The biggest Paris event in April is the Paris Marathon, one of the biggest in the world due to its beautiful and mostly flat route past spectacular scenery and famous monuments.

Other top April events include major art and craft expositions, a huge "fun fair" dating back to early medieval times, part of the 4-day Easter holiday at the beginning of the month (both Good Friday and the Monday after Easter Sunday - April 20 this year- are public holidays in France), and the arrival of spring in Paris. 

Planning a Visit to Paris in April?

If you're planning to come to Paris this month, consider booking tours, cruises, and other activities as soon as possible to make sure of getting your top choices.

Top Paris attractions & experiences:

Most popular Paris destinations this month:


Easter comes unusually early this year on March 31, with special concerts in the city's historical churches and Easter egg hunts for children in many city parks.  Walk past any chocolatier, and you'll see mouth-watering displays of chocolate eggs in the front window.

Perhaps not surprisingly, the 4-day Easter weekend is a very popular time to visit Paris so if you are planning a visit for this period, book your hotel now.  If you wait until the last minute, reservations will be both very expensive and very difficult to get!  (We learned this lesson the hard way.)

For planning purposes, keep in mind that part of the 4-day Easter holiday falls at the end of March this year.  Although Good Friday, unlike Easter Monday, is technically not a public holiday in most of France (except for the Alsace and Moselle regions), but in reality, many if not most French people take it as a holiday, because why pass up the chance for a 4-day weekend? 

As a result, many restaurants and other attractions will be closed on Friday, March 29 for the Good Friday observance, as well as on the following Monday - so plan accordingly!

During April, you can expect to see every flowering tree in Paris burst into bloom, sidewalk tables full of people soaking up the sun in front of brasseries and cafes, and cruise boats gliding down the Seine River.

Lots of wonderful concerts pack the April calendar, with Easter concerts in historic churches, dinner concerts at Sainte-Chapelle, and wekk-known artists performing at iconic venues such as the Bataclan, Trianon, and AccorHotels Arena.

And don't miss new and recently opened Paris art exhibits at Grande Halle de la Villette, Atelier des Lumières, Centre Pompidou, and Musée de l'Orangerie.

Finally, there's one more April event you should know about: Poisson d’Avril, on April 1st - the French version of April Fool's Day.  It means "April fish" and involves sticking a paper fish on the back of your unsuspecting victim.  So if you happen to spot someone walking down the street with a fish on their back, just smile.

Find more fun things to do in Paris during April

Top photo:  Magnolia trees blooming in early April, with Saint-Augustin Church dome in the background, (c) Paris Discovery Guide

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Paris Marathon 2024

Paris Marathon - top April event - with Eiffel Tower in the background
Paris Marathon - top April event - with Eiffel Tower in the background

The Paris Marathon 2024 kicks off on Sunday, April 7 at the Arc de Triomphe as 65,000 runners from all over the world start the race course down Champs-Élysées and about a quarter of a million spectators line up along the 26.2 mile (42.2 km) route to watch.  The first group of Elite runners depart at 8:20am, with other groups following in waves until 9:50am. 

Whether you're running or watching, the Marathon's mostly-flat route gives you spectacular close-up views of iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, the Louvre, plus interesting tours of Paris's two huge wooded parklands.  Thanks to the relatively flat route, the winner typically crosses the finish line in just over two hours, although you can still see plenty of runners along the route until at least mid-afternoon.

Events before the race include the 3-day Paris Marathon Expo at Porte de Versailles, where you can also pick up your bib, and an untimed 5K Breakfast Run on Saturday before the race past many of the famous sites runners will see on the full Marathon route the next day.

