France Travel in March

March can be the last chance until late fall to visit France on a budget. This is the time to fly to France for airfare, hotel and package deals and bargain ferries from the U.K. The ski season is having its last busy month. It can be sunny and bright, or it can be cold. But if winter hasn't loosened its grip, hotels throughout France will welcome you with roaring wood fires.

Already there will be the first of the wonderful, inventive Easter candy displays in patisseries and chocolateries. If the weather is warm, the trees and flowers will reward you with the first signs of Spring when Paris particularly comes alive. And finally, down in the south of France on the Riviera, the Nice Carnival is at its height, while other Mediterranean towns are celebrating the end of the winter and the beginning of Spring.

Weather in March

As the season moves from winter blasts into spring, you can expect any and every kind of weather. You’ll probably get everything -- from warm, sun to cold, even snowy days. In the north, be prepared for cool to cold weather, and in the south, for mild to cool weather. There are major variations in climate depending on where you are in France, but here are weather averages for major cities:

Paris:

Temperature ranges from 5 degrees C (41 degrees F) to 11 degrees C (51.8 degrees F)
Average temperature is 7 degrees C (44.6 degrees F)
Average number of wet days is 12
Average number of days with snow is 2

Bordeaux:

Average temperature ranges from 4 degrees C (39 degrees F) to 15 degrees C (59 degrees F)
Average temperatures is 10 degrees C (50 degrees F)
Average number of wet days is 12

Lyon:

Temperature ranges from 4 degrees C (39 degrees F) to 14 degrees C (57 degrees F)
Average temperature is 10 degrees C (50 degrees F)
Average number of wet days is 8

Nice:

Average temperature ranges from 8 degrees C (48 F) to 15 degrees C (59 F)
Average temperature is 10 degrees C (50 degrees F)
Average number of wet days is 8

Strasbourg:

Average temperature ranges from 2 degrees C (36 degrees F) to 11 degrees C (52 degrees F)
Average temperature is 7 degrees C (45 degrees F)
Average number of wet days is 15

Find out more: Weather in France

What to pack

Packing for a France holiday in March can vary, but generally this is a cold time of year. You might get rainstorms and certainly snow. So include the following in your packing list:

A good winter coat

A warm jacket for daytime

Sweaters or cardigans (layers are best)

Scarf, hat and gloves

Good walking shoes. See the list of Top Travel Walking Shoes for Women or Top Travel Walking Shoes for Men

Sturdy umbrella that can resist the wind Buy it now

Find out more on Packing Tips

Why visit France in March

The skiing season is in its last full month (see details below)

There are few crowds and no long waits for tourist attractions

You see the countryside, the cities, the cathedrals and palaces without being obscured by trees

Prices are lower for airfares and for ferries from the U.K as well as hotels

It’s the second part of the famous Carnaval in Nice, which predates New Orleans’ Mardi Gras (see below)

Why not to visit France in March

The weather can be uncomfortably cold

Some attractions could have restricted hours, or even be closed, especially in smaller villages

Weather could cause travel delays by air, rail or car

Apart from the south of France, it’s a slow month for events and festivals

Events and Things to Do in March

The ski season (see details below)

Carnaval in Nice

Carnaval in Limoux

Menton Lemon Festival

Paris Book Fair, featuring Nordic literature in 2011

Paris-Nice Cycling Race

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