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With the arrival of spring, the Official Paris City Pass is the ideal way to explore Paris at its best. This official City Pass gives you the freedom to compose a tailor-made stay while enjoying the beautiful days of April.
Visit the must-see museums, climb the Eiffel Tower, enjoy a cruise on the Seine or a bike ride, and discover the charm of the capital. From €59, experience Paris differently and save money.
Springtime is back, bringing brighter colours and and the atmosphere is warming up! The cultural programme of events features new exhibitions, not-to-miss concerts and outings for one and all!
The Journées Européennes des Métiers d'Art (JEMA) will be returning to Paris in 2026, from 7 to 12 April 2026, to celebrate craftsmanship. The event will be showcasing art craftspeople, workshops and rare trades through exhibitions, demonstrations and workshops open to the public. It's a unique opportunity to discover the wealth of European arts and crafts while exploring confidential, local addresses in the capital.
It's also a chance to discover ParisLocal artisans, an initiative dedicated to promoting local players. Visitors are invited to immerse themselves in the authenticity of Paris by meeting local artisans and creators in places that are often little-known.
Whether you're passionate about crafts or curious about new experiences, the JEMAs and ParisLocal offer a chance to immerse yourself in the world of designers, while promoting a responsible, local approach that's not to be missed in April.
The programme of exhibitions in April 2026 makes us wish it was already spring!
After the Gerhard Richter retrospective, the Fondation Louis Vuitton devotes an exhibtion to Alexander Calder with Calder. ‘Rêver en équilibre’, from 15 April to 16 August 2026. The venue shows 300 works (mobiles, stabiles, sculptures, and animated jewellery …) by the American sculptor. This is the last part of a series devoted to great artistic figures of the 20th and 21st centuries.
The Musée d’Art Moderne de Paris offers photography enthusiasts a select retrospective this season: Lee Miller. This exhibition brings together 250 photos by the famous model who became a fashion photographer and then a war photographer. A magnificent exhibition that makes you want to learn more about this unique personality, who has already been portrayed in the film of the same name by Kate Winslet.
The Philharmonie de Paris also presents a major new exhibition this month. From 2 April to 8 November 2026, an immersive and interactive trail Video games & music. The music you are the hero of.
The Musée de l'Armée takes visitors travelling back in time with the exhibition Explorations: a matter of state? which runs from 15 April until 16 August 2026. A fascinating insight into great expeditions of the past. At the Musée Carnavalet, you can see the exhibition Madame de Sévigné. Parisian Letters from 15 April to 23 August 2026. More than 200 works - letters, paintings, historical objects, drawings, etc. - provide a portrait of a woman of power, but also of society under Louis XIV.
In a more original vein, the Monnaie de Paris draws a parallel between money and comic strips in its new exhibition Cling! Comics talk cash, from 10 April to 6 September 2026, featuring Picsou, Batman, Asterix, Lucky Luke … And around the same time, on 8 April 2026, the Cinémathèque presents: Marilyn Monroe : 100 years! A captivating portrait of this icon of cinema, fashion, and pop culture.
Are you a fan of photography? Then head to Le Centquatre for the Circulation(s) festival. From 21 March to 17 May 2026, discover the best of Europe's young and vibrant photographic scene.
The Maison de la Photographie Robert-Doisneau presents Beyond the Sound Wall: Techno Parties, a free photography exhibition running from 13 March to 31 May 2026 that explores the energy of raves and techno parties through the eyes of three artists. It invites visitors to immerse themselves in the visual and social universe of techno culture, far from clichés, in an immersive journey to be discovered in the spring near Paris.
To fill your ears at the start of spring, here is a non-exhaustive list of concerts to pin in your diaries!
April 2026 is set to thrill Parisian audiences! The Italian singer Andrea Bocelli will be on stage at the Accor Arena in Paris on Wednesday 1 April 2026. The DJ and French electro producer Kungs opens the festivities at the Zénith Paris La Villette on Friday 3 April 2026 with his catchy beats, while the London collective Archive will be at La Seine Musicale on the same evening to present their new album Glass Minds.
