10 Destinations Ideas for an April Vacation in France

Spring has begun, and you might be looking for a nice place to enjoy the first sunny days of the year. In this article, we look at several destinations for an April holiday in France.

 

Arles

The Easter Feria in Arles is the spring event in southern France. In April, some of the most famous bullfighters gather for this colorful and eventful celebration.

In the Arles Amphitheater, you can experience the thrill of a fight between the best toreadors and their bulls in an atmosphere bursting with excitement.

As you walk the city’s streets, you’ll come across numerous attractions that are organized for the occasion. Between the concerts, exhibitions, toro de fuego, and the running of the bulls, you’ll have no excuse to not fully enjoy the Easter Feria.

Before or after the celebrations, you can also visit the Montmajour Abbey, which was built in the 1st century. If you want to know a little bit more about French culture, you can go to the Conservatory of the Provençal Santon, where you can see the iconic statuettes from Provence.

Finally, be sure to walk to the Van Gogh bridge, which was the subject of several of the famous artist’s paintings.

 

Northern France

Every year, the Somme Bay hosts a Bird and Nature Festival in several cities along the coast.

Many events take place during the festival, including a photo and movie contest. There are several cities that participate in the festival, such as Abbeville.

The festival is a must-attend event for all nature lovers. Between wildlife movies, photo exhibitions, and conferences, you won’t be bored.

Take a walk in one of the nearby regional natural parks to fully enjoy this festival dedicated to nature itself. Also, be sure to make time to visit the seal colony at la pointe du Hourdel in Cayeux-sur-mer.

 

Bourges

Visitors to Bourges in April, can enjoy the yearly Spring Music Festival.

The Printemps de Bourges is famous in France as the biggest music event of the season. You can dance to all the new songs that have been released during the year. Thanks to its very eclectic program, you’re sure to find several concerts and musical groups that you love.

In addition to the festival, you can walk the city’s streets to discover the true marvel of Bourges: the Jacques Coeur Palace. There’s also the Museum of the Best Workers of France that contains all the exhibits created by winners of the contest named “One of the Best Workers of France”, which celebrates learning and ingenuity.

If you want to take a break from the city and spend some time in nature, the marshes of Bourges are what you need. Farmed by gardening lovers, the marshes will allow you to reconnect with nature without leaving the city.

 

L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue

As the French capital of second-hand trade, antiques, and design, l’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue hosts an International Fair every April dedicated to these pursuits.

Thrifting enthusiasts will be more than delighted by the sheer scope of the fair. The Lille braderie is small in comparison!

However, l’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue is more than just an exhibition for antique dealers. You’ll also find the incredible Gardens of the Rose and the Perfumer where the Baptistine rose – with its 108 petals – is grown. An aromatic stroll awaits you!

Not far from there, you can admire the Source of the Sorgue in Fontaine de Vaucluse. Its impressive flow of 630 million cubic meters of water each year makes it a must-see.

If you need to let your children burn some energy, the Parc Spirou (in French) is in nearby Monteux, just a 20 minute drive from l’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue.

 

Châtelaillon-Plage

Are you looking for a nice family outing? The Wind and Kite Festival in Châtelaillon-Plage might be just what your family needs.

For three days, the sky is filled with multicolored kites that twirl around in the wind. Amateur and professional kiters can enjoy this event wholeheartedly. Anyone who adores kiting absolutely must go to this festival at least once in their life!

The program includes rokkaku fights (Japanese hexagonal kites), flights in acrobatic formations, musical ballets performed by kites, kitesurfing, and much more. Prepare to have your breath taken away many times!

While you are in the area, you can also visit La Rochelle Aquarium, which is just 20 minutes away from Châtelaillon-Plage. During the festival, a few events are even organized at the aquarium.

 

Normandy

Every two years, during spring and summer, several cities in Normandy host the Normandie Impressionniste Festival.

A key place during the impressionist movement, Normandy has seen a multitude of artists come to find inspiration in its lands.

To guide visitors as they follow the footsteps of these prominent painters, the Normandy and Île-de-France regions have marked out several paths, each catering to different tastes.

