FIVE WONDERFUL PLACES TO EXPLORE IN FRANCE DURING SPRING
One of the very best times to visit France is during Spring. Do you know that 'Printemps' is french for Spring? It is such a beautiful time to visit, the weather is warming up, it is not too cool, you may need an umbrella some days but that is okay! If you time it right, you may even see the beautiful blossom trees in bloom. Read more about that here.
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Here are 5 wonderful places to explore during the Spring season in France!
PARIS
Could there be a better time to visit the city of love and light than the Spring time? Longer days with off-peak crowds allows for enjoyable days and evenings of exploring the French capital.
Read more about Spring time in Paris here.
LOIRE VALLEY
If you admire French architecture, castles and love French history then the Loire Valley is just for you! Home to many chateaus, Spring is such a beautiful time to visit and the Chateaus are surrounded by the dreamy Spring blooms. The Loire Valley can also be reached as a day trip from Paris if you don't have a lot of time. There are several organised day tours from Paris if you just want to enjoy the scenery and not have to endure the stress of driving!
There are some incredible castles in the Loire Valley. One of the largest is Chateau de Chambord. A UNESCO world heritage site and a really incredible construction from the Renaissance. With six and a half hectares of gardens at the foot of the castle, it is so picturesque you will want to take photos the entire time. This castle was built for Francis I and was originally built as a hunting lodge.
Chartres, the gateway to the Loire Valley and known for its very beautiful gothic cathedral is definitely worth a visit. Wander around the city centre, admire the beautiful old timber buildings and get lost in the tiny lanes and streets. When you are done, walk along the river. In Spring the river is lined with blossom trees and you can do a loop and end up back in the old town.
For the wine lovers this is a stunning region to explore and to discover some beautiful wines. Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé are indeed the most famous districts in the region. The two wine districts are separated only by the river.
After a day of sightseeing you can unwind at Jardins de l'Eveche. This garden is so beautiful and you can take a seat on one of the benches and watch the world go by and admire the ever so impressively manicured lawns and garden beds.
It is possible to write for hours about the number of incredible castles in the Loire Valley, but here are some others to discover:
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CANNES
Such a beautiful city with access to stunning beaches and plenty of things to see and do. It is also a short thirty minute drive to Grasse, where the Luxury Sparkle candles are produced.
Take a ferry from Cannes’ old port and in fifteen minutes you will arrive at Ile Sainte-Marguerite which is a gorgeous island not so far from the mainland.
It’s the perfect option if the beaches and streets of Cannes get a bit much. The island has deep, aromatic forest with stone pines and eucalyptus trees, and even on busy days you can get a little solitude.
For a little more action, stroll along the promenade of La Croisette. It is one of the places to see in Cannes, and also be seen!
With numerous fabulous restaurants and cafes in Cannes and access to the picturesque Cote d'Azur, there is plenty to do for a few days or even a few weeks!
Spring is the perfect time to visit if you want to explore the region without really warm weather. There are several festivals and events taking place during Spring including the Menton Lemon Festival!
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ALSACE
The villages and cities of the Alsace really come to life during Spring. The cherry blossoms are in bloom and stunning wisteria can be found around every corner. There is over 2,500kms of bike routes in the Alsace and Spring is the perfect time of year to get amongst the bike trails.
Colmar should be on the list of every visitor to the Alsace. It is so quaint and beautiful, it looks like it is straight out of a fairytale. Be sure to stroll around the tiny streets of Little Venice where you will want to take photos of everything in sight.
Sample the local produce and head to the local wineries. Did you know that our Cattin candles originate from the Alsace and in fact, from a small village very close to Colmar? Put Cattin on your list of places to visit.
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BORDEAUX
Head to the city of Bordeaux in Spring to enjoy it before the Summer crowds arrive. A few days in this beautiful city will ensure you tick all of the boxes! Did you know that there are actually six wine regions surrounding Bordeaux? There is really something for everyone in Bordeaux.
Very famous is the chic and interactive Cité du Vin, a museum dedicated solely to wine! Not only focussed on the wine regions surrounding Bordeaux but you will also be transported to many wine regions around the world.
A very charming and romantic area of Bordeaux is the Chartrons district, an area characterised by its cobbled laneways and historic homes. Be sure to visit the Chartrons Temple, Notre Dame Street, and the little eateries of Les Halles des Chartrons.
The sloping, cobbled lanes of Saint-Emilion have welcomed visitors for centuries. Just a 30-minute train ride or 45-minute drive, this ancient village is an ideal location for a day trip from Bordeaux. Step back in time as you admire the history of this beautiful village and be sure to try a Canele!
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Spring in France is so beautiful and romantic! The flowers come to life after sleeping through the winter and the wisteria and blossoms are blooming. People are coming out to socialise and to enjoy the longer and warmer days. Don't forget your umbrella and comfortable shoes!
