French Learning Community and Resources

Hi there!  

Can you smell the flowers? Can you hear the birds singing? Spring is just around the corner, and it is the best time to get out there and wander around. Here are five things you could do during Spring in France and Belgium.  

See flowers

Did you know that you could see cherry blossom in France and Belgium? Indeed, they are not only blooming in Japan. The best spots to see some in France and Belgium are the Parc de Sceaux in Paris and the city of Hasselt in Belgium. 

Cherry trees’ flowers are not the only flowers blooming in France and Belgium! Spring is the perfect time for you to wander around and witness many beautiful species of flowers, both inside and outside cities.  

In Paris, you can do so in several places, including the Jardin des Plantes, the Palace of Versailles, and the Tuileries Garden. I am sure there will be beautiful flowers blossoming in your host city’s local parks as well. I advise you to have a stroll there and see it for yourself ;) 

In Belgium, make sure to visit the Serres royales de Laeken in Brussels. This garden is open to the public for three weeks every year and has many species of rare and beautiful flowers. Still in Belgium, the Bois de Hal, a forested area located in Flanders, is renowned for its bluebells that bloom every spring. In April and May, the forest floor transforms into a magical sea of blue flowers. It is, without a doubt, one of the most picturesque locations in Belgium to witness the beauty of spring flowers. 

Bois de Hal, Belgium

Wander around your host city  

The warm and pleasant weather during spring is the best time of the year for outdoor activities. Spring is a great time to stroll around your host city, enjoy a bicycle ride or visit outdoor markets, that usually take place every weekend in French and Belgian cities and villages. 

Spring is also the perfect time for you to enjoy a coffee or a lemonade on a café’s terrasse, which is French people’s favorite activity. I have been dreaming about this all winter long!  

For those, like me, that live in cities and that like having picnics, parks are perfect. Many cities are also crossed by rivers, such as the Seine in Paris and the Senne in Brussels (yes, their names are very similar!) and rivers banks are very nice picnic spots as well. Picnics are also a great opportunity for you to try local food. If you’re in France, make sure to have cheese and bread, and if you’re in Belgium, fries and chocolate. You’re welcome!  
 

Explore your host country  

If you feel like venturing outside your host city, spring is the perfect time for this! The weather is usually nice and pleasant, and peak season has not started yet. Therefore, places of interest are less crowded and prices lower.  

Spring is a wonderful time to experience the cultural and open-air events that are taking place in France and Belgium. The streets come alive with music and performances and parks and gardens host open-air concerts and festivals. Make sure to check out your host city’s website or social accounts to see what’s happening in your area.  

A must-do is Namur en Mai in Belgium. It is a popular event, taking place in the town of Namur that features a diverse range of shows and performances throughout the city. It celebrates the arrival of spring and offers a wonderful opportunity for visitors to experience Belgium’s rich culture.  

Many major cultural events such as the Journées Européennes des Métiers d’Art, the Nuit Européenne des Musées, and the Semaine de la Langue Française are taking place both in France, Belgium and many other European countries. In France, make sure to check out the Printemps du Cinéma and the Printemps des Poètes. These events respectively celebrate French cinema and poetry and offer a range of activities and performances across the country. 

Celebrate Easter  

Just as Christmas, Easter is a religious holiday celebrated in France and Belgium. There are many cultural and festive activities to enjoy during this time of year, and the nice weather makes them event more pleasant.  

In France, the city of Colmar is home to a traditional Easter market, full of handmade local crafts and delicious sweets, such as the famous Lamala, a traditional pastry eaten in Alsace on Easter Day. In Belgium, the city of Bruges hosts a popular Easter festival that features beautiful colorful parades and musical performances.  

How to talk about Easter without mentioning Belgian chocolate? Easter is the perfect excuse to eat a lot (too much?) of them! The most renowned brands are Neuhaus and Leonidas. If you are doing your mobility in Belgium or are planning to visit Belgium around Easter, please let us know on this forum thread which ones were your favorite ;)