15 experiences to do in France in autumn

By Manuel Sueiro

easy reading

France is a very beautiful country.

Many Spaniards choose this

destination for a getaway or

spend a vacation there in the fall.

Here are some things you can do there:

Now that summer and vacations are almost over for most, a new time begins in which the desire to continue traveling or to start doing so cannot be lacking. France is open to travelers from everywhere, with hardly any limitations, except for the logical security measures against Covid with which we will probably have to live for a long time. Although there are a thousand reasons to travel to the neighboring country –and this is estimated by 28 out of every 100 Spaniards who choose this country for their vacations–, we will focus on three outstanding concepts that, without a doubt, attract everyone: nature, culture and gastronomy.

Sustainable tourism and nature

Since the creation of its first national park in Isère, Parc de la Bérarde in 1913, the country has embarked on a dual mission to safeguard and restore its natural habitats and biodiversity, and to boost local economies through sustainable tourism. . Currently, the country has 11 national parks covering 60,000 km2, 54 regional natural parks (four of them have been incorporated this year) and 9 marine natural parks, as well as 47 "Grands Sites" that receive some 32 million visitors. year. Some of the classic natural environments of the country and its good experiences are these:

Navigate the Canal du Midi

Created in the 17th century, the Canal du Midi —or Royal Canal of Languedoc, as it was originally known— is still considered today as an extraordinary work of engineering and design. Recognized by UNESCO since 1996, it stretches 240 km from the city of Toulouse to the Étang de Thau, in the Mediterranean, with a route that includes architectural gems and world-renowned attractions. Natural wonders also abound and make every trip truly magical. From the grain fields of the Lauragais to the sunny foothills of the Corbières and the Minervois, through the rows of plane trees, stone pines and cypresses that watch over the watercourse, an ever-changing mosaic of landscapes unfolds throughout the journey .

Discover the water lilies that inspired Monet

Delve into the captivating world of the painter Claude Monet in Giverny and discover everything about the artist who dreamed of painting and gardening. Nestled on the Eure, in the leafy heart of Normandy, this dreamy floral landscape inspired some of the artist's most remarkable and evocative paintings. Carpeted with tulips in spring and bursting with fragrant roses in summer, Giverny's vibrant planted paths, flower-strewn gazebo and ever-changing color palette have drawn the attention of generations of nature lovers and art aficionados. Guided by the heady scents of this burgeoning wonderland, stroll through the iconic lily and lily-filled pond, cross the Japanese Bridge, and revel in the timeless beauty of the world-renowned gardens that so vividly captured the imagination of the father of Impressionism.

Explore the Loire Valley by bike

One of the most popular and longest cycling routes in France, La Loire à Vélo hugs the iconic river for 900 km between Cuffy (Centre-Val de Loire) and Saint-Brévin-les-Pins (Pays de la Loire). Gateway to historic castles and UNESCO-awarded gardens, vineyard-filled villages and world-class cuisine, this vast road alternates between picturesque country lanes, towpaths and cycle paths. The 300 km that connect Sully-sur-Loire, in the Loire, with Chalonnes-sur-Loire, in Anjou, are undoubtedly one of the most beautiful stretches in the region and offer an endless parade of natural and artificial jewels from caves and mansions from limestone to grasslands and islands nestled in the arms of the river.

1,500 kilometers by bike contemplating the sea

Get on an unforgettable journey along the brand new Vélomaritime cycle route. Inaugurated in June this year, the extensive coastal route stretches over 1,500 km. of wave-washed coastline, from Brittany to Belgium, opening up a vast network of wild trails and landscapes hitherto inaccessible to cycling enthusiasts. With its spectacular headlands, groups of dunes, cliffs and a handful of monuments and other architectural treasures – not to mention a series of restaurants to fuel up along the way – the Vélomaritime is the ideal place for lovers of the air free, history buffs and gourmets.

