To discover the best things to do Paris in April, start with stepping outdoors and soaking up the city's legendary beauty as magnolias, cherry trees, and daffodils burst into bloom. 

Sidewalk tables at cafes and brasseries fill up with locals on balmy days, and you'll want to claim your own seat in a sunny spot and linger over a café crème or glass of wine. 

Or buy perfectly ripe strawberries, bread, and cheese at an outdoor market, and head to a nearby park or the Seine River banks for an impromptu picnic. 

If you're a Paris visitor, you'll want to pack in plenty of sightseeing.  April is an ideal time to explore Paris by bike, take a leisurely cruise down the Seine River, and gaze at the city's skyline from a rooftop terrace or observation deck.  

Planning to Visit Paris during April?

Consider booking your "bucket list" tours and activities now to get your top choices.

Top Paris attractions & experiences:

Most popular Paris destinations this month:


Caught in an April shower and wondering what to do?  Head to a historic covered passage lined with boutiques and bistros, join a wine tasting group, or explore one of the city's smaller museums.

Visiting Paris in April lets you benefit from budget-friendly "shoulder season" hotel rates and apartment rentals and visit famous attractions such as the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, and Monet's home and garden at Giverny without vying for space with the masses of tourists who start to arrive as the busy summer season approaches.

The Paris weather in April can be ideal - but it's often unpredictable, with sudden showers followed by bright sunshine and temperatures typically ranging from balmy to chilly.  You'll want to pack clothes to wear - or shed - in layers, and carry a small folding umbrella.

Is April a good time to visit Paris?  In a word, yes - especially if you want to avoid crowds of tourists during the summer months, find plenty of things to do outdoors as well as inside, and experience the intoxicating beauty of Paris in the spring.

Quick links to topics in this article:  - Fun Things to Do in April - Weather & Packing Tips for April - Where to Stay in April

Find top April events in Paris 

Top photo:  Cherry trees in bloom near Parc Georges Brassens in the 15th arrondissement of Paris, (c) Paris Discovery Guide

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What to Do & See in Paris in April

1.  Explore Paris on Wheels during April

Segway tour: fun way to get to best places to visit in Paris in April
Segway tour: fun way to get to best places to visit in Paris in April

If you're visiting Paris in April, a perfect way to see the city's best attractions and lesser-known treasures while enjoying the spring weather is on a 1-hour Segway tour.  You'll glide past famous monuments including the Eiffel Tower, down the Champs Elysees, and past the Seine River as your guide entertains you with insider tips about Paris. 

To stay dry while seeing Paris during April showers, choose a guided excursion in a classic vintage Mercedes.  In addition to the famous sights like Notre Dame and the Grand Palais, you'll see picturesque neighborhoods like Saint Germain des Prés as well as lesser known places such as the magnificent Saint Sulpice church.  Finish your tour in style with wine tasting in the Latin Quarter.

For even more fun, check out these bike tours of Paris - including electric bikes!

2.  Relax as You Admire April Flowers in a Paris Park

Magnolias and spring bulbs blooming in Palais Royal Garden in Paris in early April
Magnolias and spring bulbs blooming in Palais Royal Garden in Paris in early April

With almost 500 professionally tended public parks and gardens scattered across the city, you'll have no difficulty finding beautiful spring flowers to admire during April. 

In central Paris, some of the best spots to find the biggest displays of magnolias, cherry trees, daffodils, and tulips blooming in April include Palais Royal Garden (shown in photo) and Tuileries Garden near the Louvre, Parc Monceau in the 8th arrondissement, Luxembourg Garden in the 6th, and the Jardin des Plantes (Botanical Garden) in the 5th. 

No matter how packed your schedule is, do what Parisians do: pick a favorite park, find a bench, and spend just a few minutes each day enjoying the beauty of the season.

For an unforgettable experience, visit Monet's spectacular garden at Giverny which opens in April for the season with an exuberant display of flower bulbs, cherry and crab apple tree, forget-me-nots, and other spring flowers. 

3.  Visit Famous Paris Attractions in April Before Summer Crowds Arrive

fel Tower viewed from the Seine River
Eiffel Tower viewed from the Seine River

With relatively few tourists in Paris during April, this is the perfect month to visit the city's most famous sights.  Choose a skip-the-line guided tour by elevator up to the second floor and summit of the Eiffel Tower, where you'll see the city from a different perspective. 

Tour the Louvre Museum with an expert guide who will show you famous masterpieces, including the Mona Lisa, and then explore on your own for as long as you'd like. 

Or perhaps explore the flamboyant gold and mirrored Opera Garnier (Paris Opera House), the largest opera hall in Europe.