On Saturday 4 April 2026, Ferre Gola, a leading figure in Congolese rumba, rocks the Accor Arena, and Dorothée makes a big comeback with two nostalgic concerts at the Palais des Congrès on 4 and 5 April 2026. A change of tone on Friday 10 April 2026 with Josman, at the Paris La Défense Arena for a huge show, followed by Wampas at Olympia on Saturday 11 April 2026.
Ben Mazué plays three concert dates at the Zénith Paris – La Villette on 16, 17 and 18 April 2026 with a focus on his album Famille, then Cassius, with Boombass, gets Olympia dancing on Wednesday 22 April 2026. Finally, to round off this musical month, Charlotte Cardin will be at Accor Arena for the first time on Thursday 30 April 2026 for a concert that promises to be unforgettable.
For something more traditional, head to the charming town of Sceaux, a few kilometres south of Paris, for the 2025/2026 season of the Schubertiade de Sceaux, which is full of surprises. The season winds up on 11 April 2026 with Pauline Courtin (soprano and actor), Vadim Sher (pianist and actor) and Christophe Barbier (actor) in the show Offenbach & the Three Emperors.
In April, Paris has several shows lined up … all you have to do is choose!
A major show to start with, and a nostalgic one. The Lion King continues to triumph at the Théâtre Mogador until the end of June 2026.
On 26 April 2026, the Folies Bergère welcome Candace Bushnell, the creator of Sex and the City, for her one-woman-show True Tales of Sex, Success, and Sex and the City, a funny and glamorous dive into the world of the iconic character Carrie Bradshaw. As for musicals, the Théâtre du Châtelet turns to the Broadway of the 1930s with Top Hat, a stylish adaptation of Irving Berlin’s classic, which runs from 15 April to 3 May 2026, while the dystopian musical and choreographic fresco The Rise plays at the Dôme de Paris from 3 to 12 April 2026 with 33 artists on stage. Burlesque enthusiasts can see Dita Von Teese at the Folies Bergère on 23 and 24 April 2026 in Nocturnelle- a spellbinding show full of Hollywood glamour and mystery.
As for comedy, Paul Mirabel returns to the Accor Arena for two exceptional dates on 10 and 11 April 2026. Finally, two major musicals end their runs this month: Chicago, at the Casino de Paris until 26 April 2026, and Joséphine Baker – The Musical, a vibrant tribute to this iconic figure of the 20th century, also until 26 April 2026. To keep your face muscles in shape, there's nothing better than How to Become a Parisian in One Hour? by Olivier Giraud at the Théâtre des Nouveautés which attracts both a national and international audience, until 25 July 2026.
The two iconic auditoriums of the Paris National Opera will be packed with performances in April 2026! The Opéra Bastille offers a varied programme with Romeo and Juliet - the ballet by Rudolf Nureyev on 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 10, 11, 13, 14, 16, 17, 21, 25, 26, 28 and 30 April 2026 - and Tosca by Giacomo Puccini - on 3, 6, 9, 12, 15 and 18 April 2026. The Palais Garnier, presents Philip Glass’s captivating opera Satyagraha (on 7, 10, 14, 16, 21, 24, 26, and 30 April 2026) focusing on Gandhi, the second opus of his trilogy devoted to historic figures, after Einstein on the Beach (1976) and Akhnaten (1984), and the shows of the opera house’s dance school (15, 17, 18 et 19 avril 2026) showcase the talents of young artists.
Paris never sleeps and is full of activities to make the most of the magic of the night. Take in a show at a legendary cabaret such as the Moulin Rouge, enjoy a dinner cruise on the Seine while admiring the illuminated city, or explore iconic monuments such as the Eiffel Tower in an unusual atmosphere.
