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Spring is in full bloom on your tour to France in April when the country enters its shoulder season. Temperatures continue to soar as winter’s last remnants fade. You will enjoy cheaper rates on accommodations, airfare, and trains during this time of year. Warmer weather and thinner crowds in most parts of the country mean that this is a great time to amble along the Loire Valley, discover the highlights of Avignon and enjoy the spectacular beaches of southern France

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France Weather in April

Scenic view of Bordeaux in France
Take a scroll through the beautiful city of Bordeaux in France

With spring in full gear, the mercury continues to rise in April. However, one must expect clear days interspersed with rains as well, especially if traveling to the northeastern parts of the country and the Atlantic coast. Temperatures usually stay between 6℃ and 17℃ in both these regions. Southern France is a bit sunnier with temperatures hovering between 9℃ and 17℃.

With warmer, albeit erratic, weather, April is an excellent time to discover the great outdoors and experience a variety of activities, be it sightseeing, hiking, or biking. See the French countryside in its full bloom, laze on the beaches of Antibes or hike through the scenic trails of Calanques National Park.

For a seasonal overview, read our travel article on the best time to visit France.

Weather in France in April - Rainfall and Temperatures

MarAprMay
Avg Daily (°C)121620
Avg Nightly (°C)5711
Avg Daily (°F)546168
Avg Nightly (°F)414552
Avg Rainfall (mm)242526

Why Visit France in April

The cityscape of Nice on a summer day, cote dAzur, France
Explore the architecturally scenic city of Nice located on the French Riviera
City of Saint-Saturnin-les-Apt on the hill with lavender fields in Provence
Take a trip to bask in the lavender fields of Provence, France

 April is when towns and cities throughout France become even more vibrant. Gardens bloom, the countryside explodes with vivid colors and cities gear up for the upcoming peak season. Seize the chance to discover France before crowds pour in! Below are a few reasons why you should visit France in April.

  • Milder weather: Marking the true beginning of spring, April offers plenty of pleasant days – perfect for ambling around Paris’ most popular sights and hiking through the Loire Valley. While layering up for the cold is still advised, you will not be freezing your socks off.
  • Thinner crowds: The low season has just ended, and while tourists are starting to pour in, you will encounter less of them compared to June and August. Seize this chance to explore the otherwise crowded coastal landscapes of Normandy. However, please keep in mind that this does not hold true for Paris, as ‘the city of love’ receives flocks of travelers during April.
  • Shoulder-season prices: April typically sees better bargains in airfare, trains, and accommodation, making it a great month for budget travelers. Be wary, however, as prices might go up during Easter time.
  • Foodie haven: La Fête de la Coquille St Jacques is held in Brittany every year in April to celebrate seafood. Enjoy a variety of scallop recipes during this festival or sip on a glass of yellow wine at La Percée du Vin Jaune, a two-day wine-tasting event celebrated with live music and food stalls.

Where to go and what to do

The colorful houses in Menton next to the sea
The colorful, coastal town of Menton is good to visit in any season

You will find plenty of things to do in France during this time of year. April is the best time to try outdoorsy activities, like hiking, fishing, canoeing, and sightseeing. Having covered the highlights of the bustling capital, like Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower, and the Louvre, you can then head for Calanques National Park, known for its stunning Mediterranean landscapes, or don a wetsuit and splash around in the French Riviera’s glamorous coast. Discover Corsica’s hidden gems on a road trip or head to Berck-sur-Mer for Europe’s largest kite-flying festival.

Colmar welcomes Easter with markets and musical concerts. For thrill-seekers, there is Easter Feria, a festival in Arles based around bull runs and bullfights.

What to bring

clear water with a pontoon leading to an island in Martinique in France
Relax in the sunny French Caribbean — Martinique, even during winter

Though most days are relatively warm, you might encounter cold and rainy days during your stay in France in April. On average, the country sees nine rainy days during this month. Bring a versatile set of clothes that you can layer to protect yourself from the elements along with comfortable footwear if sightseeing is part of your itinerary.

April is the start of the shoulder season in France. Having transitioned from the rainier and colder low season lasting between November and March, the country starts receiving more tourists as the mercury rises. Do note that Paris is still in its high season in April, so expect lots of crowds in the capital if your adventures take you there.

If you only have seven days to spend in the country, find out where to go in our one-week guide or you may read our travel guide on how many days to spend in France to plan a perfect trip!

Be prepared for downpours while in the country during this time of year. Do not forget to layer up and lug around an umbrella. Regardless, April is a great month to visit thanks to cheaper rates, relatively thinner crowds, and an array of popular festivals.

April in France is not as bad as it is made to be, and you can make your visit much more exciting by preparing in advance. Contact our travel experts in the country to help you with a tailor-made trip to France.

You can also browse through our list of available France tours in April.

Other Related Articles: 
France in March
France in May

Published by David Lee, updated on July 18, 2023

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