Hello, travelers! Want to take a weekend getaway in January? New Year’s is over, but winter is just getting started. Whether you’re traveling as a couple or with your family, take a few days to breathe in the sea air, explore a Mediterranean city, or enjoy the snow-covered mountain scenery.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

  1. The Editorial Team’s Guide: Where to Go in January?

  2. Where to Go in January: Your Favorite Weekend Activities

  3. 5 Reasons to Visit the Atlantic Coast of Brittany in January

  4. Spend one of your January weekends in the mountains

  5. Where to Go for a Weekend Getaway in January, Depending on Your Preferences?

  6. FAQ: Weekend Getaways in January

5 Reasons to Visit the Atlantic Coast of Brittany in January

Enjoy a weekend in the great outdoors!

  • Discover quieter cities in January: whether with your family or as a couple, take a weekend to explore the cities of western France. Rediscover Rennes, Saint-Malo, Bénodet, Fouesnant, or Quimper at a more leisurely pace. A campground in western France can serve as a great starting point when it welcomes travelers during this time of year.
  • Admire the local landscapes and heritage: along the Atlantic Ocean, many discoveries await you. From the beaches of Finistère to the coastal trails and Saint-Corentin Cathedral in Quimper, plan your itinerary based on the weather and your preferences.
  • Escape into nature: along the beaches, admire the sand lapped by the surf, the cliffs swept by the waves, and the fishing boats returning to port. Pack a warm jacket and head out to breathe in the fresh air.
  • Try new winter activities: make the most of your nature getaway to try sand yachting, beachside hiking, or surfing if you’re an experienced surfer. Water sports require appropriate thermal gear and a provider that’s open in January.
  • Savor the local cuisine: from cider to seafood to galettes, Breton cuisine warms up winter days. Try a crêpe with salted butter caramel, oysters, or scallops, depending on what’s in season.

Between the coast and the mountains,where to go in winter depends mainly on your desire for the great outdoors, exploration, and snow.

Where should you go for a weekend getaway in January, depending on what you're in the mood for?

Your preference

Top Destination

Possible two-day itinerary

Practical Information

Relaxation and the Italian Art of Living

San Remo

Pigna, bike path, market, and waterfront

Confirm low-season schedules

Seaside air and heritage

Brittany

Coastal trail, harbor, historic town, and crêperie

Check the weather and tides

Skiing and high mountains

Alps

A day of skiing and a marked trail

Check road conditions, snow conditions, and gear

Snow, forests, and lakes

Vosges

Nordic skiing and a scenic hike

Check ski area openings

Have you picked your destination? A direct route, accommodations close to the activities, and two highlights a day are all you need to enjoy the weekend without rushing. A year-round campground makes planning easier, with services subject to confirmation based on the facility and your travel dates.

Your only mission? Enjoy the change of scenery.

FAQ: Going on a Weekend Getaway in January

Brittany, the Alps, and the Vosges are three top destinations for a weekend getaway in January in France.

  • In Brittany: explore Saint-Malo, Quimper, and the landscapes of the Atlantic coast.
  • In the Alps: enjoy the ski resorts, snowshoe hikes, and mountain scenery.
  • In the Vosges: explore the snow-covered forests and lakes around Gérardmer or La Bresse.

San Remo, on the Italian Riviera, is an ideal destination for enjoying generally milder temperatures in January. Its Mediterranean climate makes it possible to explore the city and its surroundings, even in winter.

Stroll through the narrow streets of La Pigna, ride along the coastal bike path, or explore the villages of the Riviera dei Fiori. To plan your stay, check availability at Sunêlia campgrounds in San Remo for your desired dates.

The Alps and the Vosges are great places to enjoy winter sports and snow-covered landscapes in January.

In the Alps, head to the resorts in the Hautes-Alpes for downhill skiing, sledding, or snowshoeing. In the Vosges, the areas around Gérardmer, La Bresse, and Lac Blanc offer Nordic skiing and forest walks.

In Brittany, take advantage of a weekend in January to explore the coastal landscapes and regional heritage. There are several activities to choose from:

  • Hike a section of the GR 34 to admire the coastline.
  • Visit the ramparts and the historic center of Saint-Malo.
  • Explore Quimper, with its half-timbered houses and cathedral.
  • Sample Breton galettes, crêpes, or seafood.

For a weekend getaway in January, choose heated, comfortable accommodations located near your planned activities. Also check the access requirements, minimum stay, and services available during the winter.

Some Sunêlia campgrounds welcome guests year-round. Select your travel dates in the booking engine to see available accommodations.