What to See, Eat, Pack & Do

Visiting Paris in March typically comes with hesitation. It’s not fairly winter, not fairly spring, and in case you are questioning what town will actually really feel like at this level within the 12 months, you’re not alone.

March is a transition month, and that’s the place its attraction lies. Early within the month, Paris stays quiet and barely neglected. Because the weeks cross, winter loosens its grip and town begins to shift.

You discover it in small however telling methods. Bushes begin to bud, early blossoms seem, and parks and terraces slowly come again to life. On the identical time, many main museums roll out their new spring exhibitions, giving town a renewed cultural rhythm — current, however not but too busy.

I’ve lived in Paris for almost 20 years, and on this information I’ll share what truly issues in March — what the climate actually seems like, the way to pack with out overthinking it, and which experiences take advantage of sense throughout this in-between second.

Salut, I’m Lena – journey planning knowledgeable and parisienne since 2006 🩷

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Attention-grabbing reads on your journey to Paris:

13 Finest Issues to Do in March 2026 in Paris

Let’s begin with the issues that work significantly effectively in Paris in March. After almost 20 years right here, I’ve realized that this month rewards a little bit of consideration and suppleness.

You may get delicate, sunny spring days — or the other throughout this month in Paris. That’s why it’s good to plan a very good mixture of indoor and out of doors actions, so that you’re not continuously watching the climate forecast.

The concepts under mix traditional Paris sights with experiences that match the month significantly effectively. These are the sorts of actions that make sense whereas town remains to be calm, spring is slowly taking form, and seasonal occasions and exhibitions are simply beginning to unfold.

#1 Go to the Jardin du Palais Royal

The Jardin du Palais Royal is a beautiful little park, tucked proper subsequent to the Louvre, and lots of guests stroll straight previous it with out noticing it’s there.

In March, it turns into significantly stunning, as that is the place you’ll discover a number of the most putting magnolia bushes in Paris, coated in lush, thick pink blossoms that normally bloom from early to mid-March, simply as winter begins to loosen its grip.

If you happen to really feel like a espresso, seize one to go from Café Kitsuné proper by the backyard, a small Parisian favourite with scrumptious pastries and drinks.

And should you’re a fan of Emily in Paris, this cease is a no brainer anyway, because the backyard seems within the first season, within the scene the place Emily and Mindy first met.

#2 See Paris in a Classic 2CV

→ This personal classic 2CV tour is a versatile, weather-smart option to expertise Paris in March

That is a kind of experiences that feels genuinely particular in Paris, and March fits it significantly effectively.

Cruising by means of town in a classic Citroën 2CV isn’t simply sightseeing, it’s a slower, extra intimate option to see Paris at road degree. It’s simply you and an area information, with time to speak, ask questions, and cease when one thing catches your eye.

March climate can nonetheless be unpredictable, which is the place this tour actually shines. You’re snug if it’s cool or gray, and on a light day — optimistically — you may even drive with the roof open, which immediately modifications the temper.

It really works particularly effectively in areas like Montmartre, the place slim streets and fast stops make all of the distinction, and the place Paris already feels prefer it’s edging towards spring.

→ This personal classic 2CV tour is a versatile, weather-smart option to expertise Paris in March, with the bonus of open-roof moments on the suitable day.

#3 Go to the Musée d’Orsay

The Musée d’Orsay is certainly one of Paris’s most cherished museums, housed in a former practice station alongside the Seine. It focuses primarily on artwork from the second half of the nineteenth century, with a robust emphasis on Impressionism.

You’ll discover works by Monet, Renoir, Degas, and Van Gogh, proven in an area that feels grand however nonetheless approachable. It’s a museum that works simply as effectively for first-time guests as for repeat journeys, particularly whenever you wish to take your time reasonably than rush by means of.

