What To Do In Paris In Spring
What To Do In Paris In Spring The Ultimate Guide
There’s something magical about Paris in springtime. The city shakes off its winter slumber as cherry blossoms unfurl, café terraces fill with patrons, and landmarks bask in that perfect golden light photographers dream about.
From late March through June, the French capital transforms into its most enchanting self – the Paris that inspired countless artists, writers, and dreamers throughout history.
As Ernest Hemingway famously wrote, “Paris is a moveable feast,” and spring is when this feast is at its most sumptuous.
This season offers the perfect balance: comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds than summer, and a calendar bursting with cultural events.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning to rediscover favorite haunts, springtime in Paris promises an unforgettable experience.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about experiencing Paris during this spectacular season – from iconic gardens in full bloom to hidden gems locals treasure, seasonal events not to miss, and practical tips to make your springtime visit perfect.
When Spring Truly Arrives in Paris
While meteorological spring begins March 20th, true Parisian spring is a bit more capricious.
Early spring (late March to April) can still bring occasional rain showers and cooler days, with temperatures ranging from 50-65°F (10-18°C).
By May, the city enjoys consistent warmth, with temperatures often reaching 70°F (21°C), perfect for extended outdoor explorations.
Pack layers, a light raincoat, comfortable walking shoes, and perhaps a stylish scarf (to blend in with the locals).
Spring weather’s unpredictability is part of its charm—morning showers giving way to brilliant afternoon sun create those quintessential glistening cobblestone scenes Paris is famous for.
What To Do In Paris In Spring In The Gardens
Spring transforms Paris’s green spaces into botanical wonderlands. These gardens aren’t just places to admire flowers – they’re where Parisian life unfolds in its most authentic form.
Jardin du Luxembourg
The Luxembourg Gardens is my favorite garden in Paris. I could sit there all day, reading a book in one of the iconic green chairs in the afternoon.
Originally created for Marie de Medici in 1612, these gardens blend French formality with more relaxed spaces.
In spring, rows of perfectly manicured chestnut trees burst into pink and white blooms, while over 106 statues stand among tulips, hyacinths, and daffodils.
You can also watch children sail miniature wooden boats, a tradition dating back to the 1920s near the central pond.
The garden’s beehives produce honey sold in autumn, and the orchard maintains over 1,000 fruit trees and historic grape varieties.
Jardin des Tuileries
Stretching from the Louvre to Place de la Concorde, the Tuileries Gardens offer the perfect starting point for a springtime stroll through central Paris.
Created by Catherine de Medici in 1564, these gardens exemplify formal French garden design with their perfect symmetry.
Spring brings spectacular tulip displays, particularly along the grand central walkway.
After admiring the flowers, relax by the fountains where Parisians gather during lunch breaks, or visit the garden’s excellent museums:
Musée de l’Orangerie (home to Monet’s water lily paintings) and Jeu de Paume (contemporary photography and media art).
Jardin des Plantes
This is one of our favorite parks, especially for kids, as it has a beautiful botanical garden and the Ménagerie, one of the world’s oldest zoos. The garden has a small playground and museum, the Grande Galerie de l’Évolution, with lifelike animal exhibits. With its mix of nature, animals, and interactive learning, it’s a perfect family-friendly escape in the city.
Iconic Experiences To Do In Paris In Spring
Seine River Cruises
While Seine cruises operate year-round, spring transforms them into magical experiences.
The hour-long bateaux mouches rides benefit from longer daylight hours, blooming trees along the embankments, and the perfect temperature for open-air deck viewing.
For a special experience, book an evening cruise departing just before sunset (around 8:30-9:00 PM in spring) to catch the golden hour light on monuments followed by the city’s illumination.
Eiffel Tower
Spring offers practical advantages for visiting Paris’s iconic landmark. Wait times shorten compared to summer, and clear spring days provide superior visibility from the observation decks.
The Champ de Mars surrounding the tower becomes a popular picnic spot where visitors and locals gather on blankets with wine, cheese, and baguettes as the tower sparkles after sunset.
Montmartre Wanderings
Montmartre in spring reveals why artists fell in love with this hilltop neighborhood. The winding streets grow vibrant with window boxes and small courtyard gardens, while artists still set up easels in Place du Tertre.
Visit early morning before crowds arrive, stopping at the “I Love You Wall” (Le Mur des Je t’aime) where these words appear in 250 languages among spring blooms.
Have A Picnic
Spring is the perfect time to have a picnic in Paris, and there are many beautiful and iconic spots to host your picnic. One of the best places is along the Seine with the rest of the Parisians. It doesn’t have to be anything extravagant, just some wine, cheese, and a baguette.
Paris In Spring-Only Experiences
Paris Marathon
Held annually in early April, the Paris Marathon route offers an unforgettable tour of the city’s landmarks.
Even if you’re not running, the festive atmosphere makes spectating a joy. Position yourself along Rue de Rivoli or near the Eiffel Tower to cheer on participants from over 145 countries.
Foire de Paris
Running from late April through early May at the Porte de Versailles exhibition center, this massive home and lifestyle fair has been a Parisian tradition since 1904.
Local artisans showcase crafts, regional food producers offer tastings, and innovative home products debut.
It’s less touristy than many Paris events, offering glimpses into contemporary French domestic life.
Roland-Garros (French Open)
Tennis enthusiasts flock to Paris in late May for the French Open at Roland-Garros stadium.
Even without coveted court tickets, the qualifying rounds and practice sessions offer opportunities to see top players up close.
The tournament grounds create a festive atmosphere with large screens broadcasting matches and pop-up champagne bars.
