Best places to visit in September
21.07.2023 - 07:41
/ roughguides.com
Not tied to school summer holidays? September is a top time to take a trip. First up, plenty of European destinations are still warm and sunny, with fewer tourists and lower prices. Secondly, sensational seasonal bucket list experiences await further afield.
For example, this is the ideal time to see Namaqualand’s flower carpets in South Africa. And, if you've been dreaming of a tropical break and don't mind the risk of refreshing liquid sunshine, this is shoulder season in the Caribbean. Good news if you're looking to spend less cash, and are hankering after a blissfully crowd-free beach break. With that in mind, read on to discover the best places to visit in September.
Think you've seen and done it all in France? Think again. Beyond the ever-popular, diverse delights of Paris, Provence and the Côte d'Azur, a whole lot more awaits. Toulouse, we're looking at you.
Though officially outside the administrative région, Toulouse is the cultural capital of medieval and modern Languedoc. And by culture we mean everything from the architectural charms of its Vieux Quartier (Old Quarter), to cutting edge science. Toulouse is the capital of European aerospace industry.
Known as the Pink City due to the blushing hue of its historic buildings, it’s a vibrant urban hub you might just fall in love with.
It also lays claim to being one of France's top culinary cities, celebrated for hearty cassoulet, duck confit and saucisse de Toulouse. It's also the capital of wine in South-West France.
If that wasn’t enough, Toulouse is one of the host cities for the 2023 Rugby World Cup. It kicks off on 8th September 2023.
Discover more places to stay in Toulouse, France.
Pretty and pink — Toulouse, France is one of the best places to visit in September © AdobeStock
Despite being the biggest of South Africa’s provinces, the Northern Cape is one of its least visited regions. Surely welcome news if you like to avoid over-touristed attractions.
That said, spring — late August to the end of September — is the prime time to see Namaqualand’s incredible flower carpets. At this time, the region's landscape of dramatic red dunes is set alight by dazzling blooms. All of which means the Northern Cape one of the best places to visit in September.
More breath-taking natural beauty and wildlife awaits at Richtersveld Transfrontier Park. Famed for its endemic halfmensboom (“half-man”) tree, it's the world’s only arid biodiversity hotspot.
You're also likely to see klipspringer antelopes, leopards and wild cats here.
Nature-lovers will also want to head to Augrabies Falls National Park to be wowed by South Africa’s largest waterfalls — the mighty Aukoerebis.
Find more places to stay in the Northern Cape, South Africa.
Oryx in Namaqualand © Grobler