The Best best things to do in Paris in Paris in April 2026
April is one of the absolute best months to visit Paris. The city shakes off its winter coat, cherry blossoms explode in parks and gardens, outdoor terraces reopen, and a infectious energy fills the streets. The weather is mild (typically 10-18°C), the tourist crowds are still manageable compared to summer, and hotel prices haven’t yet peaked. April is also one of the most event-rich months on the Parisian calendar, with the Paris Marathon, Art Paris fair, Easter celebrations, and the beginning of the outdoor market and terrace season all happening at once. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or a full week, here are the 9 best things to do in Paris this April, with updated dates, prices, and insider tips for making the most of every experience.
1. Run or Watch the Paris Marathon
The Schneider Electric Paris Marathon, one of the biggest marathons in the world with over 50,000 runners, typically takes place on the first or second Sunday of April 2026. The course winds through some of the city’s most iconic streets, starting on the Champs-Élysées, passing the Louvre, Notre-Dame, the Eiffel Tower, and finishing on the Avenue Foch. Even if you’re not running, the atmosphere along the route is electric — live music, cheering crowds, and a genuine party spirit take over the city for the entire weekend. The best spectator spots are along the Seine near Notre-Dame, at the Bastille, and around the finish line on Avenue Foch. Many cafes along the route set up outdoor seating for spectators. Registration for runners opens months in advance and costs about 90-100 euros — book early as it sells out fast. For more, see our guide to Paris packing list.
2. See Cherry Blossoms at Their Peak
April is cherry blossom season in Paris, and the city transforms into a pink-and-white wonderland. The most spectacular display is at Parc de Sceaux, about 30 minutes south of the city by RER B train, where over 1,200 cherry trees create clouds of blossoms around a grand canal. Peak bloom typically occurs during the first two weeks of April, though exact timing depends on the weather. Closer to central Paris, the Cours La Reine along the Seine, the Jardin des Plantes, and the Parc de la Vallée de la Chevreuse all offer beautiful cherry blossoms. The Jardin du Luxembourg and Tuileries Garden also feature ornamental cherry trees that bloom in April. For the best photos, visit in the early morning when the light is soft and the crowds are thin. Bring a picnic blanket and enjoy hanami (cherry blossom viewing) Parisian-style.
3. Experience Art Paris at the Grand Palais
Art Paris, the city’s premier contemporary art fair, takes place in early April at the magnificent Grand Palais. The fair brings together over 170 galleries from 20+ countries, showcasing modern and contemporary art across all mediums — painting, sculpture, photography, video, and installation art. The setting alone — the Grand Palais’s breathtaking glass-and-iron nave — is worth the visit. Beyond the main fair, Art Paris hosts a program of talks, performances, and special exhibitions. Tickets cost approximately 35 euros for a single day, and the fair runs for four days. Book online in advance as popular time slots sell out. The Grand Palais is accessible by metro at Champs-Élysées Clemenceau station.
4. Celebrate Easter the Parisian Way
Easter in Paris is a delightful affair that blends religious tradition with French culinary indulgence. On Good Friday and Easter Monday, many churches hold special services — Notre-Dame, Sainte-Chapelle, and Sacré-Coeur all have beautiful Easter liturgies (check schedules online). But the real highlight for food lovers is the chocolate. Parisian chocolatiers and patissiers go all-out for Easter, creating spectacular chocolate sculptures, eggs, bunnies, and seasonal pastries. Visit Patrick Roger, Jean-Paul Hévin, Pierre Hermé, or Alain Ducasse’s chocolate boutique to admire (and taste) the extraordinary Easter creations. The famous flying bells legend — where church bells ‘fly to Rome’ on Good Friday and return on Easter Sunday dropping chocolate eggs along the way — is celebrated with egg hunts in parks and gardens across the city. The Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte hosts a particularly elaborate Easter egg hunt that’s worth the day trip.
5. Explore Paris’s Outdoor Markets at Their Best
April is when Paris’s outdoor market scene truly comes alive after the quiet winter months. The markets are bursting with seasonal produce — white asparagus, Gariguette strawberries, fresh peas, radishes, spring in Paris onions, and the first cherries of the season. The Marché d’Aligre (12th, Tuesday-Sunday mornings) is our top pick for its vibrant, authentic atmosphere and excellent prices. The Marché Bastille (Sunday mornings) is the largest organic market in Paris. The Marché des Enfants Rouges (3rd, Tuesday-Sunday) is the oldest covered market (1615) and offers a wonderful multicultural food court. The Marché aux Fleurs on the Île de la Cité (daily) is especially beautiful in April when spring flowers are at their peak. Arrive early (before 9 AM) for the best selection and the most genuine experience. Bring cash and a reusable bag. For more details, check out our March in Paris.
