The weather is finally easing off! It's the perfect opportunity to get a fresh start to the winter season with a trip to France or elsewhere. But where to go in April? Here are a few ideas for getaways that should help you get back into shape and take your mind off things.
Where to go in April in the sun?
Just a few hours' flight from Paris, Malta is a revitalizing sunbathing destination in April. Crystal-clear waters, medieval citadels and megalithic temples: these are the three treasures of the island of Malta, located in the center of the Mediterranean Sea. Sailing around Malta will take you from the sheer cliffs of its coastline to the quiet lanes of its medieval towns such as fortified Mdina and Victoria, and the Renaissance splendor of Valletta, not forgetting the Caribbean waters of Comino.
April is also a good time to spend a vacation in the Var. Among the unmissable things to see and do in the Var, we recommend the beaches of the Giens peninsula in Hyères. It's a superb, unspoilt peninsula in the middle of nature, with crystal-clear beaches that are reminiscent of the Caribbean. There are beaches for all the family, such as Capte and Badine, with calm shallow waters perfect for children. Sports enthusiasts will prefer the more windy beaches, where many water sports are practised, such as at l'Almanarre.
Often caricatured, Jamaica, the homeland of reggae, is a veritable jewel in the Caribbean Sea. From the breathtaking Blue Mountains to the fairytale beaches and crystal-clear waters of Port Antonio, via the rocky cliffs of Treasure Beach, Jamaica is a land of discovery and wonder. Taste some of the best coffee in the world, swim in crystal-clear waterfalls cascading through lush forests... The motto of this island of less than 12,000 km² - "Out of many, one people" - sums up the cultural diversity of this welcoming and generous country. A great idea for a sunny spring in the tropics!
Where to go in April in France?
At 30 km long and 8 km wide, the island of Oléron is a vacation destination par excellence. Like its little sister - the island of Ré - it welcomes a host of tourists in spring, who, while waiting for summer bathing on its long sandy beaches, take advantage of its superb walking and cycling trails. Oleron, "the luminous", is the ideal place for cyclists, who will find a gentle relief and numerous family-friendly cycle paths winding through forests and marshes. For over 50 years, the island has been linked to the mainland by a viaduct that was once the longest in France, allowing everyone to discover the charms of this territory. An authentic territory between sea and marsh, Oléron benefits from a microclimate that offers unique colors.
To enjoy the April sunshine, head for Montpellier! There are a thousand and one reasons why visitors are drawn to the regional capital. Its proximity to the beach and the Mediterranean Sea, its year-round sunshine and its picturesque historic town center, where you can stroll through charming alleyways, are all reasons to be enchanted. Looking out to sea on the one hand, but also rooted in its terroir on the other, Montpellier reminds us that it was once a wine-growing region, and invites us to discover the surrounding vineyards. A perfect way to round off your stay in the Hérault region. Discover our article on Visiting Montpellier in 2 days: what can you do in a weekend?
Where to go in April in Europe?
Valencia is known for its popular festivals, such as the Fallas in March and the Semana Santa in April. A taste for fiesta that also enlivens many of the city's neighborhoods. At the table, you'll find the pleasure of savouring real paella, in its cradle, to be enjoyed in its many bodegas or with your feet in the water. Museums are among the most interesting in Spain and, far from some of the tourist excesses, Valencia has maintained its Mediterranean serenity. The most emblematic monuments, such as the Cathedral, the Lonja and the Mercado Central, are on the program in Ciutat Vella, before diving into the nightlife of the Barrio del Carmen. Visiting the Eixample and Russafa, you'll discover its modernist heritage, designer boutiques and modern restaurants. Then it's time to discover 21st-century Valencia, with the futuristic buildings of the City of Arts and Sciences. A fine program.
In Crete, you'll conquer a dazzling natural landscape of crystal-clear lagoons, endless olive groves, authentic mountain villages, rocky gorges and aromatic scents and flavors. Cradle of the Minoan civilization, land of history and multiple heritages, the island known as the "Island of the Gods" or the "Big Island" proudly bears witness to the riches of its past. Among the must-sees and must-do's on the island, we recommend you start with its palaces and ancient sites, such as the famous Palace of Knossos, reflecting the grandeur and refinement of one of Europe's earliest Mediterranean civilizations. Then make way for the monasteries, Byzantine churches, museums and labyrinthine streets of charming old towns. An island land of character, famous for the hospitality of its people and their joie de vivre, Crete is sure to captivate you.
