October is an ideal time to organise a group outing combining heritage, gastronomy, science and major cultural events. Associations, coach operators, agencies, companies and school groups can build a day out or a stay around an event, then round off the programme with a visit or a regional stop. On CircuitGroupes, you will also find tours designed for groups, with accommodation, meals and tourist services. Here is our selection of group activities in October 2026, along with our tips for preparing each trip.
Why organise a group outing in October?
After the busy summer season, October opens the way to programmes with a stronger focus on culture, heritage and gastronomy. The 2026 calendar brings together several national and regional events that can become the starting point for an excursion or a tour lasting a few days.
The season is also a good time to vary formats. A city tour can come before a lunch booked for the group, and a festival, an exhibition or a local event can then round off the day. For school groups, events linked to science or architecture also provide valuable educational material.
The weather becomes more changeable at this time of year, so a programme with an indoor activity and a fallback option gives you more flexibility. Also bear in mind travel times, the earlier nightfall and the coach drop-off arrangements.
Major events for groups at the start of the month
The Fête de la Science all over France
From 2 to 12 October 2026, the Fête de la Science (science festival) returns across France. Run by the French ministry responsible for Higher Education and Research, it offers events around science, technology and innovation. Many of them are free to attend.
This outing is particularly well suited to school groups, associations and audiences with an interest in science. Depending on the destination, you can add a laboratory visit, a science activity or a discussion session to a day already devoted to a museum or a cultural site.
Before setting off, check the local programme, as times and registration arrangements vary from venue to venue.
The Rendez-vous de l’histoire in Blois
From 7 to 11 October 2026, Blois will host the 29th Rendez-vous de l’histoire history festival. This year’s theme is “Merchants”. The festival’s programme features talks, meetings, a book fair, films and educational events on history.
For a group, this event can round off a day devoted to the heritage of Blois. You can plan a visit to the historic centre or the château, book a lunch, then choose a talk or a meeting to match your travellers’ interests.
Organisers of school or cultural groups can thus build a consistent programme around a single theme.
The Festival Lumière in Lyon
From 10 to 18 October 2026, the Festival Lumière will offer a wide range of screenings and meetings across Lyon. The opening evening will take place on 10 October at the Halle Tony Garnier, and the closing screening is scheduled for 18 October. Joel and Ethan Coen will receive the 2026 Prix Lumière.
The festival also has a dedicated contact for school groups and another for non-school groups, which makes it easier to prepare a group outing.
A day out can combine a tour of Lyon, a group meal and a screening. For a cultural association or a works council, the festival also offers several ways to put together a two- or three-day stay in the city.
Cultural and gourmet outings in the second half of the month
The Journées nationales de l’architecture
From 15 to 18 October 2026, the Journées nationales de l’architecture (National Architecture Days) will focus on the theme “Rehabilitate: building the future”. The national programme includes tours of buildings and construction sites, exhibitions, workshops, talks and urban walks.
15 and 16 October give pride of place to school groups with the “Levez les yeux !” (“Look up!”) initiative, devoted to reading the urban and architectural landscape.
This event is as well suited to a cultural day in a large city as to a more local outing. Simply choose the visits according to your group’s area and check any registration requirements before setting the coach times.
The Fête du Piment d’Espelette
On 24 and 25 October 2026, Espelette will host its traditional pepper festival, the Fête du Piment. Saturday features a food and craft fair with music around the village. Sunday continues the festivities with bandas (brass bands), a parade of the gastronomic societies, entertainment and events centred on the Espelette pepper. Entry to the festival is announced as free.
This outing fits easily into a tour of the Basque Country. A visit to Espelette can be followed by a regional meal and a tour of the neighbouring villages. The interpretation centre devoted to the pepper also welcomes groups and has coach parking.
To enjoy the festival with peace of mind, decide on the drop-off point and the meeting place in advance. The crowds in the village streets can make getting around on foot take longer.
The Salon du Chocolat et de la Pâtisserie in Paris
From 28 October to 1 November 2026, the Salon du Chocolat et de la Pâtisserie returns to Paris Expo Porte de Versailles. The show is open every day from 10 am to 7 pm and brings together chocolatiers, pastry chefs, chefs and creators for demonstrations and entertainment.
For a group, this activity has the advantage of taking place entirely indoors, which makes it a good choice for a late-October outing. You can round off the day with a booked lunch or a visit in Paris before entering the show.
Ticket sales for 2026 are already open, with prices that vary according to the day and the visitor profile. Booking early is still advisable for a large group.
Ideas to round off your October programme
An event can serve as a common thread without taking up the whole day. In October, museums, historic centres, villages, heritage sites and gourmet stops make it easy to round off an outing.
Autumn landscapes also lend themselves to excursions in the vineyards, village visits and nature trails when the weather stays fine. For a senior or association group, however, plan reasonable walking distances and regular breaks.
Gastronomy offers another option. A visit to a producer, a tasting, a regional meal or a covered market can add a convivial moment to the programme. CircuitGroupes offers searches by theme, including culture and heritage, gastronomy, events, or hiking, cycling and nature.
How to prepare a group outing in October
Start by confirming times, tickets and access conditions several weeks before departure. For very busy events, also locate the coach drop-off area and the parking available nearby.
Then plan a realistic programme. Walking times, breaks, lunch and transfers between two sites should all leave enough leeway. In autumn, an indoor activity can also replace an outdoor visit if the weather turns bad.
Finally, give group leaders a road sheet with times, addresses, useful contacts and the meeting point. That way, the whole group has the same information throughout the day.
Organise your October tour with CircuitGroupes
At CircuitGroupes, we offer programmes designed for group travel in various French regions. The tours include accommodation and meals, as well as tourist services such as cultural visits, gastronomic experiences or tastings, depending on the programme chosen. They can also be tailored to the group’s requirements.
The CircuitGroupes charter provides for detailed all-inclusive programmes, a reply to enquiries within 48 hours, one free place for every 20 paying guests, and a commitment to honour the prices, times and services offered.
An October event can thus become the starting point for a fuller stay centred on a region, its heritage and its gastronomy. Browse the tours available on CircuitGroupes and send us your project to receive a proposal tailored to your group.
