tempting.
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Autumn activities to share
In autumn, nature becomes an amazing playground:
- In the Tronçais Forest (Allier), search for mushrooms and admire the majestic oaks.
- In the Monts d’Arrée in Brittany, the raw, mysterious landscapes are perfect for a family hike.
- In the Marais Poitevin, nicknamed the “Green Venice,” you can still take a boat ride surrounded by changing colors.
These simple little moments lived in unique places are the ones you remember the longest.
| My tips for a successful autumn weekend
An autumn weekend is a bit like a recipe: if you mix the ingredients well, it becomes unforgettable. Here are some small tips that, trust me, make all the difference to fully enjoy your getaway.
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Packing for autumn
In autumn, the weather can be unpredictable: a sunny morning, a rainy afternoon, and a chilly evening. My advice? Pack layers you can add or remove easily. A good waterproof jacket, comfortable shoes for walking on wet leaves, and a thick scarf for a cozy touch—you’ll be prepared for any situation.
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Book unique accommodations early
Unique accommodations (cabins, bubbles, tiny houses…) are very popular in autumn. No wonder: who wouldn’t want a cozy night in the woods surrounded by fiery colors? If you have a specific place in mind, book in advance. It avoids disappointment and often the best rates are available weeks ahead.
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Take advantage of the off-season for a more relaxed trip
What I love about autumn is the tranquility. No endless queues, no crowded beaches, no overloaded trails. It’s a season to take your time and fully enjoy nature. And as a bonus, the attractive off-season rates let you splurge a little on accommodation or a nice restaurant.
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Learn to enjoy simple pleasures
A picnic under reddening trees, a forest walk with kids jumping into piles of leaves, an evening for two with a nice glass of wine after a day of hiking. Autumn isn’t just a destination; it’s an atmosphere. So ditch tight schedules and savor these little moments that make the season so charming.
In conclusion
Autumn is truly the perfect season for a weekend getaway: landscapes ablaze with color, more accessible accommodations, and that cozy atmosphere we all love. Whether you travel with family or as a couple, it’s the ideal opportunity to slow down and enjoy simple yet precious moments.
So, which destination will you choose? Just writing this makes me want to put on my boots, grab my bag, and head off to explore new horizons!
Find all our inspiring articles in the where to go section to escape each season, with your partner, family, or friends:
Note that as an accredited custom travel agency, I offer to help you create your tailor-made trip to one of these destinations and craft a personalized itinerary adapted to your desires. To do so, please email me at: contact@mademoiselle-voyage.fr