Hidden Gems: Spring Experiences Beyond the Guidebooks
Canal Saint-Martin
This 19th-century waterway transforms in spring as restaurants and cafés open canalside terraces. Local Parisians gather along the banks for impromptu picnics and music sessions, particularly around Rue Eugène Varlin.
The retro swing bridge and series of locks create delightful photo opportunities, especially when framed by newly leafy trees.
Buttes-Chaumont Park
Located in the 19th arrondissement, away from typical tourist paths, this dramatic park features 25 hectares of rolling hills, waterfalls, and a temple atop a cliff overlooking the city.
Spring weekends bring neighborhood families for picnics, while the Rosa Bonheur café inside the park serves as a community gathering spot with excellent natural wines and simple French fare.
Paris Flower Market (Marché aux Fleurs)
Located on Île de la Cité near Notre-Dame, this historic flower market dates to 1808. Spring brings it to life with extraordinary variety, from common garden plants to rare specimens.
On Sundays, part of the market transforms into a bird market, continuing a tradition from medieval times. Visit early morning when florists arrange fresh deliveries and the scent of flowers fills the air.
Food Experiences: Spring Flavors in Paris
Market Shopping
Parisian markets showcase spring’s bounty, with April bringing the first French strawberries and May delivering cherries and asparagus. Visit the President Wilson Market (Avenue du Président Wilson) on Wednesdays or Saturdays for exceptional produce and street food, or Marché d’Aligre (Place d’Aligre) for a more local experience with excellent cheese vendors.
Outdoor Dining
Paris terraces start to fill up again with locals as the sun starts to shine once again. Besides iconic cafés visit places like
Paris In Spring Day Trips
Several wonderful day trips from Paris let you escape the city and experience a different side of France, whether by train or car. From the opulent château of Versailles to the charming streets of Giverny, each destination offers a unique glimpse into French culture and landscapes.
Giverny – Monet’s Garden
Just 75 minutes from Paris by train, Claude Monet’s garden at Giverny becomes a living canvas in spring.
The famous water lily pond reflects weeping willows and the Japanese bridge, while the flower garden explodes with tulips, pansies, and daffodils in April, followed by irises and roses in May. Visit mid-week and arrive early morning to avoid crowds.
Château de Versailles Gardens
While Versailles attracts visitors year-round, spring offers special pleasures in its 800 hectares of gardens.
The Musical Fountain Shows begin in April, with water features choreographed to baroque music every weekend.
The estate’s temporary contemporary art installations typically debut in spring, creating fascinating juxtapositions with André Le Nôtre’s classic 17th-century garden design.
Reims- Champagne Region
If you’re interested in the Champagne region, you can take a 45-minute train ride from Paris to Reims on a high-speed train.
This is another way to see a beautiful part of France, while not being too far from Paris, and a way to experience a bit of the French countryside.
You can also drive or take the bus to Reims, but that will obviously take you longer. If you are wanting to drive and explore the area a bit, the drive will be about an hour and forty-five minutes from Paris, depending on your stops.
Paris In Spring Practical Tips
Accommodation Strategies
Spring represents high season in Paris, with May particularly busy. Book accommodations at least three months in advance, focusing on neighborhoods that showcase spring beauty like the 5th arrondissement near the Botanical Gardens or canal-side rooms in the 10th arrondissement.
Museum Planning
The Paris Museum Pass becomes especially valuable in spring when visitor numbers increase. Plan museum visits for weekday mornings, particularly Tuesday through Thursday.
Many museums offer extended evening hours on specific days – the Louvre on Wednesdays and Fridays, Orsay on Thursdays – when crowds thin considerably.
Transportation Considerations
Spring’s pleasant temperatures make Paris perfect for walking or using the Vélib’ bike-sharing system, which offers both regular and electric bikes.
Purchase a Navigo Easy card for public transportation, loadable with individual tickets or tourist passes for unlimited travel.
A Suggested Spring Itinerary: Perfect Parisian Day
Morning: Begin with breakfast at the Saint Regis café, then head to Sainte-Chapelle to experience morning light through its spectacular stained-glass windows (arrive before 10 AM to avoid lines).
Midday: Walk through the Luxembourg Gardens, and stop at a local café for lunch.
Afternoon: Stroll through the Tuileries Garden and over to Palais Royal, where spring brings magnificent magnolia blooms to its hidden garden.
Evening: Explore the lively Marais district, walking past Place des Vosges. Dine at Chez Janou , then walk along the Seine as lights begin to twinkle across the city.
Embrace the Season’s Spirit
You know, spring in Paris isn’t just about checking places off a list—it’s really about slowing down and experiencing the city differently. Give yourself permission to embrace those unplanned moments.
Like when it suddenly rains and you duck into this tiny bookshop you wouldn’t have noticed otherwise, or when you’re just wandering through a morning market and end up chatting with local vendors about which spring cheeses are perfectly ripe right now.
The real magic of Paris happens when you balance seeing those must-visit spots with just taking your time to discover things. Don’t be afraid to get a little lost in neighborhoods where actual Parisians live—like the 11th arrondissement or Batignolles in the 17th. That’s where you see authentic Parisian life happening away from all the tourist crowds.
As everything comes back to life in spring, Paris invites you to experience not just the famous landmarks but its genuine character—a place that feels both incredibly old and completely current at the same time.
Some of my favorite memories are just sitting by the Seine with a glass of wine while cherry blossoms float down like pink snow, or joining locals at a neighborhood market for the season’s first strawberries. These are the moments that stick with you long after you’ve gone home.