Nightlife lovers will also appreciate the trendy bars, the rooftops with breathtaking views and the dance nights. Get inspired by our guide to nightlife in Paris for memorable evenings.
The spring holidays are scheduled from 18 April to 4 Mai 2026 in the Paris region. Over these two weeks, the capital will go all out to keep children happily occupied, whatever their interests.
Before that, it is the last days to discover Deserts: the scientific exhibition at the Muséum d'Histoire naturelle de Paris until 19 April 2026. On a completely different subject, starting in early April 2026 L'Atelier des Sorciers dedicated to Kamome Shirahama, author of the cult manga Witch Hat Atelier at the Ancienne Poste de Versailles. An insight into the creative process from 18 April to 12 July 2026. If the weather isn't great, head to the Champs-Élysées for a memorable immersive experience with Immersive Fables which brings to life La Fontaine’s Fables.
Are you keen to spend time outdoors as the weather warms up? The spring holidays are the perfect time to spend a day out in Paris’s zoos and amusement parks: the Jardin d'Acclimatation, Disneyland Paris, the Vincennes Zoo and the Ménagerie at the Jardin des Plantes. The Foire du Trône on the Pelouse de Reuilly in the Bois de Vincennes is also making a comeback!
If it is warm enough, children can put on their swimsuits and enjoy a dip in the Pontoise swimming pool, an art deco gem located in the 5th arrondissement of the capital. If, on the other hand, the weather is bad, they can take refuge in the capital’s arcade game and virtual reality game rooms, cinemas or libraries, which organize various free activities during the holidays.
April is trade fair time! The Grand Palais is hosting the literary event of the year, the Paris Book Fair, from 17 to 19 April 2026.
Art is front and centre too, with fairs showcasing contemporary and urban art: Art Paris at the Grand Palais from 9 to 12 April 2026, Art Shopping from 10 to 12 April 2026 at the Carrousel du Louvre, PAD Paris from 8 to 12 April 2026 in the Jardin des Tuileries.
The Paris Brazilian Film Festival returns to the Arlequin cinema from 7 to 14 April 2026, as part of the Brazil-France 2026 season. On the programme for this 28th edition: never-before-seen films, exclusive meetings and festive evenings with DJ sets and concerts.
The Créteil International Women's Film Festival, founded in 1979, highlights films made by women from all over the world. Buoyed by a feminist and cultural heritage, each year it offers competitions, retrospectives and meetings to promote the voices of women directors. The 47th edition will be held in April 2026 at the Maison des Arts in Créteil.
Finally, the 8th edition of 100% L'EXPO will be held at the Grande Halle de La Villette from 8 to 26 April 2026. This free event highlights around fifty artists who have recently graduated from French art schools, offering an eclectic panorama of young contemporary creation.
The Night of Monuments offers an original way to discover heritage on 17, 18 and 19 April 2026, with night-time tours and immersive activities in castles, abbeys and historic sites in Greater Paris. It's another way to experience culture after dark.
On the culinary side, the Barbecue Expo will take over the Parc Floral de Paris from 10 to 12 April 2026 for a gourmet weekend dedicated to the art of BBQ: chef demonstrations, tastings, new products and a friendly atmosphere are all on the programme.
The Rhum Fest at the Parc Floral de Paris attracts rum fans from 18 to 20 April 2026. On the programme? Encounters with producers, cocktails, a food court, workshops and tastings… La Foire de Paris is back at the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles from 30 April to 11 May 2026. The Barbizon Parks and Gardens Festival returns on the weekend of 18 and 19 April 2026 in Seine-et-Marne. A delight for botany andnature enthusiasts!
Culinary delights are also in the spotlight with Paris Restaurant Week, which takes place across the capital throughout April. This unmissable event offers the chance to discover the excellence of Parisian cuisine through exclusive menus available at a selection of renowned restaurants. It is the perfect opportunity to treat yourself to an exceptional dining experience, where chefs showcase seasonal produce, whilst enjoying a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.
