Forget Barcelona and the tourists, this city is ideal to see in autumn. It is warm and everything can be visited on foot.

Autumn is the ideal season to treat yourself to a getaway to a city in southern Europe. Let yourself be tempted by this destination that is full of treasures to discover on foot.

When the first frosts of autumn show their noses, it is difficult to resist the call of the south. Escape the grayness to find the sun and milder temperatures, here is an enticing program for a weekend or a week of vacation. It is also the low season, which means cheaper prices for plane tickets and hotels. Not to mention the tourist sites that can be visited without endless queues…

Barcelona is a safe bet for a weekend in the sun. The Catalan city has many assets, starting with its beaches. The problem is that it attracts its stream of tourists all year round and since autumn is not the best time to take a dip, we suggest heading further south to discover another side of Spain!

The charming asset of our destination of the day is first of all its human size. Everything can be visited on foot, from the train station to the main monuments, passing through the typical districts. In just 15 minutes, you can reach the historic center from the train station. The temperatures fluctuate pleasantly around 20°C during the day, perfect for strolling without suffering from the stifling heat that reigns there in summer or even in spring.

You have probably guessed it, among the cities to (re)discover absolutely this season, there is one that stands out: Cordoba. Nestled in the heart of Andalusia, the former capital of the Umayyad Caliphate has preserved an exceptional historical heritage from this sumptuous era. Its jewel is the immense mosque-cathedral, an architectural masterpiece unique in the world. Imagine a forest of 850 marble columns, sparkling mosaics, sculpted vaults… A true journey through time!

You have to climb up high to admire Cordoba in all its splendor. Head to the bell tower of the cathedral and its 12 floors, the effort will be worth it. The view over the entire old city is breathtaking. You can make out the roofs of the Alcazar, another marvel built on the ruins of a Moorish fortress. This is where Christopher Columbus prepared the final details of his first voyage to the Americas.

The best way to soak up the atmosphere of Cordoba is to wander through the maze of its narrow medieval streets.  Paved and lined with whitewashed houses, they invite you to wander around. You come across every street corner on a shady square, a Moorish fountain or a flowery patio. All perfect places for a coffee break, some tapas or a glass of wine, in moderation of course.

In the fall, Cordoba's cultural life is in full swing. Shows, a Sephardic festival celebrating Jewish heritage, historical reenactments of the Muslim Golden Age… There is no shortage of festivities. On the nature side, the lush gardens of the Alcazar Palace and the peaceful banks of the Guadalquivir, the river that crosses the city, also offer lovely autumn walks. Enough to brighten up the autumnal gloom for an enchanted break in Andalusia.