Why France In April Is So Good – Where To Go And What To Do

Last updated on December 20th, 2024 at 09:54 am

Thinking of visiting France in April but not sure where to go?

You’re in the right place, as I live in France, and April is a great month to visit with lots to do. And the bonus is it’s fairly quiet as it’s not classed as the high season yet.

But, being France, there is always something to do, a festival to go to, an event to enjoy, and it usually involves food, drink and a fabulous setting.

So, to help you decide where to go, I’ve put together a list of the most popular festivals and places to go in April in France.

And for good measure, some information on the weather at this time of year in the different regions and what to pack.

So, let’s dive in.

April in French

First things first, if you’re coming to France, it’s always good to learn a bit of the vocab. And the word for April in French is very similar to English, you’ll be pleased to hear. April in French is “Avril”.

Weather in France in April

Northern France (Including Paris and Normandy)

• Weather: April brings a mix of rain and sunshine. Temperatures are mild but can be unpredictable, ranging from lows of 6°C (43°F) to highs of 14°C (57°F).
• Experience: It’s a fantastic time for sightseeing in Paris or exploring the historical beaches of Normandy, as it’s less crowded and the landscape begins to flourish.

Western France (Including Brittany and the Loire Valley)

• Weather: This region experiences similar temperatures to the north but with a bit more rainfall. Expect temperatures between 7°C (45°F) and 15°C (59°F).
• Experience: The gardens of the Loire Valley châteaux start to bloom and the coastal walks in Brittany are brisk but beautiful with spring in the air.

Southern France (Including Provence, the French Riviera, and Languedoc-Roussillon)

• Weather: The south enjoys warmer temperatures, ranging from 10°C (50°F) to 18°C (64°F), with plenty of sunshine and less rain.
• Experience: April is ideal for exploring the fields of Provence as they begin to bloom with poppies and violets, although it’s a bit early for lavender. Or enjoying the early, less crowded beaches along the French Riviera.

Eastern France (Including Alsace, Lorraine, and the French Alps)

• Weather: Weather in the east can be variable. In the lowlands, temperatures are similar to Paris, but in the Alps, it’s still cold enough for skiing early in the month. Expect temperatures from 6°C (43°F) to 16°C (61°F) in lower areas.
• Experience: Late-season skiing in the Alps or exploring the picturesque villages of Alsace without the summer crowds is perfect in April.

Central France (Including Burgundy and Auvergne)

• Weather: Central France sees temperatures between 6°C (43°F) and 16°C (61°F). The weather is generally mild, with a mix of sunny and rainy days.
• Experience: It’s a great time for hiking in the Auvergne’s volcanic landscapes or touring the vineyards of Burgundy as they spring to life. (excuse the pun)

Festivals in France in April

France is the land of festivals, from music and arts festivals to the myriad of food festivals. Any excuse to hold a festival and the French grab it. 

From the truffle festival in Sarlat to the lemon festival in Menton, I’ve lived in a country with so many festivals celebrating food. Seriously, even onions, garlic and asparagus have their own festival, it tickles me no end.

Anyway, April is a great month for festivals and I’m sharing my ten favourites for you to add to your list.

No 1 Festival de Pâques

The Festival de Pâques is a classical music festival that takes place in the heart of Provence. Held annually around Easter, this festival transforms the city into a vibrant hub of classical music, attracting world-renowned musicians, orchestras, and soloists to perform in various venues, including the Grand Théâtre de Provence and the Conservatoire Darius Milhaud. 

There are several free concerts and events designed to bring classical music closer to a wider audience, making it a cultural highlight in the Provencal spring calendar.

• 📆 Date: 22 Mar – April 7 2024 
• 📍Location: Aix-en-Provence 
• 🌐 Details: Visit the festival website

No 2 Fête de la Jonquille (Daffodil Festival)

The Fête de la Jonquille, or Daffodil Festival, marks the arrival of spring with a spectacular display of daffodils. It’s celebrating its 58th edition in 2024, transforming the town into a yellow sea of flowers, symbolising renewal and joy. 

