Updated on January 2, 2024.
Spring is finally here! After a long and cold winter watching the leaves fall, the good days are back at last. To your greatest delight! Spring is the ideal time to organize your mind and your home, to go for bike rides, to enjoy the beautiful sunny days of April and May on your terrace, balcony, or in a park.
Yes, spring is the perfect season for planning some outings. How about using nature’s renewal to try new things? At Colivys, we like to shake up our daily routine and get back on track. In this article, you’ll find a list of ideas and activities, sometimes unusual, to fully enjoy spring!
🪴Beautify your interior
To start spring off right, there’s nothing better than making some changes in your lifestyle, starting with yourself. This season is the perfect time to cleanse yourself from the inside by adopting healthier habits such as regular physical activity or improving your sleep.
Living in a clean and tidy environment enhances your mental and emotional well-being. So it’s time for you to do a thorough cleaning: make room in your living space and bedroom, declutter your electronic devices (computer, phone, etc.), and go through your wardrobe, swapping out winter clothes for lighter outfits. You can also add a personal touch to your interior by adding color with decorative elements or flowers. If you have a green thumb, buy some plants! They are great allies in reducing stress and contributing to your well-being. For added fun, you can plant them yourself and create your own indoor garden.
🧺Organize a picnic
After being cooped up all winter, you’re probably eager to get outside. Spring, a time of renewal and change, is the perfect opportunity to breathe and enjoy the great outdoors. So, why not organize an outdoor picnic? One thing is for sure, this fun and friendly activity is perfect for enjoying the mild spring temperatures and observing the blooming flowers, with family or friends.
For a successful picnic, all you need to do is choose a pleasant and easily accessible location, such as a park, a meadow, or a forest. Whether you live in Paris, Lyon, Marseille, or Strasbourg: big cities abound with green spaces. Prepare your most beautiful basket filled with delicious, simple, and easy-to-carry dishes. Sandwiches, salads, fresh fruits, pastries, cold drinks: it’s even better if you make them at home. And don’t forget to bring a table game, a blanket, or a tablecloth to sit comfortably on the grass.
☀️Savor the sun on a terrace
Spring means the return of sunny terraces. Take advantage of them to stock up on vitamin D! Whether for brunch, lunch with friends, or just relaxing after a long day, terraces are the perfect place to unwind and enjoy the season’s first rays of sunshine.
There’s nothing like sipping a cocktail or coffee while admiring the view and enjoying the good weather. If you live in the capital, check out our article on the best outdoor bars and terraces in Paris. If you live in Lyon, Strasbourg, or Marseille, don’t worry: new articles are coming soon!
Be careful: even though it may be hard to tell, the sun’s rays can be intense this season. It’s recommended to apply sunscreen to protect yourself, stay well-hydrated, and wear your most beautiful hat or cap to avoid sunburn. 😉
🌳 Start a retreat in nature
Do you need to get away from daily distractions and reduce your stress? What better way than a retreat in nature, in a peaceful setting conducive to meditation, reflection, and introspection. This getaway, in a forest or a large park, is perfect for reading a good book under the spring sun.
Spending time outdoors gives you the chance to reconnect with yourself, find inner harmony, and enjoy a soothing moment. The landscapes will be in bloom, and the setting will be ideal for discovering new species of birds and plants. So, what are you waiting for to recharge during this magical season that is spring?
🌷Stroll through parks and gardens
If you love being surrounded by greenery while staying in the city, nothing beats a walk in a park or garden. An essential activity, after your afternoons at the library preparing for your exams, to do this season, it’s the perfect time to enjoy nature coming back to life: flowers are budding, trees are blossoming, and birds are singing. Yes, spring is finally here! On foot or by bike, gardens and parks are perfect places for a walk or a hike alone, with roommates, or with friends. You can even show new places to your family when they come to visit, admire the blooming trees, take beautiful photos, and recharge surrounded by nature. If you live in Île-de-France, here are some must-visit park and forest addresses. If you live in Lyon, discover our favorite gardens and parks. For everyone else, don’t worry: our top recommendations are coming soon!
🎵 Attend an outdoor festival or event
When “spring” rhymes with “start of outdoor events”: happiness! Whether you’re passionate about music, art, sports, or gastronomy, you’re sure to find an event that suits your tastes. Numerous concerts and music festivals, craft markets, exhibitions, sporting events, and gastronomy festivals are organized. It’s up to you to choose or not choose among all the options available to you. Use this advantage to discover new cultures, meet interesting people, and most importantly, have an unforgettable time with friends or roommates!
🧳Take advantage of long weekends for a getaway
Good news: the month of May is full of holidays. Use them to take a long weekend and explore new nearby destinations. If you’re looking for a new and different experience, why not consider going to a destination you’ve never visited before? Do you love outdoor activities? Opt for a mountain destination for hiking or a seaside spot for nighttime strolls admiring the city. Can’t imagine a vacation without history and culture? France and Europe are full of historic cities and museums just a few hours from Paris, Lille, Marseille, Lyon, or Strasbourg. Take advantage of this opportunity to visit Bruges, the Belgian Venice; always sunny Barcelona; or Frankfurt and Berlin, with their undeniable German charm.
With this fantastic program, you’ll be able to make the most of your spring. Which of these ideas will you try?