You can follow the itinerary that starts with the Seine Estuary to visit Le Havre, Deauville, and Honfleur. If you would rather discover the Côte d’Albâtre that was painted by Claude Monet, there is an itinerary for that as well. Regardless of which you choose, you’re going to have a great time.

Nine itineraries are available; all you have to do is pick the one that suits you best.

While you’re here, don’t forget to take in the rows of houses in Honfleur and visit the Eugène Boudin Museum. You can also take a stroll in the Gardens of Etretat before going to the Dieppe Museum.

 

Le Mans

Le Mans is the place to be in April. During the Europajazz Festival, the city moves to the beat of the upright bass.

Attend concerts put on by some of the biggest current jazz singers during the festival that takes place in several parts of Le Mans and its outskirts.

The final concert takes place in L’Epau Abbey in Yvré l’Evêque, and there is a night of gypsy jazz that is held in the George Brassens hall.

In between concerts, you can take a stroll on the streets of the historic center of Le Mans in what is called the cité Plantagenêt. From there, you can go to the Saint Julien Cathedral or visit the Tessé Museum with its Egyptian crypt.

Motorsport lovers will enjoy visiting the famous circuit of Les 24 heures du Mans and its museum.

If you would rather enjoy the company of trees, make your way to the Arche de la Nature (in French) by taking Tram 2 and getting off at Espal-Arche de la Nature.

The Arche is divided in three parts: the Water House, the Forest House, and the Meadow House. Each area offers many activities you can take part in while fully surrounded by nature.

 

Coulommiers

Coulommiers is the city of cheese. Not only is the coulommiers a type of cheese, but each year in April the city hosts the International Cheese and Wine Fair.

The program includes concerts, karaokés, dîner-spectacle evenings…in short, a warm atmosphere awaits you.

Discover France’s best local specialties during this fair that welcomes no less than 400 exhibitors in a space of 4,500 square meters. You’re certain to go home with your belly full and all five of your senses happy.

If you want to discover the surroundings of Coulommiers, you might be lucky enough to have the opportunity to go to the Moulin Jaune. The place belongs to the Russian clown Slava Polunin and is where his imagination goes crazy. Open to the public only a few days each month, the Moulin Jaune promises beautiful and colorful moments of diversion.

If the Moulin Jaune is not open, you can also take a boat ride on the Marne river (in French) to discover the landscape from another perspective. And if you’re looking for something a little bit more impressive, I recommend visiting Parrot World in Crécy-la-Chapelle.

 

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The Maine-et-Loire Department

April is the perfect month to visit gardens. Spring has arrived and buds are starting to appear. For this reason, I recommend that you go to the Oriental Park of Maulévrier during April.

Discover one of Europe’s largest Japanese gardens with giant bonsaïs, maple trees, and pagodas. Even the souvenir shop puts the spotlight on Japan!

If you want to wander around the garden at night, it’s absolutely possible. Japanese stories will be told during your stroll to fully immerse you in the atmosphere of the park.

The park organizes events all year long, including the Cherry Tree Festival that lasts until the beginning of April. Take a look at their website to stay updated!

Finally, if you want to experience more of Maulévrier, the famous Puy du Fou is only 30 minutes away.

 

The Auvergne Region

There’s nothing like April weather for climbing mountains. Head for the Auvergne Region to spend a nice family holiday.

The land of volcanoes is home to the theme park Vulcania, which is dedicated to volcanoes. Learn while having fun at the multiple attractions that are available. You can choose between the sacred volcanoes or the “Abyss explorer”, which allows you to discover submarine volcanoes.

By the end of your stay, the area’s natural phenomena will no longer be a mystery.

Would you rather comb the countryside? Then go to La Godivelle, a small village in the heart of the Regional Natural Park of the Volcanoes of Auvergne. There you can hike around the famous Upper Lake and Lower Lake.

Finally, for a well-deserved lunch break, be sure to eat at the only restaurant in the village, called Ô 4 coins d’Auvergne. You’ll enjoy scrumptious local food like the one and only tarte au Saint-Nectaire.