I am an inexperienced traveler hoping to get to France in the late summer or fall. I am interested in going when airfare prices start to drop, the temperatures cool slightly, and the crowds start to wain. I want to go when the countryside is still beautiful. Thanks for any insight.

Sorry, I changed the title without re-reading and realize I meant to type, When does the &quot;tourist&quot; season come to an end in Europe?<BR><BR>

Depends where in France you intend to go. The geography and climate varies quite a bit. France, in my opinion, is beautiful in mid-late September. Early October can be very nice in the South. At least in September, all the kids and dogs are off the road!

September is probably best and early October for the south

Maybe the throngs of tourists wane at the end of August, but increasingly, it seems that a second wave of savvy travelers is headed to Europe after September 1. I don't know when their numbers dwindle.<BR>

The official answer seems to be, at least for prices, that the &quot;off&quot; season begins, with the exception of Christmas (12/18 to 1/6), on or about 11/15ish and ends 4/1 to 4/15 depending on the desperation of the airlines. The so-called shoulder season, which has become more popular due to great weather and fewer (not teeny, just fewer!) other travellers, is 9/15-11/15 and 4/1 to June 15ish. <BR>These are great times to travel, although France especially Paris can be quite rainy until May. Shoulder can be cheaper (though generally not as off) and deals can be had during that time. Find yourself some sites which will warn you when the prices drop, and keep an eye out in newspapers for deals.