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Temperatures are rising, buds are appearing in parks and gardens, outdoor ice-cream stands are reopening … there’s no doubt about it, spring has arrived! From March to June, Paris welcomes the arrival of longer, warmer days, to the pleasure of native Parisians and tourists alike. In the coming months, various indoor and especially outdoor events will be bringing the city to life as the season progresses, so mark your calendars!
Every spring, Paris also hosts numerous events for young and old on the occasion of Easter: egg hunts, family craft workshops, treasure hunts, concerts... there's no shortage of activities! And for those with a sweet tooth, master chocolatiers reveal their best creations.
Springtime is synonymous with chocolate and family time! Make the most of the Easter holidays by taking part in giant egg hunts or cooking workshops in prestigious locations.
Discover our exclusive selection of festive and gourmet outings for young and old alike in the heart of the capital.
Spring marks the start of the festival season, and there's something for everyone! For film lovers, the Printemps du cinéma allows many viewers to enjoy discounted screenings in French cinemas every year in mid-March. It's the perfect opportunity to see or revisit a gem of a film! At La Villette, the Festival 100% showcases many disciplines such as theatre, dance and performance, and has plenty of surprises in store for each edition! On the music front, We Love Green has made a name for itself among the major festivals in Paris with its surprising line-up and eco-friendly commitments.
April promises to be one of the busiest times of the year for cultural and sporting events. The European Artistic Crafts Days (JEMA) return from 7 to 12 April 2026, celebrating craftsmanship through demonstrations and workshops open to the public. The 8th edition of 100% L'EXPO will be held at the Grande Halle de La Villette from 8 to 26 April 2026, showcasing around 50 artists who have recently graduated from French art schools. On 12 April 2026, 60,000 people will take to the streets of the capital for the latest edition of the Paris Marathon, France's biggest running event. With events like these, you're sure to find the event in Paris in April 2026 that suits your tastes.
Another unmissable event of the season, the European Night of Museums returns for its 22nd national edition on 23 May 2026. This is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the heart of the greatest exhibitions, in an almost magical atmosphere, free of charge. Every year, a unique itinerary is offered throughout the city, dotted with artistic events, readings, screenings and concerts. More than 1,800 museums - such as the Louvre Museum, the Arab World Institute and the Musée d'Orsay – take part in the festivities and organise all kinds of surprises.
For contemporary art lovers, the Centre Pompidou is continuing its Constellation programme with exhibitions outside its walls at the Grand Palais, notably Matisse. 1941-1954 from 24 March 2026. From mid-May onwards, these venues will become must-see destinations in the capital.
In terms of shows, Irish Celtic will be at the Seine Musicale on 29 March 2026. L'Athénée Théâtre Louis-Jouvet continues its programme and offers a rare adaptation of L'Avare from 9 April 2026.
The iconic Grandes eaux du château de Versailles return from 3 April 2026. This is an opportunity to discover the palace gardens from a unique perspective, where ponds, waterfalls and fountains promise an enchanting spectacle. The Fêtes Galantes de Versailles costume party on 25 May 2026 is the perfect opportunity to don period clothing and celebrate in the famous Hall of Mirrors. As night falls, the Château de Vaux le Vicomte begins its season of candlelit evenings, when the French garden is lit by candlelight. The show ends with a magnificent fireworks display.
Children can rejoice in being able to enjoy the Jardin d'Acclimatation in the sunshine once again! The leisure park and its many attractions are always a big hit. At the Parc Zoologique de Paris, spring is synonymous with celebration, with many free activities, entertainment and guided feeding sessions.
To end the spring season in style, the capital is hosting a major artistic event that marks the end of spring and the beginning of summer. Artist JR will take over the oldest bridge in Paris with his monumental installation La Caverne du Pont-Neuf. This immersive work, which transforms urban architecture into a unique visual experience, offers a spectacular transition to the first days of summer. It is the perfect opportunity to treat yourself to one last artistic stroll under the May sky before the city begins to buzz with the rhythm of the summer season.
> Last-minute update: for technical reasons, the opening of JR’s 'La Caverne du Pont Neuf' - originally scheduled for 6 June 2026 - has been postponed to a later date.
As soon as the first rays of sunshine appear, Paris reveals its green spaces at their most beautiful. Along the Seine, the Île-de-la-Cité also offers lovely walks. Between cherry blossoms and lawns inviting you to relax, the capital becomes a real playground for nature lovers.
The spectacle of cherry blossoms transforms certain corners of Paris into veritable Japanese paintings. The Parc des Buttes Chaumont reveals its blossoming trees in a romantic setting, while the Jardin du Trocadéro offers a breathtaking view of the Eiffel Tower in the background. A few must-see addresses:
The blossoms generally bloom from March to the end of April, depending on the weather.
A true Parisian institution, the Jardin du Luxembourg welcomes walkers and families in the 6th arrondissement. Its accessible lawns are perfect for picnics under the century-old trees, while the iconic green chairs are spread out around the central pond. Between games of pétanque, old-fashioned sailboats and sunny terraces, this garden, created in 1612, remains one of the best places to enjoy sunny days.
For the most beautiful views of the capital, head to the Champ de Mars , which stretches majestically at the foot of the Eiffel Tower. In spring, this vast green space becomes the venue for giant picnics and lazy afternoons. The more adventurous will climb to the upper terrace of the Iron Lady to admire Paris from a different angle, where the zinc roofs sparkle in the spring sunshine.