Where to go for a weekend in April?
Granada is undoubtedly the Spanish city most influenced by Arab civilization. The red Alhambra, surrounded by green and dominating the city from the top of the Sabika hill, with the snowy peaks of the Sierra Nevada as a backdrop, is a sumptuous and iconic image of Granada that has inspired writers, painters and musicians. Opposite the Alhambra, you'll find the Albaicín, also a World Heritage Site, where you'll discover its very special atmosphere as you stroll through its flower-filled streets. A stroll to the Sacromonte will immerse you in this gypsy quarter, cradle of the Zambra. As rich as its heritage is, Granada is also a land of flamenco. A song and dance that is part of the art of living in Granada. As is tapeo, a delicious way to munch your way through the city. Heritage, gastronomy, festivals - what a program!
Athens can also be a great idea for a trip under the April sun. Visit the Acropolis, the Parthenon, the National Archaeological Museum, revisit history at the Benaki Museum, the world at Exarcheia, lose yourself in the flea market, drink an ouzo at the top of Lycabette, dine in the taverns of old Athens, in Plaka, or in the trendy restaurants of Psiri - there's so much to do! If you're not too cold, you can also go swimming in Athens, at Paleo Faliro not far from Piraeus, or on the beaches of Kalamaki and Voula. Better still, treat yourself to an island getaway... without leaving the Saronic Gulf. As for nightlife, it's always lively. You'll be spoilt for choice with cafés, taverns and bars lining the sidewalks, squares and pedestrian streets.
Where to go in April for less?
Montenegro, a country of mountains and deep valleys, is a must for nature lovers and hikers, who can really enjoy themselves in April. In an area the size of a French region, you'll find five national parks, beaches, a spectacularly indented coastline and mountains untouched by urbanization. In addition to its natural wonders, Montenegro boasts an incredibly diverse architectural heritage, the result of the influence of various kingdoms and empires. The massive, austere houses of the interior and the Orthodox monasteries coexist harmoniously with the Baroque-style palaces of the Kotor Mouths. To make matters worse, you'll be greeted with warm, sincere hospitality in every corner of the country.
Often forgotten, beautiful Algiers deserves to be discovered. Tucked away at the end of a bay that can be climbed via winding lanes, staircases or wide avenues brimming with life, Algiers is one of the country's most beautiful cities. Whether or not you're already familiar with the city, you can't help but associate it with the eternal adjective "la blanche" ("the white one "). For it's with a certain emotion that we discover that the white has not faded, and that it illuminates the bay with a brilliance made unforgettable by a few touches of intense color: the blue of the ironwork and the sea, which we almost never take our eyes off, the green of the gardens and the fuchsia of the bougainvilleas that overflow their enclosures on the heights and squares in the center. And then, in the evening, the city is decked out in mauve, pink or pale blue under a sky where the first star to appear triggers the haunting call to prayer. A unique atmosphere!
Where to go as a couple in April?
Hardly more visible on the map than a few ink blots, the islands of the Maldives stretch gently across the heart of the Indian Ocean. 1,190 islands in 26 coral atolls are scattered over almost 100,000 km². The ocean is king, occupying 99.7% of the country's surface area, and directing the lives of the locals through the hours of fishing, it is the delight of lovers who set down their suitcases in the archipelago. Stretching out on a sandy beach in front of a turquoise lagoon, idleness, snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing, water sports and romantic activities are all on the agenda for your vacation, whether you're staying on an island hotel or a local island. Here, the aim is to escape to an island paradise and forget everything.
