Spring in France Travel Ideas & Weather
Culture Travel may earn a commission through links on this website. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Traveling to France in March, April, or May? This is a lovely time to be in France! The weather is starting to warm up, but it’s not too hot to explore on foot yet. This is a short list of the best spring destinations for travel in France.
Here are some of the best places to spend spring in France.
France During Spring
France is a beautiful destination to visit in the springtime. As the last vestiges of winter fade away, the beauty of the streets and countryside is enhanced by the blooming of spring flowers.
Spring in France begins to appear in March and continues to blossom until the end of April or the beginning of May, depending on the region. When it comes to spring in France, even the most popular French areas or tourist sites are less crowded, and prices for airfare, trains, and hotels are less expensive than in the summer.
Best Spring Destinations in France
In France, the return of the bright sun heralds the arrival of spring. Vineyards are thriving, beaches are alluring, and the countryside is filled with the aroma of blossoming cherry, almond, lemon, and orange trees as the weather warms. A plethora of mouth-watering sweets and delicious works of art may be found at French pastry shops, boulangeries, and patisseries.
Whether you’re looking for a culinary adventure, a dose of culture, or a walk on the beach to chase away the winter blues, spring in France is the best time to visit France before the summer crowds come.
Paris
Spending some time during spring in the capital city is a great idea! Spring in Paris is a magical time of year. The city comes alive with blooming flowers, lush green parks, and outdoor cafes.
Just when you thought Paris couldn’t be any more beautiful, the blooming of the cherry blossoms in the city brings a burst of color to many of the city’s parks and gardens.
You can see the city in bloom as the Paris cherry blossoms around town start to show their gorgeous pink flowers.
Most years, the best time to see cherry blossoms in Paris is between late March and early April. In this lovely city, there is no better way to capture springtime in France than with cherry blossoms framing your view of the Eiffel Tower.
Take a stroll along the Seine River and admire the beauty of the city. Enjoy a picnic in one of the many parks or take a boat ride on the river.
Jardin des Plantes is a botanical park full of gorgeous blooms, fresh flowers, and blossoming trees. You feel as if you’re floating in a sea of pink petals as you walk among the gigantic branches of what is likely the city’s largest cherry blossom tree. It’s a must-see for any cherry blossom fan. If you arrive a few days early, you’ll have the opportunity to appreciate its white twin across the pathway, which blooms a week or two sooner.
The French Open, known as Roland-Garros in France, is a major tennis event held over two weeks at the Stade Roland-Garros in Paris, France, commencing in late May of every year and ending in early June.
There’s a lot to see at the French Open, which will take place over two action-packed weeks of world-class tennis. Night sessions were introduced for the first time in the competition in 2021, and they are still in use today. The French Open is the world’s premier clay court championship and the only Grand Slam tournament currently held on this surface.
Visitors can watch top players compete on the two main courts, get closer to the players at the various surrounding courts, or simply stroll around the stadium complex learning about tennis history and buying some cool tennis souvenirs.
Purchasing tickets for the French Open is relatively straightforward, especially when compared to other major tennis events like Wimbledon. Prepare to spend at least a half day at the Roland Garros.
Chantilly
I adore Chantilly and was lucky enough to discover this gorgeous town a couple of summers back.
Chantilly, France is a small town located in the Oise department of northern France. It is just a 20-minute train ride away from Paris. It is best known for its Château de Chantilly, a grand castle that was built in the 16th century and is now a popular tourist attraction.
The town has been inhabited since the Neolithic period. During the Middle Ages, it was an important trading center and was home to several powerful families. In the 19th century, it became a popular destination for wealthy Parisians who wanted to escape the city and enjoy its natural beauty.
Lace-making became a hallmark of the town’s craftsmanship. The lace was originally made by nuns from the local convent, who used it to decorate religious garments. Over time, it became popular among the French aristocracy and was used to adorn clothing and furnishings. Learn about the history of lace-making in France at the Chantilly Lace museum.
Loire Valley
The Festival des Jardins in Chaumont sur Loire in the Loire Valley is an annual event that celebrates the beauty of flowers and the region’s rich cultural heritage. The festival takes place in April and May when the flowers are in full bloom.
It takes place on the stunning grounds of Château de Villandry, a 16th-century castle surrounded by lush gardens. Visitors can explore the gardens and take part in activities such as guided tours, workshops, concerts, live performances, and art exhibitions. The festival also features a variety of food stalls offering local delicacies.
The Loire Valley is known for its stunning landscapes and picturesque villages, making it an ideal destination to explore France’s countryside. With its vibrant colors and fragrant blooms, the Festival des Jardins is a great way to experience the beauty of this region.
Easter in Alsace
Alsace is a region in France that has a long history of celebrating Easter. The celebration of Easter in Alsace dates back to the Middle Ages when it was celebrated with religious services and processions. During this time, the people of Alsace would decorate their homes with colorful eggs and flowers, as well as bake special cakes and bread for the occasion.
Today, Easter is still celebrated in Alsace with many of the same traditions. On Easter Sunday, churches throughout the region hold special services and processions. People also decorate their homes with colorful eggs and flowers, as well as bake special cakes and bread for the occasion. In addition to these traditional activities, many towns in Alsace also host Easter markets where visitors can purchase local crafts and food items.
