April in Brittany brings warmer temperatures, although it is only slightly higher than the averages for the first three months of the year. Temperatures start to reach 7°C during the early and late hours of the day, while the median average temperature is 11°C. Still, we can say that spring has sprung, and from here on in you can expect warmer temperatures highs of 14°C are not uncommon. The warmest month may not be until August, but the winter is certainly gone.
9 hours of sunshine a day afford plenty of chances for basking in the warm weather as well as exploring as far as your feet can take you. This month brings the perfect chance to explore many of the outdoor activities this area of France has to offer, such as the numerous chateaux. You'll also be pleased to know that it is warmer here than in nearby areas, such as Caen, giving you the first real taste of good weather all year. If you are looking for a bit of a summer holiday early in the year, this is a good time to go for it.
The average sea temperature rises to 14°C, meaning you may finally consider the chance to go for a dip, but there are still an average of 14 days of rainfall throughout the month. This means you may want to keep an eye on the weather forecast to avoid being caught on the beach in a rain shower. Around 42mm of rain will fall over those days. This gives you a 60% chance of rain each day, so check before you plan your activities. Because the weather can vary so greatly this month, try to pack a variety of gear: jumpers, coats, gloves, and umbrellas should share space with sun cream in your bag, just in case.
The Appart'City Brest Pasteur is great for those who are on a tight budget. It is basic you will need to do your own cleaning but you can expect to find a home away from home, complete with your own kitchen area for preparing your own meals. Not only is this good for low-budget stays in the first place, but it can also bring the cost down hugely by avoiding restaurant visits.
For April, La Maison des Armateurs is a perfect hotel. It's close by to everything, so you can go out to explore in the warm weather and scramble back inside if it starts to rain. It is right in the Medieval district, just within the city walls, so it's also a historic place to stay that you can very much enjoy.
You can also try the Hotel Oceania Saint Malo. This four-star hotel is all about luxury, giving you the chance to relax by the seaside. It offers an outdoor Jacuzzi, gym, restaurant, bar, and café, as well as access to the sand just 200m away from the front doors. There are single, double, business, and suite rooms available.
The average sea temperature rises to 14°C in April, so it's a good time to stroll along the beach and maybe dip your toes into the water. In Bicnic you will find two beaches the longer Plage de la Banche, and a smaller beach just behind the port. The beach is quite wide, so you will find kids' clubs and gaming areas for football, beach volleyball, and so on. You can also sit and sunbathe, though you may not get much of a tan just yet!
If you do head out to Concarneau, you have to make a stop at Kera Pizzeria. The food here is Italian in style, and all put together in a fresh and traditional manner. Their menu combines classic flavours with those that are a little more unusual, like their New York hamburger themed pizza! They also have seafood-based pizzas as a nod to the local port.
Ty Be New is a creperie, and of course you have to visit one of these whenever you come to France. They create great-looking crepes with lots of different flavours, and are always adding new ideas to the menu. Some of them are fairly exotic and upmarket, so don't be fooled a creperie doesn't have to be a simple!
For a real upmarket dining experience, try Le Flaveur. They have a fixed menu with different options for you to try which changes on a monthly basis, and each plate is arranged to look like a work of art. It always starts with an amuse-bouche, and progresses through several courses until you reach the beautifully prepared desserts.
Two events are held in April: Nantes Carnival and Nat'Ouest. The carnival is one of the highest attended events in Brittany, attracting around 350,000 people each year. The streets of Nantes are filled with music, floats, parades (featuring giant puppets), and food. It's something that the whole family can enjoy, whether you simply observe the action or get involved.
A week before this festival is Nat'Ouest, which sees swimmers gather from around northern France to compete at Foch Swimming Pool in Brest. Swimmers from around the world can watch a national tournament to see their upcoming competition. It features the latest young stars of the French swimming world, and is a lot of fun to observe.
Swimming in the sea during April is going to be pretty chilly, unless you wear a wetsuit. However, you can enjoy Concarneau for boat cruises and fishing. Concarneau is a traditional fishing port, which offers tourist cruises from the Breton area of Brittany. You can even rent a boat from Kyss to create your own entertainment.
