Four of Our Favorite Fall Francophone Travel Destinations

    October 23, 2024

    Want to immerse yourself in the French language and the stunning sights of the autumn season? The L’Alliance New York team has you covered—we’ve highlighted four locales outside the U.S. that we love to visit once the air turns crisp and the leaves begin to change. So pull up your favorite booking site, gather your coziest sweaters, and prepare to plan your next seasonal getaway to one of these amazing francophone travel destinations. 

    Burgundy, France
    Wine connoisseurs, this trip is for you! This region of France is known for its sprawling country views and many vineyards—both of which turn rich shades of orange, yellow, and red in the fall. Whether you sip your way along the Route des Grand Crus, hike the Morvan Regional National Park, or sail along the Canal de Bourgogne, you’ll be surrounded by breathtaking vistas. If you’re planning to stay into November, the famous Hospices de Beaune wine auction is a must.

    The cuisine of Burgandy is superb at this time of year—spanning grapes fresh from the September harvests to truffles and mushrooms foraged in the area. You’ll find local markets bursting with seasonal items, and skilled chefs transforming regionally-sourced ingredients. Whatever you savor, it’ll pair perfectly with Burgundy’s acclaimed pinot noir and chardonnay. 

    Luxembourg
    If you want the perfect mix of natural beauty and rich history, this tiny French and German-speaking nation surrounded by Belgium, France, and Germany is a charming francophone travel destination. You can drive from the north to the south of Luxembourg in under two hours, so it’s an easily explorable country. Take your pick of strolling the medieval Old Quarters and Fortifications of its capital, visiting the Moselle region wineries, or trekking its Mullerthal forests. 

    In autumn, the gorges and valleys that surround storybook Luxembourg City explode with colorful foliage, making for incredible photo opportunities. Head to the Chemin de la Corniche for sweeping views, stroll the open-air museum Minett Park Fond-de-Gras, and pop in and out of the quaint boutiques and cafés on the Avenue de la Liberté, Rue des Capucins, and Avenue de la Gare.

    Montréal, Canada
    This French-speaking Canadian enclave is a très jolie slice of France—you’ll experience similar arts attractions, classical rues, and lauded culinary scenes without leaving North America. It’s Québec’s largest city with its own version of the Seine—the Saint Lawrence River—and it’s chock full of historical charm, with cobblestone streets, spire-topped churches, and a small mountain at its center. The island city both envelops and is surrounded by nature, making it an ideal spot to vacation in the fall if you prefer a side of foliage with your urban adventures. 

    Enjoy the crisp air and pop in out of shops while sipping a pumpkin spice latte from one of the cafés along Rue Sainte-Catherine, time-travel by visiting the historical sites of Old Montréal, fill your camera roll with aesthetic photos of the artsy and vibrant Plateau Mont-Royal neighborhood, attend an autumn-only illuminated exhibit at the Montréal Botanical Garden, and enjoy local produce in the city’s restaurants (for celebrating a special occasion, opt for one of these award-winners). 

    Switzerland
    There are several excellent autumnal spots to visit in this francophone country—Bern if you’re seeking historical city sights, Lavaux if you’re looking to sample some of the country’s best wine, St. Moritz if you want to hike among the famous Alps, or—if you can’t choose—board the Bernina Express to take in expansive vistas from a cozy cross-country train seat. 

    The compact, walkable Swiss capital city of Bern dates back to the 12th Century, is surrounded by mountains, and boasts a looping river, the Aare. Explore medieval Old City for a dose of transportive history alongside excellent shopping, eateries, and wine bars (don’t miss the chiming of the Zytglogge clock tower), then ascend to the city’s Rose Garden for incredible views. In Lavaux, you’ll find stunning postcard-perfect scenes of terraced vineyards—their vines decked out in fall splendor—along Lake Geneva, where the Lavaux Express will take you to wine tastings and local markets. And St. Moritz—the breathtakingly beautiful, world-renowned resort mountain town set beside a glacial lake—is the poshest way to celebrate the season, whether you’re looking to partake in outdoor activities or relax at the spa. 

    If a visit to these fabulous francophone travel destinations isn’t possible this fall, we’ve got plenty of in-person programming for you to enjoy through October and November right here in New York. Take a mini-vacay to admire nearby Central Park’s foliage, then cap it off by attending one of our arts and culture events

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