As the days get longer and sunnier, Paris thrills one and all with a tempting programme of cultural events: a variety of concerts, big exhibitions, musicals, ballets, must-see trade fairs … here are the top things to do and see in March.
In March, we'll be immersing ourselves in the artistic effervescence of Paris with a fine selection of captivating exhibitions.
From 18 March 2025, the musée d'Orsay will be unveiling ‘Art is in the street’, an exhibition tracing the golden age of poster art. These are veritable works of art, with Bonnard, Chéret, Grasset, Mucha, Steinlen and Toulouse-Lautrec the undisputed masters.
The very first retrospective outside Scandinavia, the exhibition Christian Krohg (1852-1925) the people of the north runs from 25 March to 27 July 2025 and highlights the Norwegian artist's naturalist and committed works.
At the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, the works of Nicolas Pineau, ornamentalist sculptor and architect, a leading figure in Rococo art, will be on show from 05 March to 18 May 2025, while Jacques-Émile Ruhlmann, decorator, will be on show until 08 June 2025.
From 19 March to 30 June 2025, the major exhibition at the Centre Pompidou Paris Noir, Circulations artistiques, luttes anticoloniales 1950-2000 depicts a cosmopolitan Paris, a place of both resistance and creation through 150 Afro-descendant artists from Africa and the Americas. The Austrian architect Hans Hollein will also be in the spotlight from 05 March to 02 June 2025, with his most iconic pieces.
With the exhibition ‘Bodies and Souls’, the Bourse du Commerce presents some of the iconic works from the Collection Pinault and offers an exploration of the representation of the body in contemporary art. Auguste Rodin, Duane Hanson, Georg Baselitz, Ana Mendieta... to be discovered from 05 March to 25 August 2025. In the 16th century, the court of Rudolf II attracted a large number of scholars and artists, where science and the arts were real passions. The exhibition ‘Experiencing Nature. The Arts in Prague at the Court of Rudolph II’, on show at the Musée du Louvre from 19 March to 30 June 2025.
Wes Anderson on show at the Cinémathèque! From 19 March to 27 July, the filmmaker's world will hold few secrets for cinema fans. Niki de Saint Phalle, Yves Klein, Raymond Hains, Keith Haring... they're all there to be discovered at the major exhibition Tous léger, at the musée du Luxembourg from 19 March to 20 July 2025. Major figures of the New Realism movement, their works are in dialogue with the plastic innovations of Fernand Léger.
From 19 March 2025, the Musée Jacquemart-André throws the spotlight on Artemisia Gentileschi in a tribute exhibition to Italian painting. Discover the history and inspirations of this painter. Artemisia Gentileschi considered as one of the first Baroque painters of the 17th century.
In March, spring holidays aren't too far away for children! And there's nothing better than a show to keep them waiting. On the bill: ’Arbre’ at the Cirque Bormann; Ravel's “Ma mère L'Oye” at the théâtre des Champs-Élysées (29 March 2025). Finally, children also have their own festival of activities and concerts at the Philharmonie de Paris. From 0 to 12 years old, the Petit Grand Festival is a family music festival from 29 to 30 March 2025.
For cinema fans, Ciné Junior, the international film festival for young audiences, returns to cinemas and media libraries in the Val-de-Marne on 11 February 2025.
With the arrival of spring and the gradual rise in temperatures, competitions are starting up again.
On 8 March 2025, it's the Harmonie mutuelle semi-marathon de Paris which will see athletes run a 21.1 km course through the Bois de Vincennes, along the banks of the Seine and past the Hôtel de Ville.
On 22 and 23 March 2025, the Ecotrail will take place on the western outskirts of Paris, with its various nature races (80km, 45km, 10km, Nordic walking, etc.). The prestigious equestrian competition Saut Hermès returns to the Grand Palais for three days of original shows (from 21 to 23 March 2025).
For basketball fans, The Original Harlem Globetrotters will be at the Adidas Arena on 29 March 2025.
Starting with the Carnaval de Paris - a large popular parade in the centre of Paris.