4.  Picnic in a Paris Park during April

Square du Vert-Galant on Ile de la Cité in Paris
Square du Vert-Galant on Ile de la Cité in Paris

What's the perfect Paris activity when the sun is shining overhead and the air is balmy?  A picnic in the park, where you'll be surrounded by plenty of Parisians doing the same thing. 

First, gather your supplies:  buy a baguette at a neighborhood bakery, cheese from a fromagerie (cheese shop), fruit at a produce market (fresh strawberries are fantastically good in April), and a bottle of your favorite Chablis or Beaujolais from a wine shop. 

Not sure which wine to choose?  Just point to your bread and cheese, and ask for suggestions; also get the wine uncorked unless you have a corkscrew.  Don't forget to bring a knife to cut the cheese and a small plastic glass for your wine (although if you're under 30 or so, you can drink straight from the bottle without being conspicuous).

Now, head to a park to savor your feast.  Square du Vert-Gallant at the western tip of Île de la Cité is a local favorite, as are the parks along each side of the Seine River and Canal Saint-Martin.  But you can find excellent spots at almost any other city park - just avoid Champ de Mars, as public consumption of alcohol is sometimes forbidden there.

5.  Cruise the Seine River

Seine River cruise boat heading toward Pont Royal bridge
Seine River cruise boat heading toward Pont Royal bridge

A Seine River cruise lets you see Paris from a different perspective during April.  You'll glide under the famous centuries-old bridges and see their ornate carvings up close, you'll pass famous attractions, get fantastic views of the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame, and feel the joie de vivre of relaxing as you watch the ever-changing shoreline drift by.

So many different "flavors" of river cruises are on offer that you can choose the experience you want:  a midday cruise to soak up sun on the open-air top deck, a fancy gourmet dinner cruise in a climate-controlled glass cabin, an "illuminations" night cruise.  Book your favorite Seine River cruise

6.  Experience Live Classical Music in Paris's Most Beautiful Churches in April

Find more fun things to do in Paris during April
Eglise de la Madeleine where many Paris concerts take place

Paris's centuries-old historic churches make the perfect setting for some of the city's finest classical music performances.  From lovely intimate chapels such as Église Saint Ephrem to the soaring vaulted heights of Saint Germain des Prés to the breath-taking stained glass of Saint Chapelle, each of these special places frame the music in an unforgettable way. 

What will you hear?  Everything from classical compositions to baroque, choral music to Gregorian chants, and occasionally even jazz and American spirituals.  Tickets are affordably priced. 

Find out what's on during April

April Concert Schedule & Tickets

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

Paris concerts - other months:   January  |  February  |  March  |  May  |  June  |  July  |  August  |  September  |  October  |  November  | December


7.  Is Visiting Disneyland Paris during School Vacation Weeks in April a Good Idea?

Outdoor tables Rue Buci in Paris's 6th arrondissement in early April
Line at Disneyland Paris entrance gate during the peak spring break period in April

Disneyland Paris attracts many visitors during the last three weeks in April and the first week in May, when French and other European schools release their students for spring holidays.

So should you visit Disneyland Paris during April?  Or will it be too crowded? 

The entrance gates are usually the only place where you may experience crowds.  Once you're inside, the park does not feel crowded and lines at the rides move quickly.  

To reduce your wait at the gates, get an express entry ticket in advance - always a good idea, because once the park fills to capacity (which usually happens), only people with advance tickets can enter.


Disneyland Paris in April
Disneyland Paris in April

8.  See the Best Cherry Blossoms in Paris

Outdoor tables Rue Buci in Paris's 6th arrondissement in early April
Cherry blossoms near the Eiffel Tower

Cherry blossoms reach their peak during April all over Paris, especially when the gorgeous deep-pink Kwanzan cherries open up their fluffy blooms. 

Find the best 27 locations (with addresses & directions) to see gorgeous cherry blossoms in Paris

9.  Soak up April Sun at a Sidewalk Cafe

Outdoor tables Rue Buci in Paris's 6th arrondissement in early April
Outdoor tables Rue Buci in Paris's 6th arrondissement in early April

To truly experience the Parisian life, find a table outside a Paris bistro, brasserie, or cafe.  Whether you're savoring a café crème and croissant for breakfast, enjoying steak-frites for lunch, or lingering over a glass of pastis or kir apéritif and slices of tasty saucisson, smoked almonds, and olives during apéro hour in the early evening, the most important thing is to relax and enjoy the good life.

You'll find outdoor dining in every neighborhood, practically every street - but to find lots of choices clustered together, head to any of Paris's (mostly) pedestrian-only market streets:  Rue Cler near the Eiffel Tower in the 7th arrondissement, Rue Montorgueil near Les Halles in the 1st and 2nd, Rue de Buci in the 6th near Place Saint Michel, and Place du Marché Saint-Honoré in the 1st near Place Vendome and Rue Saint-Honoré.

