Autumn does not have to be synonymous with grey and bad weather. At this time of year, nature never stops changing and the trees are adorned with a thousand colors and smells. For a weekend getaway, why not consider a few days of relaxation with your family to discover the most beautiful landscapes in Europe? Whether you're looking for seaside walks or adventures in the forest or mountains, the lush landscapes of autumn will not leave you indifferent. Put on your boots and head out with your family to enjoy the beautiful colors of fall!
1. Corsica - The Scandola reserve and the Calanche of Piana
The Isle of Beauty owes its nickname to the incredible richness of the natural landscapes it offers. In autumn, this beautiful region is much more accessible and much more authentic. Although everything is exceptional on this island, some natural sites clearly deserve to be visited. This is the case of the Scandola Reserve, the Gulf of Porto and the Calanche of Piana. Located halfway between Calvi and Ajaccio, these three sites are all listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites and are easily accessible in the same day thanks to their proximity. Leave Ajaccio by sea to discover the beauty of the landscapes of these well preserved natural reserves. Let yourself be transported by the breathtaking beauty of the pinkish rocks and orangey creeks of Scandola which plunge into the bright blue Mediterranean Sea. It is impossible not to be amazed by such a natural spectacle where the sea and the land are one. An excursion that will delight the young and old alike and that we particularly recommend in this mild autumn season.
2. Switzerland - The National Park in Engadin
Go on an adventure and succumb to the beauty of the Swiss National Park. This incredible area has been fully protected since 1914 and is the oldest national park in the Alps and even in Central Europe. In autumn, the vibrant colors dress up this magnificent region, providing a magical setting for hikers to explore its softwood forests at the pace of nature. Put on your walking shoes and discover this beautiful alpine environment located between 1400 and 3200m of altitude and characterized by unspoiled landscapes. Whether you are a great or average sportsperson, there are all kinds of itineraries and hikes to discover this incredible region. We recommend the itinerary Alp Trupchun to start your journey smoothly. You may have the chance to see wild species such as chamois, ibex, deer or marmots. The natural and authentic landscapes of Switzerland guarantee you a relaxing break in the middle of nature. Let yourself be transported with your family to these magnificent lands!
3. Portugal - Sintra-Cascais Natural Park
If you are in Portugal for a few days, escape to the Atlantic coast and discover the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park. Ideally located less than 2 hours from Lisbon, this natural area is the ideal place to get away from the city and enjoy a break in the fresh air with your family. With its huge limestone cliffs, its fossil dunes and its small picturesque villages, Sintra-Cascais is a national park in Europe that is still rather unknown and should not be missed. Drive through the green hills that will take you directly to the coast. To enjoy a breathtaking view of the ocean and the surrounding mountains, go to the lighthouse of Cabo da Roca. If you like atypical places, opt for a visit to the fishing village of Azenhas do Mar where you can taste a delicious traditional bacalhau. If your heart is set on the seaside, take a leisurely stroll with your family on the beach of Praia do Guinchos. Sintra-Cascais is the ideal place for families looking for an authentic getaway in the heart of the varied and colorful autumn landscape!
4. Croatia - Plitvice National Park
Croatia is a paradise for vacationers looking for sun and relax in the summer. In autumn, the country delights adventurers and offers its most beautiful landscapes to hikers: natural parks, breathtaking mountains, scarlet vineyards and beautiful coasts. If you plan to go for several days this autumn, we recommend you the beauty of the natural landscapes of Croatia in this season. This trip allows you to discover the most beautiful national parks of the country, between land and sea, from the Paklenica canyon, whose gorges are carved in the karst, to the sublime waterfalls of Plitvitce and Krka. Our favorite is the Plitvice National Park. Located 2 hours from Zagreb, this incredible park owes its fame to the beauty of its nature and its lakes. Nestled in a huge karst plateau, this natural park is dotted with 16 emerald colored lakes connected by waterfalls. Go on foot via the logging road that surrounds the park. For a more original alternative, we recommend discovering the park by panoramic train or by boat on the lakes. We particularly appreciate its accessibility and the beauty of its breathtaking landscapes. Lose yourself in the immensity of its beech and pine forests and go with your family to meet the animals that inhabit the area. A local guide can accompany your visit to learn as much as possible about this breathtaking place. If you're lucky, you might even see a brown bear on the trail at this time of year!
5. France - Lège Cap-Ferret
Located at 1 hour from Bordeaux, the peninsula of Lège-Cap-Ferret in Gironde is the ideal place for the young and the old! This beautiful region located between land and sea is very popular with tourists in the summer and is also magnificent during the off-season. In autumn, the natural landscapes of the Arcachon basin are filled with a thousand colors and smells. Take advantage of the pleasant temperatures of the low season to discover this beautiful region with your family. Start your discovery by bike on one of the countless bike paths and go to the top of the lighthouse at the tip of the peninsula to admire the beauty of the landscapes in this season. Then let the smell of the pines carry you away and stop in one of the many oyster villages in the area. After a long day of cycling along the coast, we highly recommend a gourmet break at Le Canon. This small, authentic and colorful oyster farming village will allow you to taste delicious fresh oysters, with a good glass of wine while enjoying an incredible view of the Arcachon basin and the Dune du Pilat. A way to put together the useful and the pleasant even on vacation.
6. Austria - Hohe Tauern National Park
This little corner of paradise, nestled between 1,000 m and 3,800 m above sea level, is a haven for seasoned hikers. Multiple hiking trails crisscross this incredible national park over a network of nearly 4,300 km, punctuated by lodges and restore points, ideal when traveling with the family. The region has a lot to offer, with a stunning nature that opens your heart and mind. For the more adventurous, we recommend climbing the Grossglockner, Austria's highest peak at 3,798 meters. For the less adventurous, there are many theme trails in this huge park to educate the youngest about the importance of protecting nature. It is also possible to be accompanied by a guide to discover all the secrets of this beautiful region. The Krimml waterfalls are one of the most famous natural spectacles that will leave young and old speechless. If you are visiting the Ötztal valley, we recommend you enjoy the quietness and the breathtaking beauty from the Piburger lake, especially in the early morning. The advantage of this route is that it is very accessible from Innsbruck and Salzburg if you want to discover the natural landscapes of Austria without being too far from the comfort of the city.
Want to plan your family vacation? Take a look at our family experience suggestions and contact us to design your own custom family getaway in the destination of your choice!
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