March is an exciting month in Paris when Parisians and tourists are greeted with early signs of spring and longer days after the cold winter. Still not yet high season for tourists, visitors will avoid long lines with the treat of peaceful sightseeing. Easter falls on the last weekend of March, and there are plenty of fascinating exhibitions, events, sports and musical shows. While the French capital prepares itself for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, make the most of the fewer tourists while it lasts. Despite some low temperatures still lingering during this time of year, seeing the city of Love this spring month is certainly a good idea!

Weather in Paris in March

Generally, the temperatures start to rise later in the month in the early spring but expect it to remain chilly with a chance of rain before then. The average temperature in March ranges from around 8 to 14 degrees Celsius (46 to 57 degrees Fahrenheit), there can be fluctuations, and evenings may still be cool. We recommend bringing warm clothes and layers, including a coat and sweater, to stay comfortable and prepared.  

The month of March in the French capital often sees a mix of sunny and rainy days. Light rain showers are not uncommon, so having an umbrella or raincoat can be useful.  With the beginning of spring, you may begin to see signs of blooming flowers and budding trees in late March. On these days you’ll see the return of outdoor terraces with Parisians making the most of the sunshine and increased average daylight hours they’ve been missing since last summer.

All in all, March weather has it all; romantic rain, moody clouds, and some joyous sunshine! Regardless of the forecast, Paris’ beauty can’t be tarnished and a great time is always guaranteed in this beautiful city. 

Things to do in Paris in March

Spring officially starts on March 19 and Good Friday falls on March 29 making Paris the best time for family activities. The City of Light will burst into life with Easter festivities, events, exhibitions and more. March brings the return of picnics in front of the Eiffel Tower; park strolls on sunny days and outdoor cocktails along the Seine River. Among cherry blossoms the return of green leaves, it’s also the perfect time to pay a visit to Disneyland Paris. Rainy days can be spent in the Louvre Museum, Versailles Palace and Moulin Rouge. The Jardin du Luxembourg and Jardin des Plantes welcome you during warmer temperatures. Bring your walking shoes as it’s a good time to explore the city on foot with local markets, outdoor activities, food stalls and outdoor live music. Don’t forget to dress to impress as the Paris Fashion Week will be taking place from February 26 until March 5. 

Learning French with a Parisienne's favorite French music
photo by Lisa Czarina

Easter in Paris

On Sunday, March 31, 2024, it’s Easter. To mark the occasion, many easter egg hunts and other easter activities are being organized throughout the capital as well as creative workshops, French chocolate tastings, riddles to solve with friends, cooking classes and more! Perfect for all ages! 

Both Good Friday and the Monday following Easter are public holidays, so you should expect many smaller shops and restaurants to be closed for the 4-day Easter Weekend holiday. The metro and city buses will run on a limited schedule, for more information visit RATP and make sure you check out our round up of the essential Paris maps you need for your visit to the City of Light. 

Over the Easter weekend, there will be a range of religious services in the city’s magnificent churches, and special Easter concerts in whimsical settings. Perfect for the family, you can attend fun Easter egg hunts in the beautiful Paris parks. Plenty to do over the Easter weekend while welcoming the warmer weather! 

EVENTS

Tutankhamun, the immersive pharaonic experience, Galeries Montparnasse, 3 February- 28 April 2024

Enjoy this rare chance to delve into the history of Tutankhamun, the immersive pharaonic experience. Step into the world of Tutankhamun  where you’ll solve several puzzles in a quest to reach the ‘treasure room.’ For this event, the 3,000-m² area of the Galeries Montparnasse has been transformed for the immersive experience. 

Le Salon de l’Agriculture, Porte de Versailles, 24 February- 3 March 2024 

Players from the agricultural world including breeders, producers, unions, ministries, and research institutes. Le Salon de l’Agriculture is a benchmark agricultural event, internationally. 

