Welcome to France in springtime – a magical season when the country wakes up from its winter slumber. As flowers bloom and terraces fill up, France bursts with color, fragrance, and joie de vivre. Whether you’re walking under cherry blossoms in Paris or admiring lavender fields in Provence, spring in France is an invitation to celebrate life.
Let’s explore what makes spring such a delightful season across the Hexagon!
Weather in France in Spring: What to Expect?
Spring in France (March to June) brings milder temperatures and longer days. March can still be chilly, especially in the north and mountainous areas, but by April and May, temperatures rise pleasantly across most of the country:
- North & Paris: 10-20ยฐC, occasional rain, blossoming parks like the Jardin du Luxembourg
- South (Provence, Riviera): 15-25ยฐC, sunny skies and early beach weather
- Mountains: Snow melts in the Alps, giving way to wildflower meadows by late spring
- West (Brittany, Normandy): Temperate with sea breezes, mix of sun and light rain
Don’t forget: April can be unpredictable-hence the French saying “En avril, ne te dรฉcouvre pas d’un fil” (“In April, don’t take off a thread”).
Spring Culinary Delights: Lighter, Fresher, Tastier
As the land awakens, French cuisine becomes lighter, fresher, and greener. Markets fill with new produce, and regional traditions come alive again.
Asparagus ร la Franรงaise
In the Loire Valley and Alsace, asparagus is one of spring’s culinary stars. White asparagus, in particular, is grown in sandy soils and kept from sunlight, giving it a delicate flavor and pale hue. In Alsace, it’s often served with vinaigrette, hollandaise, or even melted butter and ham. Villages like รtauliers (southwest France) hold entire festivals celebrating the harvest.
Pissaladiรจre
A signature of Nice and the Cรดte d’Azur, this Provenรงal flatbread is topped with caramelized onions, black olives, and anchovies (or pissalat, a local fish paste). Lighter than a pizza but packed with umami flavor, it’s a common sight at southern French bakeries and makes a perfect aperitif on warm spring evenings.
Quiche Lorraine
Originally from Lorraine, in northeastern France, the quiche began as a simple country pie made with eggs, cream, and lardons. Today, it’s often enriched with cheese and seasonal vegetables. Light yet satisfying, it’s commonly served during springtime brunches or picnics (it can be served hot or cold) and remains one of the region’s proudest exports.
Navarin d’Agneau (Spring Lamb Stew)
A classic across much of rural central and northern France, especially in the Loire and Burgundy regions, navarin is a stew prepared with tender spring lamb and young vegetables such as carrots, turnips, and green peas. The name may come from “navet” (turnip) or the 1827 naval Battle of Navarino. It’s traditionally served for Easter lunch in French homes.
Strawberry Tart (Tarte aux Fraises)
This seasonal dessert is a national favorite, with early-ripening strawberries like Gariguette and Mara des Bois appearing in markets from Occitanie, Provence, and also รle-de-France. The Gariguette, in particular, is known for its elongated shape and intensely sweet, floral flavor – a hallmark of southern French terroir. A typical French tart features buttery shortcrust pastry (pรขte sablรฉe), smooth pastry cream, and a crown of fresh strawberries. In Brittany, a region also known for its pastries, local versions sometimes include a touch of salted butter or a shortbread-style base.
Rosรฉ Wine
No spring in Provence is complete without a chilled glass of rosรฉ. With pale hues and dry, refreshing notes, Provenรงal rosรฉ pairs beautifully with grilled vegetables, seafood, and goat cheese. Many vineyards near Aix-en-Provence and Bandol begin hosting tastings in April, just as the vines begin to leaf out and the fields explode in color.
Major Spring Events and What to Do
๐ฃ Easter Celebrations (Pรขques)
In France, Easter is celebrated with church services, egg hunts (chasses aux ลufs), and chocolate treats shaped like bells, fish, and rabbits. Towns like Bessiรจres (Occitanie) even prepare a giant omelette with 15,000 eggs-enough to feed the whole village!
๐ต Printemps de Bourges
When: April
Where: Bourges (Centre-Val de Loire)
This legendary music festival marks the beginning of the cultural season in France. It showcases emerging French talent alongside international artists across dozens of venues in a medieval town.
๐ฌ Cannes Film Festival
When: May
Where: Cannes, French Riviera
A global cinematic event that brings movie stars and directors to the Mediterranean coast. While access to the red carpet is exclusive, outdoor screenings on the beach and public events make it worth visiting during spring.
๐ Nuit des Musรฉes (Night of Museums)
When: Mid-May
One magical night per year, museums across France open their doors for free, offering nighttime tours, performances, and special exhibits. The Louvre, Musรฉe d’Orsay, and even small local museums take part.
Top French Destinations in Spring
๐ธ Giverny & Monet’s Gardens
From Paris: 45 minutes by train to Vernon + short shuttle or bike rideClaude Monet’s home bursts into color with tulips, irises, and the famous water lilies by late spring. The village of Giverny itself is a peaceful retreat along the Seine.
๐ Provence: Lavender Fields & Hilltop Villages
From Paris: 3 hours by TGV to AvignonAlthough peak lavender blooms come in summer, April and May bring wildflowers, green vineyards, and local festivals. Explore Gordes, Roussillon, or take a wine-and-hike day trip through Luberon.
๐ฒ Loire Valley: Cycling and Chรขteaux
From Paris: 1.5-2 hours by train (Tours, Amboise, Blois)Spring is ideal for cycling from chรขteau to chรขteau among blooming gardens. Visit Chambord, Chenonceau, or Villandry, then enjoy a picnic along the riverbanks.
๐ท Alsace: Wine Route & Flowering Villages
From Paris: 2 hours by TGV to Strasbourg or ColmarThis region feels straight out of a fairy tale in spring, with timber-framed houses, wisteria-draped windows, and crisp white wines. Follow the Route des Vins by car or bike through charming towns like Riquewihr or Eguisheim.
โ๏ธ The French Riviera
From Paris: 6 hours by TGV or 1.5-hour flightNice, Antibes, and Menton offer sun, sea, and fewer crowds than in summer. Walk the Promenade des Anglais, visit Matisse’s studio, or explore hilltop Eze and its cactus garden with sea views.
How to Dress for Spring in France: The Essentials
Spring weather in France is famously variable-layers are key! Here’s how to blend comfort, practicality, and French style:
๐ฆ๏ธ Layered Clothing
- Light jacket or trench coat: Stylish and functional for unexpected rain
- Cardigans or light sweaters: Perfect for cooler mornings or evenings
- Long-sleeved tops and T-shirts: For layering with scarves or under jackets
๐ Bottoms & Footwear
- Jeans, chino pants, or midi skirts: Suitable for city strolls or countryside
- Comfortable walking shoes: Parisians favor chic sneakers or leather flats
- Sandals: For warmer days in the south, especially in May and June
โ Accessories
- Umbrella: A must-have for sudden spring showers
- Sunglasses: UV rays return with the sun, especially in Provence or Alsace
- Light scarf: French and practical-it can double as a headwrap on windy days
Learn More with Atelier An Phu
Spring in France is more than a season-it’s a celebration of life, beauty, and culture. Whether you’re exploring gardens, tasting rosรฉ, or soaking up the arts, this is the perfect time to experience the country at its most enchanting.
And if you want to connect even more deeply with France and its people, why not start learning the language?
Atelier An Phu offers tailored French courses for all levels in Ho Chi Minh City. Take your cultural journey to the next level-and enjoy your first lesson for free!
