What to Do in Paris in April: Events, Warmer Weather, Gardens and More

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Ahh! Spring is the perfect time to visit the French capital. While there is never a bad time to visit the city, with warmer weather, sunshine, fewer crowds and flowers in full bloom, April is one of the best months to visit. It’s a wonderful time of year to see the sites, and take in culture and art in the City of Light. Being the shoulder season means you can avoid the long lines found in the summer months. If it is your first time visiting you’ll find the popular attractions less crowded than during peak tourist season (though even with fewer tourists, some of the most popular attractions will remain busy such as the Louvre Museum). Below is our complete guide for enjoying Paris in April. Discover our picks of the best places to go and the best things to do.

Left: a flower market in Paris's Ile de la cité; right: spring flowers blooming in the Luxembourg Gardens in Paris. — Top: A bed of daffodils in Paris by Gloria Villa
Above: A flower shop on île de la cité by @tahathewanderer / Luxembourg fountain by @lesjoliesrues

PARIS IN APRIL – WEATHER

Paris weather in April has an average temperature that is generally mild and pleasant. As with most times of year be prepared for rainy days and pack an umbrella in case of rain showers. You will need a light jacket, clothes for layering (including a sweater) for chilly nights, and a scarf. There may be unusually warm weather and sunny days too, so pack accordingly. The average high temperature in April is 62°F (17°C) while the average low temperature is 43°F (6°C).

With the more pleasant temperatures and longer days it is a great time to begin enjoying the outdoors, with plenty of things to do. Enjoy an early morning run or a stroll through local markets, the Latin Quarter or Île de la cité. Picnics are also a good idea, in the gorgeous outdoor spaces such as the Bois de Boulogne, Bois de Vincennes, along the river Seine, Butte Chaumont, Canal St. Martin, just to name a few.

CHERRY BLOSSOM, MAGNOLIA, AND WISTERIA SPOTTING In Paris – VARIOUS LOCATIONS

Paris is known for its beautiful gardens, and April is the best time to see the colors of spring. Check out the cherry blossoms, magnolia, and wisteria trees in full bloom before they lose their flowers. For cherry blossoms, go to Jardin des Plantes, Champ de Mars, Square Gabriel-Pierné, outside Shakespeare and Company, and Square Paul-Langevin. To see magnolias, go to: Jardin de Palais Royal, Jardin des Tuileries, Jardin du Luxembourg, Champ de Mars, and the side of Hôtel de Ville. Finally, to view wisteria, head to the Grande Mosquée de Paris and Rue de l’Abreuvoir.

If you want to enjoy the blossoms in a calmer environment than the Tuileries Garden or Jardin du Luxembourg, there are plenty of trees in Parc Clichy-Batignolles, a park well-known by locals of the neighborhood but not by many tourists. Other beautiful and lesser-known spots include Jardin Saint-Simonian in the 20th arrondissement and Square Gabriel Pierné just a quick walk from Pont des Arts.

PARIS EVENTS 2025

Festival du Livre de Paris – April 11-13

The Paris Book Festival, or Festival du Livre de Paris, takes place at the Grand Palais Ephemére in the 7th arrondissement. This event includes thousands of books for sale throughout the weekend. There are more than just books though. There are also workshops for adults and children alike, 329 authors in live appearances, and lots of opportunity to interact with different genres and styles of writing. It is the perfect event for bibliophiles and professionals in the industry looking to mingle!

Wes Anderson, La Cinémathèque Française, until July 27

La Cinématèque Française’s Wes Anderson exhibition highlights the directors talents. Known for Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009), The Tennenbaum Family (2001), and Moonrise Kingdom (2012), Anderson is a master of his craft. Through a distinctive combination of pastels, set designs, and symmetry, he produces whimsical films that appeal to a considerable fanbase.

The modern concrete and glass facade of the Cinematheque Francaise in Paris. — La Cinémathèque française by Truus, Bob & Jan too!

Lost in Frenchlation, events until April 29

Lost in Frenchlation, an organization which presents French films with English subtitles, welcomes you to a series of screenings, each followed by exclusive Q&A sessions with the films’ directors. Taking place in a variety of cinemas throughout Paris, these events are perfect for those hoping to connect with fellow cinephiles.

