travel
February 20, 2026
‘Avignon warmed our bones and fed our souls’: readers’ favourite early spring trips to southern Europe
The best places to seek respite from the wintry UK weather in France, Italy and Germany. Tell us about a family adventure in Europe – the best tip wins a £200 holiday voucher.
TL;DR
- Annecy offers cycling on greenways and lake views in Saint-Jorioz.
- Naples provides early spring warmth, history, and proximity to Pompeii and Vesuvius.
- Corsica is accessible by ferry from Marseille, ideal for exploring its unspoiled interior and coast in mid to late spring.
- Freiburg, Germany's warmest and greenest city, is a gateway to the Black Forest.
- Villefranche-sur-Mer near Nice offers a charming historic heart and beautiful bay.
- Menton on the Côte d’Azur is known for its pastel buildings, French-Italian cuisine, and citrus farms.
- The Moselle Valley in Germany is recommended for boat trips, vineyards, and castles in early April.
- Perpignan offers coastal paths and a sunny climate, with Port-Vendres being a good base.
- Avignon is described as a hazily golden, walkable city with medieval streets and historical sites, perfect for a relaxing off-season visit.
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