4 autumnal European destinations

17 October, 2019 | Update: 14/09/2022

Did you know that autumn camping can also be a fantastic adventure? As the landscape slowly transforms into a colourful palette of reds, oranges, and browns, and the ground becomes a bed of chestnuts, acorns, beech nuts, and autumn leaves. Imagine waking up to such a colourful scene. How lovely! We’ve put together a list of our favourite autumnal European destinations.

1. Paris

Autumn in Paris is even more romantic than summer. Climb the Arc de Triomphe, take a bike tour with a local guide, or discover hidden treasures at the sprawling Le Marché Aux Puces de Saint-Ouen flea market. And of course a visit to the Louvre and climbing the Eiffeltower is an absolute must!

Another tip: you can buy a bag of freshly roasted chestnuts at the entrance to many city parks in the autumn. It’s a delicious treat! Is the autumn sun shining? Bring a picnic blanket with you and relax a while.

Campingtip: Camping Sandaya Paris Maisons Laffitte

The Eiffel Tower in autumn

2. Belgian Ardennes

Fancy an active autumn holiday? Then Belgium is certainly the place to be! The Ardennes are a popular destination for outdoor sports. You can go mountain biking, canoeing, abseiling, high ropes climbing, and much more! There are plenty of different levels to choose from within each sport, so it’s a fun outing for the whole family. Do you prefer your adventures indoors? The Han Caves are open daily through the end of October and definitely worth a visit. Or, if the weather isn’t cooperating, take a dip in the indoor water park, Aqualibi!

Campsite tip: Ardennen Camping Bertrix

Climbing and clambering with the whole family in Belgium

3. Barcelona

Headed off to Barcelona for your autumn holiday? Excellent idea! Barcelona is beautiful in every season and the average temperature in October is 21°C. One must-do if you’re here in autumn: stop by the markets for the most delicious food. You’ll be rewarded with a plethora of delicious seasonal mushrooms (such as truffles), chestnuts, sweet potatoes, quintessentially Catalan panellets (marzipan and almond balls), and a world of other delicacies. It’s a true feast for the genuine gourmand.

Don’t forget to visit the fountain show, Font Màgica, at La Sagrada Família Cathedral (tip: buy your tickets in advance!) and do some shopping on the famous Las Ramblas. Want to explore a lot of Barcelona in a short time? Go on a guided bike tour.

Campsite tip: Campsite El Garrofer Cat.2

Many mushrooms on a market in Barcelona

4. Pisa

The leaning tower will always be a must. But why go to Pisa in the fall? Because it’s a lot quieter than it is in the summer. Be sure to pay an evening visit, too, as the tower is beautifully lit at night! Travelling by car? Take a turn around the hilly Tuscan landscape and admire all the autumn colours!

Campsite tip: Torre Pendente Campsite

Tower of Pisa at night

Of course, tent camping isn’t a requirement… you can go glamping for your autumn holiday! It’s a great way to enjoy the autumn weather in comfort and style. What is your favourite autumnal holiday destination?