10 Destinations Ideas for a March Vacation in France

Some people prefer to go on vacation when it’s not too hot or too cold, and they’re right to do so. Discover ten destinations to go to in March, all located in France.

 

Carnival of Dunkirk

Carnivals are not festivals like any others because it marks the end of the cold and the sadness of winter.

In Dunkirk, this festival does not only mean the end of winter, it is also a way to celebrate the return of the fishermen who would leave for 6 months to hunt cod in the seas of Iceland, in the 17th century.

Today, the Carnival of Dunkirk (french website) is very well known because it offers an unforgettable experience to those who take part in it: there is a code to respect and very specific rules to take into account during the event, for everyone’s safety.

If you want to spend a unique moment in March, be sure to go through Dunkirk, but on the other hand, don’t forget your disguise.

The festivities usually last from mid-February to mid-March depending on the date of Mardi Gras.

If you also want to discover more about the city of Dunkirk, venture into its museums, whether it is the Port Museum or the Operation Dynamo Museum (french website).

 

The Périgord Noir

Although its name is not widely known, the Périgord Noir is a natural region of Nouvelle-Aquitaine, which takes its name from the large forests of very dark holm oaks.

One of the most important cities of the Périgord Noir is Sarlat-la-Canéda, whose impressive architecture leaves its mark.

Sarlat is an old town that can be visited on foot, and where you can find buildings from the 12th and 14th centuries.

A good reason to go there in March would be to go to the famous Goose Festival, which takes place every year on the first weekend of March.

The program includes a treasure hunt, farm visits, cooking workshops, foie gras tastings, and even a great festive evening: the bodég’oie evening!

Naturally, you will find other towns and villages in the Périgord Noir, such as Beynac, one of the most beautiful villages in France.

With its magnificent cliffside houses and its castle, Beynac will take your breath away.

 

Nice

Located on the French Riviera, near the city of Cannes, Nice is brimming with activities to do. It is the ideal destination to spend your vacations by the Mediterranean Sea.

In March, it is not as hot as the following months are, but it is still possible to have fun and find interesting things to do for a good vacation.

Every year, in March, Nice welcomes more than 150,000 people during the Foire Internationale de Nice (french website), where 600 brands come to sell their products.

You can find everything: crafts, decoration, banks and insurance, beauty parlors, barbecues, blinds, pools & spas, fireplaces, and more.

Nice is also very famous for its colorful carnival which radiates good vibes.

Stroll through the old town and pass through the doors of the Lascaris Palace (french website).

It is a museum where you can see many frescoes painted on the ceiling representing mythological scenes.

Afterwards, head to the city’s harbor to take in the scenery of the houses on the hills, and be sure to treat yourself at the Confiserie Florian.

What could be better than visiting a beautiful city during March Break?

 

Cannes

This city, which no longer needs to be introduced because of its international fame, is more than just the place where the Cannes Film Festival takes place.

The latter usually takes place in May, and yet the city of Cannes has a lot to offer even when the climate is not as hot!

There are not necessarily any major festivals in March, which means that there are fewer tourists during this period: it is perfect for exploring the city and its surroundings.

In the heart of the historic district of Cannes, go in search of the Musée des Explorations du Monde, which offers a real journey back in time through antiques, primitive art and middle-eastern culture.

If you like traveling, you can come across many artifacts from completely different places, such as collections of Mediterranean archeology or collections of ethnology and primitive arts.

Are you a car enthusiast? Pass by the Boulevard de la République, where there is a magnificent painting of cars from famous movies.

In order to complete your vacation, go to Sainte-Marguerite Island to visit the Écomusée sous-marin to observe sculptures while scuba diving.

 

Tourrettes-sur-Loup

A charming medieval village between Nice and Cannes, Tourrettes-sur-Loup is worth the detour, if only for its tranquility and proximity to nature.

Why go there in March rather than at any other time?

Quite simply because every year in March, the town celebrates the Fête des Violettes (french website), and has done so for 70 years.

Discover the village at its best: entirely decorated with flowers!

Enjoy a free guided tour of the medieval village, but book in advance as spots are limited.

Do you know where to have a flower battle? It is possible during the Fête des Violettes.

The museum (french website) and the greenhouse of Tourrettes-sur-Loup welcome you to discover the violet of Tourrettes, the Victoria odorata.

 

Monaco

Monaco is a world-famous city, especially thanks to its famous racing circuit: the Monaco Formula 1 Grand Prix, one of the most prestigious races.

However, if you go there in March, the city is quieter and you will be able to enjoy a slightly colder climate.

Did you know that Monaco is a constitutional monarchy? You can go to the Palais des Princes de Monaco, sit in the square and admire the architecture of this huge palace.

Visit the Grand Appartements of the Prince’s Palace, with its painted decorations inspired by the Italian Renaissance.

Finally, go to the Cathedral of Monaco (french website) to enjoy a magnificent view of the sea.

 

Saint-Patrick’s Day in Lorient

Although it is not a major holiday in France, Saint Patrick’s Day, the famous Irish holiday, takes place on March 17 in hundreds of Irish pubs around the world.

Twinned with the city of Galway since 1974, the city of Lorient becomes very lively around Saint Patrick’s Day.

Thus, the Irish pubs of the city, notably the Galway Inn, the WestPort Inn (french website) and the Shamrock Irish Pub, celebrate this Irish religious holiday by programming concerts.

If you want to party in March, the festivities in Lorient usually last the whole week of March 17th.

As tradition dictates, one must wear a shamrock on one’s chest, and although it is not required, many people wear the head of a leprechaun, a small being who is often depicted with a cauldron full of gold coins.

For this special occasion, try your hand at Irish cuisine by tasting Irish shepherd’s pie, Irish lamb stew, or even the famous Guinness beer!

 

Lille

Lille is a very active city but represents a true cultural center of France.

No matter what time of the year it is, there is always something to do in Lille as the city hosts many festivals, such as the Jazz en nord Festival, which usually takes place at the end of March.

There are many places to explore in this city close to the Belgian border.

Venture into the park of the Citadelle of Lille which offers several routes depending on your time and your desires, and make a detour through its small zoo (french website) housing more than 50 animal species.

Visit the Palais des Beaux Arts de Lille, a huge building on the Place de la République, where you can also choose between several routes if you wish, in order to discover art collections from different periods.

From prehistory to today, from sculpture to painting, anyone can find something interesting to contemplate for inspiration.

 

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Mayotte

If you like a warm and humid climate, then visit Mayotte in March, during the austral summer.

In the heart of the island, visit the Marché Paysan every Saturday to enjoy local food.

It is very easy to spend time on the beach in Mayotte, and if you are looking for the most beautiful beach, here it is: N’Gouja beach, in the south of the island.

Moreover, if you wish to learn scuba diving, Abalone Plongée (french website) will be happy to help you accomplish this dream in Mzouazia Bay.

In short, if you want to go on vacation on a dream island, it is quite possible to do so in March.

 

Clermont-Ferrand

This beautiful university city near the Puys mountain chain is just as good as other cities.

If you want to venture into nature, know that Clermont-Ferrand is surrounded by various regional parks, which all have their own specific features.

The Parc Naturel Régional des Volcans d’Auvergne is full of mountains and volcanoes, such as the Puy-de-Dôme, the Puy-de-Côme, or the Volcan de Lemptégy, but also the famous Mont-Dore.

Note that in March, it is still possible to go skiing, at the Super-Besse resort for example.

On the other side, the Parc Naturel Régional Livradois-Forez (french website) is dotted with gigantic plains and mountain peaks to explore.

A ggood challenge for any hiker, regardless of their level.