Tips for how to make the most of your Marathon experience

Best places to watch the race

Recommended hotels for the Paris Marathon

April Concerts in Paris - 2024

Paris concerts during April include classical music by candlelight at Sainte-Chapelle (to be announced soon) and other beautiful historical churches, exciting ballets and operas at Palais Garnier and Opera Bastille, and popular artists performing at top music halls and arenas.  Get your tickets now:

Palm Sunday (April 13) & Easter Weekend Concerts in Historical Churches

More Paris classical concerts, opera, & dance performances during April  

More Paris rock, pop, jazz, rap, indie, & other concerts during April 

Find Paris concerts for other months

Interesting Paris Tours for April

Reims Cathedral, a destination included on the Champagne Region Small Group Day Trip from Paris
Reims Cathedral, a destination included on the Champagne Region Small Group Day Trip from Paris

These highly-rated tours show you the best of Paris . . . and beyond!

  • Eiffel Tower Skip-the-Line and Summit Access Tour - No need to wait in a long line at Paris's most famous attraction when you're with this guided small-group tour.  With your guide, you get priority access to the Eiffel Tower's 2nd level, and will learn about some of the famous monument's unique history.  Head up to the tower's summit on your own and experience the amazing views (and perhaps a glass of Champagne).  More
  • Moulin Rouge Show with 3-Course Dinner & Champagne - Pamper yourself with a fabulous 3-course dinner and Champagne and then watch Paris's famous Moulin Rouge cabaret show.  More
  • Champagne Region Small Group Day Trip from Paris - A full-day guided visit through Champagne country, vineyard tours with free Champagne tasting, a traditional French lunch in Reims and a tour of its stunningly beautiful cathedral, a visit to the Moët and Chandon cellars, plus pickup/dropoff at your hotel . . . it's the perfect day trip from Paris!  More

Musical Fountain Shows Begin at Versailles 2024

Fountain at Versailles spraying water during Musical Fountain Show - Photo credit: Adobe Stock
Fountain at Versailles spraying water during Musical Fountain Show - Photo credit: Adobe Stock

You will know spring has arrived in Paris when the Musical Gardens and Musical Fountains Shows start for the season in the Gardens at Palace of Versailles in early April.  These special presentations continue through late October/early November.

Hours: The Palace is open from 9am - 5:30pm, and the Gardens are open from 8am - 6pm.  Both are open daily, except Mondays, Christmas, and New Year Day. 

Find out about best ways to tour Versailles Palace from Paris

Tickets to Versailles & Musical Gardens or Fountain Show

Here are two highly-rated guided tours of Versailles that include Musical Gardens or Musical Fountains (on days when they take place):

Prefer to explore on your own?  Get a Versailles Palace & Gardens "Passport" Ticket that includes the shows on days when they are available.

More Ways to See Versailles:

Getting to Versailles from Paris

Take the RER C from Paris - about a 30-minute ride - and get off at the Versailles Château Rive Gauche station.  The Palace is about a 10-minute walk along a well-marked route.

Find more details about how to get from Paris to Versailles Palace

April in Paris - Spring Really Arrives!

Square Marcel Pagnol near Saint Augustin Church (shown in top photo) in the 8th arrondissement of Paris
Square Marcel Pagnol near Saint Augustin Church (shown in top photo) in the 8th arrondissement of Paris

The beauty of April in Paris is legendary.  With Kwanzan cherry trees and other flowers blooming everywhere you look, plenty of sunny days (usually), and warm temperatures, April gives Paris visitors and residents the perfect excuse to stroll through the city's loveliest parks.  Here are several familiar and less-known Parisian Edens you won't want to miss:

  • Jardin du Luxembourg (Rue de Médicis/Rue de Vaugirard, 6th arr.) - In the heart of the Left Bank, the park's mix of formal French gardens, English-style winding paths, and over 100 statues provide the perfect setting to discover early spring flowers.  Metro:  Rennes
  • Palais Royal Garden (8 Rue de Montpensier, 1st arr.) - Almost hidden behind Daniel Buren's columns in Palais Royal's courtyard, the garden is a tranquil haven from nearby Rue de Rivoli and the Louvre.  Look for magnolias and daffodils in full bloom in early April, followed by foxgloves and roses as days grow warmer.  Metro:  Palais Royal/Musée du Louvre
  • Square Georges Cain (7 Rue Payenne, 3rd arr.) - On a quiet side street in the heart of the Marais, this small oasis captures the afternoon sun.  In April, look for small blooming bulbs amid the statues and historic artifacts.  Metro:  St Paul

