Your Guide to October 2025 Festivals in France

As the vibrant hues of summer fade, France transforms into a landscape of golden leaves and crisp air, ushering in a season of unique cultural and gastronomic celebrations. October, in particular, is a magnificent time to explore the country, offering an array of festivals that showcase its rich heritage, artistic dynamism, and bountiful autumn harvest. From the bustling streets of Paris to the charming rural landscapes, this guide will illuminate the diverse events waiting to enchant you across France, drawing on insights from various cultural and regional reports.

Parisian Panache: Art, Wine, and Chocolate

France’s capital city, Paris, truly comes alive in October with world-class events that blend tradition and contemporary flair. The Fête des Vendanges de Montmartre, running from October 8th to 12th, 2025, is a quintessential Parisian experience. This grape harvest festival, centered around the historic Clos Montmartre vineyard, celebrates the area’s viticultural legacy and bohemian spirit. Attendees can witness the lively Grand Défilé parade, indulge in local wines and artisanal products along the Parcours du Goût, enjoy free concerts during “Décibels Vendanges,” and take rare guided tours of the vineyard. The 2025 edition embraces the theme of “La Jeunesse” (Youth), promising a joyous and inspiring atmosphere for all ages.

For art aficionados, Art Basel Paris (formerly Paris+ by Art Basel) marks its presence from October 24th to 26th, 2025, with VIP previews on October 22nd and 23rd, at the newly renovated Grand Palais. This premier contemporary art fair solidifies Paris’s standing as a global art hub, showcasing an exceptional selection of leading French and international galleries. Beyond the main exhibition, “Sites” public installations transform iconic Parisian locations like the Jardin des Tuileries and Place Vendôme into open-air galleries, making high art accessible to everyone. The “Emergence” sector also highlights promising young artists, ensuring a vibrant showcase of the global art scene.

As the month draws to a close, the aroma of cocoa fills the air with the Paris Grand Salon du Chocolat, celebrating its 30th anniversary from October 29th to November 2nd, 2025, at the Porte de Versailles. This international event gathers hundreds of chocolatiers, pastry chefs, and cocoa producers from around the world. Highlights include the spectacular Chocolate Fashion Show—a live musical comedy featuring intricate chocolate-adorned costumes—as well as masterclasses by renowned chefs, exquisite tastings of single-origin chocolates, and engaging competitions. It’s a sweet escape that offers both educational and indulgent experiences for the entire family.

Architectural Wonders and Everyday Designs

Beyond the capital’s specific events, France dedicates October 16th to 19th, 2025, to the National Architecture Days (Journées Nationales de l’Architecture). Organized by the Ministry of Culture, this nationwide event, themed “Architectures du quotidien” (Everyday Architectures), aims to make architecture accessible and appreciated by all. It offers a unique opportunity to explore architectural sites typically closed to the public, from historic monuments to modern urban developments. The program features guided tours, interactive workshops (including special sessions for children), insightful exhibitions, and engaging debates, shedding light on how architectural choices influence our daily lives and contribute to sustainability and well-being.

Autumnal Flavors: Chestnuts, Apples, and Mushrooms in Rural France

Venture into rural France in October, and you’ll discover a culinary landscape brimming with seasonal delights, celebrated through a series of charming local festivals. The Fêtes de la Châtaigne (Chestnut Festivals), known as “Castagnades” in the Ardèche, are a highlight, taking place across various villages from October 11th to November 9th, 2025. Regions like Ardèche, Corsica, and the Cévennes, famous for their chestnut production, host lively markets overflowing with roasted chestnuts, chestnut flour, jams, creams, and liqueurs. Mourjou in Cantal hosts its renowned “Foire de la châtaigne et du châtaignier” from October 18th to 19th, while Collobrières in Var holds its festival on the last three Sundays of October. These festivals are not just about food; they’re a deep dive into local heritage, featuring traditional music, folk dances, local crafts, and guided hikes through picturesque chestnut groves.

Meanwhile, the regions of Normandy and Brittany burst with Apple and Cider Festivities, celebrating their centuries-old traditions. Throughout October, towns like Conches-en-Ouche (October 12th–13th, 2025), Vimoutiers (October 20th, 2025), and Ducey-Les Chéris (October 27th, 2025) host events featuring traditional cider pressing demonstrations, extensive cider tastings (including Calvados and Pommeau), and markets showcasing an abundance of apple products like tarts and jams. These family-friendly gatherings, often set in idyllic rural settings, offer an authentic gastronomic journey complete with folk music and dancing.

Finally, for those with a taste for the wild, Mushroom Festivals proliferate across rural France, particularly in Périgord, Auvergne, and Provence. Towns like Villefranche-de-Conflent (first weekend of October), Mende (early October), and Eguisheim (last weekend of October) host vibrant markets selling fresh fungi, alongside mycologist identification workshops, guided foraging walks, and culinary demonstrations. These festivals allow you to explore the rich diversity of edible mushrooms and sample them in traditional dishes, connecting you with nature’s bounty and France’s regional culinary secrets.

A memorable October 2025 awaits

October in France presents an unparalleled opportunity for exploration, offering a rich mix of experiences that celebrate the country’s diverse culture, exquisite gastronomy, and breathtaking natural beauty. Whether you’re drawn to the vibrant art scene and culinary delights of major cities like Paris, or prefer the authentic charm and autumnal flavors of rural areas, there’s an event to captivate every traveler. From the historic grape harvest of Montmartre and the cutting-edge displays of Art Basel, to the warmth of chestnut festivals and the crisp taste of apple cider in the countryside, October promises a unique blend of enrichment and indulgence. Don’t miss the chance to immerse yourself in these unforgettable celebrations; start planning your trip to France this autumn.