Paris has proved that it knows how to organise major sporting events after the worldwide success of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games!
Get on your running shoes and slip on your tabard, because after the half marathon on 8 March 2026, it’s time for the main race: the Paris marathon. This, the foremost race in the capital, will take place on 12 April 2026. Tens of thousands of runners will make their way through the streets of Paris attempting to improve their personal record and even beat the current records (2:19 in the women’s race and 2:04 in the men’s race). Alongside this major race, the Parc des Expos at Porte de Versailles will be hosting the Run Expérience trade show from 11 to 12 April 2026 to discover the world of running in all its forms.
For cycle racing fans, the Paris-Roubaix 2026 takes place on Sunday 12 April 2026 between Compiègne and the Roubaix velodrome. The Paris-Roubaix Challenge, amateur racewalking, takes place on the day before, on 11 April 2026. Plus, the famous Hyrox competition returns to the Grand Palais from 23 to 26 April 2026.
After 25 and 26 April 2026, we will finally know who are the French basketball champions. The Accor Arena is hosting the finals of the French Cup, which will see the best team being awarded the title.
Less than an hour away from Paris, enthusiasts of this exceptional race will gather from 16 to 19 April 2026 at the legendary Bugatti circuit in Le Mans for the latest edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans Motorcycle Race. In Fontainebleau, equestrian sports take centre stage (competitions, special events, dressage, etc.) at the Printemps des Sports Equestres event from 16 to 26 April 2026!
In the Hauts-de-Seine, at the Seine Musicale in Boulogne-Billancourt, Hauts-de-Seine Digital Games 2026 is the 5th edition of the video game and digital festival. This free event highlights e-sport, manga, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and offers job datings, meetings with colleges, special guests, DJ sets, as well as a festival of video games and digital arts. It offers a platform for exchange and discovery for enthusiasts and professionals in the sector. Registration is compulsory for access to the festival.
The Jean Racine - Cycling Festival will take place on 11 and 12 April 2026 in Saint-Rémy-lès-Chevreuse, in the heart of the Haute Vallée de Chevreuse Natural Park. A weekend of sport and festivities, this major cycling event in the Paris region offers road, mountain bike and gravel routes, family rides, and a cycle show with exhibitors and entertainment. It's the perfect opportunity to celebrate spring, sport, nature and cycling culture in Greater Paris.
The Paris Marathon 2026, scheduled for 12 April, invites runners from all over the world to take to the imblematic streets of the capital. With a start on the Champs-Élysées and a route passing through the monuments of Paris, this sporting event is a not-to-be-missed event.
More than just a race, it's an immersion in the soul of Paris. Whether you're a participant or a spectator, don't miss this unique experience celebrating performance, challenging yourself and the incredible heritage of Paris. Sign up now!
Easter Monday, which falls on 6 April 2026 this year, is a public holiday celebrated the day after Easter Sunday. This tradition gives Parisians and visitors a three-day weekend, ideal for enjoying the capital in the heart of spring. Despite this public holiday, Paris remains bustling: the vast majority of museums, monuments, parks and leisure activities are open during these three days, allowing you to enjoy a memorable stay with family or friends.
On the first Sunday of the month - 5 April 2026 - enjoy the Champs-Élysées, which will be reserved for pedestrians from 11am to 6pm... Ideal for taking a photo without cars in front of the Arc de Triomphe
From 3 to 6 April 2026, Tootbus is teaming up with Chocolat des Français: pralines are being given away on board the buses! You can also enjoy a 15% discount all month long and a free tasting at the Carrousel du Louvre shop (stop no. 2). A tasty stop-off not to be missed.
Why not start with a family outing to one of the museums open on the three days of the long Easter weekend? Marvel at the optical illusions at the Museum of Illusions, stimulate your children's curiosity at Science Experiences, or have fun at the Paradox Museum, which has included a seasonal spring theme centred on the chicken-and-egg paradox in its exhibition! Want to rediscover your inner child? Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of celebrities at the Musée Grévin, or succumb to the sweet treats at Choco-Story, the chocolate museum, the perfect place to kick off the Easter festivities!
