Spring is on its way – where best to enjoy it in France?

As snow coats the daffodils and blossom in southern England it’s hard to believe but spring is on the way! It’s an exciting time of rebirth across the natural playgrounds of France – not just classic Paris in the spring – but much more. Here we have three ideas for a long weekend …

Clear the head on a hike in the Auvergne

A wonderfully uncrowded area of central France, the Auvergne is worth exploring. Hike up rugged volcanic hills and find medieval villages, lush valleys and vertiginous paths (great for mountain biking!).

Property prices are refreshingly low in this region. This 3-bedroom house with a garage and a small garden has loads of potential and it’s close to the famous Auvergne Volcanoes Regional Nature Park!

Giverny: blooming lovely

Claude Monet found inspiration for his artworks at Giverny in Normandy – his famous Printemps a Giverny showcases pink blossom under cobalt-blue skies. A visual feast sure to make an impression…

The same might be said of this stunning, traditional Norman property in Les Andelys that offers three properties in one – there’s great potential for gites and/or B&B. And there’s been a tempting price reduction…

Go slow in the Vendee’s Green Venice

Perhaps lesser-known natural paradises are Marais Poitevin and Green Venice in the Pays de la Loire. Famed for its ‘slow tourism’ this pocket of dense emerald forests and charming villages connected by canals and rivers (great to explore by flat-bottomed boat), are a verdant haven for wildlife.

It’s also a great place to have a home, and your money goes surprisingly far. Take a look at this great four-bedroom detached village house with a garden for less than £120k.