The warm weather is finally here! There's nothing like a trip to get back into shape after the winter. But where to go in March? Here are a few ideas to help you recharge your batteries.
Where to go in March in the sun?
You don't have to wait for summer to get here, but you can get away for a change, without having to travel far... How about exploring a few islands?
For starters, let's head for the islands of Brittany! Little visited in spring, the islands of Brittany are very pleasant to visit in March. Here, you can fill up on good vibes and iodized air in an unspoilt natural setting. Among the must-sees in Brittany, we recommend Île aux Moines, the largest of the islands in the Gulf of Morbihan, renowned for its mild climate and pretty, typical fishermen's cottages. The island of Groix, 45 minutes from Lorient, is also a great getaway, with its crystal-clear beaches and rugged coastline offering numerous hiking possibilities.
For something a little more exotic, head for the Spanish island of Majorca! Located 200 km off the Iberian peninsula in the Balearic archipelago in the Mediterranean Sea, the island of Mallorca is much more than the clichés of concrete coastline and uncontrolled tourism that cling to it! And this is even truer in March, when summer visitors are still a long way off... Spain's largest island offers the greatest variety of landscapes in the Balearics, from hidden coves bathed in crystal-clear water to sandy beaches fringed by pine trees, not forgetting the peaks of the Serra de Tramuntana or the Dragon Caves at Porto Cristo...
Pleasant temperatures all year round, a huge lagoon protected by a coral reef, warm white sand lined with coconut palms... Mauritius has a lot to offer beach lovers! In fact, it's the sheer beauty of its beaches that has attracted thousands of tourists. This natural maritime heritage, which has stood on its own for years, has recently been enriched by green and cultural tourism: discovering the primary forest on foot, horseback or mountain bike, guided hikes to the peaks of the Mornes, "flying" over ravines and waterfalls on a zip line, cultural strolls in planters' houses transformed into museums... The result is a new and increasingly varied range of tourist attractions, with visitors discovering the island from the inside. Antique buildings are transformed into guest rooms, adorable rustic cottages emerge from the lush vegetation, luxury "cabanes" are planted facing waterfalls... all promising exclusive moments "far" from the beaches, and complementary experiences to a purely seaside holiday... All under the sun!
Where to go in March in France?
In March, there's still plenty of time to enjoy one of France's superb ski areas in the Alps. And especially one of the largest: L'Alpe d'Huez offers 250 kilometers of slopes with a vertical drop of 2,223 meters, spread over 10,000 hectares of wide-open spaces! It's a renowned area where all ski enthusiasts can find something to suit them: beginners have access to specially equipped, wide and safe areas at the foot of the slopes, while experienced skiers can take advantage of itineraries totaling almost 10,000 meters of vertical drop, dozens of off-piste itineraries, as well as legendary runs such as the Tunnel, which crosses the mountain, and the Sarenne, with no less than 16 kilometers of downhill runs. In short, there's plenty to enjoy on skis or with your snowboard firmly in place, on fine days of riding, preceded by long nights of good local food and partying!
The month of March is also the perfect time to visit Menton in the south of France for its famous Lemon Festival. After the Nice Carnival, this is quite simply the second major winter event on the Côte d'Azur. For almost two weeks, gigantic sculptures and floats adorned with citrus fruits parade along the Promenade du Soleil. These exceptional settings, bathed in late-winter sunshine, are a great opportunity to enjoy a great popular festival and to discover a town that has been awarded the Ville d'Art et d'Histoire label, and that stands out for the richness of its cultural and historical heritage. What's more, the town offers delicious local cuisine that blends the flavors of Italy with the aromas of the Côte d'Azur. Specialties include the famous fougasse mentonnaise, lemon puffs (from Menton, of course) and cakes delicately flavored with orange.
Where to go in March in Europe?