The Bahamas, a foretaste of paradise? Probably the closest thing we've got! A world of beaches, coral reefs and an aquarium sea awaits you. Imagine an archipelago suspended between sea and sky, with some 700 islands and 2,300 islets set in serene waters; a sun-drenched turquoise sea that subtly declines in all shades of blue and green under an ever-benevolent sun; varied coastal landscapes fringed with coconut palms or casuarinas, fine pink sand beaches hemmed with turquoise water; unexplored villages that live in slow motion and trendy tourist centers bustling with activity; an unequalled wealth of underwater treasures that are among the most renowned in the world.. Learn to play golf, swim with dolphins, feed sharks, tease big fish in deep waters, dance the night away, treat yourself to duty-free luxury goods or simply bask in the sun with your loved one... You can have it all!`
Where to go in April for a relaxing city trip?
Southern Italy is always a good idea in spring, when temperatures and weather are often already summery. For an original and typical city trip, we definitely recommend a three-day stay in Naples. Before you've even set foot in Naples, you've probably already formed a fairly clear idea of the city, partly from films and partly from the comments of those around you: some have praised the legendary hospitality of the Neapolitans and their famous pizza, while others have advised you to skip the city and head for the Amalfi Coast! But beyond the clichés, Naples has many surprises in store for you, with its Mediterranean charm, its popular little addresses, its dynamism, its grandiose buildings hidden away in the back streets, its museums and its churches. Naples is truly a mythical southern European city that you'll love to discover.
Reims is also a very pretty city to discover in spring. Boasting an impressive historical heritage, the city is marked by a thousand years of royal coronations in its famous cathedral, which is a must-see. On site, you can also sample Reims' world-renowned gastronomic specialties and, of course, discover the wine tourism activities surrounding champagne. Beneath the city lies an impressive network of 120 km of cellars, veritable underground cathedrals, the most remarkable example of which is the Crayères de la butte Sainte-Nicaise, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Where to go for nature immersion?
In April, Switzerland is a great choice for lovers of the great outdoors! From Geneva to Lake Constance, via Lausanne, Zurich, Basel and Bern, Switzerland offers a wealth of opportunities for nature outings, despite its rugged terrain. The Alps, which cover the entire country, offer plenty of opportunities for hiking and mountain biking from spring onwards. Switzerland's lakes and rivers are ideal for water sports and short cruises in fine weather. As a nature destination, Switzerland's avant-garde cities are no exception when it comes to ecology. All in all, Switzerland is a great springtime destination.
For a change of scenery, we recommend the Hautes-Pyrénées, a pure concentrate of nature! This Occitanie département boasts a multitude of unspoilt natural sites, including the Gavarnie cirque, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Pic du Midi with its splendid panorama of the Pyrenees mountain range, and the Néouvielle Reserve with its 70 turquoise lakes.
And if you like cycling, we recommend a trip along the route that runs from Mont Saint-Michel to Roscoff, where you'll discover mythical cities and superb coastlines. You won't be able to get enough of this route, where you can visit Brittany's must-sees, such as Saint-Malo, Dinard, Cap Frehel, Baie de Saint-Brieuc, Côte de Granit Rose, Baie de Morlaix..
Where to go in April with your family?
Before the start of the high season, tourism professionals offer all-inclusive holidays that are often very attractive. Take your family to Corsica for milder temperatures during the April vacation. For wilderness adventures, visit the turtle village of Cupulatta. Sail to the Lavezzi Islands or Carvallo Island. Petit Futé has also shared with you its 15 favorite villages in Corsica and its must-see destinations in both Haute-Corse and Corse-du-Sud. The possibilities are endless, and choosing the Isle of Beauty for your next vacation is your assurance of discovering one of the wonders of the Mediterranean basin.
During Easter weekend, the atmosphere in Châtelaillon-Plage is unique and all eyes converge on the beach. But forget the ocean for a moment, as the real show takes place in the sky. Around 800 kites adorn the skies over this seaside resort, from the smallest to the most impressive, from the simplest to the most fanciful creations. With kitesurfing demonstrations and a kite-making workshop, there's plenty to do. This event is a family outing not to be missed! And an opportunity to discover a pretty seaside resort with its retro charm and Belle Époque style. With its exceptional panoramic views over the Charente archipelago - Aix, Ré, Oléron - Châtelaillon's jewel in the crown is often overrun. Particularly at Easter!
Finally, check out our article on where to go in May, for more travel ideas!