The weekend will feature a special event at the Musée du Quai Branly - Jacques Chirac. On 4 and 5 April 2026, the museum will celebrate its 20th anniversary with the 7th edition of L'Anthropologie va vous surprendre ! (Anthropology will surprise you!). Based on the theme of ‘Time and rhythms’, enjoy a completely free programme including musical performances, screenings, a comic book fair and mini-conferences open to all. This is the perfect opportunity to discover the entire museum and its collections without spending a penny on Saturday (10:30am-8:30pm) and Sunday (10:30am-7:00pm).
To spice up your Easter weekend, take part in a mad competition with Quiz Room. On a set worthy of the biggest TV game shows, young and old (aged 8 and over) go head-to-head in immersive and fun sessions. With four venues ideally located in Paris - Opéra, Odéon, La Villette and Bonne Nouvelle - it’s the perfect activity for sharing a moment of pure togetherness between two egg hunts!
During the long Easter weekend, treat yourself to some magical moments or thrills: head to Disneyland Paris, which has just opened Disney Adventure World (on 29 March 2026), including the enchanting World of Frozen, Parc Astérix, or the Jardin d'Acclimatation for a fun-filled day. Looking for nature and animals? The Paris Zoological Park welcomes you for a green getaway, just a stone's throw from the city.
For those who prefer to get up high, the Eiffel Tower is also offering an adrenaline-fuelled experience until 3 May 2026 with Vertige de la Tour. This free attraction, open to all visitors with a ticket aged 3 and over, invites you to cross a suspension bridge made of nets 60 metres above the ground. Registration takes place on-site on the first floor of the Eiffel Tower via QR code, daily between 11am and 6pm, with extended evening opening hours until 8pm on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. After this thrilling aerial crossing, you can relax on a temporary, flower-filled spring terrace, enjoying a gourmet break with one of the capital’s most beautiful panoramic views.
Even on Easter Monday, Paris shines with its icons: admire the view from the Eiffel Tower or discover a unique panorama of the city from the Arc de Triomphe or from the towers of Notre-Dame Cathedral . For a more unusual outing, explore La Défense Art Collection, an open-air contemporary art gallery. To see all these monuments from the sky, head to Parc André Citroën for a ride in the Ballon Generali, which will take you on a journey of discovery through Paris and Greater Paris at an altitude of 150 metres! Another option for a tethered balloon ride is the Ballon Panoramagique located at Disney® Village.
Fancy a bucolic and artistic break? Take an excursion in the footsteps of the masters of art: the Claude Monet Foundation in Giverny immerses you in the world of the painter and his enchanting gardens. The Château d'Auvers invites you to relive the Impressionist era of Van Gogh. In terms of heritage, discover the Maison Caillebotte (the park is open all 3 days, the house is open on Saturday and Sunday) or literary romanticism at the Domaine départemental de la Vallée-aux-Loups – Maison de Chateaubriand (the park is open all three days, the house is open on Saturday and Sunday).
Over the Easter weekend, take a break from everyday life at the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte: a 17th-century masterpiece, illuminated by its magnificent French gardens. Walks, history and elegance await you, complemented by an egg hunt organised over the three days. Another gem, the Château de Chantilly opens its doors to visitors with its sumptuous Condé Museum and large stables, set in lush green surroundings, and also hosts an egg hunt (5 and 6 April 2026). The grounds of the Château de Versailles are also open!
Art and culture lovers are not to be outdone: immerse yourself in art with Renaissance. Da Vinci, Raphael, Michelangelo at the Atelier des Lumières.
