A few long weekends are coming up with the arrival of the month of May. What if it was the time to go with family or friends to a place in France that you like or that you want to discover? With its vineyards, its varied landscapes, sea, mountain and its remarkable heritage, France offers a multitude of possibilities and reveals destinations that correspond to all profiles. From North to South and from East to West, here are 13 destinations recommended by the Petit Futé, and where to spend a pleasant long weekend in May. The beautiful days are here, it's time to pack your bags and get some fresh air!
1- Collioure and its surroundings, Catalan atmosphere
In the Pyrenees-Orientales, Collioure offers an ideal setting for a relaxing weekend. Not only does the city have a beautiful heritage, the Notre-Dame-des-Anges church, the royal castle and the Saint-Elme fort are a must. But it is located in the heart of a beautiful nature, with the mountains behind and the beautiful Mediterranean Sea at the foot of the houses and monuments. One should also not forget to stroll along its port, as well as in the colorful district of Mouré, in the footsteps of Fauvism. Around Collioure, beautiful hikes take place in the hilly landscapes, and some superb villages await the curious: Castelnou or Villefranche-de-Conflent.
Looking for a charming hotel? We recommend the Casa Pairal hotel, located in an old Catalan house with an ochre facade, which you enter through a hall paved with old tiles. You will love the Mediterranean garden with fountain and cypresses. To see the rates and availability, click here! Would you like to discover the rest of our selection of the best hotels in Collioure? It's here !
2- The Gulf of Morbihan and its islands
After having taken the time to discover the beautiful city center of Vannes, a tour of the islands of the Gulf of Morbihan is a great opportunity to get some sea air. A cruise passes by the Ile aux Moines, adapted to the reception of hiking enthusiasts, including by bike. The island of Arz is another place to spend a peaceful day. More intimate, we take pleasure in contemplating the beautiful Breton houses and in joining the beaches to settle in the sun. On the mysterious island of Gavrinis, you can travel back in time to see the cairn, the Sistine Chapel of the Neolithic, with its fascinating ancestral engravings. Finally, you can take advantage of a trip to the Gulf of Morbihan to have a good cure of sea products, including the inevitable oysters.
3- The Canal du Midi, for a bike ride
The Canal du Midi is certainly long, and a weekend is far from being enough to discover it from top to bottom, but everyone has the possibility to plan a part of the itinerary that is suitable for two or three days of rides and discoveries. The canal is nice in May, because it is less crowded than in the middle of summer, and the weather is so nice that it is the perfect time to enjoy the banks of the canal and have a picnic, then relax at the foot of a tree. Pedaling along the canal and watching the locks and boats is a great way to relax and get away from it all. Then, according to your desires, you can also plan a detour to Carcassonne and its rich heritage or to Narbonne if you want to get closer to the Big Blue.
4- Bandol, a Mediterranean getaway
Bandol is a destination of choice to enjoy the mildness of the Mediterranean coast during the beautiful days of May. This charming Provençal town has a very nice marina to stroll around, and the beaches have azure blue waters, perfect for long and relaxing swims. In only a few minutes of crossing, you can also reach the island of Bendor to enjoy its beautiful preserved nature. And to still admire marine landscapes worthy of postcards, the coastal path awaits the hikers who will not be able to prevent themselves from taking out the cameras. Bandol is also its precious vineyard, the walks in the vineyards and the tasting times. All in all, a lot of fun.
5- The Creuse valley, land of impressionists
The Creuse is not the most talked about region in France, yet it is a beautiful area and a great opportunity to get closer to nature during a long weekend in May. Throughout its history, the Creuse has attracted many impressionist painters, who were captivated by the relief and colors of its nature, by its rivers and picturesque villages. The northern part of the Creuse valley offers to the amateurs of natural environments and culture to follow the "Sentier des Peintres" (Painters' Path), leading to its viewpoints which inspired so many great names of painting, Monet, Picabia or even Guillaumin.
6- The Somme Bay, one of the most beautiful bays in the world
It's not for nothing that the Baie de Somme is said to be one of the most beautiful bays in the world, next to names like Along Bay and San Francisco Bay. It is a perfect destination to stroll for a few days, and vary the pleasures. You can start by putting your bags down in the medieval city of Saint-Valéry-sur-Somme, to discover its marina, its fishermen's quarter and photograph its colorful houses. Then, during another moment, how to resist the desire to go and see the seals in their natural environment at the Pointe du Hourdel? A magical moment! The Baie de Somme is also all about the pleasures of the sea. For that, there is nothing like going to the seaside resort of Le Crotoy, whose beaches are perfect for sunbathing on the sand.
7- Colmar, canals and traditional houses
The city of Colmar is located in the heart of the Alsatian vineyards. There is nothing better than the sun and the mildness of the month of May to stroll from district to district. The Petite Venise district is crossed by the Lauch river, and splendid half-timbered and colored houses border the river, making it so bucolic. The "Quartier des Tanneurs" is another authentic district where you can spend time admiring the buildings, each one more beautiful than the other. Because the heritage is simply exceptional in Colmar. There are beautiful religious buildings, such as the collegiate church of Saint-Martin, and the architecture of certain houses is fascinating, such as the Maison des Têtes and the Maison Adolph, the oldest in the city. Colmar is also a city of fine food and wine.