As soon as the sun comes up, the rooftops of Paris come alive. Head up high and enjoy a cocktail with a breathtaking view of the Eiffel Tower or the Sacré-Cœur.
From hidden terraces to the trendiest spots, we've selected the must-visit places for seeing Paris from above this spring.
In terms of trade fairs and exhibitions, the Porte de Versailles kicks off the season with the annual and eagerly awaited Foire de Paris. From 30 April to 11 May 2026, this event, which has been a fixture in Paris since 1904, responds to growing public demand to discover new products and inventions to try out or buy on the spot. Spring is the ideal time to enjoy this event, which celebrates French expertise in a festive atmosphere, with over 1,000 hours of free entertainment. Within the fair, the prestigious Lépine competition rewards the most innovative, useful or daring inventions on an international scale each year. From apple peelers to avant-garde electric vehicles, the Paris Fair skilfully combines sales and entertainment.
A very different kind of fair is the Foire du Trône – this giant Parisian funfair takes place through April and May at the Pelouse de Reuilly in the city’s 12th arrondissement and promises to keep both children and adults entertained. The fair boasts nearly 350 attractions and 80 carousels, plus musical shows and stands selling sweet treats, and to finish it all off, a fantastic firework show!
And for food lovers, the great cuisine exhibition, Taste of Paris, is already making mouths water. From 21 to 24 May 2026, the Grand Palais will be transformed into a temple of gastronomy for four days of tastings with chefs and meetings with producers.
April is also the month of the European Artistic Craft Days, a week-long event which lets members of the public meet with professional artisans, who unveil their latest exciting and original creations. The little extra is the Biennale Emergences which brings together the artisans of East Paris for 4 days. An event not to be missed at the CN D in Pantin or Révélations, at the Grand Palais, the biennial of arts and crafts.
Art lovers can rejoice because as soon as the first fine days arrive, the Art Paris Art Fair, the major modern and contemporary art event at the Grand Palais for 4 days of celebration. But also PAD Paris - art + design, Art Shopping Paris for buying unique works of art.
At the end of March, the Drawing Now Art Fair is held at the Carreau du Temple, as well as the Paris Print Fair, the print fair held in the 6th arrondissement or the Paris book festival at the Grand Palais.
Spring is the ideal season to take up sport, and every year running attracts thousands of enthusiasts to the streets of the capital. For running enthusiasts, the eagerly awaited Harmonie Mutuelle Semi de Paris on 8 March 2026 and the Paris Marathon will kick off their annual edition on 12 April 2026. An internationally renowned sporting event, it covers more than 42 kilometres throughout the city: avenue des Champs-Élysées, Place de la Bastille, Pont de Bir-Hakeim and Bois de Boulogne. The route runs along the Île-de-la-Cité, offering runners some of the most iconic views of the capital. Every year, the number of participants and supporters grows, with nearly 60,000 runners taking part. The warm atmosphere, fuelled by the spirit of pushing oneself to the limit, brings together athletes from all over the world.
But there is also the Eco Trail Paris on 21 and 22 March 2026, which offers several routes of 10, 18, 30, 45 and 80 kilometres, finishing at the Eiffel Tower.
Several charity races also cross the capital in the spring, some passing in front of Notre Dame Cathedral, an iconic monument that attracts runners and spectators alike:
Horse lovers also have their share of events to follow as the season for equestrian events begins each spring. First off, there’s the prestigious Saut Hermès, a showjumping competition held in the centre of the Grand Palais, and then comes the iconic Grand Steeple-Chase, held in the Auteuil Hippodrome since 1874. Finally, get ready for high fashion and fascinators at the Prix de Diane at the Chantilly Racecourse for a traditional but chic day at the races.
Before giving way to the scorching summer sun, spring season ends with a bang, with an international event: the Roland Garros tournament. From 18 May to 7 June 2026 (including qualifying rounds), considered one of the most prestigious tennis events, the penultimate Grand Slam tournament of the year opens its clay courts to nearly 500,000 spectators who come each year to support their favourite players.
On 6 June 2026, the Palais des Congrès de Paris will host the Martial Arts Festival, while the Accor Arena will host the 100th Harlem Globetrotters for a show where basketball and comedy blend perfectly on 28 and 29 March 2026. And to continue the show at the Accor Arena, the French Basketball Cup Finals will take place on 25 and 26 April 2026. We end the spring on an exceptional note, again at the Accor Arena with the Paris Sumo Tournament, on 13 and 14 June 2026!
Finally, spring is the perfect time to discover Paris on two wheels. The longer days and mild climate are perfect for beautiful rides along the cycle paths, as shown in our comprehensive guide to visiting Paris by bike. This is also the peak season for cycling events: don't miss the Vélo in Paris from 24 to 26 April 2026 at the Parc Floral, the unmissable event for enthusiasts of equipment and innovation. For those who prefer the great outdoors and nature, head to the outskirts of the capital for la Jean Racine on 11 and 12 April 2026, a real cycling festival offering a variety of routes in the heart of the Chevreuse Valley.
Fancy a ride along the waterfront or through Paris' parks? A bike is the ideal companion for your springtime outings.
Whether you're looking for an electric bike for a long ride or a classic bike for a leisurely stroll, find all our advice and the best places to hire.
