Okay, it’s safe to say that over the next few months, as normality slowly returns, once it is safe to do so many of us will be heading off to enjoy a well-deserved holiday somewhere abroad.
They say that travel broadens the horizons and many people with a new outlook on life will be looking to explore more of this fantastic planet that we reside on.
Once you decide that you’re ready for a break overseas, why not explore some of Europe’s most beautiful countries? With so many to choose from, it was tough narrowing it down but I’ve managed to do so which is why today I’m recommending France during the spring time.
Believe me, France has so much to offer you than amazing cuisine and culture.
With so much of France having been largely unexplored by holidaymakers, here are my recommendations for se7en of the best holiday destinations in France for spring.
Provence
Provence, what can I say other than ‘absolutely beautiful?’
It’s been several years since I was last in Provence, but, wow, what a stunning part of France this really is.
Provence is a part of France that is beautiful all year around, but is especially stunning in the springtime.
Basking under blue skies and heated by the warming Mediterranean Sun, Provence is truly beautiful if you can appreciate rural landscapes and stunning countryside.
With rolling hills, wild flowers, herbs, and quaint country cottages and farms, Provence is one of the few places in France that looks untouched by the hands of time.
If you’re looking for a great place to grab a coffee, a pastry, and a nice countryside walk, make sure to visit Provence.
Paris
Ah, Paris.
I must admit, I’m more of a countryside lover myself, but there are a few cities that I absolutely adore. York in the UK is one, and Paris is another.
Okay, the skies are often grey and there is a lot of traffic and tourism, but if you visit during the Spring you can avoid the crowds and have fun.
Paris is home to some of the most iconic landmarks in history, including the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and the Arc de Triumph.
Needless to say, there are plenty of tourist hotspots here, and the cafes, restaurants, and shops also make it an extra special place to visit.
Normandy
Normandy is a part of France that is steeped in history, thanks in part to the Second World War.
As awful as that was, Normandy has been able to overcome the ill-effects of its tragic past and cement itself as one of the most iconic and stunning parts of the country. And this is even without mentioning all the WW2 related tourism. More on that subject here and here.
With rolling hills, apple orchards, farmland, and woodland, this is another rural setting which is why I love it so much.
When people think of tourist attractions in France, though, they tend to focus on Paris. The nation’s capital may indeed be a tourist hotspot, but it doesn’t have all of France’s attractions.
Mont-Saint Michael is known as the ‘Heavenly Jerusalem’ and also affectionately as the ‘Pyramid of the Seas’ and it is a stunning landmark.
This stunning islet features a UNESCO-listed abbey, castles, and quaint cottages. The abbey itself features stunning gothic architecture and to this day, is still a pilgrimage site for modern day pilgrims.
The site can only be accessed by foot at low tide, when you cross the Bay of Saint Michael. If you love countryside and coastline, this is a must-visit destination.
Reims
Reims is another place that you have to see in the flesh to truly appreciate.
If you appreciate art, history, and culture, stop what you’re doing and book your stay to Reims right now. Seriously, stop what you’re doing and get it booked!
This iconic little town features three UNESCO Heritage Sites, with Reims cathedral being the most popular. It was here that kings were crowned.
Joan of Arc actually escorted Charles VII here to be anointed as king in July of 1429.
This cathedral is, in itself, a work of art that is guaranteed to give you a fantastic Instagram selfie opportunity.
Bordeaux
You simply cannot talk about France without mentioning wine.
France has some amazing wine regions yet Bordeaux is most certainly considered the wine capital of the country.
With stunning vineyards and wine tours, there’s plenty to keep you occupied during the day.
At night, why not head out and sample some of the finest cuisine, French or otherwise, that you could ever imagine?
The city itself is also packed full of shops, cafes, art galleries, and museums so there is more than enough to keep you entertained.
Brittany
So far, I’ve looked at towns, cities, and countryside, but haven’t really focussed much on France’s amazing coastlines. Well, all of that is about to change, as I’ll now be recommending Brittany to you.
Brittany is a coastal lover’s dream come true as it is home to charming fishing villages and ports, as well as some of the finest beaches you could ever imagine.
Brittany has a rich and storied Maritime history behind it and has often been compared with the charming Yorkshire fishing town of Whitby, which is quite the compliment.
In the Spring, it’s especially stunning as the weather is just improving, yet you can avoid huge crowds of people.
Time your stay right and you will even get to experience local celebrations known as ‘pardons’ which are celebrations and festivals dating back many centuries.
Burgundy
The Burgundy region of France is another part of the country that looks virtually no different to how it must have looked hundreds of years ago.
With weathered clay tiles, thatched roofs, woodland, rolling hills, wildflower meadows, and dominating monuments, Burgundy is very special.
You’ll be blown away by the ancient abbeys, churches, and rustic towns and villages found here, including the city of Dijon, famous for its beautiful mustard.
Foodies like me will be in their element as the food is exquisite. Just be sure to try the Coq au Vin, and Boeuf Bourguignon, both of which make use of the amazing red wine produced in the region.
I know it’s going to be a while until we can resume our travelling. In the meantime there is nothing much to do than hope and plan. So please stay safe, plan away and dream on how we won’t stop wondering soon!