Circulation(s) Photography Festival – April 5-June 1

Circulation(s) is a festival highlighting young European photographers. This year, the 15th edition features photographers of 13 different nationalities. Through photo studios, screenings, and weekends specifically for photography professionals, this festival seeks to unify photographers, professionals, and the general public with the art of photography. The festival takes place at the Centrequartre-Paris, in the 19^th arrondissement.

Art Paris, April 3-6, Grand Palais Éphémère

At this year’s Art Paris, both established and up-and-coming artists gather at the Grand Palais Éphémère to discover contemporary art in different mediums. By promoting artists and connecting them with art curators and galleries, this art fair plays a vital role in Paris’ art market.

Tour Auto – April 7-12

Tour Auto is a car show and race event that dates back to 1989. Originally called the Tour de France Automobile, competitors follow a route from Paris to Biarritz. Festivities will begin on April 7 with an exposition of all competitors and their vehicles at the Grand Palais Éphémère. It is a great event for car enthusiasts looking to connect with other enthusiasts and drivers.

Sporting Events

The Paris Marathon – April 13

Over 100 countries come together to complete the annual Paris Marathon, pounding pavement through some of the City’s best known streets to cross the finish line. From the Arc de Triomphe, down the Champs-Elysées, and all the way to Place de la Bastille, amazing views including the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame Cathedral ease the rigor of one of the most well-known athletic events in Europe. Soak up the atmosphere of the large crowds and cheer on this year’s runners!

The Paris-Roubaix Challenge – April 12

The Paris Roubaix cycling challenge, following the same route as the professional 170 km route is a long and demanding course. It is not for the faint of heart, especially with the 50 km of cobblestones along the route. Nearly 2,000 cyclists participate every year. Even if not participating in the challenge itself, cycling fans will have a blast watching the event.

Paris Saint-Germain vs. Angers SCO – April 5

PSG and Angers football teams will compete at the Parc au Princes stadium in Paris. The high-stakes match could make or break PSG’s hopes of winning this year’s championship.

Left: A white picnic blanket with fruits, bread and wine. Right: A park filled with cherry blossom trees in full blloom. — A picnic setting by Calvin Shelwell / Full pink blossoms by @paris_shuffle

ART EXHIBITIONS In Paris 2025

“Lucas Arruda: Whatever the Landscape”, Musée D’Orsay – April 8 – July 20

“Lucas Arruda: Whatever the Landscape” displays a series of“desert models” by Brazilian contemporary artist Lucas Arruda. These landscapes, featured in Arruda’s first monographic exhibition in France, demonstrate his great attention to light.

“L’Experience de la Nature”, Musée du Louvre – until June 30

The Louvre’s “L’Experience de la Nature” presents Emperor Rudolph II’s collection of artistic and scientific artifacts. The emperor was a great patron of both sciences and the arts, and this exhibition demonstrates the intrinsic tie between both fields in 16th century Prague.

“David Claerbout: spring, slowly”, Musée de l’Orangerie – until June 9

The Musée de l’Orangerie’s “David Claerbout: spring, slowly” features works by the Belgian artist. Combining photography and film, and blending fiction and reality, Claerbout creates mesmerizing glimpses into his artistic world.

“The Flowers of Yves St. Laurent”, Musée Yves Saint Laurent – until May 4

In collaboration with the Musée Yves Saint Laurent Marrakech, “The Flowers of Yves St. Laurent” highlights the designer’s appreciation for nature and floral motifs in his creations.

“The VR Experience 2025”, Fondation Luis Vuitton – until April 6

Fondation Luis Vuitton’s “The VR Experience 2025” innovatively displays Frank Gehry’s architecture. It includes an animation of his sketches, a combination of permanent works and models, and dialogues with a guide in real time.

Music and Dance In Paris April

Eiffel Tower Classical Music Concert, Eiffel Tower – April 13

The Eiffel Tower provides a marvelous venue for a Orchestre Paris Classik’s classical music concert, with music by Mozart, Schubert, and other renowned composers.

Vivaldi’s Four Seasons and Mozart’s A Little Night Music, St. Germain de Pres Church – April 10

The Helios Orchestra presents music by Vivaldi and Mozart in the picturesque St. Germain de Pres.

