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Fall in France — From Paris to Bordeaux
Fall is arguably one of the best seasons in France — the once bustling summer crowds have given way to the lively rhythm of locals, the air is reminiscent of a crisp glass of champagne and the cooler temperatures invite cozy layers. Rainy days are easily spent at the Louvre or exploring an 18th-century chateaux (Loire Valley is a must if you haven't been). And if your timing is right, a visit to the vineyards may land during harvest season where you can savor the fresh juice from a newly picked batch of grapes — albeit the wine tasting is where the fun is at.
Continue scrolling for some essential tips for your trip to France and to see what I packed in my suitcase.
And thank you to our amazing travel planners, Thurston Rivera Luxury Travel for organizing the best French itinerary and keeping logistics as streamlined as it gets.
Heather Grey Double Tweed Long CoatSoeur
Printed Silk Twill Scarf
Soeur
Short-Sleeved Jumper in Wool and Alpaga
Soeur
Brie FlatA.Emery
Sport Leather-Trimmed Nylon Sneakers
Toteme
Zoe Brushed Cashmere Crewneck SweaterAlmada Label
Jean Cuff + Large Astrid Cuff SetAgmes
Umi Brushed Cashmere SkirtAlmada Label
Lady Jackets
Polished and sculpted, the lady jacket is the quintessential Parisian piece. A tweed option is particularly appealing, adding texture and interest to any outfit. Pair it with a double espresso and buttery croissant while people-watching at a nearby café—and if I'm going to state the obvious, Café de Flore never disappoints.
Paige Tweed Boucle JacketNili Lotan
Sleeveless Scarf TopHelmut Lang
Marled Fringe-Trim Sweater Lady JacketJ.Crew
Croc-Effect Leather Belt
Ben-Amun
Tobacco Herringbone Trousers
Soeur
Tropicana Shamo Cotton Velvet-Trimmed Sequined satin jacketBlazé Milano
Dollop Recycled Gold Vermeil Hoop EarringsCompletedworks
Twill TrousersTory Burch
3.1 Phillip Lim
Alexa Soft Penny Loafers
The Mini
As temperatures drop, my skirt hem rises. I love pairing mini skirts with tights and balancing the look with an oversized sweater. It's a great outfit option for a day of vintage shopping and treasure hunting through Paul Bert Serpette. For an expert guide through the market reach out to @lecoupdefoudreparis
Corduroy Mini SkirtMassimo Dutti
Boxy Alpaca Knit SweaterToteme
Cleo Leather Wrap Skirt
The Frankie Shop
Velvet De Luxe 66 TightsWolford
45mm Horsebit Boots
Gucci
Embroidered Wool-Blend Scarf
Toteme
Delphi Ribbed Jersey Top
Agolde
Lulua Coci Checked Wool-Blend Miniskirt
Blazé Milano
Luna Metallic Leather Ballet Flats
Le Monde Beryl
Sheer Details
Parisian nights call for simple elegance balanced by a little je ne sais quoi. I opted for this Khaite top featuring sheer tulle paneling and raw edge seams. We went to dinner at Maxim's which had quite the scene. For a more casual intimate night out, we loved dinner at Le Chardenoux or if you can manage a resy, Chez l'Ami Louis is a must.
Sasmo Tulle-Paneled Cotton-Blend Duchesse-satin top
Khaite
Starburst Dome Earrings
Carolina Herrera
Satin Slingback Pumps
Toteme
Romy Patent-Leather Mules
Saint Laurent
Eli Mesh Top
Diane Von Furstenberg
Nappa Leather Trousers with Seam DetailsMassimo Dutti
Gaia Gold-Plated Enamel Twist Ring
Ivi
Easy SEts
As much as we would have loved to stay in Paris for the entirety of our trip, we were excited to explore other regions of France—especially wine country. Whether traveling by planes, trains, or automobiles, I always reach for an easy co-ord for comfort and ease. Add a chic jacket for an elevated, layered look.
Abadia
COS
Double-Breasted Satin-Twill Trench Coat
Pure Cashmere Turtleneck Jumper
Pure Cashmere Wide-Leg TrousersCOS
Loro Piana
Rebecca Calfskin Ballerina Flats
Double Wool and Cashmere-Blend Baseball Cap
Toteme
Capsule TopStaud
Knack PantsStaud
Toteme
Quilted Jersey Jacket
Knitwear
A sweater goes without saying, so I'll spare you an explanation, but I will say, a sweater paired with perfectly blue skies on a chilly Fall afternoon drinking a French red in the heart of Pomerol doesn't get much better. Our favorite wine regions we visited were Sancerre, Pomerol, and Saint-Émilion. Stop in Loire Valley between wineries to tour the historic castles and chateaux.
Striped Brushed-Mohair Crew-Neck JumperCos
Arduino Cardigan Sweater
Weekend Max Mara
Hera Oversized Dome Ridge Stud Earrings
Missoma
Willow Red Cotton Denim Jeans
Ulla JOhnson
Chloé
Judith Studded Leather Mules
Milea Balloon-Sleeve Knit Wool-Blend Sweater
By Malene Birger
By Malene Birger
Christina Knit Wool-Blend Maxi Skirt
Stevie Lace-Trimmed Silk Crepe Midi Slip DressAnderson Cropped Tux Jacket
A.L.C.
Françoise
Elena Leather Knee-High Heeled Riding Boots
Mila Long Sleeve Knit Midi DressUlla Johnson
Ulla Johnson
Suede Moments
Our trip ended in Bordeaux — an old city with a young sprit and Paris' much more casual sister. It was the perfect city to indulge in Fall's favorite trend, suede. Which always brings a touch of warmth to any outfit. I opted for this paneled suede skirt from Massimo Dutti and added studded Khaite boots for a little edge. For cool beats and really good eats, book dinner at Cafe Manusco.
Tall Sprout Suede ToteLittle Liffner
Nappa Leather Jacket with Buttons
Massimo Dutti
Bracelet Embellished Glossed Textured-Leather Shoulder bag
Chloé
Suede Leather Midi Skirt with Seam Details
Massimo Dutti
Khaite
Studded Leather Wedge Ankle Boots
24K Gold-Plated EarringsValére
Duane Suede Blazer
Veronica Beard
Gwen Lace-Trim Slip Skirt in Textured Satin
J.Crew
J.Crew
Sheer Rolled-Edge Trouser Socks Three-Pack