Sardinia is one of those Mediterranean islands with a distinct character, offering countless wonders to its visitors. Prized for its beaches, much of its coastline is breathtaking, with turquoise capes, islands and coves. The water is warm and clear, and the coastline is varied, with cliffs, underwater caves and myriad sandy beaches. From the Costa Smeralda, meeting point of the international Jet Set, to the more confidential corners of the Gulf of Orosei, there's something for everyone: unspoilt nature, chic or popular seaside resorts, vacation villages, small ports... Inland, the landscapes are surprisingly diverse. There are the rocky high plateaus of Gallura and their cork oak maquis, the holm oak forests of Barbagia, the vineyards of the Sassari region, the vast pastoral lands... A magnificent journey in prospect.
To make the most of the ski season, you can head for Switzerland and the charming Zermatt in French-speaking Switzerland. It's the crème de la crème of ski resorts. Zermatt, 1,600 m above sea level, is a pedestrian city! And yes, it does exist, and has made a name for itself. The Swiss resort combines a typical atmosphere, year-round ski slopes and splendid trails. The facilities for reaching the highest peaks are of the highest quality, and the views from the top are nothing short of exceptional. The mere sight of the Matterhorn (German: Matterhorn) at 4,478 m, the finger of God, an improbable summit, commands respect... Gourmets will recognize this conical mountain from Toblerone chocolate bars. All around: 29 peaks over 4,000 m in altitude.
Where to go in March for less?
Thailand, the Southeast Asian country formerly known as Siam, offers a multitude of magical places to discover. Beach lovers will be in heaven thanks to the many seaside resorts like Phuket or enchanting places like Ko Samui, Similan, Phi Phi Leh or Taratuo. Mountain lovers won't be left out either, thanks to superb natural sites such as Doi Mae Salong to the north of Chiang Rai or Doi Pha Tang, offering grandiose landscapes ideal for walks. Thailand is also home to over 40,000 temples throughout the country, some of which are truly magnificent, such as Ayutthaya, Sukhotai, Chiang Mai and even Bangkok. A trip to Thailand also means floating markets, tasty cuisine and top-quality hotels to suit all budgets. Because, let's face it, once you've got your plane ticket, you can really get by on the cheap in the land of smiles.
Benin, an African destination with a rather accessible budget, is a little-known country that frankly deserves to be discovered. Because going to Benin is all about discovery. It's about discovering the beautiful lagoon landscapes of the coastline, gliding on the mixed waters of the river and the sea, surrounded by lush vegetation, and wandering through villages protected by countless fetishes. It's here, in the south, that you can get close to voodoo, that mysterious religion so powerful that it crossed the Atlantic. In the north, you can also observe antelopes, elephants and lions, and discover villages where tourism is almost unheard of. Here, as elsewhere, the welcome is simple and warm.
Where to spend a week in March?
In March, it's time to ski! If you're a thrill-seeker or a freestyle fanatic, Les 2 Alpes is the place for you... A mecca for snow sports for over 20 years, riders from all over the world flock here in summer and winter alike. Les 2 Alpes is first and foremost a freestyle zone that plummets from 3,200 to 2,600 metres, with real signage to help you understand the discipline and enjoy yourself on cornices, canyons, rocky bar jumps and small play modules. There's also a one-kilometer boardercross course on the Toura piste, which is authorized to host official competitions. Sensations guaranteed before working on your rodeo backflip on the modules of a snowpark located at 2,600 meters, whose reputation is well established. Between runs, there's nothing better than relaxing on a deckchair around a barbecue or, between 3 and 5 pm, enjoying a drink at the Pano Bar. Here again, while a DJ makes his turntables suffer, it's time to work on your swing.
March is an ideal month to discover or rediscover Dubai! Set in the middle of the desert, Dubai is an iconic destination. It's hard not to be blown away by this boundless city, whose gigantic glass and steel structure looks like something out of a science-fiction film The vertiginous skyscrapers of Downtown, with the Burj Khalifa soaring towards infinity, leave you speechless, the beaches with their warm, crystal-clear waters are magnificent, and the malls scattered here and there ring in the hour of entertainment galore like a Disneyland for adults. And how can we fail to be charmed by old Dubai, which exudes the oriental authenticity of the Tales of a Thousand and One Nights? A multifaceted destination that will delight couples and families alike.
