Although November may seem like a gray month with cold weather and shorter days, it is a great time to choose a vacation in France. With the fall colors lingering and brightening up the countryside and city parks, the cool, cool weather can be ideal for a bit of outdoor recreation or sightseeing.
November has one of the most important dates in history that is celebrated throughout the country. November 11 is a public holiday to mark Armistice Day, which commemorates the end of the First World War. The armistice, signed on a railroad car in a remote part of Picardy, is very important to the French people. Both large cities and small towns have ceremonies to mark the commemoration of the most memorable date for the French and the Allies.
As November draws to a close, Christmas markets sprout across France with seasonal treats, toys and decorations.
Most importantly, airfares are starting to drop and there are some good holiday and off-season prices on accommodations.
France Weather in November
In November, the weather can still be warm in the south, but it can change, so be prepared for the cold, too. The north tends to be cold and rainy, so as you travel through France, it helps to dress in layers. You will see this variability in the weather averages for some major cities:
- Paris: the
temperature ranges from 3 degrees C (7 degrees F) to 7 degrees C (44 degrees F)
Average temperature is 4 degrees C (39 degrees F)
The average number of days with some rain is 16 - Bordeaux:
Average temperature ranges from 5 degrees C (41 degrees F) to 13 degrees C (55 degrees F)
Average temperature is 7 degrees C (45 degrees F)
The average number of days with some rain is 15 - Lyon: the
temperature ranges from 4 degrees C (39 degrees F) to 10 degrees C (50 degrees F)
Average temperature is 7 degrees C (45 degrees F)
The average number of days with some rain is 14
- Nice:
Average temperature ranges from 9 degrees C (48 degrees F) to 16 degrees C (61 degrees F)
Average temperature is 11.5 degrees C (53 degrees F)
The average number of days with some rain is 12 - Strasbourg: the
Average temperature ranges from 2 degrees C (36 degrees F) to 8 degrees C (46 degrees F)
Average temperature is 5 degrees C (41 degrees F)
The average number of days with some rain is 15
What to pack
When visiting France in November, depending on where you’ll be traveling, pack for average weather, but be sure to include warmer gear. Plan layers and include a scarf, hat, and gloves to keep you comfortable if the weather gets cold, especially in the evenings.
If you go to the mountains, it can snow and if it snows early, the ski resorts will open, at least on weekends.
Especially if you are traveling in northern France, you will need to include some of these cold weather items.
- Long sleeve shirts
- Pullovers / Sweatshirts
- Medium weight jacket, preferably waterproof.
- Long pants
- Closed and comfortable shoes
- Light boots or hikers
- Umbrella
- Gloves and neck scarf
- Warm hat
And remember all those goodies at the Christmas markets and maybe grab an extra suitcase or leave room in the main one for French treats. A comprehensive list of France vacation packages will come in handy, including what to pack in your carry-on bag and what medical and personal care items you’ll want to bring.
November Events
If you are in a city like Paris in November, there will be rainy days when you will want to enjoy indoor activities, such as visiting well-known museums like the Louvre. And even in small towns, spending time sipping coffee in a small bistro will be an ideal way to dodge the raindrops. There are some major events that make traveling to France ideal in November.
- Armistice Day is celebrated in every corner of France. It’s particularly moving to visit the many WWI sites in northern France right now. The date, always November 11, is a public holiday with many museums and attractions closed. If you miss that day, you can always have commemorations on the weekend closest to Armistice Day.
- The Hospices de Beaune Wine Auction takes place over three glorious days in Beaune, Burgundy. The tradition dates back to 1859 when the first auction for wines produced from the various Hospices vineyards was held by candlelight. Two candles were lit at the beginning of the sale of each lot and the sale went to the person who made the last offer when the candles were extinguished.
- Beaujolais Nouveau launches at midnight on the last Thursday of the month. This is a great occasion to celebrate and celebrate this young wine. Look for special events and wine dinners at restaurants.
- The Toulouse Fine Arts and Antiques Fair has some 300 dealers who create shops for avid collectors of antiques and fine arts. The event, which always takes place in early November, attracts new collectors as well as seasoned collectors from around the world. There is also a monthly market.
- Christmas markets open across France in preparation for the annual December holidays. Colorful wooden stalls line boulevards, streets, and markets, and with that comes a sense of excitement and anticipation. Even small towns will have an outdoor Christmas market.
- Halloween has become quite a festival in France. Halloween was originally All Saints’ Eve, part of a 3-day event honoring the dead, which included saints (saints), martyrs, and relatives. The night was a time to challenge the power of death with humor, which has become today’s Halloween fantasy. While Halloween falls on October 31 around the world, the French are most concerned about Toussaint , All Saints’ Day, which is celebrated on November 1. On this day, you will meet families who will go together to the cemetery to light candles in small lanterns. and put flowers on the graves of their relatives.
