Easter Holidays With Family: Where To Go In France According To Your Ideal Weather (sea, Nature, Sunshine)

Easter holidays often present a peculiar mix; we long for spring, the great outdoors, and family breaks, yet the weather can still be a spoilsport. Fortunately, in France, sometimes all it takes is a switch of coast (or altitude) to go from a rainy weekend to a week of lovely clear spells. Here are some destination ideas based on your ideal weather, with concrete suggestions, and a few pointers to time your stay just right.

Spring Break 2026 - The Official Dates to Know Before Booking

Before choosing the sea, nature, or the sun, there is a very simple parameter that changes everything, the holiday dates according to your zone. In 2026, they do not all fall at the same time, which affects prices, availability, and the number of people on-site (some resorts fill up suddenly).

• Zone A - spring break, from Saturday, April 4, 2026 to Monday, April 20, 2026.
• Zone B - spring break, from Saturday, April 11, 2026 to Monday, April 27, 2026.
• Zone C - spring break, from Saturday, April 18, 2026 to Monday, May 4, 2026.

Also note that Easter Monday falls on April 6, 2026. Practically, this can offer you a little extra long weekend depending on your days off (and the school schedule, of course).

Why choosing your destination "by weather" is smart (even if it remains a gamble)

We've all experienced the scenario: you book a "springtime in the countryside" getaway, and you end up in a puffy jacket under a drizzle, with kids pacing around in boredom. Indeed, the weather remains unpredictable in April, but choosing based on "atmosphere" really helps, because activities and landscapes are experienced differently depending on the weather.

Moreover, for several decades, the climate in France has been changing, with a significant increase in average temperatures. As a result, spring can be warmer than before, though not guaranteed, and episodes of rain or wind still occur (sometimes that's even what adds charm to a weekend by the sea... as long as you have a good raincoat).

Option 1 - You want the sea and the iodized air (even if it's not 25°C)

If your "ideal weather" is mainly about breathing, walking along the seaside, collecting seashells, and ending the day with a waffle (yes, it counts), then the ocean and the English Channel are safe bets. It's rarely very hot at Easter, but the atmosphere is invigorating, the beaches are quieter than in summer, and the resorts come back to life.

Atlantic Coast - the energy, the wide beaches, the walks
On the Atlantic front, you can bet on long walks, bike paths, harbors, and markets. If the sun is out, it's perfect; if the sky is overcast, it remains pleasant because everything is "made for" being outdoors, and there are often alternatives (aquariums, museums, thalassotherapy).
- Vendée - Charente-Maritime: family-friendly resorts, bike paths, marshes, islands, and a relaxed pace.
- Landes: vast spaces, pine forests, immense beaches, and natural spots where kids can run wild.
- Southern Brittany: fishing ports, coastal trails, crêperies, and that little touch of "adventure" even under the clouds.

English Channel - the sea with "wide horizons"
Normandy and Hauts-de-France have a different feel, more mineral, often windier, but very refreshing. And if you catch a beautiful sunny spell, it's frankly magnificent. As a bonus, everything is often closer from Paris and the north, so less travel time (and with a family, that's an argument).

Option 2 - You're looking for nature, greenery, and mild weather (not necessarily extremely sunny).

If your goal is to disconnect, have space, and engage in outdoor activities without necessarily seeking warmth, the central and southwestern regions are often good compromises. Nature in spring is lively, it moves, it smells of fresh grass, and the days lengthen quickly.

Loire and Valleys - perfect if you like to alternate between walks and visits
The Loire Valley works great at Easter because you can do short outings (suitable for children) and alternate with a visit to a castle, a park, a small village... If the weather turns cloudy, you can switch to heritage sites without disappointing anyone.

For those who want to save time and opt for a "ready-to-go" package designed for families, you can also consider the option to go on a family Easter holiday, and follow up with an easy-to-fit-in visit idea, such as our guide to the Loire castles.

Massif Central and medium mountains - outdoor experiences without the crowds
It's not always top of mind, but the medium mountain ranges are great in spring. It might be cool in the morning, but the afternoon can be very pleasant for walking, discovering lakes, volcanoes, and watching the landscapes change. For families, it's often a good compromise, provided you plan ahead for the right gear (shoes, windbreaker, fleece, and everyone is happy).