Scattered along this route rich in attractions, between Roscoff and Dunkirk there are no fewer than five "Grands Sites de France", including the Bay of Somme, the twin Cap Gris-Nez and Cap Blanc-Nez and the cliffs windy ones from Étretat; three of France's "Plus Beaux Villages"; four national monuments and three emblematic places included in the UNESCO list, such as Mont-Saint-Michel. An impressive route in more ways than one, which also has 50 powerful headlights.

Culture and simple and affordable pleasures

In addition to its natural heritage, France has no shortage of historical and cultural sites to discover and rediscover and museums to visit – in Paris alone there are more than 150. Countless iconic monuments and museums have taken advantage of the Covid-enforced lockdown pause to rethink their design or reimagine their exhibits, promising a new perspective and plenty of surprises for first-time and returning visitors alike. Meanwhile, a host of new or refurbished attractions, from the Proust Museum in Normandy and the Cité des Vins et des Climats in Burgundy to the Bourse de Commerce - Pinault Collection and the Hôtel de la Marine in Paris, are back to welcome to an avid audience.

Discover the eternal enigma of Carnac

Ready to unveil the ancient secrets of the mysterious alignments of Carnac? Erected around 6,000 BC. Along the rugged coastline of Brittany, this dense assemblage of 3,000 standing stones continues to mystify archaeologists around the world. Religious monuments? A temple of worship to the moon or the sun? An agricultural calendar? Or perhaps, according to an amazing legend, a petrified Roman army? Theories about its origin and meaning abound. Although no one has discovered the truth, it is believed that they served as a kind of sacred burial space.

See the secret refuge of Marie Antoinette

Left to ruin for nearly two centuries before being restored in 2018, the Hameau de la Reine remains one of the Chateau Versailles' best-kept secrets. Built between 1783 and 1786, this model village nestled in the domain of the Petit Trianon was, for a few years, Marie Antoinette's refuge from the prying eyes of the Court and all her intrigues. In this idyllic setting, Marie Antoinette fulfilled her wish for a simpler life, enacting an idealized version of country life.

Follow the young queen's dainty footsteps through the enchanting lodge, stroll along the man-made lake dotted with charming half-timbered houses, wander past the ornamental windmill, lighthouse, stilt washhouse and dairy before strolling through the Casa de la Reina, impeccably renovated and furnished. After the visit, be sure to stop by the spectacular royal chapel, whose newly renovated façade was inaugurated last spring.

Another way to remember the Battle of Verdun

The Underground Citadel of Verdun, recently upgraded for the 21st century, offers an even more poignant picture of the longest and bloodiest stalemate of the First World War. A new augmented reality exhibit, with interactive screens, evocative soundscapes and extensive wagon rides, now offers a vivid insight into the secret complex's decisive logistical role during the Battle of Verdun.

A large-scale underground city, it housed not only a network of war rooms and offices, but also immense dormitories for the troops, gunpowder and ammunition depots to supply the front, a chapel, an infirmary, and a bakery that supplied between 30,000 and 40,000 rations. up to date. Some 1,500 men worked and lived in the citadel, while up to 4,000 passed through its galleries. It is also within its tunnels that the selection of the Unknown Soldier took place in November 1920.

Take a (literal) dip in culture in Marseille

France's first underwater museum is set to make a splash in Marseille. Starting this summer, bathers, divers and scuba divers will be able to dive into the submerged gallery of the Musée subacuático and contemplate its 10 sculptures anchored on the seabed 100 meters from the Playa de los Catalanes for free. More than an underwater sculpture park, this submerged museum will aim to raise awareness of environmental problems and protect marine ecosystems. To cause the least possible alteration to the seabed, each two-meter work of art, including eight already installed at a depth of five meters, is made of neutral pH cement and acts as an "artificial reef" providing shelter and habitat to Marine life.

Gastronomy and accommodation also sustainable

The passion for sustainability that permeates the country also reaches the products, the gastronomy and even the accommodation. More and more restaurateurs are adopting a more sustainable gastronomic approach, reducing transport mileage and food waste and serving locally sourced, so-called kilometer 0, seasonal and authentic dishes. In an attempt to recognize these efforts, the Michelin Guide launched a new Sustainable Gastronomy label in 2020, which distinguishes restaurants with outstanding environmental practices.

