France in April: Where to Go, What to Do, the Weather, & More

April is considered shoulder season in France, with the mild weather setting a pleasant scene for outdoor exploration. While early in the season crowds are moderate, as you move through April, you may experience more tourist traffic. April is a good time to step out onto hiking trails in destinations such as the Calanques National Park in Marseilles or participate in open days at vineyards in the Bordeaux wine region. This will give you the opportunity to sample wines and learn about local production methods. Watch as picturesque landscapes throughout France come alive with color and vegetation as parks and gardens across the country begin to blossom in April. This creates the perfect conditions for a leisurely stroll, with notable locations including the International Gardens Festival at Chaumont-sur-Loire.

The weather in France in April presents mild temperatures with occasional rain, so it is advisable to pack layers to accommodate fluctuating temperatures and possible wet weather. Temperatures in Paris range from 59°F to 63°F in April, with beautiful southern regions such as Montpelier reaching 70°F. Nighttime lows can drop to between 39°F and 46°F, with some mid-30s°F mornings providing a cool start to the day.

Mont Saint-Michel • Best Place for Sightseeing

From the moment you set your eyes on the magnificence of Mont Saint-Michel in Normandy, you will feel as if you have been transported into a fairy tale. The island commune is famous for its medieval architecture and picturesque views. You will have the opportunity to walk around the beautiful abbey, admiring its arches and learning about its rich history. The island stood as a fortress against various conflicts and you can enjoy the dramatic waterways, where the high tide rises dramatically from the sea. At low tide, vast sandbanks emerge around the island outcropping. Take your time as you wind your way up the narrow streets of the village, visiting shops and cafés located at the base of the abbey.

Nice • Best Place for Great Weather

With average temperatures of around 62°F, Nice on the French Riviera is the perfect destination in which to experience great weather when visiting France in April. The mild weather makes it an ideal destination for outdoor activities and sightseeing. Savor local dishes such as a Niçoise salad while basking in the sun or enjoy a springtime snack when sampling fresh produce, cheeses, and pastries from a local market. Stroll or bike along the famous waterfront promenade, taking in the views over the magical Mediterranean Sea. Relax on the pebbled shores or picnic in the Parc Phoenix. You can also take a leisurely hike in the mild temperatures around nearby Mont Boron for panoramic views over Nice and the coastline.

Toulouse • Best Place for Families with Children

Travel to the south of France and spend time with your family in Toulouse. With an average temperature of around 64°F in April, you and your children can comfortably explore the city’s parks and outdoor spaces. Take a scenic boat ride down the Canal du Midi or enjoy a family bicycle ride along the shoreline before stopping to enjoy a picnic at the UNESCO World Heritage Site. A river cruise on the Garonne River reveals the city from a different perspective, giving the whole family a chance to learn about the history of the area as you pass through a lock system and the edge of manicured gardens.

Giverny • Best Place to Avoid the Crowds

With tranquil garden walks and uncrowded, boutique village exploration before the influx of summer tourists, Giverny is the perfect place to avoid the crowds. Home to Claude Monet’s house and gardens, Giverny bursts into color in April with blooming spring flowers. You can watch with delight as the garden’s color palette boasts hues of lilac and pink, and the wisteria and peonies start to blossom. Spend some time in the morning visiting the iconic pond that inspired Monet’s famous water lily paintings and the serene setting featuring Japanese bridges and weeping willows. Then, take advantage of fewer visitors when you wander through the Musée des Impressionnismes located nearby to admire exhibitions dedicated to Impressionism and its artists.

Annecy • Best Place for Couples and Honeymooners

With incredible views over lakes, mountains, and charming canals, Annecy is a wonderful choice if you are seeking the best place in France in April for romantic scenery. Lake Annecy is a central attraction where you can rent a pedal boat or take a guided boat tour of the lake. For a romantic hike or cycle, take to the paths around the waters or in nearby Semnoz mountain. Stroll through Annecy’s charming old town, with its canals, colorful buildings, and historic architecture, and embrace the aromas of the local bakeries to find fresh bread and pastries, such as Gâteau de Savoie and Brioche aux Pralines.

Watch Creativity Soar at La Rochelle’s International Kite Festival

The spectacular International Kite and Wind Festival in La Rochelle will invite you to an immersive experience filled with creativity, joy, and community spirit. You will have the chance to watch over 800 kites of all shapes and sizes soar above you. It is an event that presents acrobatic displays, kite-surfing and buggy-kiting demonstrations, as well as an aerial display by the French Air Force. There is a kite-making workshop for children, an introductory kite-flying lesson and night flying shows with illuminated kites. Local vendors set up food and craft stalls, making this an exciting and fun festival for everyone.

Savor Bordeaux Blends at the Blaye Spring Wine Festival

Situated along the banks of the River Gironde, the picturesque Citadel of Blay proudly hosts the Blay Spring Wine Festival each April. Wines from the Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux appellation are featured, with around 100 local winegrowers offering tasting and insights into their craft. You can enjoy guided tastings, workshops, as well as activities such as the waiters’ race. Gourmet markets showcase regional delicacies and you can soak up the convivial atmosphere of this wine-lovers event.

Celebrate Birdwatching at the Bird and Nature Festival

You will have the opportunity to experience a festival of a different kind when you attend the Bird and Nature Festival in Baie de Somme towards the end of April. This week-long event celebrates the region’s rich biodiversity and offers a wide range of activities you can participate in. These include over 400 guided excursions that explore the area’s unique habitats by foot, horseback, kayak, or bicycle, and you can take time to enjoy birdwatching and art exhibitions, and even enter a photography contest. The purpose of this festival is to raise awareness about environmental conservation while providing hands-on workshops and engaging discussions for all ages.

Discover the attraction of wandering through Paris in mild conditions and enjoy spring blossoms in famous gardens when you visit France in April. You will have the opportunity to witness incredible scenic beauty in the south and walk along icon promenades without the bustle of tourists that the summer usually sees.

For more ideas for your trip, find inspiration with our France tours or explore the possibilities of when to visit, where to go, and more with our France travel guide.