Where to go as a couple in March?
March is the ideal time to land in the Seychelles, in the heart of the Indian Ocean. An earthly paradise, a unique experience, an unforgettable journey... When it comes to talking about the archipelago, compliments abound. And with good reason! As soon as you step out of the plane window, the view is extraordinary. Lush, impenetrable green vegetation, immaculate white sand, turquoise waters fringed by giant palm trees and rounded rocky outcrops... As soon as you land, you know that this archipelago of one hundred and fifteen islands will deliver on its promises. And whether on the three main islands (Mahé, Praslin, La Digue) or on the more exclusive islands, you'll find yourself in a lovers' paradise, a Mecca for honeymooners, with its spectacular coves, sea-aquariums, breathtaking sunsets, dreamy walks and lobster galore...
Once the madness of Carnival has subsided, March is also the ideal month to discover the mythical Rio de Janeiro. Rio is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful natural and urban sites on the planet... The mountains, the sky, the sea and the people all blend into a unique landscape. Popular, business, bohemian, historic and cultural, seaside, chic or shabby, depending on the district you're in, Rio is multiple and fascinating. Whatever the case, from the beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema to the Sugar Loaf, from the Corcovado that watches over the city to the Tijuca forest, Rio has well earned its nickname of Cidade maravilhosa ("the marvellous city").
Where to go in March to enjoy nature?
To regain your strength at the end of winter, a total immersion in nature is always welcome. At the foot of the Semnoz mountain, Annecy enjoys an exceptional geographical location. A real picture postcard, the town offers a succession of charming spots and viewpoints over the surrounding Bauges and Aravis massifs , not to mention the superb lake where you can enjoy some great boating... As the mountains are close to the town center, it's easy to get to them for walks along the many signposted footpaths. A real breath of fresh air!
How about a trip to the Italian Alps for a change of scenery? Stretching from the majestic Mont Blanc chain to the Dolomites, the Italian Alps are among the most enchanting landscapes to be found in Europe. The region of the great lakes, nestled deep in the mountains and whose most famous representatives are Lake Maggiore and Lake Como, is home to a number of sumptuous villas built by American celebrities. Visitors have plenty of time to cool off in the blue waters of the lakes in summer, before setting sail for the Borromean Islands. For their part, hikers and mountaineers will be in heaven as they traverse the spiky valleys of the Dolomites, as well as tackling the ascent of Mont-Blanc or the Grandes-Jorasses. Nature at its purest!
Where to go in March for a city break?
If you're more in the mood for a city getaway, there are a number of towns that are particularly charming and exotic in fine weather.
Just a few kilometers from the German border, Strasbourg is a popular international destination, home to major European institutions. Its majestic cathedral is the most visited in France, after Notre-Dame de Paris. A symbol of the city, it was built in 1220 and remains one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture. The Grande-Île on which it stands is Strasbourg's historic center. Once you've discovered it, buy a takeaway sauerkraut from one of the downtown restaurateurs, for a taste of typical Alsatian cuisine! Want to visit Strasbourg for a weekend? Discover our dedicated article " Visiting Strasbourg in 2 days: what to do in a weekend".
Further south, Porto is a great urban getaway in March, thanks to its sunny weather and rich heritage. Less well known than Lisbon, it's nevertheless a magnificent Portuguese city built overlooking the mouth of the Douro River, not far from where you'll find the old town center with its pretty cobbled streets littered with stores, cafés, churches, monasteries and markets. On site, you can buy some very good Port by visiting the various wineries where you can enjoy illuminated tastings. For night owls, the bars stay open until the middle of the night and the discos take over until the early hours.
And check out our tips on where to go in April: it's sure to get your itchy feet moving!
