10+ Magical French Destinations You’ll Want to Explore During Spring in France!

Last Updated on 16th March 2023 by Sophie Nadeau

From medieval villages to hearty dining experiences to a glittering coastline, France tops many visitor to Europe’s bucket lists, and for good reason. One of the best times to head to France is during the springtime. Here are 10+ magical French destinations you’ll want to explore during spring in France including answers to the most FAQs that visitors to l’Hexagone have!

Psst. If you’re planning to visit Paris, then we’ve created a gorgeous 100+ page eBook full of beautiful photos and insider tips by a local. Included you’ll find hidden gems, arrondissement guides, walking tours, suggested itineraries, and more. Find more information here.

Why visit France in the spring?

I’ll let you into a little secret: the best time to visit l’Hexagone is just before peak season. And when I say that, I mean, in the weeks and months of springtime when the days are longer and the weather is clearer. So visit France while the cherry blossoms are in bloom, the weather is warm, if-a-little-volatile, and all the French châteaux are open…

Best French destinations to visit in springtime

#1 Paris, Ile de France

As the City of Love and the City of Light, there is no better time to visit Paris than in the spring. The crowds are fewer and the days are longer, giving you ample time to explore the French capital.

Some of the best things to do in Paris during the springtime include searching for cherry blossoms, checking out some of the smaller museums in Paris when it rains, and enjoying French coffee culture.

If you have a little more time to explore the French capital during your spring escape, be sure to visit one of Île de France’s many châteaux without the crowds which inevitably flock to the structures come the summer months. One of the best day trips from Paris in the spring is to Sceaux, a French Château which is home to its own cherry blossom orchard!

#2 Aix-en-Provence, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur

Located in the heart of Provence, under a mighty mountain by the name of Montagne Sainte-Victoire, Aix-en-Provence is the perfect escape from the sometimes dreary weather of Northern France in the spring months.

Instead, in the south, the weather is much warmer, and with it comes the opportunity to embark on plenty of lengthy coastal walks. The sunny city is characterised by its warm stone, many fountains (to the point that the city is often referred to as ‘the city of a thousand fountains’), and wealth of hidden gems.

When in the South of France, be sure to enjoy all of the charming towns and villages which the region has to offer, including some of my favourites; Cassis and La Ciotat. Head to Aix in the spring to enjoy the city of a hundred fountains, as well as its surrounds, without the crowds of the summer months…

#3 Metz, Grand-Est

The pretty city of Metz is easily one of the most underrated cities in France if not all of Europe. This is probably because it’s nestled between the bubbling region of Champagne and the fairytale-esque cities of Alsace, two must-sees on any ‘top list’ of things to do in France.

Nevertheless, the city of Metz is located just half an hour from the tiny country of Luxembourg and can also be easily be combined with visits to Germany or Switzerland. Highlights of Metz include visiting the vast cathedral (one of the largest in all of France), several festivals held at various points throughout the year, and the city’s many museums.

#4 Loire Valley, Centre Val de Loire

If you’re a fan of French history, stunning architecture, and all of the castles, then you simply must head to the Loire Valley, which can even be visited as a day trip from Paris if you’re running short on time! Home to countless castles and palatial family homes, the best time to visit the many châteaux of the Loire is when spring is in the air.

Whereas many French châteaux close for low season (i.e. the winter), come springtime, all the buildings are open to the public, making the first few months of the year the perfect time for a Loire Valley road trip.

Visit Cheverny to experience trailing wisteria and Chenonceau to see all the spring bloom! Elsewhere in the region, Château de Chambord is alleged to have been partly designed by Leonardo da Vinci. Those who are looking for a town to stay in can consider Tours or Amboise.

#5 Mont Saint Michel, Normandy

The conically shaped tidal island of Mont Saint Michel has been inhabited since time immemorial and is now the site of a breathtakingly beautiful abbey. First built during the middle ages for an order of monks (the same brothers who constructed Cornwall’s Saint Michael’s Mount), the history of the island stretches back for centuries.

Today the ecclesiastical building is one of the most recognisable buildings in France. While the weather is never guaranteed to be good in Normandy, even during the summer months, visit during the spring and you’ll get much more of the place to yourself!

#6 Saint-Malo, Brittany

You may well recognise the name of the walled city from the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, ‘All the Light We Cannot See‘ (a book about France I highly recommend reading if you haven’t done so already).

Inhabitants of the walled city of Saint-Malo refer to themselves as ‘Malouins’ and the city has a long history of connections with seafaring pirates and privateers and you can enjoy fanntastic desciptions of historic Saint-Malo if you read the book All the Light We Cannot See.

Best visited in the late spring, so as to get the best chance of the best weather possible, a trip to Saint-Malo can easily be combined with a visit to Mont Saint Michel. Elsewhere in the walled city, highlights include several museums, as well as some of the best crêpes to be found anywhere in France.

#7 Bordeaux, Nouvelle Aquitaine

The well-trodden wine routes through France centre on Bordeaux, an area best known for its rich red offerings. In fact, there are six wine regions in the region, known collectively as the ‘Bordeaux wine routes’.

