10 Cities To Visit in France in the Spring

France is amongst the most visited countries in the world due to its enchanting landscapes and architectural cities. Because of its distinctive six-sided design, the French affectionately refer to their cherished homeland as “l’Hexagone.” Aside from the finest wineries and cuisines in the world, it is also home to some of the most beautiful destinations. No matter where you go within this beautiful land, you will be surrounded by breathtaking scenes. With so many attractions to check out, picking a city to visit in France in spring can be somewhat daunting. To help you narrow down your travel list, here are some of my top 10 cities to visit in France in the spring.

You might also like: Top 10 Cities To Visit In The South Of France

1. Bordeaux

Bordeaux has it all, beautiful architecture, great seafood, a dynamic city with a historic center, and some of the world’s best wines. Even better, with pedestrian-only zones and friendly squares, the entire city is highly walkable. You can also go to the beach or visit a chateau that produces excellent wine in fairytale surroundings in less than an hour. You can easily spend several weeks in Bordeaux doing all the things you want to do.

2. Cote d’Azur

Known as a playground for the rich and famous, with magnificent villas on the shore and stunning yachts parked in the harbors, this fashionable vacation hotspot buzzes with excitement throughout the tourist season. Seaside luxury and status image is reinforced by private beaches, high-end restaurants, and five-star hotels.

Take advantage of the French Riviera during spring in France if you want to learn more about the region without being bothered by too-warm weather! In addition to strolling through historical towns and hiking in the countryside, there are plenty of things to do on the French Riviera.

3. Paris

Spring is the season when Paris bursts with new life in its gardens, street markets, and café terraces, wedged between the chill of wintertime and the bustle of summer. Add in some gorgeous pastel blossoms, lush green parks, a dash of romance, chocolate-filled Easter celebrations, and unique cultural events, and you’ve got yourself a season full of Parisian delights.

Known for its grandeur, Paris is one of the largest European metropolises and is the capital of France. Paris is home to several architectural marvels, such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and the historic Notre-Dame Cathedral.

During the spring in Paris, there are flower shows, festivals, street fairs, and outdoor flea markets brimming with locals who anxiously wait for the spring to enjoy the beauty of their city. You can also spend some good time meandering around city parks and enjoy the springtime atmosphere at French outdoor cafés.

4. Aix-en-Provence

The magnificence of Aix-en-Provence echoes its great past. Aix-en-Provence is known as the “City of Counts” because it originally housed the Counts of Provence. The city includes several spectacular medieval royal palaces. Aix-en-Provence is also known as the “City of a Thousand Fountains” because of its numerous fountains.

In spring, Aix-en-Provence is a popular tourist destination due to its relaxed and sensuous Provençal ambiance. Aix-en-Provence is known for its sun-soaked streets covered in lush & green trees. Spring days can be spent lazing around in green parks filled with beautiful spring flowers or sidewalk cafés, while evenings allow you to indulge in the art of living with leisurely meals on restaurant terraces.

The city has two ancient districts: Vieil Aix and the Mazarin sector, separated by the lovely avenue Cours Mirabeau. The world-class Garnet Museum, Cézanne’s art studio, and a trail of Cézanne’s favorite spots are other cultural highlights. Aix-en Provence’s museums are among the nicest attractions to visit in Provence if you want to learn about the region’s creative past.

5. Loire Valley

The Loire Valley is the perfect spot to visit in France in spring. The Loire Valley is one of France’s most attractive places, with elegant cities, charming villages, châteaux, vineyards, and orchards. Spring in France brings blossoming fruit trees and gardens in the Loire Valley, and cities like Orléans, Tours, Saumur, Nantes, and Angers provide excellent springtime destinations. Wine enthusiasts will be in heaven as more than 1,000 vineyards are open to the public.

Loire valley is also home to the historical architect, along with fine vineyards and bloomy sceneries. You can visit the Loire Valley castles, which reflect the french royal history.

The spring season in France is also a great time to ride your bike in the Loire Valley. La Loire à Vélo is a unique 800-kilometer cycle route that attracts over 900,000 visitors each year. Explore part – or the entire – of the circuit in the spring, and you’ll find fewer crowds and more lodging alternatives along the way.

6. Saint-Malo

Saint-Malo, the walled port city on the coast of Brittany, is the place to head if you want some sea air and breathtaking views in spring.

While you are in Saint-Malo, you may also visit the Grand Aquarium, Grande Porte, Musee de la Ville, and Porte St Vincent, among other French tourist attractions.

Saint Malo’s Saint Vincent Gate was constructed for easy access to the city. The old town will be visible once you pass this gate. There’s a small train which you can take. It will stop at all the city’s notable spots if you don’t have enough time to see everything. Spring in France is the perfect time to visit Saint-Malo.

7. Mont Saint-Michel

In France, one can find a lot of beautiful villages. However, Mont Saint-Michel and its magnificent monastery are by far the most magical and otherworldly of all places. Located 600 meters off the coast of Normandy, the Mont Saint-Michel abbey is perched on top of a rocky island that looks like something out of a children’s fantasy. A charming timbered-framed cottage leads up to it from tiny, winding alleyways.

This island settlement served as a major Christian pilgrimage site during the 8th century. UNESCO has designated it a World Heritage Site, and more than three million people visit it every year. There is no doubt that it is one of France’s most popular tourist destinations outside of Paris. Meanwhile, the immense ocean and sandbanks surrounding the island appear less attractive. It is among the best places to visit in France during spring.

8. Carcassonne

Carcassonne, France’s most evocative and famous medieval citadel, is in the south of France. Carcassonne is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Carcassonne’s castle takes your breath away because of its sheer scale. Located inside the walls of the castle is a full-size village. In a place where history comes to life, the medieval citadel is also called ‘La Cité’ and the ideal time to visit is spring because in summers, the temperatures are high, and the place is brimming with tourists.

A visit to Cité de Carcassonne is like a trip back in time in today’s steel and asphalt world. In Carcassonne, you’ll find hundreds of castles, cobblestone roads, and witch’s hat roofs.

9. The Alsace region

The fantasy cities of Strasbourg and Colmar in the Alsace region are frequently thought of as ideal holiday getaways because of their abundance of nightly lights, endless canals, and spectacular seasonal markets. The Alsace region is home to a few unique attractions, including villages that look like they’ve been plucked from a fairytale. You can bet that the food, scenery, and wine in this region are amazing since many French people visit during their vacations.

10. Corsica

From Ajaccio and Calvi to the beaches and mountains in Corsica, whether you’re seeking culture or adventure, you’ll find something to suit your taste.

The stunning island is renowned for its spectacular mountain ranges, which cover two-thirds of the island, and its clean waters, which will take your breath away. Aside from its stunning scenery, the Collectivité Territoriale de Corse, as it’s formally known, has an extraordinarily rich history, as evidenced by the city’s numerous ancient buildings, winding cobblestone streets, delectable gastronomy, and vibrant art and music scenes. 

These top 10 cities to visit in France in the spring, are some of the best cities that you can visit. Each of them has its own charm and offers something very different; it’s easy to find a city that suits your taste in these destinations.