Budget Holidays in April: 9 Great Deals in France and Europe

The arrival of spring brings with it warmer weather and cheap holiday deals. Whether you’re after a countryside break or city stopover, here are some ideas for places to visit in April that won’t break the bank. Choose from our wallet-friendly options and take advantage of the free activities at each destination.

April means lower prices and ideal weather conditions for holidays with family or friends. Here's why:

1. The days are longer, giving you more time for sightseeing.
2. Tourist sites are less crowded, and the start of the season means great deals.
3. Temperatures are milder, making the weather ideal for family trips in France.
4. The sea is warmer, welcoming the first (brave) swimmers of the year.
5. Train and plane tickets are less expensive before the May bank holidays and summer’s school-holiday rush.
6. Easter Monday guarantees a long weekend without having to take any official time off from work.
7. Room rates at ibis, ibis budget and ibis Styles hotels are affordable, so you can enjoy budget holidays in April.

There are many options for budget holidays in April. Here are our favourite destinations in France.

Visiting in April means sneaking in a taste of summer before its official arrival. Wild flowers cover the plains, snow lingers on mountain peaks and Provençal markets come back to life – you can sample fresh spring produce at markets in Carpentras, Digne-les-Bains and Apt. Paddle down the spectacular Verdon Gorge, pleasantly free of crowds in April. Stroll the squares of the Luberon’s most beautiful villages, or explore Marseille’s calanques (rocky coves) at your own pace and without the summer surge.

Forget Alsace’s Christmas markets; say hello to Easter markets in Colmar and Kaysersberg. A wonderful destination for budget holidays in April that won’t break the bank, Alsace is ablaze with colour in spring. In its villages, half-timbered houses are adorned with planters of lush geraniums, while in the countryside, fruit trees blossom and vineyards turn green.

Base yourself in an affordable Strasbourg hotel to enjoy sightseeing or walks in untamed nature. Explore Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg with family, cycle the Alsace Wine Route with your beloved or go hiking in the Vosges foothills – and after all that adventure, recharge your batteries with a slice of delicious flammekueche, Alsace’s version of pizza.

April is a perfect month to visit Paris: there are fewer tourists and the temperatures are mild. Stay at ibis Paris Gare Montparnasse Catalogne, and you’ll benefit from a handy location near the city’s greatest attractions. When the weather’s sunny and warm, wander the banks of the Seine, chill in Parc Montsouris or stop by the Luxembourg Gardens to play chess with the locals. If you’re into exercise, go for a run in the Bois de Vincennes – and visiting the City of Light in April means you might coincide with the Paris Marathon.

With average temperatures between 15 and 20°C in spring, Ardèche offers an early taste of summer. It’s a great destination for soaking up the sun on a cheap holiday in April, and can be explored on water, on land… and even underground! Explore its caves – you’ll discover replica prehistoric paintings at Chauvet 2 - Ardèche and a spectacular light show in the Aven d’Orgnac. Kayak through the magnificent Ardèche Gorge, or climb up to the medieval hillside village of Balazuc, listed among the most beautiful villages in France.

After a picnic by the river, try pastries filled with crème de marrons, an Ardèche speciality made from sweet chestnut paste that’s also divine on ice cream. If you’re keen on outdoor activities, the stunning Monts d’Ardèche Regional Natural Park has hiking and cycling trails suitable for all ages and abilities – and saving the best for last, you can tuck into regional cuisine in the restaurant at ibis Aubenas!

By April, pavement cafés are popping up in the historic neighbourhood of Les Carmes, cherry trees in the Jardin Japonais Pierre Baudis are in full bloom, and the Garonne river banks are lined with friends and families at apéritif time. The Pink City is a top choice for an affordable getaway in April, with plenty of free activities to enjoy. After dropping off your luggage at an affordable hotel in Toulouse, explore the ornate state rooms in the Capitole, go for a jog along the Canal du Midi or get a taste for the authentic food of southwest France at Halles de la Cartoucherie market stalls.

Prefer team sports? See if you can catch a game at the Stade Ernest-Wallon, a temple to rugby union. If the sky clouds over, visit the Cité de l’Espace (Space City) or the natural history displays at the Muséum de Toulouse – both are sure to keep the kids entertained.

Although nowhere in Europe is really hot in April, the weather is mostly balmy and everywhere is quiet. The following places are our top picks for bargain holidays in April.

For budget European holidays in April, Lisbon and Porto are always a safe bet. While the sea may still be a bit chilly for swimming, temperatures are already approaching 20°C (68°F). However, early spring is marked by frequent light showers, so you’re best to plan a combination of outdoor and indoor activities. In Lisbon, take a ride through steep cobbled streets on the iconic Tram 28, explore the historic districts of Alfama or Belém, and don't forget to treat yourself to a pastel de nata (custard tart) from the famous Pastéis de Belém bakery.

When visiting Porto, book a short cruise on the Douro River or cross the Gustave Eiffel-built Luís I Bridge to visit the city’s famous port-wine cellars.

Barcelona is an excellent choice for budget holidays in April. Flights are significantly cheaper than in summer, but even in spring, affordable hotels like ibis Barcelona Plaza Glories 22 get snapped up, so book well in advance. Temperatures range between 15 and 20°C, pleasant for walking the city, and without the hustle of summer crowds, you can explore at your own pace. Make the most of it, from discovering the castle and museums in hilly Montjuïc to strolls through the still-peaceful Gothic Quarter, from Gaudí’s Park Güell to tempting tapas snacks at Boqueria food market.

Once Barcelona has revealed all its secrets, head northeast to experience the Costa Brava. Hikers will have the coastal trails in craggy Cap de Creus Natural Park to themselves, while the medieval streets of Tossa de Mar will delight history aficionados. You can also visit the Salvador Dalí House Museum – often sold out in summer – and enjoy fish fresh from the Med in relatively quiet Cadaqués restaurants.

Cheaper to visit than in summer and with better weather than winter, London is just right for a budget holiday in April. All the parks – from Kew Gardens to Hyde Park – are in bloom, spring music festivals start and you can catch the London Marathon as well as the Oxford/Cambridge Boat Race on the Thames. Immerse yourself in London street life: stroll through Notting Hill with a coffee in hand, eat lunch at Borough Market and enjoy an evening cocktail in a Soho bar. April in London is known for light showers, but you’ll find dozens of exhibitions on the city’s buzzing cultural calendar.

Checking into ibis Amsterdam Centre puts you right at the heart of the action in Amsterdam, one of the best countries in Europe for a cheap holiday in April. Weather-wise, it’s one of the driest months, with temperatures around 15°C (59°F) – warm enough to witness one of spring’s must-see attractions: millions and millions of tulips in full bloom. Visit Keukenhof Gardens to see floral displays in an explosion of colours, or buy bulbs from the floating flower market in Amsterdam’s Singel Canal.

The bright spring light makes for beautiful photos, cruises along the canals and strolls in the parks. Evenings can sometimes be cool, so use that as an excuse to eat in the cosy atmosphere of a brown café in the picturesque Jordaan. And if you hit a rare rainy day, the world-famous art museums in Museumplein will certainly keep you happily entertained.