Côte d’Azur in the spring
While most visitors tend to get to Europe in the high season of summer, spring is actually the best time of the year to explore the Old Continent, for many reasons: comfortable weather, great rates and fewer crowds. What more could you ask for? Here’s a short preview of my personal favourite spring destinations.
London: If you’ve read my blog Eurotrip Tips before, you know it’s an easy one in my case. But trust me, when you’ve just spent 4 months under the heavy Brit clouds of London, warmth and sun have never been more welcomed. The magnolia trees bloom all over the city, their rose color contrasting with the grey buildings and their sweet smell mixing with curry houses. It’s as if life came back to a place it had deserted a few months before. And the best part: the reopening of pub terraces. My favourite is Edinboro Castle, near Camden Town.
Andalusia: Spring is without a doubt the best time of the year to head over to southern Spain. With temperatures reaching 115 degrees in the midst of summer, not only is it no fun to sightsee but it’s also pointless – most amenities are closed as locals are busy… taking their daily siesta. So unless you want to spend the majority of your trip sleeping, visiting Andalusia in the spring is the best option (and that means more tapas for you!).
Paris is perfect in the spring
Paris: With over 26 million tourists year round, half of them during the summer, visiting Paris in March, April or May certainly is a good alternative to avoid overcrowded attractions (and hyped prices). Don’t forget to make a detour to the Palais de Versailles to admire the incredibly beautiful and legendary gardens in bloom. Budget tip: if can’t afford to visit the whole grounds, you can stick to the gardens – they’re free of charge.
Holland: Keyword: tulips. It’s the time of the year where the Dutch fields are rainbow colored, the farmer’s markets sell 50 tulips for less than €10 and where the world famous Keukenhoff gardens are at their very best. An easy daytrip from Amsterdam, the gardens are truly worth a visit, especially for the spectacular and super-sized flower arrangements.
Côte d’Azur: Unless you’re a paparazzi or a glamourista, there’s no reason for you to visit the Côte d’Azur in the summer. Restaurants, accommodations and beaches are filled with superstars, which only results in skyrocketed prices. Why not visit in the spring and mingle with the easy-going southern France locals instead? My personal recommendation: take a dinner to go and enjoy it on the beach at sunset (but leave before the weird people come out, and trust me, there are).
More information about this Guest Nomad: Marie shares her thoughts and experiences on everything Europe on her blog Eurotrip Tips, whether it’s about travel tips or authentic road stories. Hop on her frantic, nomad journey! Follow Marie on Twitter and Facebook!