Find out where to see the most beautiful cherry blossoms in Paris

Discover hidden gardens along Rue Payenne

Popular Seine River Cruises

Paris Museum Shows & Exhibitions - April 2025

Here are just a few of the top exhibitions you can see in Paris this month:

  • Musée du Louvre: Near Eastern Antiquities from the Met - Ten major works dating from the 4th millennium BC and the 5th century AD from Central Asia, Syria, and Mesopotamia on line from New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art will be paired with pieces from the Louvre.
    Dates:  through September 28, 2025
    Tickets:  22€ adults plus the Louvre's usual 3€ online booking fee; includes special exhibits and permanent collections; book in advance with a reserved time slot and skip-the-line access; can also book in advance for free admission with a Paris Museum Pass
    Location:  Rue de Rivoli, Paris 1;  Metro: Palais Royal/Musée du Louvre
  • Atelier des Lumieres:  Egyptian Pharaohs - Discover ancient Egypt at the time of the Pharaohs in this virtual journey along the Nile River in Upper and Lower Egypt as you see legendary rulers, great battles, famous temples and tombs, and majestic landscapes; purchase online; you can also purchase at the door for 2€ more per ticket but there's no guarantee you'll get in as timeslots are often fully booked
    Dates:  Through January 5, 2025
  • Orsay Museum:  Paris 1874 - Inventing Impressionism - Art from the Impressionism exhibition in 1874 are contrasted with traditional art from the official Paris Salon held that year to demonstrate the radical modernity of the Impressionists.
    Dates: Through July 14
    Tickets:  Book a reserved-access ticket for skip-the-line access, or use your Paris Museum Pass for free entry
  • Tutankhamun Immersive Experience - Galeries Montparnasse (22 Rue du Depart, 15th arrondissement, Metro: Montparnasse) - Through April 28

Find more Paris museum exhibitions for April

Interested in a Louvre Museum guided tour?  Find out how to choose the best one to match your interests

Circus Shows at Jardin d'Acclimation

Amusement ride at Jardin d'Acclimatation
Amusement ride at Jardin d'Acclimatation

Looking for a fun family-friendly activity for April?  Head over to the Jardin d'Acclimatation next to Fondation Louis-Vuitton in the Bois de Boulogne where you'll find a big-top circus tent and a troupe of artists and clowns performing acrobatics, juggling, and other entertainment during the school holiday period in April and early May. (to be confirmed for 2025)

You'll find a lot more to enjoy in this hidden gem created by Emperor Napoleon III and Empress Eugenie back in 1860:  a small zoo and Normandy-style farm, beautiful gardens and walking paths, food pavilions, and 40+ amusement rides.

Show Times:  2:30pm and 4:30pm on April 6 - May 12 (but no shows on April 22, 23, 29, 30 or May 6, 7)
Admission:  Entrance to the park costs 7€ for adults and children 80 cm (31.5 inches) and taller; entrance to the circus show requires 2 attraction tickets per person.   Get your entry & attraction tickets in advance to skip the ticket line.  You can also enter free when you visit Fondation Louis Vuitton - get your FLV skip-the-line tickets here.
Where:  Corner of Boulevard des Sablons and Avenue du Mahatma Gandhi, Bois de Boulogne, Paris 16
Nearest metro:  Les Sablons - about a 7-8 minute walk, with plenty of signs pointing to the park

Easter in Paris - 2025

Easter chocolates displayed in Foucher chocolatier Foucher in Paris
Easter candy on display at famous Parisian chocolatier, Foucher

Displays of chocolate bunnies and brightly colored eggs in the windows of chocolate makers announce Easter in Paris a couple of weeks before the actual holiday. 

Easter takes place this year on Sunday, April 20.  The following Monday, April 21 is also a holiday for many Parisians - so be sure to buy your chocolate Easter treats and plan other activities a few days in advance, as many stores and restaurants will be closed on these days.

