Spring always arrives a little earlier in Western France. The already beautiful landscapes become a more vibrant green and are sprinkled with flowers. 

The rustic cafés put tables on the pavement and the doors open at the huge variety of museums and monuments. Normandy and Brittany are lovely places to take an early break this year, and we have plenty of fantastic properties for you to choose from. 

The D-Day landing beaches, Bayeux Tapestry, Mont Saint-Michel, the Abbey at Jumièges and Claude Monet’s Giverny garden are among the more revered landmarks, but there are other gems such as medieval Honfleur, Rouen Cathedral, the standing stones of Carnac and the ancient walled town of Dinan.

Let's not forget about the craggy headlands, pastures and orchards, charming 19th-century resort towns and great sweeps of soft sand that are perfect for a spring walk. All this before we even touch on the subject of food and drink! Picture the fresh seafood, roast lamb, soft cheeses, distinctive wines and calvados, not to mention the scrumptious crêpes.

There is an abundance of activities to keep little ones entertained. If you're not sure how to plan your trip, why not include visits to the D-Day landing sites, which are always so popular. As well as the beaches, there are splendid museums such as the interactive Mémorial de Caen and the working models at Arromanches. 

Further west, the beaches are wilder but there are many inviting towns. Dinard is a snapshot of the 19th century with dozens of belle époque villas where the aristocrats used to stay for their dignified summer holidays. See our website for a full directory of self-catering properties for rent in Dinard, Brittany. Morlaix is another hidden gem. The deep, bird-filled bay leads into a town full of half-timbered houses and an enormous viaduct built from the local pink granite. Rent in France has some wonderful gites and cottages that are perfect for self-catering holidays in Morlaix. 

Last but not least, a note for the golfers. Normandy and Brittany have outstanding links and countryside courses where visitors are welcome. There will be no difficulty in securing the tee-times of your choice in spring.

Whichever part of Western France you choose, when you are standing on the rugged coast and breathe in the fresh sea air, when you are ambling through the cobbled streets of a medieval town or perhaps even when you are served a plate of delicious food that is fresh from the sea or the farm, you will feel worlds' away from normal life and totally immersed in this wonderful French culture. It really is quite special.