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.
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 – 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.
Things To do In Paris In Paris in April – Culture
Festival du Livre de Paris – April 12-14
The Paris Book Festival, or Festival du Livre de Paris, takes place at the Grand Palais Éphémère in the 7th arrondissement. The Festival 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!
Anthony Mann, La Cinémathèque Française, until April 14
This retrospective at La Cinémathèque Française focuses on the oeuvre of Anthony Mann. He worked in several genres, and created one of the most beautiful war films in existence (Cote 465), monumental productions like Le Cid, as well as film noirs. He is one of the great masters of American Western films. This retrospective also examines his collaborations with James Stewart, one of the most successful artistic collaborations in post-war Hollywood.
Circulation(s) Photography Festival – Events through May 21
Circulation(s) is a festival highlighting young European photographers. This year, the 14th edition features photographers of 14 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 19th arrondissement.
Paris Events 2024
Art Paris, April 4-7, 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. This year’s themes are commitment and exile. Featured artists and exhibitions seek to look further into these themes and how they affect the modern age.
The Paris Marathon – April 7
Over 100 countries come together to complete this annual event, 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!
Lordy’s Paris Club – Lordy’s Thursdays – April 4
The perfect place for afterwork drinks or a meal any time. Housed in the Sofitel Paris Baltimore Eiffel Tower, on the first Thursday of every month catch Lordy’s Thursdays at the LPC bar at 18:30. There is music and collaborations, such as with the Macallan Scottis Distillery – all with a British flair. In April, there is an Easter theme with Lord’s Breaded Eggs and a chocolate-based cocktail, accompanied by the sounds of Alhan Kho.
The Paris-Roubaix Challenge – April 6
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.
Tour Auto – April 21-27
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 21 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.
Art Exhibitions
Paris 1874- Inventing Impressionism, Musée d’Orsay, Paris, until 14 July
The exhibition “Paris 1874” carefully selects artworks displayed in the first Impressionist exhibition and juxtaposes them with pieces from the official Salon of 1874. This comparison seeks to highlight and enhance the revolutionary nature of this emerging artistic movement. Collaborators Anne Robbins and Sylvie Patry work together to shed light on this exceptional showcase, offering valuable insights into a pivotal moment in modern art history. Serving as a retrospective, the exhibition delves into the contrasting dynamics between the Impressionist movement and the traditional Salon of 1874, encapsulating a significant chapter in the evolution of artistic expression.
Dans l’appartement de Leonce Rosenberg : de Chirico, Ernst, Léger, Picabia, Musée Picasso, Paris, until April 19
Léonce Rosenberg’s Residence: De Chirico, Ernst, Léger, Picabia... offers an exclusive peek into the living quarters curated by art dealer Léonce Rosenberg from 1928 to 1929 at 75 rue Longchamp in Paris. Showcasing works by prominent Interwar artists alongside a curated selection of antique and contemporary furniture, the ensemble embodies a contemporary, liberated approach to decorative arts.
A portion of the paintings and sculptures originally crafted for this distinctive space are reunited, recapturing their original cohesion. Rosenberg, a proponent of Cubism and abstract expression, maintained ties with luminaries such as Picasso, Braque, Léger, Gris, Herbin, Laurens, Metzinger, and Picabia. By 1929, his Parisian abode hosted a dozen artists, reflecting the ambivalence of the late 1920s—a period oscillating between Cubism, traditional influences, and the burgeoning emergence of Surrealism.
A New Look at Jan Van Eyck, The Madonna of Chancellor Rolin, Louvre, until June 17
Celebrating the historic conservation work carried out on Jan Van Eyck’s iconic work, A New Look at Jan Van Eyck has had layers of oxidized varnish, which had darkened the pain, stripped away. Restored to its former glory, the Madonna of Chancellor Rollin is on display along with other paintings by the artist plus works by Rogier van der Weyden, and Robert Campin.
Sheer: The diaphanous creations of Yves Saint Laurent, Musée Yves Saint Laurent, until August 25
The focus of Sheer:The diaphnous creations of Yves Saint Laurent is the art of transparency, which the famed designer used in fabrics including chiffon, lace and tulle. His revolutionary approach to fashion allowed women to express mystery, independency and strength along with sensuality. This must see event is designed by architect Pauline Marchetti and curated by Anne Dressen.
Henri Matisse, Fondation Louis Vuitton, until September 9
The focus of the Henri Matisse exhibit at Fondation Louis Vuitton is his masterpiece “The Red Studio”. More specifically, the history and context of the original work is examined. This exhibit reunites the work, usually stored at the MoMa, New York with 6 paintings, 3 sculptures and ceramic pieces from the artist’s studio in Issy-les-Moulineaux.
Robert Ryman, The Active Gaze, Musée de l’Orangerie, until July 1
5 years after his death, Robert Ryman: The Active Gaze is the first exhibit in France devoted to the late American artist in over 40 years. The historical importance of Ryman is the focus. Often associated with the American minimalist movement, this retrospective inspires visitors to look at the artist’s approach in an of itself.
Easter in Paris
Public Holidays
Easter Weekend is a 4-day holiday for most people in France. March 31 is Easter Sunday this year and March 29 (Good Friday) is a public holiday, as is April 1 (Easter Monday).
Easter Egg Hunts – March 29-April 1
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:
● Hôtel de la Marine
● La REcyclerie
● Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte (outside Paris)
Check out this link for a full list of Easter egg hunts in 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 including a list of Stations of the Cross organized during the week.
Best for Kids and Families
Musée d’Art Moderne de Paris – April 27-28
The Modern Art Museum of Paris is hosting a free family weekend at the Musée d’Art Modern de Paris with activities, animated exhibitions, and free guided tours of the museum as a part of the free family weekends organized by Paris Musées. The program of the weekend is dedicated to culture and how we interact with others.
Musée Rodin – every sunday starting April 6
The Musée Rodin 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.
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.
April in Paris
There’s never a bad time to visit Paris but April is special. The days are getting longer, the weather – warmer. If you’re looking to visit the big attractions, you can avoid the heaviest tourist crowds. Gardens are in bloom and you can enjoy the City with out the tourist crowds.
Most Parisians always carry a coat because no matter how warm, when the sun goes down it tends to be chilly. In April a trench coat is a must.
The sunrises around 7:30 am and sets just before 8:30PM.
Related Links
- Visiting the Eiffel Tower and want to have a good meal? Here are our picks of restaurants near the Eiffel Tower.
- Parisians are emerging from their homes as spring blooms. Find out what happens when Parisians see the first signs of spring.
- Find out the clue that always let people know this expat wasn’t a Parisian!
- Paris in May is around the corner. Find out the best of what to do!
Written by Reagan O’Brien. 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.
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