What are the best things to do in Paris during spring?
Paris is one of the world’s most magical cities. Filled with culture, art, magnificent architecture, fantastic shopping, and exquisite culinary delights, Paris is a must-see destination for any traveller.
While any time of the year is a good time to visit the City of Light, seeing Paris in springtime is an extra-special experience. During March and April, Paris reawakens after its long winter slumber. The cherry blossoms and flowers are in bloom, the streets and gardens are full of people enjoying the sun, and the mood of the city is buoyant and joyful.
If you’ve decided on a spring visit to France’s capital city, here are a few tips from Galeries Lafayette on things to do and see during your stay. Naturally, we’ve also included some expert wardrobe advice.
Celebrate Easter like a Parisian
Known as ‘Pâques’, the dates of Easter in France change each year, but are usually between late March to mid-April. Visitors to Paris during spring who have a sweet tooth are well advised to keep an eye on when the Easter celebrations are being held.
You can experience moving church services held at historic cathedrals such as the Sainte-Chapelle or the Sacré-Cœur. There are also numerous Easter egg hunts for children that are held throughout the city. Be sure to browse the confectionery stores for traditional French Easter treats such as chocolate bunnies and look out for the chocolate fish and chocolate bells!
Make the most of the cafes and terraces
Relaxing on a terrace at a café with a coffee or a glass of wine is a much-loved Parisian pastime. Spring is the ideal season to enjoy one of the city’s more than 3,000 terraces and partake in the French tradition of ‘regarder les gens passer’ or ‘to watch people passing by’.
One of the most magnificent Parisian terraces is the rooftop terrace at Galeries Lafayette Haussmann. Situated at the top of our historic flagship store, the terrace has incredible panoramic views of the Opéra Garnier, the Eiffel Tower, and the Montmartre district.
You can also find stylish terraces and lounges at Galeries Lafayette Champs-Élysées, perfect for relaxing after a big day of shopping. Discover several renowned cafés such as Lafayette Café, Ladurée Tea Room, DS Café, EL&N London famous for its creative drinks and Instagram-worthy decor, and Joe & The Juice.
Plan a picnic in the park
When spring arrives, Parisians of all ages head to the city’s many parks to soak up the sunshine. Pick up some delicacies, grab a blanket, and head off to a green space. Whether you want a view of the city, feel like enjoying the trees and flowers, or want to sit by the banks of a canal, you’ll easily find the perfect place. There are more than 420 parks in Paris to choose from!
Notable picnic spots include the Parc Monceau, anywhere along the banks of the Seine River, the Luxembourg Gardens, the Champ de Mars by the Eiffel Tower, or the Parc de Belleville. The cherry blossoms in Paris are in full bloom during springtime, so be sure and keep your eye out for them.
Treat yourself to a shopping expedition
The weather in Paris in spring is usually mild and pleasant, but occasionally you might be in for some colder temperatures. If the rain and wind stop you from enjoying the outdoors, one of the best things to do is to go shopping! Take an umbrella and stroll along the Avenue des Champs-Élysées and marvel at Paris’s fantastic boutiques. You’ll find fabulous stores from some of the biggest brands in fashion and design.
Escape the weather and experience a true icon of French fashion by visiting the Galeries Lafayette Haussmann department store in the ninth arrondissement. Underneath the historic Art Déco dome, you can browse high-quality fashion and goods from more than 2,500 brands spread out over three buildings. Before you leave the City of Lights, make sure to stop by the 6th floor souvenir section at Galeries Lafayette Haussmann so you can bring a touch of Paris home with you. If you need a break, you can relax at one of the many restaurants in Galeries Lafayette Haussmann.
Visit the open-air markets
When the weather is clear, going to an open-air market is one of the best things to do during a Parisian city visit in the spring. The markets are the best places to pick up some gorgeous spring flowers or find delectable treats and fabulously fresh produce. If you’re planning on cooking up a storm, you absolutely must visit an open-air market and shop for food like a local!
Drop by the Marché d’Aligre, one of the oldest markets in the city. You can get great food at the Marché des Enfants Rouge. To really soak up the atmosphere, make sure to go to the Marché Couvert Saint-Germain. Be advised: it’s best to check market opening times before you set off!
Take a Seine River cruise
Cruising along the Seine River is a great way to enjoy the many wonders of Paris from an entirely new perspective. Settle in and gracefully sail by some of the most famous Parisian landmarks, such as the Louvre, the Invalides, and the Grand Palais. There’s nothing quite as romantic as a boat ride through Paris!
