Are you heading off on vacation later this year to make the most of the Indian summer, but still don't know where to go in September? Don't panic, after our top summer destinations, here's our selection of the best back-season destinations in France, where a host of must-see experiences await you, and in the rest of the world... The good thing about this period is that prices plummet and temperatures are as mild as ever.
Where vacation in the sun in September ?
The charming Greek island of Corfu is anchored in the Ionian Sea just across from Albania. Thanks to its strategic position at the entrance to the Adriatic Sea, it has attracted the interest of various European peoples over the centuries. The vestiges left by the Franks, Venetians, Turks and British are therefore numerous! It's an ideal place to visit in September, with its unspoilt natural beauty and its small paradises for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. You'll also have the opportunity to sample a unique Greek cuisine that blends Mediterranean and Italian flavours between two dips in the translucent sea. And what a pleasure to enjoy it in September, when the summer crowds have already packed their bags! If you're wondering what to do in Corfu, take a look at our 13 must-sees.
Under the September sun, at the southernmost tip of continental Europe, Andalusia still holds its promise, whether you're looking for an extended weekend in the sun or a longer stay. At the gateway to Africa, this vast territory of legend, apart from its brilliant historical and artistic heritage and sun-drenched Mediterranean beaches, is made up of wide open spaces bathed in water and verdant mountain areas. Almost as big as Portugal, Andalusia offers the opportunitý thanks to its good infrastructuré to practice all types of tourism. Culture, idleness, sports and leisure activities, lengthy festivals, here there's something for everyone!
Situated on the south-eastern slopes of the Alps, between the Mediterranean and Eastern Europe, Slovenia is a colorful country with a wealth of natural resources, ideal if you're wondering where to go in September. The diversity of its landscapes is astonishing. In no time at all, you'll go from the snow-capped peaks of the Julian Alps to the small Adriatic coastline with its Venetian accents. Along the way, you'll make long stops on the gentler, greener slopes of Pohorje or on the Mediterranean-tinged karst plateaus. Often aptly dubbed "the green jewel of Europe", Slovenia's territory is marked by vast stretches of forest where wolves and bears, deer and capercaillie live side by side.
Where to go to the seaside in September?
In southern Europe, the seaside resort of Lloret del Mar, usually very busy in summer, is a choice destination for a September holiday, as the weather is generally summery. Situated between Tossa and Blanes, Lloret de Mar boasts an attractive coastline and beautiful beaches, ideal for lazing around. Last but not least, don't miss a visit to the gardens of Sainte-Clothilde, among the most beautiful on the Costa Brava.
Rather expensive in high season, the island of Ré, a paradise for cyclists, is more affordable in September. In the Bay of Biscay, opposite the port of La Rochelle, it stretches over 30 km in length and from 5 km to 70 m in width. It is linked to the mainland by the bridge that bears its name. The island has been awarded the Pays d'art et d'histoire label, and is home to 10 charming villages, beaches, cycle paths and unspoilt countryside. Thalassotherapy, hiking, visits to oyster beds and salt marshes, a taste of pineau and cognac, and fishing on foot are all on the program. You'll also appreciate the cobbled streets lined with charming houses, the landscape of the dunes, the ocean and its tides, and the tasting of fish and shellfish.
But if you're dreaming of a more remote escape and wondering where to go in September, head for Zanzibar in Tanzania! It's a real treat for lovers of seaside destinations. Zanzibar is an archipelago of long white sandy beaches, bordered by a turquoise lagoon and protected by a spectacular coral reef with thousands of wriggling tropical fish... Just the thing to make summer last a little longer! What's more, Zanzibar is more than just a farniente trip: it's a dream that has been in the minds of many poets, including Rimbaud, who dreamily declared "Perhaps one day I'll go to Zanzibar...". What to see and do in Zanzibar? Discover our 13 must-sees!
Where to go in September on a budget?
For those on a tight budget, with a choice of budget vacation destinations, the island of Djerba in Tunisia is a great choice. For those who know how to discover it, Djerba la Douce is not just a site of vacation clubs(which tend to break prices from September onwards), sandy beaches or big Californian hotels. Mysterious, Berber, Jewish, warlike and even pirate, the island offers a wealth of diverse facets. And, more than its landscapes, it's its people you need to get to know. Those who made it and those who make it. And who will give you a wonderful trip to an island that's approaching its autumnal tranquillity.
As in Djerba, you'll find plenty of low-cost options in all four corners of Morocco. This country offers the incomparable advantage of combining geographical proximity with a change of scenery. The variety of landscapes is impressive: from the Atlas, Rif and Middle Atlas mountains to the dunes of the Sahara, the wild Atlantic coast and the architectural wealth of the northern medinas... This destination offers an astonishing number of visits and discoveries. Sumptuous riads and numerous guest houses have sprung up alongside the major international hotels. So what are you waiting for to pack your bags?