Popular Easter activities in Paris include attending religious services (beginning on Good Friday), strolling through the city's lovely parks to see spring flowers, enjoying a picnic (many restaurants will be closed), and attending an Easter concert.  If you're visiting with children, don't miss the Easter egg hunts!

Find details about Easter events and activities in Paris

Palm Sunday & Easter Weekend Concerts in Historical Churches

  • To be announced closer to the dates

Paris Foire du Trone - Throne Fair

Fun things to do and see at the Paris Throne Fair
Fun things to do and see at the Paris Throne Fair

Visit Paris's huge Foire du Trone, and you'll become part of a tradition and cultural event stretching back to 957 when 15-year old King Lothair established the first Fun Fair, once a festive market featuring gingerbread as a top seller and acrobats and gambling to entertain the crowds. 

Today, roughly 350 attractions including carnival rides, stuffed animals, fries, and beer rule as the fair attracts an estimated 5 million visitors for the shared goal of having fun during its 2-month spring season. 

Especially if you're staying in the Marais, getting to the fair takes less than 10 minutes on the Metro's Line 8.

When:  March 21 - April 20, 12 noon to 11pm (1pm on Fridays, Saturdays, and nights before public holidays, except for April 1 when it opens at 2pm) (dates and times to be confirmed)
Where: Bois de Vincennes on the Reuilly Lawn (Pelouse de Reuilly), 12th arrondissement (Look for the fair on your right soon after you pass through the entrance near the Porte Dorée metro station, or just follow the crowds)

Metro:  Porte Dorée
Admission:   Free - plus reasonable prices for food, drinks, rides, etc
More information:  Faire du Trone website

European Craft Days in Paris

Visit to the costume creation studio at the Opéra National de Paris
Visit to see tapestry weavers at Manufacture des Gobelins in Paris's 13th arrondissement - Photo credit: Sébastien Bertrand

The European Days of Crafts (Journées Européennes des Métiers d'Art) takes place all over Europe and showcases contemporary expressions of traditional crafts by opening the doors of professional artisans to the public for a week each spring. 

This is your chance to get a behind-the-scenes look at bookbinders, costume makers, jewelry designers, leather toolers, bicycle makers, stone carvers, tapestry weavers, furniture restorers, and much more, many of them at the city's top cultural institutions such as the Louvre and the Paris Opera.  Go to the JAMA website to see what's on offer.  Use the map to search; you'll have to click about 10 times to drill down to Paris events, but it's worth the effort.  With over 200 open studios in Paris, you'll have a wealth of choices.

When: April 1 - 6 - To Be Confirmed
Admission:  Free, but many venues are small and limit participants, so advance registration is usually required and some fill up very quickly
Where:  All over Paris (and France as well as the rest of Europe)

"Art Paris" Contemporary Art Fair 2025

Statue on the front facade of the Grand Palais exhibition hall in Paris
Statue on the front facade of the Grand Palais exhibition hall in Paris, where Art Paris takes place

If modern or contemporary art fuels your passion, put the massive Art Paris Art Show at the top of your "must-see" list for April. 

Head over to the recently restored Belle Epoque gem, the Grand Palais, to immerse yourself in the works of over 1,000 artists from 170 galleries from over 25 countries.

Special shows to seek out:  Out of Bounds, a curated selection of 20 artists who explore contemporary creation through the lenses of origins, gender, kinship, history and geography, and Immortal: Figurative Painting in France, a show of around 30 contemporary artists from various generations who express their artistic vision through figurative art. 

You can also see plenty of other group and solo exhibits for numerous artists as well as other special exhibitions. 

When: April 3 - 6
Tickets:  25-30€ per day (to be confirmed), 30-35€ for 2-day passes, cheaper rates for students; buy in advance on the event's website
Where:  Grand Palais, 8th arrondissement
Metro: Champs Elysees Clemenceau


More about Paris in April


More Fun Things to Do & See in Paris in April


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Magnolias blooming near Saint Augustin Church in Paris in April
Magnolias blooming near Saint Augustin Church in Paris in April
Soaking up sun in the courtyard garden at Petit Palais in Paris in April
Soaking up sun in the courtyard garden at Petit Palais in Paris in April

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