Visitors can jump on a cruise with some of the famous providers such as Vedettes de Paris, Bateaux-Mouches, or Bateaux Parisiens. If you’re a sailing sort, you can also hire a boat and go exploring on your own.
Enjoy the view from the Eiffel Tower
Let’s face it, no visit to Paris is complete without a trip to the Eiffel Tower. Easily one of the world’s most recognisable and iconic landmarks, the Eiffel Tower offers visitors a remarkable view of the city in the springtime. From the observation decks of the Eiffel Tower, you can see the city in full bloom with lush greenery and the dappling of cherry blossoms as far as the eye can see. Keep in mind that the Eiffel Tower is one of the world’s most beloved attractions, so there will be crowds! Buy a ticket online and consider visiting during a weekday early in the morning or during the late afternoon to avoid long queues. Or, you can skip the queues altogether and enjoy an amazing view of the Eiffel Tower from the famous rooftop terrace at Galeries Lafayette Haussmann.
Experience Paris’s spring fairs and festivals
Flowers, fairs and festivals seem to just spring from the ground during springtime in Paris! You can dance until you drop at the Banlieues Bleues jazz festival or see an array of concerts in surprising locations during the Paris Music festival.
For an entirely different experience, the Foire du Trône is a huge funfair held at the Pelouse de Reuilly in the 12th arrondissement. Foodies can sample some of the best French cuisine at the Taste of Paris festival at the Grand Palais. Art lovers will adore the Paris Art Fair, also held at the Grand Palais.
Don’t forget that the Paris Marathon is also held during spring. Over 60,000 runners compete in what is regarded as one of the greatest foot races in the world. For those who fancy a day at the races, there are plenty of events in spring such as the Saut Hermès showjumping competition, the Prix de Diane race, and the famous Grand Steeplechase. If your visit to Paris extends until the end of spring, then you will have the opportunity to see the world’s tennis greats compete in the French Open. Make sure to get your tickets early, though!
Go treasure hunting at Les Puces
The historic Les Puces market is the biggest flea market in Paris. There are more than 3,000 different stalls and vendors to choose from, each one selling a bewildering variety of goods. Anyone who loves to get a bargain, is thrilled by a treasure hunt, or simply wants to explore a quirky side of Paris will be in their element.
Covering an amazing 20 acres, Les Puces is the largest antique market in the world. It’s more like a small city of sellers, each offering a curated collection of high-quality pieces. You can find everything from a 16th-century mirror to a classic Chanel dress, Art Deco vases and modern collectables.
Because of the sheer size of the Les Puces market, many people choose to go on a guided tour or to research which stalls or areas to go to first. Of course, you can just wander in and take your time exploring this incredibly unique Parisian market!
What should I wear in Paris when visiting in the spring?
Planning your outfit for a spring visit to Paris can be complicated. Depending on the exact time of your visit, you may experience warm sunny days as well as cold, windy, and rainy days. The best advice for a springtime visit to Paris is to pack as practically as you can and try and be as prepared as possible for any eventuality. Follow our packing tips for springtime in Paris below, and you’ll be ready for anything!
Tip one : Be Ready for rain
If your trip coincides with spring, then you can expect a few rainy days. You may want to pack an umbrella or grab one as soon as you arrive. Either way, bringing a brolly along is highly recommended. It’s best to keep your umbrella with you at all times. Springtime in Paris can often bring with it spring showers, even when the sun is shining! Take your umbrella with you and you won’t be caught out in the rain. It’s also a good idea to take at least one pair of waterproof shoes or boots.
Tip two : Have multiple footwear options
Make certain your shoes are worn in and comfortable because you may be doing a lot of walking! Take along a comfy pair of sneakers or a well-worn pair of boots. As well as walking through the stunning arrondissements of Paris, you may also find yourself going out on the town. Whether you’re visiting the theatre, catching an opera, or treating yourself to an exquisite meal at a fine restaurant, you’ll need the right outfit. Be sure to pack a pair of stylish shoes for special occasions.
Tip three : Take some warm clothing
Put at least one warm coat or jacket in your bag and throw in a few scarves. A trench coat or light leather jacket is a good option as these will keep you protected from the wind and rain and make sure you stay stylish on the Parisian streets. Blazers or denim jackets are equally practical as they provide a chic look and keep you warm if the weather is chilly.
