Our Top Destinations for Spring in Europe

When is spring in Europe?

Spring in Europe falls from March through May. This time of year provides the ideal setting for a European journey for anyone looking for the right balance between price and unforgettable experiences.

It’s a time of year when the peaceful countryside comes alive with the colour of blooming flowers, where market squares re-awaken as vendors present their springtime harvest, and pleasant weather abounds as springtime temperatures begin to rise, creating the perfect conditions for sightseeing.

What to wear in Spring in Europe?

Hotel barging tends to be a smart-casual affair, leaning on the side of comfort. Life aboard the barge is slow-paced and leisurely, whilst excursions can include some walking over uneven terrain, and up or down stairs at times. At dinner, you may wish to change into something a little smarter, particularly during the Captain’s Farewell Dinner on the final evening of your cruise, when the Captain and often the crew will join you for one last hurrah. And don’t forget your swimsuit for a cosy dip in the spa pool!

If you’re wondering what to wear in spring in Europe during days out, we recommend lightweight layers including a waterproof jacket and comfortable walking shoes. Layering is key as springtime can provide a variety of weather conditions from cool nights to sunny warm days. And the odd rain shower to help the flowers grow.

1. Burgundy

The beautiful Burgundian countryside can be fully appreciated on a cruise early in the year. Whether you’re walking along the picturesque towpath of the Canal du Bourgogne (Burgundy Canal) or further afield being driven through the region’s rolling vineyards, or simply relaxing with a glass of wine on the barge’s sun deck as you glide down the canal.

One of the most colourful seasons in Burgundy is spring. As the days lengthen and the weather warms, the entire area bursts into colour. First there are fields of bright yellow rapeseed (canola) followed by the delicate pink cherry trees blooming and then the green leaf growth of the renowned vineyards. Burgundy is simply fantastic to experience in the springtime.

We recommend: La Belle Epoque Walking Cruise

2. Champagne

In Champagne, the vines awaken to a new growth cycle when the weather warms at the end of March and the beginning of April. The emergence of the first buds is referred to as a “bud burst” or “bud break.” Champagne’s spring season (April to June) is regarded as a great time to go, giving the chance to breathe the fresh air and celebrate the end of winter hibernation.

Spring in Europe, particularly throughout May, is a great time for a Champagne cruise. Cruise along the pretty River Marne and the Canal Lateral à la Marne through lush sloping vineyards and sample the bubbly delights of France’s most effervescent region, with visits to exclusive boutique champagne houses you wouldn’t find yourself. This region is blessed with a plethora of vineyards stretching across the rolling hillsides as far as the eye can see.

We recommend: Kir Royale Classic Cruise (May-October)

3. Canal du Midi

Birdwatchers will be in their element cruising the Canal du Midi in the spring when we reach the “Petite Camargue”. This region is a haven for birdlife such as Bee Eaters, African Rollers and the iconic pink flamingo.

This historic French waterway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is picturesque throughout the year, but it becomes even more alluring as winter melts away. The colourful poppy and graceful mimosa are among the many wild flowers that bloom as the trees along the canal begin to bud. In the countryside, the scent of almond blossoms wafts through the air, and gently rolling hills turn greener as the days grow longer and warmer. If you want to experience some rural French peace and quiet in the spring, why not consider a 6-night spring cruise aboard hotel barge Anjodi or Enchanté.

We recommend: Athos Classic Cruise

4. Venice

Venice and the Veneto region is a fascinating feast for the eyes at any time of the year, but the beauty of the Venice lagoon is especially apparent during spring in Europe, when it transforms into a paradise for nature enthusiasts. As you travel through the picturesque Po Delta, anticipate seeing the wetlands come to life with its fish and birds. Nothing can beat a stroll along the Istrian sea wall, constructed in the nineteenth century, with astounding views of the Adriatic Sea.

A spring cruise also beats the heat of the Southern European summer, for those who like it cooler. As our Italian hotel barge, La Bella Vita, travels between Venice and Mantua, with plenty of dry, mild days from late March to May that are ideal for lounging on the roomy sun deck. Expect to find Italy in full bloom at its market stalls, villa gardens, and the countryside we navigate through.

We recommend: La Bella Vita – Garden Cruise

5. Holland

We couldn’t write a post about the best cruising destinations for spring in Europe without mentioning Holland. In late March and early April its world-famous tulips are in full and riotous bloom making it the ideal time of year to travel here. A springtime cruise on the Panache shows a countryside dotted with windmills and multi-coloured bulb fields.

If you’d like to witness the spectacle yourself, get in touch to find out about the special tulip cruises that we run at this time of the year with excursions to the Aalsmeer flower auction and Keukenhof Gardens. This famous ‘Garden of Europe’, which is open every year from mid-March to mid-May, is a sight to behold, with over 7 million individual flowering tulips!

We recommend: Panache Classic Cruise

Book your Spring Cruise in Europe

If you wish to avoid the madding crowds, come cruise with us in the spring, as nature comes alive. Springtime is a time of abundance, and that includes your dining experience, as your chef onboard creates exquisite meals utilizing in-season local products, such as asparagus, artichokes, and strawberries. An additional bonus is that visitor attractions can be much quieter and some of our cruises are sold at value season prices.

Your boat has both heating and air conditioning, providing you comfort no matter what the temperatures. Days are generally warm and evenings cool, a perfect opportunity to end your day in the heated spa pool on deck, with a glass of bubbles and a view of the stars.