In the products, from the red label and the “Organic Agriculture” seal to the AOP and AOC appellations of origin, there are innumerable denominations that ensure the protection and guarantee the origin and traceability of its renowned cheeses, wines and other gastronomic products. And more and more hotels, hostels and pensions throughout the country are receiving the EU eco-label for their environmental excellence. Many are members of the Clef Verte (the Green Key), the first international network of environmentally friendly tourist facilities.

Savor Corsica, a very tasty island

From charcuterie and cheese to sinful desserts, Corsica's pantry is well-stocked and adds to the island's many charms. Whether you're a pudding addict or a meat lover, the Island of Beauty's abundant terroir and indulgent cuisine will have your taste buds fluttering on your next visit. Experienced carnivores will feel right at home in pig country. From figatellu (pork sausage) and coppa (cured pork) to lonzu (smoked cured pork fillet), the Corsicans really know what they're doing with pork. Brocciu, a round cheese made with sheep's or goat's milk, is the star of the Mediterranean island.

Recognized with the AOC designation of origin in 1998, it is the centerpiece of countless local specialties, including beignets de brocciu and fiadone, Corsica's version of cheesecake and one of its most decadent and delicious desserts. And let's not forget its staple product, everyday secret weapon and proud owner of a double AOC and AOP protection label: chestnut flour. Its subtle and delicious flavor is used to make a number of sweets and breakfast items, from tarts to cakes.

For good food, we will always have Paris

From upscale tasting bars in department stores to old-school markets and trendy eateries in converted hangars, Paris has a food court for every palate, reports parisinfo.com. To start with, a good place is La Felicità, one of the largest gastronomic centers in Europe. Located in Station F, the campus of the start-ups of the 13th district, this "mega-restaurant" occupies 4,500 m2, can accommodate 1,000 people at the same time and has five kitchens, a bakery, three bars and a cafeteria.

Are you still hungry? Then go to Ground Control. Located in the Halle Charolais, the new destination for gourmets is much more than an ordinary food court. In addition to six restaurants/bars and an airplane converted into a wine bar, Ground Control has art galleries, a packed schedule of DJ sets and offers gardening workshops. Finally, be sure to go to Eataly, in the Marais, to stock up on panettone and pandoro. Parisian version of a traditional Piedmontese market, this combination food hall and delicatessen is packed with hard-to-find Italian produce, fresh fruits and vegetables, and boasts one of the best-stocked cellars in the city.

Appreciate the king in the kingdom of cheeses

It is said that this country offers up to 1,000 varieties of cheese. Get ready to discover the secrets of France's favorite cheese at the new Maison du Comté. Located in Poligny, also known as the capital of the Comté, this 3,000 m2 hybrid of a museum and cheese factory has been welcoming cheese lovers since May. Cheese enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike are invited to tour the multi-sensory exhibitors to learn step-by-step about the making and maturing process, before stopping at Bar Comté for a tasting and a visit to the striking wheel-shaped shop. cheese. And for those who want even more, the new Vélos & Fromages cycling route has been created, which extends over 6,800 km through 45 departments and has 87 delicious itineraries to chew on.

Enjoy sauerkraut, comforting in autumn

Sauerkraut is a fixture on the autumn and winter tables in France, especially in Alsace. However, many are unaware that this comforting dish, or its predecessor, does not come from Alsace, but from China. Legend has it that sauerkraut was invented by the builders of the Great Wall, who buried the cabbage under snow to preserve it, where it fermented. The Huns eventually introduced fermented cabbage to Alsace in the 5th century. The Alsatians wasted no time mixing it with sausages, and sauerkraut as we know it was born. Are you ready to try it again and again? Head to the Bas-Rhin and walk the Route de la Choucroute.

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