Usher, Accor Arena – April 15-16

The R&B/pop artist will be performing hits both old and new as part of his “Past, Present, Future” Tour. Visit Accor Arena for more information.

Tyler, the Creator, Accor Arena – April 27-28

This rapper will be performing at the Accor Arena on his “Chromakopia” Tour. He released the titular album, Chromakopia, in October 2024.

Don Carlos, Opera Bastille – until April 25

Verdi’s Don Carlos is a deeply moving opera sung in French, dealing with themes of freedom, power, sacrifice, and love. Performed at the Opera Bastille until April 25, opera enthusiasts will not want to miss this!

Sleeping Beauty, Opera Bastille – until July 14

Sleeping Beauty will be performed at the modern Opera Bastille until July. Rudolph Nuyerev’s ballet adds depth and intensity to a beloved French fairytale. Find out more and buy your tickets through the Opera Nationale de Paris.

Left: 3 people sitting in green chairs in a park. Right: A shop with blue decors covered in purple wisterias. — Tuileries Gardens by @ruemargaux / Au Vieux Paris restaurant by @natalia_basalay

EASTER IN PARIS

Public Holidays

Easter Weekend is a 4-day holiday for most people in France. April 20 is Easter Sunday this year and April 18 (Good Friday) is a public holiday, as is April 21 (Easter Monday).

Easter Egg Hunts – April 19-21

If you are planning to celebrate Easter in Paris, there are some great options to participate in an egg-hunt. Here’s a list of some places hosting egg hunts this year:

A little girl in gray shirt found an orange egg. — Hunting for Easter eggs by Istvan Szucs

● Hôtel de la Marine

● La REcyclerie

● Rodin Museum

● Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte (outside Paris)

Attend a Holy Week Service

The Basilica of Sacré Cœur, Saint-Eustache, L’église de la Madeleine and L’église Saint-Germain are some of the many awe inspiring churches in Paris where one can attend service. The Paris Tourist office has more information on Easter services in Paris including a list of Stations of the Cross organized during the week.

The interior of l'Eglise Madeleine in Paris. — L’Eglise Madeleine by xiquinhosilva

Kids and Families

Centre Pompidou – events until 15 July

The Centre Pompidou hosts family workshops for children (6 months—10 years old). With a number of hands-on, interactive exhibitions, these events bring art to life. The museum also welomes children (ages 3 and up) to a large-scale city installation focused on harmony, sustainability, and imagination.

Musee Rodin, “How Are Sculptures Born?” – every Sunday from April 6

The Rodin Museum hosts special workshops to bring out the inner Rodin in your children and introduce them to his amazing works. Participants discover Rodin’s favorite mediums: wood, bronze, and marble. Spend time with family while discovering art in a new medium with this awesome workshop.

Le Roi Lion, Theatre Mogador, until 28 June 2025

Enjoy a thrilling production of the Lion King musical at the enchanting Mogador Theatre. The show is fun for the whole family, and your ticket will grant you exclusive access to its Lion King exhibition.

A little girl in Paris by Simon Goetz / A wandering little boy by Valkyrie Pierce

DAY TRIPS

Disneyland Paris

If you really want to treat the children but are short on time you can take a day trip to Disneyland Paris which is just under an hour away. The theme park has a range of tickets and packages to choose from.

Green Day Trips

If you’re feeling worn out thanks to the hustle and bustle of the city, try taking a day trip to the countryside. We’ve compiled a list of the best green day trips from Paris for those wanting to wander out of Central Paris.

Hear one writer’s take on what Paris in Spring is like.
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Written and photographed by Reagan O’Brien, updated by Caroline Camp for HiP Paris. Looking to travel? Check out Plum Guide and our Marketplace for fabulous vacation rentals in Paris, France or Italy. Looking to rent long or short term, or buy in France? Ask us! We can connect you to our trusted providers for amazing service and rates or click here. Looking to bring France home to you or to learn online or in person? Check out our marketplace shop and experiences.

WRITTEN BY

Reagan O’Brien

Reagan is from Washington, D.C. where she is studying International Relations and Linguistics. She is always looking for a good picture and for the next destination. Outside of writing, she loves all things creative like knit and crochet, photography, music, thrifting and upcycling, and wandering through museums.