Tip four : Pack the right pants
Speaking of denim, jeans are a good travel companion as they are casual, warm, and timelessly cool. White jeans look fabulous as part of a spring outfit, or you could go with traditional blue jeans or add extra style with black or coloured jeans. As with your shoes, however, you’ll also want to pack a good pair of pants or a nice suit or dress for any formal outings.
Tip five : Expect the sun
The weather in Paris during the spring months can be unpredictable, so you’ll also need to plan for warmer days. Linen is a fantastic fabric for spring and summer as it is lightweight and breathable. T-shirts are practical and easy to carry. If you’re prone to sunburn, you might want to take along a hat. You probably won’t need to go as far as bringing along your sandals, tank tops, and shorts, though.
Tip six : Make sure you’ll be stylish
Don’t forget: you’re visiting one of the centres of European fashion. Parisians are famously fashionable, and they love to critique outfits. To blend in, don’t go for loud colours or clothes that are too ostentatious, obnoxious, or outrageous. Leave the sweatpants and leggings at home or just wear them in the hotel.
Simple, tasteful, and elegant styling is the key to dressing like a Parisian. Choose neutral tones or simple colour combinations. Be casual, yet chic. And importantly for springtime, choose outfits that can be layered so you can be ready for whatever the Parisian weather throws at you.
Get the perfect spring outfit at Galeries Lafayette
No matter how well you plan your packing, you may find that an essential piece is missing. Don’t worry, this is just a part of travelling. Luckily, as we mentioned, you’ll be in one of the fashion capitals of the world. If you do find yourself without an essential clothing item, you’ll easily be able to find the perfect thing.
For the ultimate shopping experience, be sure to visit the iconic Galeries Lafayette Haussmann. There is also a Galeries Lafayette store situated on the Champs-Élysées and a Galeries Lafayette in the Beaugrenelle district. Each store has a massive selection of quality clothing and goods to choose from. Ask any of our friendly staff members if you need advice on what item will best complement your look. And don’t forget – international visitors can enjoy a 12% VAT rebate!
If you’re looking for inspiration or want to stay up to date with the latest Parisian fashion trends, Galeries Lafayette Haussmann also regularly hosts a range of fashion shows. These 30 minute runways presentations showcasing the latest collections from major brands. The clothing featured during these events can be purchased directly in the store afterward, allowing visitors to leave with a piece of Parisian fashion.
FAQS on visiting Paris during the spring
How does the weather in Paris change during the spring months?
Expect the unexpected if you’re visiting Paris at the start of spring. From March to April, the weather in Paris gradually gets warmer but can be as low as 12°C (54°F). As the summer draws nearer in May, daytime temperatures can reach as high as 20°C (68°F) or more. Evenings will be much cooler than the daytime, so make sure you’ve got a warm jacket and scarf with you if you’re out all day and night! If you need to add more items to your Spring wardrobe, just drop into any of the Galeries Lafayette stores.
Are there any special events or festivals in Paris in spring?
Paris has a variety of festivals and events during the spring period and right into the summer. During March and April, there are Easter celebrations and events throughout the city as well as the Paris Marathon, the Paris Book Fair (Salon du Livre), and the Foire du Trône funfair. See live music at the Banlieues Bleues Festival or the Paris Music Festival.
As summer draws nearer in May, the city hosts the Paris Café Festival and the Paris Beer Festival. Other special events in spring include the Nuit des Musées (European Museum Night) and the Victory in Europe Day Commemoration at the Arc de Triomphe. Booking a table at the Galeries Lafayette Hausmann rooftop terrace is also a fantastic way to enjoy the gorgeous spring weather. The terrace has stunning views of Montmartre and the Eiffel Tower and a menu featuring classic French food and international dishes.
How busy does Paris get during the spring period?
Paris is the beloved capital of France, a crown jewel of Europe, and one of the most revered and iconic cities in the world. At any time of the year, you’re going to run into large crowds at top Parisian attractions such as the Eiffel Tower or the Louvre.
Be aware that French school holidays often fall during the spring, so many Parisians go on holiday. As well as overseas visitors, there are lots of French families who take the opportunity to visit Paris in the spring. That said, the number of tourists in the spring is much lower than in the summer. In general, you will find fewer crowds in spring than during the height of summer.
If the crowds do start to get too much for you, you can visit a Galeries Lafayette store and recharge at a café, enjoy a fine meal, do some shopping, or simply browse and marvel at the fabulous interiors and decorations.
Paris in the springtime is simply fabulous. With some careful planning, by booking ahead, and with some clever packing, you can make the most of your visit to Paris in the spring.