More ways to explore Paris neighborhoods:

10.  Spend a Day Exploring Bruges, Belgium

Bruges's Markt, or central market square, on a sunny April afternoon
Grote Markt, Bruges' old center and present-day market square, on a sunny April afternoon

Sometimes called "the Venice of the North," Bruges looks like it stepped out of a movie set in the Middle Ages with its medieval Flemish architecture, quaint cobblestone streets, winding tree-shaded canals, and photo-worthy bridges. 

Thanks to this comfortable coach tour from Paris, you can get there and back in one day and still have plenty of time to explore the compact city.  A guide leads you on a walk through the city center and points out the famous cathedral, museums, and other important sites. 

After your guided tour, you're free to take a boat cruise along the picturesque canals (the ticket is included with your tour), photograph the famous Grote Markt (market square) lined with colorful buildings, and admire the town's fabulous architecture.

For lunch, savor steamed mussels with fries and a mug of Belgium beer, and then buy Belgium chocolates at a local shop before heading back to Paris. 

Reserve your place on this tour

Find more day trips from Paris


Should You Plan Rainy Day Activities for Paris in April?

Most definitely yes!  Paris gets rain during every month of the year and April is no exception.  So you should always have a few rainy day activities in mind for your Paris trip.

For quick showers, just duck into a cafe or bar for a quick espresso until the skies clear.  But for longer stretches of wetness, try the next 4 suggestions for rainy days in Paris.


11.  Explore a Covered Passage

Galerie Vero-Dodat, one of the most elegant Paris covered passages
Galerie Vero-Dodat, one of the most elegant Paris covered passages

Built in the 19th century to keep wealthy Parisians dry and mud-free while they shopped, these beautiful historical glass-roofed arcades today are lined with shops, cafes, and wine bars.  Each has its own character, and some are more restored and upscale than others. 

See Paris's best & most beautiful covered passages

One of the best is Galerie Vero-Dodat, close to the Louvre Museum and Palais Royal Garden in the 1st arrondissement.  Built in Neoclassical style in 1826 by two butchers, it features swoon-worthy posh antique shops, luxury boutiques including two Christian Louboutin showrooms, and a couple of popular bistros with patio seating that's always in high demand. 

Look for Galerie Vero-Dodat between Rue Bouloi and Rue de Jean-Jacques Rousseau.

Find out about all of Paris's covered passages

12.  See a Special Exhibition

Most of Paris's museums and exhibition halls host special exhibits during the spring.  Depending on the focus of the museum or other venue, they can be on art, history, science, technology, or just about any other topic - there's always something of interest going on. 

Find an up-to-date exhibition schedule here.

13.  Rainy April Day?  Visit a Specialty Museum

This sculpture of a stylishly-dressed minotaur on a wall outside the Picasso Museum in Paris evokes of Picasso's favorite symbols
This sculpture of a stylishly-dressed minotaur on a wall outside the Picasso Museum in Paris evokes of Picasso's favorite symbols

When an April showers threatens to dampen your day, head to one of Paris's numerous small specialty museums - perfect for spending an hour or two before the sun reappears.

Located in a gorgeous restored 17th century private mansion named Hôtel Salé in the Marais neighborhood, the Picasso Museum features special exhibits and art by famous Spanish artist Pablo Picasso as well as from his personal collection of African art and works by others including Renoir, Degas, Rousseau, and Matisse. 

Get your priority entrance ticket online to avoid the often lengthy (and slow) regular line.

When the rain clears up, treat yourself to a hot chocolate on the cafe terrace overlooking the courtyard, and then go outside to admire all the architectural details up close. 

Want to see more of the nearby surroundings in this quiet corner of the Marais?  As you leave the museum, head around the corner to Rue Payenne and check out its small parks and garden where drops of rain still cling to the many spring flowers.

Poppies and tulips in Square Leopold Achille on Rue Payenne near Musee Picasso
Poppies and tulips in Square Leopold Achille on Rue Payenne near Musee Picasso

14.  Savor Wine, Cheese, & Pastries in Montmartre

Rain or shine, you'll have a lot of fun on this unique food and wine tasting tour through the storied Montmartre neighborhood, once home to starving artists and musicians and today, a favorite of foodies.  As you explore the cobblestone lanes and small shops, you'll sample pastries, artisan chocolates, cheese, charcouterie, and wine!  Reserve your spot now

Check out these walking tours of Paris with food tastings:

More Paris food tours & experiences

15.  Scoop Up Bargains in Flea Markets, Vintage Markets, Brocantes, & More

Visit to the costume creation studio at the Opéra National de Paris
Vintage shop on Rue de Rivoli in the Marais neighborhood

If you're a fan of shopping for vintage items, a fun activity for April is to check out the pop-up markets, street markets, and brocante sales of vintage and second-hand goods that appear all over Paris this month.