Carnaval des Femmes, Place du Châtelet – 3 March 2024 

Known as the “Washerwomen’s Festival” due to its origins, the “Women’s Carnival” is making a comeback this spring. The procession, featuring women adorned as queens and men dressed as women, commences at 3 p.m. from Place du Châtelet and concludes three hours later, retracing its path through Boulevard de Sébastopol, Rue Saint-Martin, or Rue de Rivoli before returning to its starting point.  

International de Films de Femmes, 15-24 March 2024 

The Festival for Female Directors is here! Spanning various venues in Créteil and Paris, the International Women’s Film Festival showcases the cinematic creations of women worldwide. Spread across 10 days, the festival shines a spotlight on women’s role in the film industry, both on-screen and behind the camera, through screenings, discussions, concerts, exhibitions, and social gatherings. 

Japan Party and the Salon Fantastique, Parc Floral de Paris, 30 March – 1 April 2024

Japan Party in conjunction with the Salon Fantastique celebrates manga, video games, cosplay and traditional Japanese culture. Geek and Japanese cultures collide during this fun cultural event.  

Exhibitions

Vera Molnár. Speak to the Eye, Centre Pompidou, 28 February- 26 August 2024

In Vera Molnár – Speak to the Eye, Centre Pompidou will showcase a selection of significant pieces by Hungarian media artist Vera Molnár. Her digital drawings, installations and sculptures demonstrate her adeptness with technology and artistry, characterized by an element of surprise. 

Le Paris de la modernité (1905-1925), Petit Palais, Until April 14, 2024

Don’t overlook Le Paris de la modernité if you have an interest in the history of the city. The Petit Palais presents nearly 400 artworks by renowned artists such as Robert Marcel Duchamp, Amedeo Modigliani, Pablo Picasso, Marie Vassilieff, and numerous others. 

On left: The spindly branches of a tree reach skyward, with the dome of the Petit Palais, Paris' city art museum, rising in the background. On right: Bouncy little flowers begin to sprout in the garden of the Petit Palais, located on the Champs Elysées.
Le Jardin du Petit Palais by Marissa Wu

Préhistomania, Musée de L’Homme, until May 20, 2024

If you are fascinated by cave paintings, Préhistomania at Musée de L’Homme, is worth seeing. Bonus – this museum offers a stunning view. 

Egypt of the Pharaohs, from Khufu to Ramses II, Atelier des Lumières, February 9- January 5, 2025

Rediscover Egypt during the time of the Pharaohs, through Atelier des Lumières’ unique and immersive display. Visit this exhibition with your family and friends, to marvel at the fascinating exhibition.  

‘Paris 1874. Inventing Impressionism’, The Musée d’Orsay, 26 March – 14 July 2024

The creative world of the nascent Impressionist movement will take place at the beautiful Musée d’Orsay with an immersive experience in virtual reality ‘Paris 1874. Inventing Impressionism’ beginning 26 March 2024. 

Robert Ryma – The act of looking, Musée de l’Orangerie, 6 March – 1 July, 2024

The Musée de l’Orangerie is paying tribute to the American artist Robert Ryman – a leading figure in the world of contemporary art. ‘Robert Ryman – The act of looking‘ is the first large-scale presentation in a French public institution since 1981 confirms the artist’s historical importance five years after his death. 

Constantin Brancusi, Pompidou Centre, 27 March – 1 July, 2024

Nearly 200 pieces of the modern sculpture, by Constantin Brancusi have been sourced and will be displayed at the Pompidou Centre. Never has Brancusi been the subject of such an extensive exhibition which includes photographs, drawings, films, archives, tools and studio furniture. 

The industrial architecture of the facade of the Pompidou Centre.
Centre Pompidou, photo by Denys Nevozhai

Le monde comme il va, Bourse du Commerce, 20 March – 23 September, 2024

The Bourse du Commerce will be exclusively presenting a set of iconic works from the Pinault collection owned by François Pinault, created from the 1980s to the present day. Not only is the collection extensive and fascinating, but half of them are exhibited for the first time by the Pinault Collection. Le monde comme il va highlights Pinault’s passion and commitment to contemporary art in direct connection with our times. 

