The warm weather is finally here, and so it's time to take advantage of it! From France to far-flung destinations, the choice is yours... But where to go in May? Here are a few ideas for getaways that should help you take a real break!
Where to enjoy the sun in May?
Spring is undoubtedly the best time to visit the calanques of Cassis, as they are much less crowded than in summer! The Calanques massif is famous the world over. The site is listed and protected. The easiest way to visit the main calanques - the most beautiful of which is En-Vau - is to climb aboard one of the boats for a guided tour. But you can also take a number of walks around the massif..
And why not opt for the north of France? In May, temperatures are generally mild and the sun is shining. Le Touquet is a pleasant seaside resort with a protected natural site, the Pointe du Touquet, and several beaches. There are plenty of opportunities for beautiful walks, whether in the surrounding forest or on the dunes of its fine sandy beaches. Fancy a day out? Check out our Top 15 of the most beautiful villages in northern France!
For warmer weather in May, we advise you to fly to the Caribbean for a stay in the famous archipelago of the Bahamas, whose name alone makes you dream. Off the coast of Florida, the Bahamas are synonymous with chic idleness, sandy beaches, turquoise waters and coconut palms. This archipelago of coral reefs stretches out over 700 islands in the Atlantic Ocean. Some are uninhabited, others are lined with luxury resorts, while some offer more reasonably priced bed & breakfasts. When it comes to islands, you'll be spoilt for choice: they're all miniature tropical paradises!
Where to go swimming in May?
In May, the weather in France can still be cool, but if you're prepared for cooler water temperatures, you can go swimming on the beaches of the Côte d'Azur and Provence. Although the water is still a little chilly, the Côte d'Azur and Provence enjoy plenty of sunshine on their beaches from May onwards. Take this opportunity to discover the 15 most beautiful villages in the Provence-Alpes-Côte-d'Azur region. Looking for a change of scenery? Corsica also offers beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters that are still a little cool in May, but perfectly swimmable for the bravest. Not sure where to go? Check out our article on the 23 must-sees and must-do's in Corsica!
Where to go in May for less?
- You could use one of your long weekends to discover the charm of the city of Tours. Just an hour from Paris, it's a great value destination with a lively nightlife, lively guinguettes and the châteaux of the Loire Valley within easy reach. The most beautiful of these, Chambord, was built on the initiative of François I, the knight-king and lover of the Italian Renaissance. Chenonceau, on the other hand, bears witness to King Henri II's love affair with his favorite Diane de Poitiers.
- Last but not least, why not visit Lille, one of the must-sees of the Hauts-de-France region? Renovated and refurbished over the years, Lille's districts are home to a host of architectural curiosities. From the pedestrian-friendly Grand-Place to the Palais des Beaux-Arts, home to France's second-largest art collection after the Louvre, from the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Hôtel de Ville belfry to the cobblestone streets of Vieux-Lille, from the Vauban citadel, the city's green lung, to the popular Wazemmes district and its colorful market, Lille has plenty to keep you busy!
Where to go in Europe in May?
- In May, Italy is a wonderful place to travel. Temperatures are pleasant with sunny days, and the tourist crowds haven't arrived yet, which means you can enjoy the sights without having to deal with endless queues. It's an ideal time to visit Italy's major cities, such as Rome, which is packed withmust-see places , or even Naples, Florence and Venice. Wondering what to do first in Italy? Discover all the must-sees to help you make your choice!
- In May,the Scandinavian countries are starting to see a return to sunshine and mild weather. But rather than taking a city trip to a well-known Scandinavian capital like Oslo, we suggest you discover a less touristy city: Göteborg in Sweden. Located on the west coast, Gothenburg is the country's second largest city and Scandinavia's leading port. A city of water, it is criss-crossed by canals and gives access to a sumptuous and peaceful archipelago off its coast. Whether you're looking for a stroll through the city's various districts, culture with its must-see museums or top-class gastronomy, Gothenburg is a Northern European destination not to be missed, whether for a weekend or an extended vacation.
Where to go in May in France?
