Visiting France in May

Visit France this May for a late spring or early summer outdoor activity holiday, an exciting city break or a romantic weekend away.

The month of May sees Printemps (Spring) drawing to a close. The progression of the seasons means that May is one of the best times to experience France.

The trees are in spectacular blossom, providing a charming backdrop to a driving holiday or your journey to a countryside cottage.

The comfortably warm weather that tells us summer is just round the corner and makes May a great month to enjoy the many outdoor pursuits that France has to offer, before the onset of the summer tourist rush. The French tourist season really kicks off in May and many popular tourist attractions reopen or lengthen their opening hours after the long winter, so why not check out our range of affordable self catering accommodation and last minute holiday bargains.

Activity Holidays in May

The temperature, whilst pleasant, is not as hot as the later Summer months, which means May is one of the best times to plan an activity holiday. Activity holidays don’t have to be all about extreme sports; golf is as popular as skiing, and there are many activity holidays focusing on gentler pursuits like walking and fishing.

Outdoor Holidays in May

If you’re not particularly keen on being too active but still intend to enjoy the outside, it’s wonderful to be able to take a romantic walk along France’s beautiful, sunny beaches without having to take a jacket or slather on sunscreen. For an incredibly romantic setting, check out the pink coast of the Cote de Granite Rose in Brittany or the green waters of the Emerald Coast, also in Brittany

Romantic City Breaks in May

If you’re interested in the romantic aspect of France but would like a bit more excitement than offered by the countryside or beaches, simply visit magical Paris on a romantic French holiday in May and you will see why so many love Paris in the Springtime.

If Paris doesn’t grab your attention, or if you’ve already been and would like to try somewhere new, then perhaps you might prefer to visit somewhere like the Canal du Midi in the South of France or the Promenade des Anglais in Nice for a change of scenery that still packs a punch. If the bright lights of the city still call to you, check out the lively cities of Montpellier or vibrant Toulouse.

May School Holidays in France

The French school holidays are staggered to help avoid excess traffic on the roads and excessive demand for holiday accommodation. The schools of France are divided into three zones, and each zone has its own holiday dates. This makes May an excellent time to travel through France as only one zone has a Spring holiday that falls during May, and this occurs only at the very beginning of the mont.

May Public Holidays in France

There are three key public holidays in May:

• Sunday 01/05/11 - May Day (Fête du premier Mai)
• Sunday 08/05/11 -  Victory Day / Armistice 1945 (Fête de la Victoire 1945)
• Saturday 21/05/11 – Ascension Day (l'Ascencion)

The French have a tradition on May Day that involves giving lilies of the valley (Muguet) to friends and loved ones in order to bring them happiness and good luck. If your visit coincides with May Day you’ll witness many roadside booths set up solely to sell these pretty flowers.

French Climate in May

As Spring is drawing closer to Summer the weather is generally warm, but as France is a large country the temperature can be very different depending on which region you visit; so if you’re sun seeking, head for somewhere like Saint Tropez, Herault or Nice. Later in summer these areas tend to get more expensive, so go in May to take advantage of good weather that won’t burn a hole in your pocket; Nice is particularly glamorous during May due to the world famous Cannes Film Festival that takes place.

Average Temperatures in May

The average temperatures across France during May are:

• In Paris the average temperature is around 57 Fahrenheit or nearly 14 degrees Celsius.
• In the South West the average temperature is 64 Fahrenheit or almost 18 degrees Celsius.
• In Provence the average temperature is 69 Fahrenheit or almost 20 degrees Celsius.
• In Corsica the average temperature is 70 Fahrenheit or almost 21 degrees Celsius.

Events and Festivals

Festivals in France are flamboyant, joyous occasions, and May in France offers some wonderfully eclectic events. Check out Lille’s Soup festival, where chefs from around the world meet to celebrate the joys of soup; spoons are provided! If soup isn’t quite what you have in mind then consider the famed and celebrity packed Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, near Nice, or the Joan of Arc Festival in Orleans that marks the famous siege of 1428-1429 when Joan of Arc helped liberate the city. Try the Art Rock music festival in the Cote d'Amour for the young or young at heart, or if this doesn’t grab you, then perhaps the Festival of the Rose in Vaucluse in Vaucluse will. May in France truly caters for just about every taste.

Holiday Accommodation in May

There's a wide range of quality and affordable holiday accommodation to be found in France during May, including rural farmhouses, villas, gites, bed and breakfast and hotels. You can search for your perfect May holiday accommodation at French Connections and don't forget to check out latest special offers from holiday property owners.

Great Travel Deals to France

If you're planning to travel to France in May, French Connections can point you to some great travel deals including discounted ferry tickets, French train tickets, discounted care hire, and cheap flights to France.