6. Walk Through the Tuileries and Luxembourg Gardens in Spring Bloom
April is the month when Paris’s great formal gardens emerge from winter and become their most beautiful. The Tuileries Garden, stretching between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde, features tulip beds at their peak in mid-to-late April — the colorful display against the backdrop of manicured lawns and classical sculptures is magnificent. The Jardin du Luxembourg, Paris’s most beloved park, sees its trees leaf out in fresh greens, its flower beds burst with seasonal blooms, and its famous Medici Fountain framed by wisteria. Both gardens are free to enter and perfect for a morning walk, an afternoon read on one of the iconic green metal chairs, or a sunset picnic. The Musée de l’Orangerie at the edge of the Tuileries houses Monet’s Water Lilies — the spring light through the skylights makes this the best time to visit Paris to visit.
7. Cruise the Seine in Spring Weather
A Seine river cruise is a pleasure any time of year, but in April it becomes something truly special. The weather is warm enough to sit on the open upper deck, the trees along the banks are just starting to leaf out, the golden afternoon light illuminates the bridges and monuments, and the city feels alive with spring energy. Several companies operate from docks near the Eiffel Tower and Pont Neuf, with prices ranging from 15 to 25 euros for a one-hour cruise. For the most magical experience, book the last departure of the day — you’ll watch the sunset from the water and see the city lights begin to twinkle. Bateaux Parisiens and Vedettes du Pont Neuf are our recommended operators. If you’re feeling adventurous, rent a small electric boat from Marin d’Eau Douce and explore the Canal Saint-Martin on your own.
8. Discover Passages and Covered Spots on Rainy Days
April showers are common in Paris, so have a rainy-day backup plan. The city’s 19th-century covered passages (Galerie Vivienne, Passage des Panoramas, Passage du Grand-Cerf) are perfect for rainy exploration — their glass roofs keep you dry while you admire the beautiful architecture and browse the shops. The Grand Palais and Petit Palais offer world-class exhibitions under magnificent glass roofs. The Musée d’Orsay’s former railway station provides a stunning indoor environment. The Marché des Enfants Rouges covered market is a wonderful place to spend a rainy lunch hour. The Bibliotheque Sainte-Genevieve, with its magnificent 19th-century reading room, is free to enter and a beautiful place to wait out a storm. The Galleries Lafayette and Printemps department stores are both covered, architecturally stunning, and free to explore — the Printemps Art Nouveau dome alone is worth the visit.
9. Take a Day Trip to Giverny for Monet’s Spring Garden
April is when Claude Monet’s garden at Giverny begins its spring transformation. The Clos Normand (flower garden) erupts with tulips, daffodils, and wallflowers, while the Jardin d’Eau (water garden) starts to show its first water lily pads. The garden opens on April 1st each year, and visiting in mid-to-late April gives you the best of the spring blooms before the summer crowds arrive. Take a train from Gare Saint-Lazare to Vernon (45 minutes), then a short bus ride or 15-minute walk to the garden. Admission costs approximately 11 euros. Also visit the nearby Musée des Impressionnismes Givernie for excellent temporary exhibitions. Pack a lunch or eat at one of the charming restaurants near the garden. Allow half a day for the round trip — this is one of the most beautiful day trips from Paris and the timing couldn’t be better than April.
Practical Tips for Paris in April
April weather in Paris is variable — expect a mix of sunny, mild days (15-18°C) and cooler, rainy ones (8-12°C). Bring layers: a light rain jacket, a medium sweater, a scarf (essential Parisian accessory), and comfortable walking shoes. Pack a small umbrella — showers are usually brief but can come without warning. For accommodation, book 4-6 weeks ahead — April is popular but not as frenetic as June or July, so good deals are still available. The Paris Museum Pass (55 euros for 2 days) remains excellent value. Hotel prices are 20-30% lower than in peak summer. Easter weekend (dates vary each year) is the busiest period — if traveling then, book everything well in advance. Restaurant terraces begin reopening in April — eating outside is one of the great pleasures of a spring visit. Download the Citymapper app for transport, and check opening hours for attractions as some may have adjusted Easter schedules.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is April a good time to visit Paris?
Absolutely — April is one of the best months. Mild weather, manageable crowds, spring blooms, and exciting events make it an ideal time. The only downside is the possibility of rain, which is usually brief and manageable with a light jacket.
What should I wear in Paris in April?
Layers are essential. Bring a light rain jacket, a sweater or cardigan, long pants, short and long-sleeve tops, a scarf, and comfortable walking shoes. Mornings and evenings are cool, while afternoons can be pleasantly warm.
Are things open on Easter Monday?
Most tourist attractions remain open on Easter Monday, though some smaller shops and restaurants may close. Major museums, the Eiffel Tower, and Seine cruises operate as normal. Always check specific opening hours online before visiting.
Is it warm enough for outdoor dining in April?
By mid-April, yes — most cafe terraces are open and many restaurants set up outdoor seating. Pack a light jacket for evening outdoor dining, as it cools down after sunset. The first warm sunny days bring Parisians out in droves to the terraces.
How crowded is Paris in April?
April is shoulder season — busier than January or February, but significantly less crowded than June through August. Easter weekend brings a spike in visitors, and the marathon weekend is also busy. Otherwise, queues at major attractions are manageable with online advance booking.
