France, Europe
The French Riviera in April
Gardens and hill villages at their best. Beach clubs begin reopening late in the month.
The straight answer
April is a good month to visit the French Riviera. Gardens and hill villages at their best. Beach clubs begin reopening late in the month.
- Weather
- Spring, highs near 64F (18C)
- Crowds
- 3 of 5
- Prices
- 3 of 5
What April is like in the French Riviera
April is spring, with highs near 64F (18C) and more sunny days. Gardens and hill villages are at their best, with flowers everywhere. Beach clubs begin reopening late in the month, though the sea is still too cold for most swimmers. Crowds and prices are moderate, rising a little around Easter.
April suits couples, garden lovers and families who want pleasant sightseeing weather. It is a great month for Eze, Villa Ephrussi and the Fondation Maeght. Swimmers should wait for June. If you want warmer evenings at still-moderate prices, early May or September are good alternatives.
Make the most of April
What is especially good about the French Riviera this month.
Gardens in full bloom
Villa Ephrussi's themed gardens and Eze's exotic garden are at their prettiest.
Hill villages without the crowds
Eze and Saint-Paul-de-Vence are pleasant to wander before summer tour groups arrive.
Beach clubs reopen
Late in the month, the first beach clubs open for lunch in the sun, even if swimming waits.
What to pack for April
- Layers for cool mornings and warm afternoons
- A light rain jacket
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sunglasses and a light scarf
Our timing tip
Visit Eze early in the morning or late in the afternoon to miss the day tour groups.
Book The French Riviera for April.
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- Hotels for April
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in The French RivieraOpens a hotel search for The French Riviera in April, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
- Rentals on Vrbo
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in The French RivieraWhole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
- Tours and tickets
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in The French RivieraTimed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in The French Riviera for April. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Things to do in the French Riviera
Old Nice and the Promenade des Anglais
The Cours Saleya market in the morning, then a walk along the seafront. Castle Hill has the classic view over the bay.
Musee Matisse, Nice
In a hilltop villa in Cimiez, with the artist's grave nearby. Much calmer than the seafront on busy days.
Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild
A pink Belle Epoque villa with themed gardens and musical fountains on Cap Ferrat.
Eze village
A medieval hill village with an exotic garden at the top. Go early or late to avoid tour groups.
Oceanographic Museum, Monaco
A grand museum and aquarium built into the cliff above the sea.
Fondation Maeght
Modern art in a garden setting near Saint-Paul-de-Vence, with works by Miro, Giacometti, and Chagall.
Beat the crowds
- Base yourself in Nice and use the train. It is cheaper than Cannes or Monaco and avoids the summer traffic and parking problem on the coast.
- Check the calendar before booking May: the Cannes Film Festival and the Monaco Grand Prix can double hotel rates in those towns.
- Go to the hill villages (Eze, Saint-Paul-de-Vence) before 10am or after 5pm, when tour coaches are gone.
- Swim at smaller coves and public beaches around Villefranche, Cap d'Antibes, and Cap Ferrat rather than the central Nice and Cannes beaches in peak weeks.
Know before you go
- Most private beach clubs operate from about April or May to late September or October, and close for the winter.
- Saint-Tropez is highly seasonal: many shops, hotels, and restaurants close from about November to March.
- Nice, Monaco, Cannes, and Antibes stay fully open all year, with museums and markets running through winter.
- Many Nice city museums close one day a week, often Tuesday. Check before planning a museum day.
The French Riviera in April, quick answers
Is April a good time to visit the French Riviera?
April is a good month to visit the French Riviera. Gardens and hill villages at their best. Beach clubs begin reopening late in the month.
What is the weather like in the French Riviera in April?
Spring, highs near 64F (18C).
Is the French Riviera crowded in April?
Crowds in the French Riviera are moderate in April; timed bookings still help at the biggest sights.
Keep planning The French Riviera.
The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.
Also at their best in April
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