Would you like to visit some of the most beautiful villages in the region and discover Kaysersberg, Riquewihr and Hunawihr with a guide? Book your guided tour here!
8- The Beaujolais for a wine tour
The Beaujolais is a sublime territory to walk in the heart of green and hilly landscapes, punctuated with small villages of character. The Beaujolais Wine Route allows you to travel through a multitude of appellations, to stop and stroll through the vineyards and villages, and to meet people for wine tasting. On the way, a pause is necessary at the top of the Brouilly mountain, to see the beautiful Notre-Dame-des-Raisins chapel, then enjoy a breathtaking 360° panorama. And as long as you are in the Beaujolais for a nice weekend in May, you might as well take a break in the golden stone villages. Ternand, Charnay and Oingts are architectural gems in the area.
9- The Landes, between pines and beaches
As a preamble to what the summer has in store for us, and especially for those who are unconditional sea lovers, the Landes is a perfect territory to put down your suitcases and get intoxicated by the iodine and the smell of pine trees. Hossegor, Biscarosse, are cities that are still quite peaceful in springtime, and with a snap of the fingers, you can find yourself on kilometers of beaches for a moment of idleness on the sand or to ride the waves on a board. The Landes are also a delight for cyclists, with kilometers of trails that cross the forest of the Landes de Gascogne Regional Natural Park. For lunch and dinner, foie gras, chicken, asparagus and Tursan wines can be enjoyed in good spirits.
10- Porto-Vecchio, the beauty of South Corsica
Situated on a vast rock at the foot of the Aiguilles de Bavella, Porto-Vecchio is a Corsican city whose old town has retained its charm of yesteryear, between narrow streets and squares. The Saint-Jean-Baptiste church and the citadel are magnificent, and the marina is a pleasant place for a digestive stroll after a good meal. In May, the mild temperatures can be conducive to swimming, and in Porto-Vecchio, the beaches look like paradise with their fine white sand and translucent waters. Those of Palombaggia and Santa Giulia are a must. You can also vary the pleasures by visiting the prehistoric sites, the peaceful Ospedale lake and the waterfall of Piscia di Gallu.
Looking for a place to stay on site? We recommend Les Bergeries De Palombaggia. These sheepfolds overlooking the beaches of Palombaggia have been transformed into a charming and characterful hotel with direct access to the beach via a small path. To see the rates and availability, click here ! Would you like to discover all our favorite hotels in Porto-Vecchio? It's here!
11. The Ardèche, for a quiet family stay
The bridges of May are the best time to discover the region because the tourist season will not have really started yet, which means that the tourist sites and restaurants are less frequented and the accommodations less expensive. This means that you can enjoy your stay in a quiet area. It is also the ideal opportunity to practice outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, kayaking or swimming in the rivers because in May, the climate in Ardeche is generally pleasant, with sunny days. Discover our article on the 18 most beautiful villages of the Ardèche to organize your stay.
12. Provence, for a weekend under the song of the cicadas
Are you looking for sun and relaxation for a few days in May? Provence is the ideal destination because this region evokes cicadas and lavender, sun and happiness . Moreover, it is an ideal time to explore the region without having to endure the stifling heat of summer. May is also the time when the wild flowers and fruit trees of Provence begin to bloom. This makes for beautiful and colorful scenery, providing opportunities for hiking, biking, nature picnics or just relaxing and enjoying the scenery. Don't know which place to choose? Discover our top 15 most beautiful villages in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region.
13. Take a breath of fresh air in Brittany in Finistère
Finistère is an excellent vacation destination and is also an ideal destination for an extended weekend of 3 or 4 days in May. You will be able to stroll along its many small fishing ports, discover its mysterious woods and forests full of stories and legends, enjoy the rising temperatures on its fine sandy beaches, hike along its coastal paths, take a boat to discover its islands such as Ouessant or Les Glénans for example... Take advantage of the restaurants to taste delicious pancakes, kouign-amann, oysters and other sea products!
Where to swim in May in France?
In May, the weather in France can still be cool, but here are some suggestions of places where you can swim in May if you are ready for cooler water temperatures..
- The French Riviera and Provence : although the water is still a bit cool, the French Riviera and Provence enjoy a lot of sunshine on their beaches in May.
- Corsica also offers beautiful beaches and crystal clear waters which are still a bit cool in May, but perfectly swimmable for the most courageous. Discover our article on the 10 most beautiful beaches of Corsica!
Where is the hottest place in May in France?
In France, in May, the hottest regions are generally those located in the south of the country. Here are some examples of regions where temperatures can be the highest in May:
- Provence: the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region is known for its Mediterranean climate, with warm, sunny temperatures starting in May.
- Corsica: Corsica also enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with warm and sunny temperatures from the beginning of spring.
- Languedoc-Roussillon: This region located in the south of France also enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with pleasant temperatures from May onwards.
