What to do in October in France

October sees the arrival of autumn, Halloween, and the return of warm clothing… Here is our selection of events not to be missed to make the most of this lovely month.

PARIS

If you live in the capital, or if you simply want to visit Paris, October is packed with events.

If you are a car enthusiast, you will be delighted! From 4th to 14th October, the capital is hosting the Mondial de l’Automobile, which as every year will take place at the Parc des Expositions, porte de Versailles. You will find hundreds of brands and vehicles from around the world.

Food lovers, be sure to attend from 31st October to 4th November for the Salon du Chocolat. Come and meet over 700 exhibitors, chocolatiers, pastry chefs, confectioners and producers, whose aim is to introduce you to the riches of cocoa. You will have the chance to taste creations by chefs and admire their work through numerous culinary demonstrations. And do not miss the chocolate dress parade and the Chocolate Awards ceremony.

In a totally different universe, in the heart of a nocturnal artistic trail, the Nuit Blanche event offers you a tour of the capital through prestigious, abandoned or unusual venues. All night, museums will be open free of charge for this event. Join us on the first weekend of October.

If you are a fan of horse racing, you cannot miss the prestigious Le Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe on 6th and 7th October. The best horses and most qualified jockeys from around the world will be present to compete at this sporting event.

NORTH

Now heading north of France. From 20th October, the Roubaix Museum of Art, La Piscine, will host an exhibition dedicated to Picasso. The highlight of this exhibition: one of the most emblematic works of the Andalusian artist, the bronze statue ‘Man with Sheep’.

NORTH EAST

Music lover or beginner? You have until 6th October to attend the Festival Musica in Strasbourg, and enjoy classical or new-generation music concerts, which will delight all profiles, whether you are drawn to music or not, young or older.

NORTH WEST

In Le Mans, the weekend of 6th and 7th October is devoted to reading with the 25e Heure du Livre. Come and meet many writers, take part in debates and performances, whether you are passionate about literature or simply curious.

CENTRE

Come and take a breath of fresh air in Loir-et-Cher. From 24th April to 4th November, the International Garden Festival takes place at the Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire estate. Like artists, national or international landscape designers create contemporary gardens there. The festival lasts 6 months and the gardens evolve throughout the event, but the spectacle is most beautiful in autumn, at the end of the event, after these 6 months of creation.

WEST

Another festival but this time in the heart of La Rochelle: the Jazz Entre Les Deux Tours festival, from 1st to 7th October. Regional, national and international singers will be present, all equally talented.

SOUTH WEST

Now taking the road to Espelette, a village in the Pyrénées Atlantiques, near Biarritz. Over one weekend, from 27th to 28th October, the Fête du Piment will take place. A tasty, festive and spicy event!

THROUGHOUT FRANCE – BELGIUM

Throughout France and for two weeks, over 1,000 restaurants are coming together to showcase their cuisine and expertise at the Tous au Restaurant event, from 1st to 14th October. And it is not just in France, but also in Belgium! Come and discover the culinary gems of our country and make your taste buds sparkle by tasting delicious gourmet dishes.

REUNION

Finally, let us fly to Reunion and its Grand Raid, one of the most difficult races in the world, with a 150 km course. From 18th to 21st October, the race will feature, as every year, hundreds of experienced and well-prepared participants. But do not panic, if you want to take part in the event but do not think you have the level, you can come and support the athletes with thousands of other spectators, in the middle of the sublime landscapes of the island.