With landscapes and cities bursting with colourful lavender and cherry blossoms, spring is the perfect time to explore France’s diverse regions and cultural activities. Whether you’re looking for natural beauty, historic landmarks, or a scenic road adventure, read on for five memorable experiences to fully enjoy France in springtime.
Explore Paris’s cherry blossoms
Cherry blossoms turn Paris into a pink–hued marvel in springtime. With mild temperatures and stunning scenery, it’s the ideal time to explore the famed French capital without the hassle of summer crowds.
The blossoms transform spots like the Jardin des Plantes, a historic botanical garden, and the gardens around the Eiffel Tower. You get a unique background to the iconic landmark. Just outside Paris, the Parc de Sceaux offers perfectly arranged cherry blossom orchards. All are ideal for romantic walks. Or you can laze around with an idyllic picnic underneath the trees.
Visit Provence’s lavender fields
Just mention ‘Provence’ and it conjures up images of lush summer lavender fields. In fact, many early blooms will start appearing in late spring. Take a road trip through Luberon and you’ll be stunned by endless purple landscapes. And don’t forget to roll down your windows or take a moment to step out of your car, so you can savour the incredible fragrance of lavender.
Dotted throughout Provence’s lavender fields are numerous little villages. Browse one of the many local markets for freshly made soaps, oils, and other lavender products. To make the most of your Provence visit, plan ahead andresearch the best locationsfrom which to admire the region’s early lavender blooms.
Go skiing in the Alps
The famous Alps are certainly a good place to be for skiing, so make sure to book the correct season to enjoy ski holidays in France. Spring is not traditional skiing season – unless you’re in the French Alps. This region offers some of the best late season skiing in Europe. Look into popular locations like Val Thorens, Europe’s highest ski resort, or Tignes. Both are open until May. The slopes are sunny, and the snow is soft. There are also fewer crowds.
Springtime is the perfectseason to enjoy ski holidays in France. Where else can you do a morning ski run, following by après–ski drinks in the sun, at this time of year?
Discover the fairy–tale Loire Valley Castles
The châteaux of the Loire Valley are renowned for their fairy–tale appearance. The colours of spring make the experience even more magical. At springtime, historic buildings like Château de Chambord and Château de Chenonceau sit amidst gardens bursting with colour. It’s a relaxing, picturesque escape without heavy tourist crowds.
Indulge in a wine tour in Bordeaux or Burgundy
France in springtime is a unique experience
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