Autumn in France, or Fall, is one of the best times for a visit, whether it is to the south, the north, east or west. The temperature is usually mild everywhere, the sun still shines, nights are cooler and crowds are thinner.
After the languorous days of summer, there is an air of anticipation, of renewal even, La Rentrée is over and everyone has returned to work, to school, to normality. There is an extra zest to the days which grow shorter and for me, this is the best time for long walks, to enjoy the last colours of summer in the parks and gardens as flowers and fauna put on a last burst of energy and the leaves turn yellow, gold and red.
There is less traffic as less people are on holiday. Did you know that almost 80% of French people take a holiday at home – that is to say in France? And, most of them take two to three weeks during July and August, no wonder there seems to be so many cars around in the summer months.
The beaches are almost empty in September and October and yet, there’s still much sun and warmth to enjoy.
The forests of France are rich with food in the autumn – berries nuts and mushroom are plentiful, and for those with a penchant for foraging, now is the time to grab a basket, pull on some comfy footwear and go walk about.
The French are a nation of mushroom pickers and, at this time of the year, taking to the woods to find funghi for eating is a national past time. Of course not all mushrooms are edible, every year in France there are hundreds of instances of poisoning and it can be lethal. You have to be sensible and very careful and if in doubt – don’t even try it, just enjoy the walk and watch the activity.
However, lots of French pharmacies offer a free mushroom checking service – simply take your haul in and ask them to confirm what’s edible and what’s not.
If like me, you don’t want to risk it, simply enjoy the walk in the forest and buy some fabulous wild mushrooms at the market!
Mushroom Picking in France
Always use a wicker basket when collecting mushrooms, the spores can escape through the holes helping to promote new growth