- For a springtime makeover, a total immersion in nature is always welcome. How about Lozère? This sparsely populated département offers unspoilt landscapes, including Mont Lozère and in particular the Causse Méjean, an arid limestone plateau with vegetation resembling that of the Mongolian steppes. It's a real change of scenery! Don't miss the chance to admire Przewalski's horses, small free-roaming horses that were on the verge of extinction, but have now been reintroduced to the plateau. There are almost 30 of them in a 400-hectare enclosure. This is the only site in France where they can be observed.
Where to go in May to recharge your batteries?
Exploring the islands of the Golfe du Morbihan is an excellent opportunity to breathe in the sea air. You can visit Ile aux Moines, which is ideal for hikers, including those who prefer cycling. Ile d'Arz is also a peaceful place to spend a pleasant day. Here you can admire beautiful Breton houses and enjoy sunny beaches. A visit to the mysterious island of Gavrinis is a journey back in time, as you can see the cairn, considered the Sistine Chapel of the Neolithic, with its fascinating ancestral engravings. Last but not least, don't forget to sample the seafood on your trip to the Golfe du Morbihan, especially the famous oysters.
Where to go in May for a sporting vacation?
How about Sardinia, with its thousand and one treasures to discover , for a special hiking holiday? The second largest island in the Mediterranean, after Sicily, offers striking contrasts to those who take the time to explore it, preferably on foot, in all its diversity. The landscapes, between cliffs and a coastline lined with beautiful beaches, will intoxicate you like a fine Sardinian wine. Although not as high as its Corsican neighbor, the island is actually a paradise for hikers, as 80% of it is made up of mountains and wild, green hills with many centuries-old olive trees.
Where to go in May for a family vacation?
May is one of the most eagerly awaited months of the year. Although it varies from one year to the next, May bank holidays are always a good opportunity for a family vacation in France. With your days off combined with public holidays, treat the whole family by booking a short stay in one of the vacation villages on the Côte d'Azur , for example. The region abounds in seaside resorts and must-see attractions. For a real immersion in nature, take advantage of canoeing excursions in the Verdon gorges and discover all the must-do activities in the Verdon Regional Nature Park!
- The Ardèche is also a destination of choice, and May is the perfect time to explore the region. The tourist season hasn't yet begun, which means fewer visitors and less expensive accommodation. This means you can enjoy your stay in peace and quiet. What's more, it's the ideal opportunity to enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, kayaking or swimming in the rivers, since the climate in the Ardèche is pleasant in May, with sunny days. If you'd like to plan your trip, we invite you to read our article on the 18 most beautiful villages in the Ardèche.
Where to spend 4 days in May?
Wondering where to spend 4 days in May to make the most of the long weekends? Here are a few suggestions of interesting destinations to suit your preferences.
- Barcelona in Spain is a lively, colorful city with unique Gaudi architecture, magnificent beaches, delicious cuisine and a lively nightlife. The big advantage is that you'll reach Barcelona in less than 2 hours from Paris, and in May Barcelona hosts some interesting cultural and festive events. For example, May1st is Labour Day (Fiesta del Trabajo) and May 15th is the Feast of Saint Isidore (Festes de Sant Isidre), which celebrates the city's patron saint with parades and traditional activities.
- Prague in the Czech Republic is a romantic and picturesque city, with cobbled streets, castles, bridges and Gothic churches. A trip to Prague in May allows you to enjoy pleasant weather, flower-filled landscapes, long days and a quieter experience by avoiding the crowds of tourists. It's the ideal time to discover the beauty and cultural richness of the Czech capital under favorable conditions.
- Lisbon in Portugal is a sunny and charming city, with winding streets, colorful buildings and breathtaking views from its hills. The month of May is considered Lisbon's low tourist season. This means you can enjoy the city's sights, museums and streets without the heavy crowds of the high summer season. Parks and gardens, such as the Lisbon Botanical Gardens and Eduardo VII Park, are also particularly pleasant to visit at this time of year. If you'd like to spend 4 days there in May, check out our selection of all the must-sees!
In addition to our advice on where to go in May, Petit Futé has listed 10 destinations for an extended weekend in the sun. An excellent way to recharge your batteries on sunny beaches while enjoying a foretaste of summer vacations. Would you like to take advantage of the May bank holidays for a 3-day weekend? See our article Where to go for a weekend in May? Top 13 destinations in France! Are you planning to go away in June? Discover our dedicated article: Where to go in June? The best destinations !