A side note, if you have children sensitive to allergies, spring can also mean allergies, sometimes acute depending on the year. It's not a reason to give up, but it's worth planning ahead to avoid a holiday with a stuffy nose and itchy eyes.

Option 3 - You want sunshine (or at least to maximize your chances)

If your ideal weather is "I want to eat outside," "I want to shed the heavy jacket," and "I want some spring light," then head south. We can't promise summer, but we often increase the chances of having beautiful days.

Mediterranean - light, terraces, and easy-going activities
The Mediterranean has this advantage, even when it's not very warm, the light gives a holiday feel. You can stroll along the seaside, visit markets, discover perched villages, and especially alternate very easily between outdoor and indoor activities. And if you're the type to book a little early, some rentals sometimes display affordable budgets starting in spring (it can make a difference).

- Côte d'Azur: coastal walks, gardens, villages, and a rather gentle pace outside of summer.
- Languedoc: large beaches, lagoons, cycle paths, and natural spots close to the sea.
- Provence: if you like sunny countryside, markets, villages, and landscapes.

Corsica - if you can go there, it's a great season
At Easter, Corsica is often magnificent because you can enjoy nature without the summer crowds. It can be cool at altitude, but the landscapes are superb, and the atmosphere is very "spring-like." (And honestly, even a slightly gray day there has a cinematic quality, it's quite amazing.)

The Essential Plan B - What to Do if It Rains (Without Dampening the Mood)

The real secret to a successful Easter holiday is having a simple plan B. Not something complicated, just 2 or 3 easy ideas to activate if the sky closes in. That way, no one feels "stuck".

• Aquariums, museums, sea cities: perfect with kids, and often very well done.


• Pool, spa, thalassotherapy: a "feel-good" option when it's cold outside.


• Workshops and gourmet visits: chocolate factories, cookie shops, covered markets...

Simple little ideas that make Easter holidays truly "family-friendly"

There's a lot of talk about destinations, but at the end of the day, it's often the daily routine of holidays that stays with us. And at Easter, there are two or three classics that never fail.
- Organize an egg hunt: even a minimalist one, even on a balcony, it works (and makes for great photos).
- Plan a "signature" activity: biking along the seaside, walking in the forest, picnicking in the sun as soon as it appears...
- Have a half-day without a schedule: it avoids the feeling of rushing, especially with children.

Budget and Attendance - Two Useful Benchmarks (Without Overthinking It)

It is seen every year, the periods around Easter cause a shift in reservations. The numbers confirm it, a simple Easter weekend can boost tourist attendance for an entire month. So if you want a good choice, booking a little in advance helps, especially for highly sought-after destinations.

Regarding budget, there is also a reality to keep in mind, not everyone can easily take off. Many French people make trade-offs, choosing to travel less far, for a shorter time, or to stay with relatives. It's not "worse", it's just another way of doing things. And sometimes, it's even more relaxing.

If you are looking for packages that simplify organization (accommodation, facilities, activities on site), some family rentals sometimes offer spring rates around 400 euros per week depending on the period and destination, which can be an interesting starting point for comparison.

Note Well - weather, climate, school zones, let's quickly recap.

Weather = what's expected in the coming days, tangible, variable, sometimes whimsical.
Climate = long-term trends, explaining why some springs are generally milder than before.
Spring break = the official term, many families say "Easter holidays," but it refers to the same period.
Zones A, B, C = they stagger the dates, affecting attendance, prices, and the atmosphere at the destination.

Conclusion - the right destination is the one that matches your "ideal weather".

To ensure a successful Easter holiday with your family, the key is not to chase perfect weather but to choose a destination that remains enjoyable even if the weather changes. The sea for the fresh iodized air, nature for physical activity, the south to maximize sunshine, and a simple plan B to avoid complicated days. And most importantly, leave some room for spontaneity, as that's often where the best memories sneak in (an impromptu hot chocolate, a "just 20 minutes" walk turning into an adventure, an unexpected sunset).