Head to the port city of Bordeaux in the spring to experience the beauty of this French riverside settlement before the rest of the crowds arrive. Highlights of Bordeaux city, which is best explored over the course of a weekend, include a wine museum, stunning architecture, and easy access to nearby vineyards!

Located along the River Garonne, Bordeaux is often cited as the place Parisians would most like to live if they didn’t live in Paris. And that’s not all! Known as Burdigala during Roman times, today the city has plenty of offbeat and unique things to do.

#8 Cote d’Azur (French Riviera)

Situated on the southeastern coast of Southern France, the French Riviera is characterised by its beautiful seaside towns and expansive azure blue sea.

Stretching from Cassis (some estimates suggest Toulon as an alternative) and all the way along the Mediterranean sea to Saint Tropez, the Cote d’Azur encompasses Monaco and much of Provence.

Head to the French Riviera during spring in France if you want to explore the region without overly-warm weather to accompany you! Thee’s also several festivals and events taking place during springm including the Menton Lemon Festival.

Some of the best things to do on the French Riviera include strolling through historical towns, going on hikes in the surrounding countryside and, of course, relaxing on the beach. For more inspiration, check out our suggestions for 3 days in the French Riviera.

#9 Carcassonne, Occitanie

Heavily restored by Viollet-le-Duc during the 19th-century, the magical fortified city of Carcassone can be found in the South of France. In a place where history comes to life, the medieval citadel is often referred to simply as ‘La Cité’ is best visited in the late spring.

Trust me, the crowds can get pretty packed during the summer months, not to mention the fact that the temperatures are soaring meaning it’s kind of hot and sticky for exploring!

#10 The Alsace Region

Thanks to their abundance of nighttime lighting, endless canals, and festive winter markets, the fairytale cities of Strasbourg and Colmar are often thought of as the perfect winter destinations. However, the simple truth is that the Alsace region always merits a visit, no matter the time of year.

After all, the many towns and cities in the region really come to life during springtime when the cherry blossoms are in bloom and pops of purple wisteria trail into every snapshot. And if you’re a history buff, then some of the best places to visit in the Alsace region include countless castles.

#11 Nantes

A little off the beaten tourist track, though beautiful to visit nonetheless, Nantes is to be found in the West of France. Close to the Atlantic Ocean, the city is a great base from which to explore the wider region thanks to its position as the gateway to the Loire.

Otherwise, some of the best things to do in Nantes include wandering along the ramparts of the Ducs de Bretagne and marvelling at the weird and wonderful machines of the Machines of the Isle of Nantes!

And on the foodie side of things for those who enjoy seafood-inspired gastronomy, this is never too far away should you opt to visit Nantes. For more Nantes ideas, check out our weekend guide to Nantes.

#12 The island of Corsica

The island of Corsica is stunning to visit all year ’round, though best-seen just before or just after peak season (i.e. summer), and meaning that spring is one of the best times to visit. Located directly to the South of Marseille, this is one of the warmest French destinations in March, April, and May!

#13 French Basque Country

The French Basque Country is part of the wider Basque region, whose territory is split in equal measure between France and Spain. Culturally, both the Spanish Basque region and French Basque region are inextricably tied; sharing both the same language (Basque) and customs.

there are a number of towns to visit in the region, though my personal favourites include Biarritz (a popular seaside resort for well over a century), Bayonne (a charming town of timber-framed houses), and Guethary (an off the beaten path fishing port that remains a hidden gem to this day).

#14 Bay of Arcachon

The Bassin d’Arcachon is a delightful corner of South West France which is characterised by its little fishing villages, endless sandy beaches, and its enviable position overlooking the Atlantic Sea. The area is most famous for its oysters and fancy resorts.

As a popular summer destination, particularly among the French, this means The Bay can get really busy and expensive. A great alternative if you want to see Arcachon without the crowds is to visit during springtime.

Frequently Asked Questions About Spring in France (French Springtime FAQs)

What should I pack for spring in France?

Packing for springtime in l’Hexagone is pretty similar to packing for autumn, though your destination will determine exactly what you bring. For example, if you head to the North of the country, then you can expect much chilly weather (and more rain) than if you were to head to the south. The key is to pack cute layers and comfortable to walk in chic boots. These ones pair well with dresses (I love this company for capsule wardrobe dresses).

What is the weather like in spring in France?

Though a little less cold than the winter months, Spring (March, April, and May) still brings plenty of rain showers, meaning that multiple pairs of shoes and an umbrella or light rain jacket (like this one) are an absolute must! As always, weather in the South of France during the spring is typically much sunnier and drier than the weather in the North of the country.

Is spring a good time to visit France?

Truth be told, Spring is easily one of my favourite times to explore France. There are many reasons, but some of the most important include the fact that the days are longer than in the winter, there are fewer tourists and so prices are cheaper than in the summer, and everything is in bloom! Some of the best cities to spy pretty blossoms include Lyon, Bordeaux, and Paris.

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Sophie Nadeau loves dogs, books, travel, pizza, and history. A Francophile at heart, she runs solosophie.com when she’s not chasing after the next sunset shot or consuming something sweet. She splits her time between Paris and London and travels as much as she can! Subscribe to Sophie’s YouTube Channel.

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