The journey continues at the Grande Galerie de l'Évolution with the exhibition Deserts, a fascinating exploration of these extreme ecosystems. For a touch of humour, head to the Musée Maillol where Geluck exhibits Le Chat in an offbeat setting. Photography and music enthusiasts can enjoy The Beat Goes On at the floating art centre Quai de la Photo.
This is also one of the last opportunities to admire the Dynastic Jewels at the Hôtel de la Marine before the event closes. On the fashion front, the Fondation Azzedine Alaïa is bringing together the genius of two masters with the exhibition Azzedine Alaïa and Christian Dior. Finally, the surreal world of Leonora Carrington awaits you at the Musée du Luxembourg.
For a spectacular artistic getaway, head to the La Défense district for the latest edition of Extatiques. Open throughout the three days of the Easter weekend, this immersive and sensory experience beneath the Grande Arche de La Défense invites you to discover spectacular and unusual works of art.
Finally, don’t miss the Eggxtraordinaire exhibition at Galerie Joseph in the Marais. This artistic and culinary journey explores the symbolism of the egg through unique creations blending design, craftsmanship and haute cuisine. Organised by the “De Main de Maître” association, this immersive event showcases exceptional craftsmanship, from glasswork and textiles to chocolate, offering the perfect creative interlude to kick off the long weekend.
Spring celebrates renewal with unmissable outdoor events. At the Domaine départemental de Sceaux, the Hanami festival invites visitors to admire the cherry blossoms in an idyllic setting. On the art side, the open-air contemporary art exhibition Les Extatiques takes over the esplanade of Paris La Défense for a surprising stroll among sculptures and monumental installations. For a more festive and popular atmosphere, the legendary Foire du Trône is in full swing on the Pelouse de Reuilly, in the heart of the Bois de Vincennes.
Sunday evening, 5 April 2026, is the perfect time to party, as Monday 6 April is a public holiday! Several iconic Parisian venues are organising parties for the occasion. Head to Mia Mao, 211, or the FVTVR club to enjoy a variety of musical performances. The Cabaret Sauvage also welcomes you under its famous big top for a memorable night of celebration. Finally, fans of outdoor evenings are celebrating the return of the warmer weather with the reopening of La Plage du Glazart, which is kicking off its summer season with fine sand and DJ sets under the stars.
To kick off this Easter weekend in style, head to Café A on Saturday 4 April 2026. The venue is hosting La Bouche, a bold concept blending immersive cabaret and clubbing. Set in the historic surroundings of the former Couvent des Récollets, the evening kicks off with multidisciplinary performances (drag, dance, circus) before transforming into an inclusive and festive electronic dancefloor that goes on until the early hours. An ideal stop-off to make the most of the eve of Easter Sunday by combining live art and club culture.
Easter weekend is the perfect opportunity to treat yourself to an enchanting break in front of the greatest Parisian stages. For those who choose to spend Saturday 4th and/or Sunday 5th April at the theatre before enjoying an Easter brunch on Monday 6th, the line-up is spectacular. The unbeatable The Lion King roars at the Théâtre Mogador, while the Théâtre du Lido enchants audiences with the famous score of Les Demoiselles de Rochefort. The jazzy energy of Chicago the Musical thrills the Casino de Paris , while the epic adventure of Monte-Cristo takes over the Folies Bergère.
Other memorable experiences remain available during the three-day long weekend, including Easter Monday. Under the dome of Les Invalides, the immersive experience AURA enhances the architecture of the venue with spectacular light shows. For families, the musical L'Arbre at Cirque Bormann offers a poetic and acrobatic journey. Finally, to combine heritage and the great outdoors, head to the sumptuous gardens of the Château de Versailles to admire the Grandes Eaux Musicales, a sensory experience combining baroque music and animated fountains, also available throughout the Easter weekend.
A powerful spiritual symbol, Notre-Dame de Paris , reopened in December 2024, offers a unique emotional experience for this religious holiday. Rediscover its restored stained glass windows, legendary gargoyles and harmonious Gothic architecture.
