Spring is on its way! There's nothing like the arrival of fine weather and milder temperatures to get out and enjoy nature, and discover corners of France we haven't yet had time to explore. However, there's plenty to choose from, so rather than spending hours looking for the perfect destination for a few days, here are three suggestions for places in France to kick-start the sweet season of weekends in the great outdoors!
1- Puy-Saint-Vincent, snow in springtime
Now that the hordes of visitors who hit the powdery slopes during the winter season are a thing of the past, it's the perfect time to take advantage of the mountains and their wide range of outdoor activities. The three-level resort of Puy-Saint-Vincent in the Hautes-Alpes lies at the gateway to the Ecrins National Park. It's easy to find the best vacation rental with Foncia. It's just a few clicks away, and the rates are very attractive.
Once you're there, all you have to do is put your suitcases down in comfortable accommodation and enjoy snow conditions that are still perfect in spring. The spring climate is perfect for skiing on the 90 hectares of pistes, as well as the 35 km of Nordic trails. The Écrins massif also offers a host of magnificent hiking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing opportunities. Not forgetting unusual activities such as dog sledding, snow biking and ice climbing. Really, there's nothing like the return of spring for a good dose of thrills in this must-see ski resort in the Alps.
2- Brétignolles-sur-Mer, facing the Atlantic
More than ever, the coastline awaits holidaymakers eager to spend long hours on the beach. In Brétignolles-sur-Mer in the Vendée, springtime strolls through this typical seaside village, bustling with local shops, are a must. Later, head for the beaches of La Sauzaie and La Normandelière, to tread the sand, admire the sea and breathe in the iodized air!
The Bretignoll coastline is sublime. A footpath and cycle path allow you to make the most of the ocean and its movements. Cycling enthusiasts can also take part in a section of the Vélodyssée, and many other trails and paths run through the beautiful countryside.
During a long weekend in the mild temperatures of Brétignolles-sur-Mer, don't forget to photograph the Pierre-Levée de Soubise, a dolmen that is also a French heritage monument. A final word of advice: visit the most beautiful dunes around the commune, those of La Sauzaie and La Gachère. They are home to a rare ecosystem, and a walk at sunset is always a special moment.
3- Amélie-les-Bains, for landscapes and thermal baths
What if the arrival of spring was an opportunity to restore your health? When you choose a vacation rental in Amélie-les-Bains Palalda in the Pyrénées-Orientales region, you're putting your stay under the sign of well-being. The commune boasts several spa centers where you can enjoy the benefits of the water and a multitude of treatments particularly geared towards rheumatology and the respiratory tract. Don't forget to visit the spa for a moment in the hammam, the remineralizing hydromassage bath or a massage session.
A weekend at Amélie-les-Bains is also punctuated by beautiful walks in an exceptional natural environment, with verdant mountains and stunning views. The Calvary of Montbolo and the flag of Amélie-les-Bains offer breathtaking panoramas of the Pyrenean relief.
And what a heritage! The old Escaldadou quarter, which watches over the town; Palalda, with its narrow streets of ornate, sun-drenched facades; the tree-lined Fort-les-Bains, and the charming Romanesque chapel of Santa Engracia amidst its beautiful reliefs - there's plenty to delight lovers of fine stonework.
