At last, spring is here and soon too is the Easter break – it’s the perfect time to take a trip to France.

With so many places to explore and so many things to do we thought we’d share a few inspiring ideas for the perfect French spring break and where to get a scrumptious chocolate fix!

Nice, Cote d’Azur

By spring, the sun is warm, the sky is blue and coats can be put away during the daytime, though you might need a jacket for al fresco dining in the evening.

The old town is not too busy this time of the year and you’ll be able to stroll the famous Cours Saleya market without crowds. Treat yourself to lunch at the fabulous La Rotonde bistro at the iconic pink domed Negresco hotel. Decked out like an 18th-century carousel complete with horses that rise and fall the restaurant is kitsch, fun and gorgeous and it’s a surprisingly affordable menu for such an iconic establishment.

Nip to the tourist office to find out what’s on during the spring season, concerts, Easter Egg Hunts and loads more await. Don’t miss a visit to Maison Auer for your sweet treat. This beautifully decorated shop with its painted ceiling and mirrored walls opened in 1820. A 5th generation sweet shop where Queen Victoria used to shop when she was on holiday on the French Riviera. Utterly lush chocolate covered almonds and crystallised fruit deliver memorable sugar hits.

Dordogne

CREDIT: © Penn Graphics, Office de Tourisme Sarlat Perigord Noir

The countryside of Dordogne bursts into colour in spring. The grass is emerald green, the forests of walnuts and oaks sprout leaves, there are bluebells and meadow flowers and for nature lovers, it’s a great time to visit. The towns of Dordogne also burst into life and in Sarlat, a pickled in the past gem of a town, there’s loads going on during the spring season. If you’re there at Easter with kids, join in a giant Easter Egg Hunt in the streets. Head to the Bovetti Chocolate Museum nearby to try the most delicious tasting of specialty chocolate and learn more about the sweet stuff.

Flavigny-sur-Ozerain

We can’t mention chocolate in France and not talk about this lovely little village in Burgundy where the film ‘Chocolat’ by Joanne Harris was filmed. Flavigny sits high on a rock and is listed as one of the most beautiful villages in France. The origin of the town goes back centuries when it spread out around a Benedictine Abbey founded in 719. The Abbey is still present but part of it is used now as a factory producing Anise pastilles based on a recipe created by the monks' many hundreds of years ago. You can buy them in beautifully printed tins exclusively featuring the village.

There are wiggly, hilly roads lined with medieval houses, walk the castle ramparts and enjoy magnificent views and indulge in the local wines. Surprisingly perhaps, there’s no chocolate shop in the town but the anise pastilles make up for that. And, not far away in the town of Montbard which is also well worth a visit, you’ll find several chocolate shops including Tentation (Temptation) which makes simply irresistible chocolates.

French Connections has hundreds of wonderful holiday rentals in these areas, nip over to our home page to start your search.