The event you don’t want to miss is the grand parade, where floats made by the community are adorned with thousands of fresh daffodils and accompanied by bands and performers, wind through the streets. It’s quite a spectacle and worth seeing.

• 📆 Date: March 30, 31 & April 1, 2024
• 📍Location: Saint-Étienne-de-Montluc
• 🌐 Details: Visit the festival website

No 3 International Art and Antiques Fair

A treasure trove for collectors and enthusiasts, it’s held in the town of L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, known as the antique capital of Provence. 

It transforms the town annually around Easter and again in August, into a marketplace, featuring over 300 permanent dealers and around 200 additional sellers during the fair. 

It has an eclectic mix of items, from fine antiques and art to vintage goods and quirky collectables. The best event is the antiques market every Sunday, as you never know what little gems you might find.

• 📆 Date: 29 March – 1 April 2024 
• 📍Location: L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue
• 🌐 Details: Visit the festival website

No 4 Les Journées Européennes des Métiers d’Art

Les Journées Européennes des Métiers d’Art (European Artistic Crafts Days) is celebrated across France and Europe, aimed at promoting the recognition of the arts and crafts sector. It shines a spotlight on the rich tapestry of artisanal excellence, with a special focus on the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region and Portugal for its 2024 edition. 

The event features open doors at workshops and training establishments, demonstrations, and discovery workshops, inviting a diverse audience ranging from amateurs to collectors and aesthetes. 

• 📆 Date:  2 – 7 April 2024
• 📍Location: Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region
• 🌐 Details: Visit the festival website

No 5 Bayonne’s Ham Festival

The Bayonne Ham Festival, or “Foire au Jambon,” is a celebrated tradition dating back to 1462, paying homage to the iconic Bayonne ham, a staple of the local culinary landscape, and attracts gourmets and local artisans alike. 

The event isn’t just a celebration of ham but a showcase of regional produce and culinary expertise, featuring tastings, a competition for the best ham, and demonstrations. It’s a must-visit for foodies and those who love to immerse themselves in the rich flavours and traditions of the Basque Country.

• 📆 Date: April 4 – 7 2024
• 📍Location: Bayonne
• 🌐 Details: Visit the festival website

No 6 Paris Marathon

If you’re going to run a marathon, it doesn’t get much better than Paris for a backdrop. 

Participants have the opportunity to run the 42.195 km race through Paris’s historic streets, passing iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Champs-Élysées, and the Louvre.

The marathon stands out for its commitment to sustainability and innovation, aligning with Schneider Electric’s vision for a greener future. 

• 📆 Date: 7 April 2024
• 📍Location: Paris
• 🌐 Details: Visit the festival website

No 7 International Kite Festival

This just makes me think of the movie Mary Poppins and the song “Let’s Go Fly a Kit”. And the International Kite Festival doesn’t disappoint as it lights up the skies with vibrant colours and kite designs. Now in its 37th edition, it’s a celebration of creativity, engineering, and the simple joy of watching a kite soar against the backdrop of Berck-sur-Mer’s stunning beach.

The festival has a rich history, dating back to 1887, with one of the first aerial photographs taken from a kite on this very beach. Today, it stands as one of the most prestigious kite-flying events globally, attracting enthusiasts and spectators from all corners of the world to watch the kite battles and choreographed aerial kite ballet.

• 📆 Date: 20 – 28 April 2024
• 📍Location: Berck-sur-Mer 
• 🌐 Details: Visit the festival website

No 8 Bird and Nature Festival

If you’re a nature lover, this is an event you won’t want to miss. Not in its 33rd edition, this nine-day festival offers a deep dive into nature, making it the perfect springtime adventure for the whole family. 

Attendees can enjoy a wide array of activities, including nature outings on foot, horseback, pirogue, tuk-tuk, or bicycle, animal cinema with daily screenings of international films, and engaging debates and photo exhibitions showcasing the diversity of natural landscapes. 