100% L’EXPO 2024, Grande Halle de la Villette, 28 March – 28 April, 2024

The new edition of the 100% L’EXPO 2024 will showcase works by recently graduated artists over an area of 3,500 sqm. View the creations of today’s young artistic talents and tomorrow’s creative leaders. If you’re interested in viewing fresh ideas and new works, this is the place to be. 

SPORTS

The Harmonie Mutuelle Half Marathon, 3 March 2024

The Harmonie Mutuelle half marathon will have a 21.1 km route that goes through the Bois de Vincennes, the banks of the Seine and Paris City Hall. 

Eco Trail, 16 March 2024 

The eco-responsible and sporting Eco Trail event allows participants to choose from several trails: 10, 18, 45 or 80 km. There are various natural surroundings throughout the western suburbs of Paris. Pack your sneakers and enjoy the beautiful green space the City of Light has to offer!

Saut Hermès, 15-17 March, 2024

Said to be one of the most beautiful jumping events in the world, the Saut Hermès competition by Hermès Paris returns to the Grand Palais Ephémère with three days of one-off shows. The main event, the Grand Prix Hermès, takes place on Sunday afternoon. 

Yonex French Open for Badminton, 5-10 March, 2024

The Adidas Arena will host one of the 10 biggest tournaments in the world, the Yonex French Open for Badminton. The world’s best badminton players will compete at the Adidas arena at Porte de la Chapelle, also the future venue for the Olympic and Paralympic Games! 

CONCERTS AND SHOWS

Depeche Mode, Accor Arena, 3 and 5 March 

After the success of their global tour, the band has hit the road again and continues with their performance in March. You can catch at the Depeche Mode at the Accor Arena in Paris. 

Romeo + Juliet at the Théâtre du Châtelet, 9 – 28 March, 2024

Matthew Bourne infuses the eternal story of forbidden love written by the infamous William Shakespeare. This masterful version of the timeless story was unanimously praised by critics when was first presented in 2019, now making its return to Romeo and Juliet at the Théâtre du Châtelet

‘Beautés de la Danse’ at the Seine Musicale, 3 March, 2024 

The Beautés de la Danse return to La Seine Musicale to pay homage to classical dance by presenting to the public the most beautiful extract from ballets from the 19th century to the present day. 

Frederick Ashton’s ballet ‘La Fille mal gardée’, Palais Garnier, 15 March – 1 April, 2024

La Fille mal gardée created by Jean Dauberval in 1789, has inspired many choreographers throughout history with its childlike universe and its lightened vision of the peasant world. The characters perform to the sound of popular songs and opera buffa arias. 

A staircase in Opera Palais Garnier Paris which has gilded interiors reminiscent of the belle epoque
Laila Gebhard

Starmusical, Accor Arena, 27 March, 2024

Starmusical by Claude Cyndecki and Lucy Lee is a spectacular and comedic musical, held in the Accor Arena. It’s the original show paying tribute to 50 years of musicals with original singers performing their famous songs ranging from “Hair” to “Mamma Mia”.    

‘500 voix pour Queen’ at the Dôme de Paris, 29 March, 2024

For the first time in Europe, 500 singers will pay tribute to Freddie Mercury and the QUEEN group. 500 votes for Queen is said to be an unforgettable 2-hour experience!

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Written by Joanna Todorova for the 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

Joanna Todorova

Joanna Todorova is a business student and journalist originally from Australia, now based in Paris, France. She covers a variety of topics including Politics, Business, Environment, Arts and Lifestyle. In addition to writing for HIP Paris, she has written for The Social Talks and is head of journalism at ÉCU – The European Independent Film Festival.

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