But also Saint Patrick's Day, which is also a good reason to celebrate Irish culture, present in Paris since the 17th century, a time when the Irish were fleeing persecution by the English crown and finding refuge in the capital.
For the occasion, the Irish Cultural Centre, which is very active throughout the year, is organising a series of events, concerts, shows and banquets during the [St Patrick's Festival](https://www.centreculturelirlandais.com/en-ce-moment/expositions-evenements/st-patricks-festival-3-2? nb=1), all washed down with good Irish stews thanks to the participation of the pub The Green Goose (11th). For those with a sweet tooth, Louis' donuts, owner of Boneshaker, shares his good humour in his little shop on rue d'Aboukir in the 2nd arrondissement. Don't leave without trying the special ‘stout donut’ with its glaze made from dark beer brewed in the neighbourhood at Brew Unique, the brewery opened two streets away by another Anglo-Saxon expatriate, former Master Brewer at Frog: Mike Gilemore.
The Mondial du Tourisme at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles brings together all the professionals in the sector to help you plan your future escapades (from 13 to 16 March 2025). Hiking enthusiasts can also meet up at Paris Expo - Porte de Versailles (from 13 to 16 March 2025), at the Destinations Nature show, to find out all about the latest trends in the field. A new ecotourism area will bring together a wide range of environmental players who are defending and protecting the planet.
On 8 and 9 March 2025, pet owners and those wishing to adopt one or more animals will be attending Paris Expo Porte de Versailles for the Expozoo - Paris animal show. As well as a large adoption centre, you can discover products and innovations, and attend events and workshops for the well-being of our little friends.
MedInTechs, the health innovation show, will be taking place at Parc Floral on 10 and 11 March 2025. With 140 stands and 10,000 visitors, this show offers the general public the chance to find out more about the world of health and new technologies.
The must-attend event for aeronautics fans, Aerocollector opens its doors at the Espace Charenton (from 22 to 23 March 2025).
In spring, the concerts are also on... the choice is yours.
The big names in music will be bringing the house down for some highly-anticipated concerts: Clara Luciani (6 and 7 March 2025), Sabrina Carpenter (16 and 17 March 2025), Lenny Kravitz on 29 March 2025 at the Accor Arena. Alain Chamfort will be at the Folies Bergères on 25 March.
In March, with a whole host of ballets, operas and musical shows, you'll be in for a real treat!
Among the opera performances not to be missed in March: Samson at the Opéra Comique (from 17 to 23 March 2025). On at the théâtre du Châtelet Peer Gynt; from 7 to 16 March 2025. There will also be the opera Sleeping Beauty at the Opéra Bastille from 08 March to 12 July 2025 and Don Carlos from 29 March to 25 April 2025.
On the musical front, the Peaky Blinders: The Redemption of Thomas Shelby show is an incredible spectacle at La Seine Musicale. Irish Celtic (13-16 March 2025). The Théâtre du Lido unveils The magic flute, the sequel: the curse (electro opera by Damon Albarn) from 27 to 30 March 2025.
In March, Paris has a rather mild climate with average temperatures of around 12°C. Perfect for a stroll around the capital!
If you're planning to do some shopping, note that sizes in France may differ from those in your country.
March marks the return of milder days, perfect for strolls or guided tours, on foot or by cycle. It's the perfect opportunity to discover the capital's most beautiful monuments, contemporary architecture or even street art around every corner.
Paris never really sleeps at night! Whether you want to have a drink in a bar or rooftop, discover the good restaurants or dance the night away in one of the hottest clubs, there's plenty to choose from! You can also spend the evening in a cabaret, take advantage of night-time museum visits or enjoy dinner on a cruise along the Seine.
In March, the fine weather is slowly starting to return and the little ones are just waiting to get out and about again. Parks, museums and activity centres offer plenty of outings for all ages, indoors and out.
St Patrick's Day is a Christian festival that celebrates St Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, on 17 March. By extension, this national holiday has become a beer festival all over the world. In Paris, every year, the Irish pubs and taverns that enliven the capital's nightlife are out in force.
More info on Saint Patrick's Day in Paris