In 2026, March is a very good time to go to, as a brand new Auguste Renoir exhibition opens on March 17. The present marks 150 years since Bal du Moulin de la Galette and focuses on intimacy, love, and relationships

You possibly can take your time right here, transfer between the everlasting assortment and what’s new, and depart feeling such as you’ve truly seen one thing — not simply checked a field.

→ My suggestion for the most effective expertise: Musée d’Orsay Ticket and Guided Tour

#4 See a Candlelight Live performance in Paris

These live shows began showing just a few years in the past, and I wasn’t positive what to anticipate. Then I went to a Coldplay tribute — and it was genuinely magical. Intimate, immersive, and way more memorable than I anticipated.

Since then, Candlelight Concert events have taken over Paris in the very best manner. Extra exhibits, extra kinds, extra beautiful venues throughout town. Some even happen on the Eiffel Tower, which is difficult to prime as a setting. (Right here’s the Eiffel Tower live performance schedule)

The concept is straightforward and it really works. Classical-style performances by candlelight, with a surprisingly broad repertoire — from Adele, the Beatles, Taylor Swift and Queen to Chopin, movie scores, Lord of the Rings, and even Bridgerton.

March is a superb time to go. Evenings are nonetheless cool, the environment feels cozy, and also you don’t want excellent climate for it to really feel particular. It’s the form of night time that provides one thing additional to your keep in Paris — romantic if you’d like it to be, however simply pretty much as good solo or with pals.

→ From Coldplay to Bridgerton: browse upcoming Candlelight live shows in Paris.

#5 Create your individual Fragrance

→ My suggestion: The fragrance workshop at Molinard Parfums Paris

Having just a few stable indoor plans in March makes every little thing simpler. The climate can swing both manner, and that is the form of exercise that works it doesn’t matter what the forecast does.

A fragrance workshop is actually such a enjoyable factor to do in Paris — artistic, hands-on, and fully completely different from the standard sightseeing. You don’t simply watch or pay attention, you truly make one thing.

You find out how fragrances are constructed, how completely different notes play collectively, and you allow with your individual scent. Not a generic memento, however one thing that’s completely yours and tied to this journey, this second in Paris.

→ If you happen to’re searching for a really particular, very Parisian expertise, this traditional Molinard fragrance workshop is a superb choice. It’s effectively paced, approachable, and centered on the necessities — considerate reasonably than gimmicky, and a memento you’ll preserve reaching for lengthy after you’re residence.

#6 Go to the New Exhibition on the Bourse de Commerce

The Bourse de Commerce is certainly one of Paris’s most putting museum areas. Set inside a former commodities change close to Les Halles, it now homes the Pinault Assortment and focuses on up to date artwork, proven underneath a powerful glass dome.

March is the proper time to go to, because the new exhibition Clair-Obscur opens on March 4. You’ll be among the many first to expertise the present, which additionally means tickets are inclined to go rapidly — reserving prematurely is unquestionably a good suggestion.

It’s not a big museum, which makes it simple to suit into your day, and the setting alone is well worth the go to. A robust choice should you’re interested by up to date artwork and luxuriate in seeing exhibitions on the very begin of their run.

#7 Be taught How you can Style French Wine (The Simple Approach)

→ Most beneficial wine tasting in Paris: Ô Chateau Wine Bar

March isn’t the second for winery hopping in Bordeaux or Burgundy, nevertheless it’s truly a good time to do a correct wine tasting proper in Paris.

You keep within the metropolis, keep away from lengthy journey days, and nonetheless get a stable introduction to French wine — areas, kinds, and the way to style what’s in your glass. It’s environment friendly, snug, and straightforward to suit right into a metropolis break.

A sommelier-led tasting goes effectively past consuming wine at a bar. You learn to acknowledge aromas, perceive regional variations, and put phrases to what you want (and don’t), while not having any prior information.

Ô Chateau is without doubt one of the finest wine tasting experiences in Paris. Relaxed, informative, and effectively paced, it really works significantly effectively in March, when wine areas aren’t an choice.

