While October in Provence may be considered less postcard-perfect by committed lavender hunters, it’s undoubtedly more painterly and golden-hued. The summer throngs have gone and the heat has simmered to a gentle warmth that makes a trip feel like a delightful extension of summer as things get nippier back in Britain. Fill days with vineyard wandering and wine swirling, perusing trinkets and piles of vivid vegetables in slow markets, and embarking on countryside rambles down winding paths as pumpkin-coloured leaves tumble to the ground. October also means harvest season, and the energy is quietly celebratory. Vineyards buzz with a final burst of life, and surprisingly affordable tastings are on offer across the region, with ruby-red Grenaches served alongside plump olives and charcuterie boards. Harvest means foodies fill neighbourhood restaurants as freshly-picked seasonal produce fills Provençal menus with a deeper, earthier kind of luxury. Base yourself in Aix-en-Provence or Saint-Rémy for access to sleepy hilltop villages like Gordes and Roussillon, where ochre cliffs glow under the autumn sun. For a culture hit, Arles is a dream this time of year – Vincent van Gogh’s former stomping ground is now a quietly buzzing arts hub with galleries and Roman ruins that you’ll often have to yourself.
Where to stay: Hôtel Crillon Le Brave is a classic favourite; while Coquillade has just reopened after a facelift, a restored Provençal village in the Luberon, with spoiling suites, a destination spa, and its own vineyard. Alternatively, for a stay within reach of the glitz and glamour of the coast, check into Hôtel Villa Marie Saint-Tropez.
Reykjavík, Iceland
Temperature: 7°C high; 2°C low
Season: autumn
Flight time from UK: 3 hours
Time difference: GMT+0
Reykjavík is a no-brainer for those seeking a once-in-a-lifetime glimpse of the Northern Lights, with several ‘light-hunting’ expeditions setting off from the city. Yet, this mesmerising natural phenomenon is far from easy to find, so it’s important to pick the right time of the year to go. October brings darker, longer nights before the bitter sub-zero climate hits, meaning you can enjoy the light-hunting season in more comfortable conditions. The skies also tend to be clearer at this time of the year, improving your chances of spotting the glowing display. Take advantage of fewer tourists during this month, too, by exploring the abundance of natural and man-made wonders Iceland’s capital has to offer. Highlights include embracing traditional bathing culture at Sky Lagoon spa’s geothermal pool or visiting the 73-metre tall Hallgrímskirkja church tower for breathtaking panoramic views.