An original idea for a cheap September getaway? Bulgaria! In addition to its beautiful, attractive cities, Bulgaria is also a generous, unspoilt natural environment: mountain ranges, forests, vineyards, lakes, rivers, deep gorges, caves and waterfalls... A landscape bordered to the north by the Danube and to the east by the golden beaches of the Black Sea. This variety of landscapes goes hand in hand with a wide range of activities: hiking, skiing, swimming, thermal baths... Bulgaria also boasts a rich archaeological and architectural heritage, with ten Unesco World Heritage sites. Mainly Orthodox, the country boasts numerous churches and monasteries of captivating beauty. Discover it in September!
Where to go in September in France?
A jewel in the heart of the Mediterranean, Corsica is a must-see destination in September for holidaymakers, who are much less numerous at this time of year. A mosaic of contrasting natural landscapes. The island offers high altitude lakes fringed with pine trees, granite canyons, fine sandy coves bordered by crystal-clear waters, impenetrable scrubland, cliffs, heritage and customs, not to mention its gastronomy. Largely unspoilt, Corsica alternates between listed sites and nature reserves, including Scandola, France's first nature reserve. Last but not least, Corsica is also a living culture perpetuated by centuries of customs, which find their full expression in the voice, music, arts and crafts, polyphonic choirs, religious processions and unmissable traditional fairs.
Of all the places to see in the Vendée, the island of Noirmoutier has the charm of its authenticity... Dunes and pine-lined beaches, including Bois de la Chaize, are home to magnificent villas. The Souzeaux and Dames beaches have retained the retro charm of early 19th-century seaside resorts. The windmills and beach huts reinforce this impression of softness. The area is also rich in heritage and tradition. Salt is harvested here, and potatoes are grown - the island's flagship products, along with oysters, bouchot mussels and locally caught fish. Products you'll find in the island's finest restaurants. Noirmoutier is also rich in monuments from an eventful past. To discover it, forget the bridge, get the tide tables and take the Gois. The journey begins here, on this ford linking the island to the mainland...
Farniente, swimming, gourmet pleasures or water sports, there's something for all ages and tastes on the Emerald Coast. Take advantage of all the activities on offer in Saint-Malo, the corsair town with its imposing ramparts, cobbled streets and relaxing beaches. Near the Rance dam, visit Dinard and its English charm, with its moonlit stroll and Belle Époque villas. East of Saint-Malo, from Cancale to the Pointe du Grouin, surf, hike and soak up the wild and charming coastline. Enjoy 350 km of trails and seaside resorts all the way to the spectacular Cap Fréhel. The Rance valley is not to be outdone, either, with its many breathtakingly beautiful villages all the way to Dinan, a delightful medieval town with half-timbered houses. Finally, Dol-de-Bretagne and Combourg, historic and romantic cities, promise a unique and sublime timeless journey.
Where to go in September in Europe?
In September, it's definitely a good idea to (re)discover Lisbon and its must-sees. So many facades adorned with resplendent azulejos and Arab-inspired gardens to discover as you stroll around, so many stalls and restaurants to stop off at, so many drinks to sip quietly under the Lisbon sun, there's a magnetism here that you just can't resist. From the Bairro Alto, renowned for its festive nights, to the majestic antique presence of the Jeronimo de Belém, from art galleries to trendy stores and barber shops from another era, Lisbon combines the charm of yesteryear with an ever-awakening creativity like no other city. In Lisbon, there's something for everyone!
Menorca, located in the Balearic archipelago and declared a Biosphere Reserve by Uneco, embodies the very essence of the ideal nature island to visit in September. With 216 km of coastline, you'll marvel at the panoramic views, cliffs and coves nestling among the pine trees, not to mention the golden sandy beaches. And the island's crystal-clear waters are perfect for swimming, sailing, diving and canoeing. And, after a few lazy sessions, you can go hiking or biking. The s'Albufera d'Es Grau nature park is sure to enchant you. You'll also enjoy a visit to the old town of Ciutadella, whose streets will be less crowded than in August, the prehistoric remains of the Naveta dels Tudons, and the charming little fishing villages. Discover all the places to see and visit in Menorca!