A highlight of the festival is the “Rencontres de la Photo Nature” in Cayeux-sur-Mer, where around thirty photographers and naturalists share their work, tips, and insights through workshops and discussions, focusing on biodiversity, technique, and travel. 

• 📆 Date: 20 – 28 April 2024 
• 📍Location: 
• 🌐 Details: Visit the festival website

No 9 Bourges Spring Festival

The Printemps de Bourges has been an event on the French music scene since its inception in 1977 and has evolved into a major European music festival. 

Held annually in Bourges, this festival showcases a dynamic mix of musical genres and trends, reflecting the ever-changing landscape of French and international music. 

Over six days, the festival features around 60 concerts with over 200 artists performing in venues that cater to a wide range of music tastes and audience sizes, from intimate 300-seat halls to larger venues accommodating up to 6,500 people. 

The festival spreads throughout the city, with performances in bars, restaurants, and three free outdoor stages, making the entire town buzz with activity, and drawing an audience of over 200,000 people.

• 📆 Date: 23-28 April 2024
• 📍Location: Bourges
• 🌐 Details: Visit the festival website

No 10 La Ferme de la Ferme

“De Ferme en Ferme” is an annual event celebrating sustainable agriculture, fostering direct connections between farmers and the public, and inviting more than 500 farms committed to sustainable practices to open their doors to visitors. 

The weekend offers a unique opportunity to explore the world of sustainable farming through educational tours, animations, and complimentary tastings. It emphasises the importance of local consumption, sustainable agricultural practices, and the strengthening of urban-rural links. 

Visitors meet with producers, learn about their commitment to sustainability, and discover the benefits of short food supply chains.

• 📆 Date: 26 – 28 April 2024
• 📍Location: All around France
• 🌐 Details: Visit the festival website

Easter in France

Easter is often in April, and this year, it’s March 31st, but you’ll still get to enjoy the celebrations if you’re here in early April, especially if you’re going to the pretty Alsace region. Here, they decorate window boxes, trees, and market squares with eggs and other Easter-style decorations.

The South, especially in Provence, is known for its ‘Paques’ traditions, including the grand Easter processions and the unique ‘Omelette de Pâques,’ another food festival. 

Brittany and the Loire Valley often celebrate with local fairs and the opening of châteaux gardens, inviting visitors to enjoy the spring bloom. 

April Fools in France

In France, April Fools’ Day is celebrated as “Poisson d’Avril,” and it’s a little different from the pranks we play. In France, there is a tradition of sticking paper fish on the backs of the unsuspecting and running away as quickly as possible. 

You’ve gotta love how every country has their own take on things, and naturally, there is a story behind it dating back to the 16th century.

It’s linked to the change of the calendar year from April 1st to January 1st, decreed by King Charles IX in 1564. Before this change, the New Year was celebrated for eight days, beginning on March 25 and ending on April 1. 

When the new calendar was adopted, those who continued to celebrate the New Year from the end of March through April 1st were mocked as fools. 

The practice of attaching paper fish to their backs was a playful way to ridicule these traditionalists, symbolising a young, easily caught fish or a gullible person.

Things to do in France in April

Try some French skiing in April

If you’re looking for the best snow in France in April, Val Thorens offers some of the best late-season skiing in Europe.

As the highest ski resort in Europe, at an altitude of 2,300 metres, Val Thorens guarantees excellent snow conditions well into spring. The resort is part of the vast Three Valleys ski area, providing access to over 600 kilometres of pistes suitable for all levels, from beginner to expert. 

But April in the French Alps isn’t just about the snow, it’s also about enjoying the warmer weather, fewer crowds, and end-of-season festivities. Enjoy the sunny terraces, live music, and a vibrant après-ski scene. 

