WHERE TO TRAVEL IN MAY

The month of May, often considered one of the best times to travel, is ideal for enjoying breathtaking landscapes, heavenly beaches and mild weather for an unforgettable vacation.

Visited countries: must-sees in May

In Europe, several destinations are particularly popular in May:

• Greece and its islands: with pleasant weather and fewer tourists than in summer, May is an excellent time to discover the country's cultural and natural riches.
• L'Italy Enjoy the mild temperatures and explore the artistic and gastronomic treasures of Rome, Florence or Venice.
• France: between the flower-filled gardens of the Château de Versailles, the beaches of the Côte d'Azur and wine tasting in Burgundy, France offers a multitude of options to suit all tastes.

In Asia, many destinations appeal to travellers:

• There Thailand Discover the Buddhist temples and idyllic beaches of the Land of Smiles.
• THE Japan Cherry blossom: admire the cherry blossoms (sakura) and enjoy the many festivities taking place throughout the archipelago.
• Vietnam: stroll through the rice terraces of the north, explore Halong Bay and taste delicious Vietnamese cuisine.

In Africa, Morocco is a must-see destination: visit the palaces of Marrakech, stroll through the narrow streets of Fez and relax on the beach in Agadir.

Tourism: destinations off the beaten track

Want to avoid the crowds and discover less touristy destinations? Here are a few ideas for your May trip:

• Georgia: with its majestic mountains, traditional villages and exceptional historical heritage, this Caucasus country will seduce you with its beauty and hospitality.
• Malta: this small Mediterranean archipelago is packed with cultural and natural treasures, including megalithic temples, heavenly beaches and a UNESCO World Heritage-listed capital.
• Armenia: visit monasteries perched high in the mountains, hike through lush green gorges and discover tasty cuisine in this little-known destination.

Other lesser-known but equally interesting options:

• The Faroe Islands: located between Iceland and Norway, these islands offer spectacular scenery and unique wildlife, ideal for hiking and nature lovers.
• Montenegro: this small Balkan country offers magnificent beaches, historic towns and an impressive national park for a holiday off the beaten track.
• Bhutan: this Himalayan kingdom is renowned for its perched monasteries, majestic mountains and preserved Buddhist culture. A change of scenery guaranteed!

Clement weather: sunny and pleasant destinations in May

In many parts of the world, the month of May is synonymous with mild weather:

• The West Indies: take advantage of the sunshine and warm temperatures to relax on the sandy beaches of Martinique, Guadeloupe or Saint-Martin.
• French Polynesia: explore the paradise islands of Tahiti, Bora Bora or Moorea in a tropical climate ideal for swimming and walking.
• The Indian Ocean: discover the immaculate beaches of the Maldives, Mauritius or Madagascar for a holiday of idleness and discovery.

In the Mediterranean, several destinations offer pleasant weather in May:

• Crete: this Greek island is renowned for its dream beaches, wild mountains and fascinating archaeological sites.
• Cyprus: from swimming in crystal-clear waters to strolling through lush green countryside and visiting historic sites, this Mediterranean island has everything to please sun-seeking travellers.
• The Balearic Islands: Majorca, Minorca and Ibiza are just some of the options for enjoying the mild Mediterranean climate and sandy beaches.

Budget: travel for less in May

The month of May also offers the advantage of more affordable rates:

• The countries of Eastern Europe: Bulgaria, Romania and Hungary are economical destinations for discovering little-known cultural and natural treasures.
• Latin America: Mexico, Peru and Colombia offer excellent value for money for a change of scenery and a variety of activities (beaches, hiking, culture).
• Southeast Asia: Thailand, Cambodia or the Laos offer a wide range of accommodation and activities at very attractive prices.