Most pop-up markets take place over 2-4 days, and almost all offer free admission.  You can find them in about every neighborhood, and the best way to find them is to look for signs posted along the streets advertising "brocantes."  They usually appear anywhere from a couple of days to as much as a week before the event.

Best places to shop for vintage clothing in Paris:  Marais, especially along Rue de Rivoli; Rue de Martyrs neighborhood in 9th arrondissement - don't miss the shops on Rue Clauzel; and Montmartre, especially on some of the side streets off Rue des Abbesses.

Find more Paris flea markets with vintage treasures

16.  Check Out Top Paris Events for April

Fountain in the Versailles Palace Garden - Photo credit: istockphoto.com/Melissa Fox
Fountain in the Versailles Palace Garden - Photo credit: istockphoto.com/Melissa Fox

Some of the best things to do in Paris in April include top events such as the Paris Marathon, a huge "fun fair" dating back to the early Middle Ages, the seasonal beginning of Musical Gardens Shows at the Palace of Versailles, and exciting exhibitions in all the museums.

Find out more about April events in Paris

17.  More Fun Things to Do & See in Paris in April


More about Paris in April


Prepare for Your April Visit:  Weather & Packing Tips

Weather in Paris in April:  What to Expect

What's the best word to describe Paris weather in April?  "Unpredictable." 

With sunny blue skies one minute and showers (or even snow) the next, the weather will keep you guessing.

Although the average high temperature in Paris in April is 62°F (17°C) and the average low is 45°F (7°C), keep in mind that those are averages.  When planning your activities and packing (more about what to pack for Paris in April in a moment), consider that you might encounter more extreme temperatures - perhaps as high as 72°F (22°C) or as low as 35°F (2°C).  

If the thermometer hits those extremes, Paris can be cold in April - or hot.

Does snow happen every year? 

Find out more about the weather in Paris during April

Packing Tips for Visiting Paris in April:  What to Bring

Wondering how to dress in Paris in April?  The one-word answer is:  layers - a must because April weather can change in a heartbeat. 

Pack a couple of lightweight tops to wear alone in case of a mini-heat wave or use as extra layers, along with long-sleeved tops, a warm sweater (cashmere works well), and a lined jacket or coat such as a trench, always in fashion in Paris, or a compressible lightweight water-resistant puffer jacket that will take up almost no room in your suitcase.  

Tuck a warm scarf and perhaps gloves into your bag.  And don't forget to take a pair or two of warm socks, plus a small folding umbrella.

Choosing the right shoes to bring is important: include a pair or two that are waterproof or at least water-resistant, and also comfortable for walking.  Should you bring rain boots?  That's probably overkill, unless you have a lightweight pair of comfortable ankle boots.

Will you be able to shop in Paris for anything you should have packed, but didn't?  Absolutely, if you need more lightweight spring clothing because summer collections will be featured in the stores. 

But if you want cold-weather clothing - a wool sweater, fleece jacket, warm scarf - you'll be out of luck.  So carefully choose what to pack and make sure each item can do double-duty during the changeable April weather.

Find out more about the weather in Paris during April and packing suggestions

Where to Stay during April in Paris 

To fully immerse yourself in the beauty of Paris this month, stay in a hotel or apartment near one of the city's magnificent flower-filled parks such as Palais Royal Garden, Luxembourg Garden, Parc Monceau, and Tuileries Garden and carve out a few minutes every day to spend in "your" garden.  Go for a stroll, listening to the water in the fountains, or just lean back in a chair and soak up some sun. 

Bonus:  These parks and gardens are also close to other top Paris attractions.

Featured Hotel for April:  Canopy Paris Trocadero

View of the Eiffel Tower from the rooftop terrace and bar at Canopy Hotel Trocadero
View of the Eiffel Tower from the rooftop terrace and bar at Canopy Hotel Trocadero

Why:  By April, the weather will be warm enough to enjoy the superb Eiffel Tower views as you sip a glass of champagne on Canopy Paris Trocadero Hilton's expansive rooftop terrace.

What else:  There's a lot more to love at the Art Deco-inspired 4-star hotel - although if you book yourself into one of the rooms or suites with its own private balcony overlooking the iconic Tower, you may never get around to exploring the rest of the property.

Book Now

Find a Paris Hotel or Apartment for Your April Visit

Want to look at other accommodations?  Use this hotel booking map to find hotels and apartments during your travel dates: 

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