Go and see the Paris cherry blossom

If you love the idea of spending a weekend in Paris but want to avoid the crowds, Paris in April is the perfect time to go. It’s synonymous with the intoxicating bloom of cherry blossoms, transforming the city into a picturesque tableau of pink and white. 

One of the best places to see the blooms is the Parc de Sceaux, located just outside Paris, with vast orchards of cherry trees. 

Paris in the springtime is magical and a magnet for couples having a romantic picnic and taking leisurely strolls. You can literally step into the picture you’ve seen so many times on social media.

Do some wine tasting at the Blaye Spring Wine Festival

There is never a bad time to go to the Bordeaux wine region of France as far as I’m concerned, but April brings the Blaye Spring Wine Festival.

The picturesque citadel of Blaye produces Côtes de Blaye Bordeaux wines, and the festival invites wine enthusiasts to explore and taste the diverse and exquisite wines produced by the local vineyards. 

Not only do you get to taste the wines, but you can also take part in some vineyard tours and workshops, plus meet with over 80 winemakers eager to share their passion.

The historic setting of the UNESCO-listed citadel is the perfect backdrop for enjoying the region’s culinary delights and live entertainment. 

Explore the Chocolate Shops in Bordeaux

Although Bordeaux is primarily known for its wine, it also has a rich tradition in chocolate making, with its port historically serving as a gateway for cocoa beans into France. 

In April, the chocolate shops come alive with elaborate Easter displays, offering everything from intricately designed eggs to whimsical chocolate figures, each a testament to the artisans’ mastery and the city’s deep-rooted love for chocolate. 

It’s the perfect time to delve into the luxurious world of French chocolaterie and take one of the many food tours featuring Bordeaux chocolate during April.

Visit the medieval city of Carcassonne

If you’ve ever wanted to visit the walled city of Carcassonne, April is a great time to do it. The weather is good, but not too hot like it is in high season, and there are far fewer crowds.

It’s a great opportunity to visit the Castle and learn about the history of Carcassonne, and the cathedral is less crowded too. You’ll also find better deals on the B&Bs and other accommodation during this time too. 

I’m going again this year at the end of April for a week and can’t wait to dive into all that Carcassonne and the Occitaine region has to offer in the springtime.

Packing for France in April

You never know what you’re going to get weather-wise at this time of year, and it does depend on what part of France you’re going to. This packing list covers the essentials:

• Layered Clothing: Pack a mix of light and warm layers, including t-shirts, long-sleeve shirts, sweaters, and a cardigan. The weather can be unpredictable, ranging from cool to moderately warm.
• Waterproof Jacket: Essential for those April showers. A lightweight, waterproof jacket or trench coat will keep you dry without adding bulk.
• Comfortable Footwear: Bring comfortable walking shoes for exploring cities and possibly a pair of waterproof boots if you plan to venture into the countryside. If you’re coming to rural France, leave your high heels at home, you’ll never wear them.
• Scarf & Light Hat: Useful for cooler mornings and evenings. A scarf can also add a touch of style to your outfit.
• Sunglasses & Sunscreen: The sun can be strong, especially in the south of France, so protection is key.
• Compact Umbrella: Small enough to carry in your day bag, just in case of unexpected rain. However, I forgot mine when I went to Paris recently and it gave me an excuse to buy a very cute Pink Parisian umbrella.
• Portable Charger: Keep your devices charged while on the go, especially if you’ve got digital tickets for the metro in Paris.
• Adapters for Electronics: France uses Type E plugs, so ensure you have the right adapter for your devices.
• eSIM for Your Smartphone: Consider setting up an eSIM before you travel for easy access to data and local networks, ensuring you stay connected without the hassle of finding a physical SIM card upon arrival.

FAQS: Spending April in France

Final thoughts: Visiting France in the Springtime in April

Hopefully, you can see that France has so much to offer in April, even though it’s not a high-season month.

If nothing else, you’ll experience some fantastic food festivals, indulge in some wine tasting, and get to see Paris in full bloom. And if you prefer to come to France in May, this article will tell you everything you need to know.