Paris in the spring: Quais de la Seine near Notre-Dame © French Moments
  • Home
  • Blog
  • Our tips to enjoy Paris in the Spring

Last Updated: 22 January 2024

As winter’s grasp loosens and the first whispers of warmth fill the air, Paris awakens with a burst of colour and vitality. Spring breathes new life into the city, transforming it into a symphony of blooming gardens, blossoming trees, and joyful gatherings. From March to June, Paris in the spring dons its most enchanting attire, inviting visitors to experience its charm.

 

Discover Paris in the Spring

Spring transforms Paris into a masterpiece of renewal and joy. The city’s spirit aligns with the season’s promise of new beginnings, from the vibrant gardens to the romantic ambience. Exploring Paris in the spring offers an immersive journey into the heart of its culture, beauty, and the eternal magic that defines the City of Light.

 

Paris’ Parks and Gardens at their best

For beautiful views of Paris, head up to the many parks and gardens across the city: the Tuileries Garden, the Luxembourg Garden, the Monceau Park or the Jardin des Plantes.

Springtime in Jardin Anne Frank, 3rd arrondissement of Paris © French Moments
Paris in the Spring in Jardin Anne Frank, 3rd arrondissement of Paris © French Moments

There are many great spots to take photos in the parks with green lawns, ornate flower beds, views of the Eiffel Tower or other famous monuments…

It might not be summer yet, but days can be warm and sunny enough to enjoy a delicious picnic or a merry-go-round ride. Sit down on one of those typical Paris benches or green chairs you find strewn about and relax! Grab a book, and people-watch in true Parisian style!

 

A friendly city!

Many published guides will tell you that Parisians are also at their best in Spring. With the happy prospect of Summer holidays and the end of a long, cold, grey Winter, the locals are thought to be in a better mood.

Contrary to the reputation of being unfriendly to foreigners, Paris becomes a little more welcoming at this time of the year!

Place Saint-Georges in the 9th arrondissement, Paris © French Moments
Paris in the Spring: Place Saint-Georges in the 9th arrondissement © French Moments

 

Explore Paris on foot

Spring is also our favourite season of the year for Paris Walking Tours.

Walking through the long, wide boulevards or the narrow medieval streets when the climate is milder is such a nice treat.

You will discover unexpected views of celebrated Parisian monuments, charming squares, and appealing stores and smell baguettes and croissants from the baker’s oven.

Place Emile Goudeau in the 18th arrondissement, Paris © French Moments
Place Emile Goudeau in the 18th arrondissement, Paris © French Moments

 

Enjoy a boat cruise on the River Seine

You can also enjoy a boat cruise on the River Seine to pass under the beautiful bridges of Paris and contemplate some of Paris’ most famous monuments: the Louvre, Notre-Dame Cathedral, the City Hall, the Conciergerie and, of course, the Eiffel Tower.

The banks of the River Seine in Paris: Pont-Neuf and the Louvre in the distance © French Moments
The banks of the River Seine in Paris: Pont-Neuf and the Louvre in the distance © French Moments

 

Check the weather forecast

Make sure you check the weather forecast each morning. Sometimes, heavy rain will surprise you and force you to change your plans. Instead of a planned walk in the Marais, you will end up inside one of Paris’s many museums and art galleries.

Of course, the Louvre, the Orsay Museum and the Pompidou Centre are constantly taken over by tourists on rainy days… but other less-known museums are equally worth visiting. Some ideas:

  • the Carnavalet and the Cognacq-Jay Museums in the Marais,
  • the Fine Arts Museum of Paris (Petit-Palais), or
  • the Victor Hugo house in Place des Vosges.

Rainy days also give an excellent opportunity to enter inside some of Paris’ finest churches:

We often use Meteo-Paris for an update on the weather forecast (although the site is in French).

Spring at the Eiffel Tower © French Moments
Spring at the Eiffel Tower © French Moments

Staying in Paris in the Spring is usually cheaper than in the Summer. As for Autumn, this time of the year is known as ‘Moyenne Saison’ (medium season), contrary to the ‘Haute Saison’ (high season) in Summer and ‘Basse Saison’ (low season) in Winter.

 

Experience Outdoor Cafés

With the arrival of warmer temperatures, outdoor cafés reclaim their role as quintessential Parisian meeting spots.

Sidewalk tables adorned with crisp white linens and colourful flowers become stages for people-watching, savouring espresso, and indulging in delectable pastries.

The simple act of sipping coffee while basking in the sunlight becomes a cherished ritual.

Café Bonaparte, Paris © French Moments
Café Bonaparte, Saint-Germain-des-Prés © French Moments

 

More photos of Paris in the spring

Quais de la Seine, Pont Neuf © French Moments
Pont Neuf © French Moments
Paris in the spring: Quais de la Seine near Notre-Dame © French Moments
Paris in the spring: Quais de la Seine near Notre-Dame © French Moments
Jardin du Luxembourg © French Moments
Spring in the Jardin du Luxembourg © French Moments
Square des Peupliers Paris Spring © French Moments
Square des Peupliers, Paris Spring © French Moments
Notre-Dame cathedral © French Moments
Spring time at Notre-Dame (before the 2019 Fire) © French Moments
Place Saint-Georges, Paris
Spring in Place Saint-Georges © French Moments
Spring in February in Paris - Jardins des Champs-Elysees 04 © French Moments
The gardens of the Champs-Elysées © French Moments
Place Emile Goudeau Paris in the Spring © French Moments
Place Emile Goudeau, Montmartre. Picasso used to live there, at Le Bateau-Lavoir © French Moments
Paris in Pink - Jardin des Tuileries © French Moments
Jardin des Tuileries © French Moments
Tuileries in the spring © French Moments
Tuileries in the spring © French Moments
Gems of Paris by French Moments
About the author

Pierre is a French/Australian who is passionate about France and its culture. He grew up in France and Germany and has also lived in Australia and England. He has a background teaching French, Economics and Current Affairs, and holds a Master of Translating and Interpreting English-French with the degree of Master of International Relations, and a degree of Economics and Management. Pierre is the author of Discovery Courses and books about France.

Like it? Leave a comment!

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

{"email":"Email address invalid","url":"Website address invalid","required":"Required field missing"}

Transparency: Some blog posts and pages may contain affiliate or sponsored links. If you are planning a trip, the use of these links helps us to run the site. There is no additional cost to you. All you have to do is click on the link and any booking you make is automatically tracked. Thank you for your support!

Escape to France with every email! Get insider insights, travel guides, cultural gems delivered and exclusive offers to your inbox twice a week. Your journey to Paris and France begins when you sign up!

SUBSCRIBE TO THE NEWSLETTER AND GET THE FREE EBOOK

20 OFFBEAT PLACES IN PARIS

Ebook 20 amazing offbeat places in Paris front cover