Spring break plans for 2023 highlight varying schedules for students across different zones in France. Zone B will enjoy an extended holiday from April 5, while Zone C has a break from April 12. Families in certain regions may miss out on holiday perks, but planning around public holidays can create extended weekends. Travel recommendations include serene destinations like Landes and cultural experiences in Alsace, alongside exotic options in Andalusia and beyond, catering to diverse preferences.
Spring Break Plans: What to Expect in 2023
As students from Zone A return to their studies on Monday, March 11, after a refreshing two-week winter break, the spotlight shifts to Zone B, which will soon embark on their spring vacation. According to the Ministry of National Education’s school holiday calendar, the regions of Provence-Alpes-Côte-D’azur, Pays de la Loire, Brittany, Normandy, Centre-Val de Loire, Hauts-de-France, and Grand Est will kick off their break starting Saturday, April 5, for a delightful two weeks of leisure.
Understanding the Holiday Schedule
Zone B students will enjoy an extended holiday as Easter Monday, falling on April 21, is a public holiday, allowing them to return to school on Tuesday, April 22. Meanwhile, students in Zone C, who have their spring break scheduled from April 12 to April 28, won’t share this advantage, although they will relish a long weekend. This zone includes regions like Île-de-France, Occitanie, and Corsica. Unfortunately, Zone A students face the toughest schedule this year, with their break commencing on Saturday, April 19, and lasting until Monday, May 5.
Families in Nouvelle Aquitaine, Bourgogne-Franche Comté, and Auvergne-Rhône Alpes will miss out on some holiday perks in April and May. Like Zone C, they will not benefit from the three-day Easter weekend and will also miss the May 1 bridge, which falls on a Thursday this year. Those who planned ahead could take off Friday, May 2, creating a four-day weekend. The same strategy applies to May 8, a Thursday marking the Armistice of World War II.
Looking ahead to 2025, there are opportunities to maximize public holidays for an extended break. By taking just five days off (the 2nd, 5th, 6th, 7th, and 9th), you could potentially enjoy 11 consecutive days away from work, including weekends. Additionally, by not working on May 28 and 30, surrounding the Ascension holiday on the 29th, you can secure five consecutive days off. As we approach summer, with July 14 (Monday) and August 15 (Friday) holidays, careful planning can ensure several three-day weekends!
Spring Vacation Ideas: Where to Go?
Now that the vacation schedule is set, the next question is how to make the most of your time off in April and May. The Routard offers a variety of travel suggestions, both domestically and internationally, catering to all budgets and preferences. If you’re looking for a serene getaway, the Landes region is perfect for appreciating the charms of spring, while the Bay of Somme is ideal for bird enthusiasts. Ardèche promises a taste of summer with its diverse array of sports activities, ensuring a refreshing change of scenery for all.
For those seeking cultural experiences, Alsace celebrates the arrival of spring with numerous Easter events. Colmar, one of the most picturesque towns in Alsace, hosts festivities throughout the month, including craft markets and musical performances, appealing to visitors of all ages.
If your wanderlust leans towards exotic destinations, consider exploring Andalusia’s historical cities like Cordoba, Seville, and Granada, or venture to Japan, the Netherlands, and Cuba for unforgettable experiences. The options are tantalizing and sure to inspire your spring travel plans!