Precious jewels of nature, art and history, the Cinque Terre is one of Italy's must-sees, seducing the whole world with its timeless charm. A region of enchanting landscapes suspended between reality and legend, each Cinque Terre is a universe in itself. Take a boat trip, dive into the clear waters, munch on well-oiled focaccia, sip a fragrant white wine and stroll along the picturesque paths that criss-cross the hills, where vineyards overlook the sea... To make the most of this enchanting area, which has been a Unesco World Heritage Site since 1997, it's best to travel off-season. During the summer, the villages are crowded with visitors, while the climate remains ideal in September. To escape the crowds, remember to pack trekking boots too, and let yourself be guided along the paths that link the five villages, sanctuaries and vineyards of this magnificent region.
Where to go in September for a breath of fresh air?
In the far west of Europe, facing the ocean, stands Ireland: a land of pride and passion. Ireland remains a unique land that attracts more and more visitors every year. This success is due to the island's unique blend of landscapes. An insolent and wild nature, nothing seems to have yielded to the hand of Man. Punctuated by green meadows tumbling into the sea, hostile moors, enchanting forests and ghostly lakes, Ireland is the dream destination for nature lovers wondering where to go in September. And the good news is that the weather is generally sunny in September.
Considered Europe's most beautiful canyon and a protected natural site since 1990, the Gorges du Verdon is truly one of the jewels in the crown of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. It's the ideal place for nature lovers and sports enthusiasts alike! Straddling the departments of Var and Alpes de Haute-Provence, these gorges offer a wide variety of landscapes, beyond their sublime canyon. In September, the usually large summer crowds have left the region. It's the perfect time to enjoy the beaches of the magnificent Lac de Sainte-Croix and take a leisurely dip in its turquoise waters. To discover all the places to see, visit our dedicated article: What to see, what to do in the Gorges du Verdon? Top 13 activities and visits!
The Camargue is also a very pleasant destination to visit in September for nature lovers. Formed by the Rhône delta, it straddles the departments of Gard and Bouches-du-Rhône. A land of white horses, celebrated in the film Crin-Blanc, and black bulls, it is guarded by gardians, reminiscent of American cowboys, who gather in manades. Stroll through the Camargue and you'll admire a rich flora and fauna, from bulls and horses to pink flamingos, reeds and sand lilies. You'll also see salt marshes and rice fields, the jewels of the Camargue economy.
Where to go for a city break in September?
Just a few hours' flight away on the other side of the Atlantic, New York is a good place to go in September; the weather is pleasant and prices a little lower than in summer. Among the unmissable experiences, we recommend a stroll over the Brooklyn Bridge, to contemplate one of the world's most beautiful skylines, or a climb up the Empire State Building, one of the most emblematic skyscrapers offering a breathtaking panorama. New York is also home to a wide variety of neighborhoods, from the Bronx to Chinatown and Little Italy. And if you're in the mood for nature, the gigantic green lung that is Central Park is particularly beautiful in autumn, thanks to the multicolored foliage of the trees.
September is the ideal month to visit Nice, as there are fewer tourists than in July and August, and the weather is still very fine. Set between the sea and the green hills, Nice - France's5th largest city - boasts some 10 km of coastline, including 7.5 km of beach, enough to attract holidaymakers! Nice is also home to Vieux-Nice and its Cours Saleya, a picturesque market that smells of Provence, a dozen museums, including the famous Musée Matisse and the fascinating Musée Marc Chagall, and of course the Promenade des Anglais along the Baie des Anges, where it's always pleasant to take a dip.
Also in the south, Aix-en-Provence enjoys an ideal climate in September. The historic capital of Provence, Aix-en-Provence has retained all its splendor and is renowned in many respects for its heritage. At the heart of the city, the Cours Mirabeau gives an idea of Aix's wealth. Almost 500 m long, it is the link between the Mazarin district to the south and the old shopping town to the north. Among all there is to do in Aix-en-Provence, enjoy its shaded terraces, the facades of its houses and its four fountains, harmoniously distributed from one end to the other. Further afield, take a stroll through the pedestrian streets around the squares... What a great change of scenery!
Where to go in September for a vacation with friends and family?
Why not let yourself be tempted by the Hauts-de-France region in September? Thanks to the Indian summer and lower prices than elsewhere, you could well have an unforgettable stay! With 190 km of coastline from the Baie de Somme to the Côte d'Opale, from the English Channel to the North Sea, sumptuous landscapes of cliffs and moors, Belle Époque villas and beaches with vintage cabins, lighthouses and dunes, the Hauts-de-France is a destination with no shortage of charm. This region, undoubtedly one of the best places to go with your children in France, is home to a remarkable natural heritage and four regional parks with biotopes of bocage, marshes, forests, coasts and other areas of great biodiversity. The region also boasts a rich heritage, including Beauvais and Amiens cathedrals, Pierrefonds castle, the half-timbered houses of Compiègne and the belfry of Douai town hall.