Visitors to Alsace during Easter can experience all of these traditional activities firsthand. Many towns host special events such as parades or egg hunts for children. Travelers can also explore local markets to find unique gifts or sample traditional dishes such as choucroute garnie (a type of sauerkraut dish). For a more spiritual experience, there are churches throughout the region that offer special services on Easter Sunday.
No matter how you choose to celebrate Easter in Alsace, it is sure to be an unforgettable experience!
Berck-sur-Mer
The International Kite Festival in Berck-sur-Mer has been held annually since 1985. It is one of the largest kite festivals in Europe and attracts thousands of visitors each year. The festival is held on the beach of Berck-sur-Mer, a small town located on the northern coast of France. During the festival, kite fans from all over the world come together to show off their skills and compete in various kite competitions.
The International Kite Festival features a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy, including kite-flying demonstrations, workshops, and competitions. There are also live music performances, food stalls, and other attractions. The festival usually lasts two days in late April or early May.
If you’re interested in visiting the International Kite Festival in Berck-sur-Mer, there are several ways to do so. You can take a train from Paris to Berck-sur-Mer or drive from other nearby cities such as Calais or Boulogne-sur-Mer. Once you arrive in Berck-sur-Mer, you can find accommodation at one of the many hotels or campsites located near the beach where the festival takes place.
No matter how you choose to get there, attending the International Kite Festival is sure to be an extraordinary experience!
Cannes
A gorgeous city with excellent beaches and plenty of things to see and do, Cannes itself is a must-see destination. When visiting the Côte d’Azur and the French Riviera, it’s a terrific area to stay for a few days to take it all in.
At the end of May, the cinema elite head to Cannes for the famous Cannes film festival. Cannes is unique among the A-list film festivals in that it is mostly attended by members of the film business and members of the media, rather than the public. Accreditation, screenings, and admission into official locations are all strictly regulated, with the main portion of the festival being off-limits to the public for the duration of the festival.
Visitors to Cannes may, of course, attend the festival, but what they will see is just a lot of “suits” roaming around with badges on their lapels. Evenings on the beach, on the other hand, are generally filled with free movie screenings.
Taking a stroll along la Croisette is a unique experience since all of the major hotels have banners and displays advertising the films that they are supporting. The beach restaurants are bustling with private parties and live music, and there is generally more advertising material displayed on the pontoons near the restaurants. From the Croisette, you can get a bird’s eye view of what is going on below.
Climb to the top of the old town Cannes for a bird’s eye view of everything going on, as well as take in the stunning views over the Esterel and the Isles de Lerins if you have time.
Monaco
Why not hop the border to visit Monaco in spring? Monaco is a fantastic spot to spend time during the spring. Walking is the best way to explore Monaco, its fascinating past, and the lifestyle of the locals. There are several public elevators and moving stairways that make it possible to go to each district in minutes rather than hours. It takes only 45 minutes to walk from east to west across Monaco’s main street.
Casino Square is a must-see attraction in Monaco. Famous for its link with author Ian Fleming’s James Bond, the Monte Carlo Casino is a fantastic destination for shopping, drinking, and gambling. Try your luck against some of the world’s top rollers while taking in the sights and sounds of the Casino Palace’s gorgeous grounds and distinctive architecture.
The Circuit de Monaco, the host of one of the most historic races in the Formula One Championship, provides fans with an unforgettable experience that they will never forget. During a weekend of memorable racing, you may try your luck at the Casino de Monte-Carlo or sit back and watch racers push themselves to their utmost on the track.
The Grand Prix takes place in the streets of Monaco, which makes getting around the city difficult. Due to the fact that the Monaco track is located on the narrow streets of a bustling city, access is a little different than at other Formula One races in Europe. In addition, the circuit itself is closed to vehicles and pedestrians each morning during Grand Prix weekend between 5:30 and 8am and then reopened once the race has concluded on the track, between 19:30 and 20:30.
The Monaco Grand Prix is a fantastic event taking place in spring in France and the people in the grandstands are really nice.
Without a ticket, you may watch the Monaco Grand Prix on TV. Otherwise, the Friday before the major race is always free, with all of the same sounds, smells, vibrations, feelings, and excitement… but with no need to purchase a ticket to attend.
Visiting France in Springtime
Spring Weather in France
In spring, France typically experiences mild temperatures, with average highs of around 18-20°C (64-68°F). Rainfall is common, especially in the northern and western regions, while the south and east tend to be drier. Sunshine increases as the season continues, with average hours of sunshine ranging from 6-10 hours per day.
What to Pack for Spring in France
When choosing your outfits for France, pick “smart” or “dressed up” casual wear appropriate for the occasion. Take well-tailored jeans paired with a stunning shirt, a trench coat, and a pair of comfy ankle boots. Depending on how much time you want to spend outdoors and how cold the conditions are, you may require warmer apparel, which you may prepare by layering clothing as needed.
- Lightweight clothing: sweaters, long-sleeved shirts, jeans, t-shirts
- Light raincoat/waterproof jacket
- Comfortable shoes and ballet flats
- Hat/scarf
- Sunglasses
In France, spring is the most romantic season of the year. This peculiar ambiance is created by the delicate greenery, the first blossoms, and the tentative waking of nature. Rivers flood their banks at this time of year, chestnut trees bloom, and cities and villages are enveloped in a fragrant cloud of air. Gentle trees with the lightest laces of white and pink flowers adorn the stone jungles of cities, illuminating them. The typical wedding season in France occurs in the spring when the streets are packed with wedding procession participants.
