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France Itinerary-- in mid October?

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My husband and I are traveling to France in October! We are planning on a 12-day trip. Our original idea was to do 4-5 days in Paris, followed by time in Lyon, and then Chamonix. This itinerary offers us a nice mix of culture and the great outdoors. However, in doing more research, it sounds like Chamonix might be a risky bet. Most of the cable cars will be closed, and the weather may be tricky. We love hiking and biking, but worried that it would be a mistake to visit Chamonix in October. Now we're feeling a bit overwhelmed by the possibilities!

So my question is: how would you spend 3-4 days in France in the great outdoors in October? Biking in Alsace between vineyards? Hiking near Provence? Something else entirely? Or are our fears overblown for Chamonix and it's a perfectly good time to visit?

Edit--mid October.

Posted by
6883 posts

When in October?

And, regardless, could you start with Chamonix - landing in Geneva ideally, and end in Paris? Or at least visit Chamonix before Lyon?
Asking this, because in October for Chamonix, the earlier the better. I would happily schedule a visit Chamonix on October 5th, but I would think twice on October 25th.

If not Chamonix, October is one of the best times of the year for Provence. The Calanques between Marseille and Cassis provide some incredible hiking terrain, and the Sainte Victoire and Sainte Baume also provide some good hiking terrain.

Posted by
5202 posts

Here’s a helpful website with ideas as to what to do in Chamonix in October: SeeChamonix.com

It looks like the Aiguille du Midi will still be open in October: Lifts Opening & Closing dates

I agree with Balso, and fly to Geneva, if possible, and then take a shuttle to Chamonix.

Do consider visiting beautiful Annecy!

Enjoy your time in beautiful France!

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