France in Spring – Best Places to Visit in France in April, March, and May

Article written by Elisa
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You can set your base in cities like Nice or Cannes and explore other places on the coast or inland on day trips. But a French Riviera road trip is the best way to explore what this wonderful area has to offer.

The Calanques National Park is the 10th National Park in France, and it is the only national park in Europe that is at the same time terrestrial, marine, and suburban. This natural area located in Provence, between the communes of Marseille, Cassis, and La Ciotat, offers spectacular Mediterranean landscapes, rich flora, and fauna. It comprises several islands and one of the richest submarine canyons in the world.

Set your base in Marseille or the quaint town of Cassis and enjoy some of the outdoor activities around the Calanques, like hiking, diving, or canoeing. You can also take a catamaran tour with lunch and snorkeling to explore the most secluded beaches in the area.

In March, many Alsatian cities and towns celebrate the carnival. The Strasbourg Carnival (29 March this year) is the most important, but you will also find fun carnivals in Colmar, Soultz, Saverne, Rhinau, and more. For something unique, however, head to Rosheim (7 to 8 March this year) to see their spectacular Venetian Carnival and the town village metamorphosed in San Marco Square!

Strasbourg and Colmar are the best bases for exploring the cutest villages in Alsace, and the countryside bathed in the first rays of the sun. Hire a car for an epic Alsace road trip or explore the region on two wheels.

Spring in Paris is great for wandering around the city, visiting the top tourist attractions without the crowds, sailing through the Seine River or the city’s canals, and having casual picnics in the parks. Spring is also a good time for memorable day trips from Paris by train to visit the countryside or explore other historical sites in Ile-de-France.

Choose Paris for a spring break in France or as the starting point of a memorable spring trip to France!

Open from 1st April to 1st November, a visit to Monet’s Garden in Giverny is one of the best things to do in France in April, when it is in full bloom. The most notable blooms are those of large hybrids, daffodils, and tulips, which are joined by other spring bulbs like fritillaria of all colors. April is also when two of the emblematic trees of Monet’s Garden, the apple and cherry trees, begin to bloom again.

If you have the chance to visit this part of France in the spring, you will be able to immerse yourself in the flourishing nature and the pleasant scent of flowers before the summer crowds arrive.

Admire the Japanese bridge and the famous pond that you can find in some of Monet’s main works. Don’t leave without visiting the rest of Giverny, one of my favorite villages in Normandy.

Remains of the French monarchy, the Loire Valley Castles are among the most visited sites in France. From Cheverny to Château de Chambord via Azay-le-Rideau, they form a real circuit along the Loire River, and they are best explored on a Loire Valley road trip.

If you are wondering where to visit in France in April, consider this part of the Loire Valley. You will enjoy the manicured gardens surrounding the castles in full bloom – I particularly like those of Azay-le-Rideau and Villandry. Some royal towns and cities like Blois and Tours are wonderful to explore in spring too.

Springtime in France is also a good time to explore the Loire Valley on two wheels. La Loire à Vélo is a unique 800km cycle route along the Loire River that attracts over 900,000 tourists every year. Explore part – or the whole circuit – during the spring, and you will find lesser crowds and more accommodation options along the route.

Best Places to Visit in France in May

Annecy is one of the best places to visit in France in May or late April. With the winter season coming to an end, take the time to stroll the streets of Annecy and the shores of the lake, perhaps with a stop in a traditional restaurant for a hearty fondue or a raclette.

During this period, Lake Annecy’s water will be too cold for a dip, but you can explore the lake by bike or by renting an electrical boat (no license required).

This area is one of the best places to visit in France in May. Discover the Marais’s rich fauna made up of carp, pikeperch, otters, nutria, and several species of migratory birds. Explore the wet marshes (nicknamed “Green Venice”) on a traditional flat-bottom boat or a kayak, while the dry marshes are perfect for hiking or biking.

The Marais Poitevin is also home to pretty villages, like Coulon or Arçais, and colorful markets. 

Corsica by car is the only way to reach the best beaches and discover all the must-see attractions of the island and its hidden gems. There are so many wonderful places to see on a road trip around Corsica that you will appreciate the freedom to stop when you want to admire the landscape or visit something that was not on your Corsica bucket list.

And don’t miss tasting the regional food! Polenta, goat cheese, pork cold cuts, and olives, all washed down with Corsica beer or wine.

Explore the Atlantic coast on foot or by bike, admire the picturesque houses so typical of this area, and taste the delicious oysters of Arcachon bay, available in the markets and local restaurants all year round.

From Arcachon, you can also consider day trips to Bordeaux or Saint-Emilion for some sightseeing and wine tastings.

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