September is the Best Time for Property Visits
Originally posted on & updated on 17th March, 2025
The claustrophobic crowds have long departed, the air is lighter, and the colours are still more vibrant than at the height of summer – smart travellers have always acknowledged September as the perfect time of year to undertake a house-hunting expedition in France.
Favourable Conditions Ahead
And with months of empty property ahead of them, French vendors are more likely to respond favourably to offers as they look to offload unwanted property ahead of an income free winter.
In September France has returned to something akin to normality, the long public summer holiday is a distant memory, the previously choking roads flowing as free as ever and the landscape, which has always captured the hearts of painters and photographers, begins to take on a magical, autumnal hue.
Weather Considerations by Region
Warm settled days, cooler nights, pleasant sea temperatures, fewer crowds a greater choice of accommodation at cheaper prices coupled with more airlines offering last-minute flight bargains - who could possibly resist a September French break?
The temperature in Paris varies between 55-70 degrees Fahrenheit with approximately a dozen days of rain, Bordeaux remains slightly warmer although suffers from more rain while Nice offers an average September temperature of 68 degrees Fahrenheit with a manageable average of seven days rain.
Perhaps it is worth bearing in mind the southern regions of France are susceptible to the occasional heat wave while the north remains somewhat unpredictable offering a higher percentage of unsettled weather.
Blending House-Hunting and Culture
Without neglecting the reason behind your September visit – house-hunting – it would be foolish not to sample one or more of the many festivals and events taking place during your visit.
September Festivals
If your travels take you to Lille then the Braderie de Lille in the first weekend of the month is a must, the largest flea market France has to offer has something for everyone and is worth the trip only if only to sample the uniquely French atmosphere and mouthwatering selection of edible goods available at every corner.
Over on the Atlantic coast Biarritz hosts the Basque Country Music Festival and in keeping with the musical theme Toulouse hosts a wonderful festival of piano music, the Piano aux Jacobins.
Exploring Cultural Traditions
Despite being frowned upon by many, bullfighting plays a major part in the lives of many in Southern France and the Feria du Riz in Arles offers visitors the opportunity to learn about the history and traditions of the pastime.
September is also the start of the grape harvest, in France’s wine-producing areas, and the medieval town of Saint-Emilion near Bordeaux marks this with a festival that includes an evening torchlight tour of the town.
In September, Aube hosts a vintage car parade featuring 400 vehicles while the Voiles de Saint-Tropez is a spectacular regatta which gets underway on the French Riviera at the end of the month.
Packing for your Trip to France
Wherever you’re heading, pack wisely and include clothes for hot, sunny days and slightly warmer attire for the evenings, which, once the sun has disappeared, can be chilly and damp. If you are starting to plan your next trip, we suggest that you take a look at our handy draw map to fine-tune your property search.
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