Ascension Day

Make it longer

Take Friday 7 May off and get 4 days in a row (Thu 6 May – Sun 9 May).

Plan more breaks with the leave planner.

Where to go for Ascension Day

Ascension Day is always a Thursday, and many people bridge to the weekend by taking Friday off, a practice known in France as faire le pont. The resulting four days suit trips to lakes, islands and the coast.

Mid-range

• Annecy · Rhône-Alpes

  Canals run through the old town, and a cycle path follows much of the shore of Lake Annecy. The surrounding mountains offer walks with lake views, and Savoyard dishes such as tartiflette are local fare.

  Typically around 6 May: high 16°C (60°F), low 7°C (44°F), rain on 53% of days.

  naturemountainsoutdoorsfoodattractions

• La Rochelle · Poitou-Charentes

  Medieval towers guard the old harbour, and arcaded streets lead to seafood restaurants. A bridge links the town to the Île de Ré, where flat cycle paths connect villages, salt marshes and beaches.

  Typically around 6 May: high 18°C (64°F), low 11°C (53°F), rain on 36% of days.

  foodbeachhistoryoutdoorsattractions

• Strasbourg · Alsace

  The Gothic cathedral and the half-timbered Petite France quarter anchor the old town, and traditional winstubs serve choucroute and tarte flambée. Wine villages along the Alsace wine route are within easy reach.

  Typically around 6 May: high 18°C (65°F), low 7°C (45°F), rain on 39% of days.

  foodwineculturehistoryattractions

Splurge

• Biarritz · Aquitaine

  An Atlantic resort with surf beaches, a seafront promenade to the Rocher de la Vierge and Basque cooking. Fishing towns along the Basque coast and the Spanish border are a short drive away.

  Typically around 6 May: high 20°C (68°F), low 11°C (52°F), rain on 40% of days.

  beachfoodoutdoorsattractions

• Ajaccio · Corse

  Napoleon's birthplace is now a museum, and the coast road leads to the Îles Sanguinaires. Late spring suits Corsican coastal walks, beaches and local produce such as charcuterie and brocciu cheese.

  Typically around 6 May: high 19°C (67°F), low 13°C (56°F), rain on 29% of days.

  beachnaturehistoryfoodoutdoors

• San Sebastián · País Vasco

  Just across the border from the French Basque coast, San Sebastián has the curved La Concha bay, an old town packed with pintxos bars and hills at either end of the beach for views.

  Typically around 6 May: high 18°C (64°F), low 13°C (55°F), rain on 37% of days.

  foodbeachcityattractions

Trip ideas chosen by Public Holidays World, not sponsored. “Typically” lines are past averages, not forecasts; when the date is within about 9 days, a forecast is shown too. For trips abroad, check your government’s official travel advice and entry rules before you book.