→ In order for you a correct introduction to French wine with out leaving Paris, this sommelier-led tasting is a simple and really pleasant alternative.

#8 Parc de Sceaux for Cherry Blossoms

By the top of March, this is without doubt one of the most rewarding quick journeys you possibly can take from Paris.
The Parc de Sceaux is known for its cherry bushes, and after they bloom, the impact is spectacular.

The timing issues. Cherry blossoms normally begin showing in Paris in late March, and the window is brief and the Parc de Sceaux isn’t any secret. When the cherry bushes bloom, folks actually do flock right here to see them.

In order for you a calmer expertise, go early within the morning, ideally on a weekday. You’ll have extra space, softer gentle, and time to benefit from the blossoms earlier than the park fills up. Weekends can get busy rapidly, particularly if the climate is sweet, so timing makes all of the distinction.

It’s a simple half-day outing. You possibly can attain the park by RER wihtin half-hour from central Paris, stroll at your individual tempo, sit on the grass if the climate cooperates, and nonetheless be again in Paris by mid-afternoon. No dashing, no full-day dedication.

→ Go towards the top of March, keep versatile with dates, and test bloom updates just a few days earlier than you go. (I merely test what others publish on Instagram)

Additionally Learn: 20+ Cherry Blossom Places in Paris (2026 Information)

#9 Bake Scrumptious Macarons with a Parisian Chef

→ That is the workshop I took and warmly advocate

Macarons are a kind of pastries that really feel unmistakably Parisian — delicate shells, creamy fillings, and way more addictive than they give the impression of being.

Macaron Enjoyable Reality: the twentieth of March is Nationwide Macaron Day

I took a macaron baking class not way back, and I’ll be trustworthy: I’m not a baker. Too exact. An excessive amount of chemistry. I’m way more of an intuitive let’s-see-how-this-goes prepare dinner. And but — I made macarons. Actual ones. And so they turned out surprisingly good.

That’s what makes this class such a terrific March exercise. It’s hands-on, relaxed, and fully weather-proof — and it doesn’t take over your day.

The category I took (this one) is brief and effectively paced, which makes it simple to suit into nearly any schedule. As a result of it takes place inside Galeries Lafayette, you possibly can plan it round sightseeing, procuring, and even use it as a heat, pleasant break between actions.

You’re guided step-by-step, specializing in what truly issues, and you allow with macarons you made your self — plus the arrogance to recreate them at residence. It’s sensible, satisfying, and feels very Parisian.

→ For a simple, well-located introduction: this macaron class at Galeries Lafayette is ideal if you’d like one thing enjoyable and doable.
→ If you happen to’d like an extended, extra immersive expertise: this prolonged macaron course presents extra time to bake, follow, and discover the approach in depth.

#10 Take a Day Journey Out of Paris (Select Correctly)

March nonetheless isn’t the second for each traditional day journey — however that’s completely superb.

Some locations are nonetheless in between seasons. Monet’s backyard is just not open but, and coastal journeys just like the Leanding Seashores at Normandy coast might be hit-or-miss, relying on wind and climate. They’ll be actually higher afterward.

However there are day journeys that make a whole lot of sense in March. My favorites are Reims and the Loire Castles.

Reims & Champagne: a Sensible March Escape

▶ Best choice: let another person deal with the planning with this guided Champagne tour.

If you happen to’re searching for a simple, rewarding getaway, Reims is a superb alternative. It’s simply 40 minutes from Paris by high-speed practice and proper within the coronary heart of the Champagne area.

March works effectively right here. Cellar visits are snug, excursions really feel unhurried, and tastings are simple to ebook. You’ll discover the massive names — Veuve Clicquot, Taittinger, Pommery, Ruinart — all kind of in strolling distance from the practice station.

I visited in early March just a few years in the past and toured the cellars at Veuve Clicquot. Strolling by means of these underground tunnels, lined with centuries-old bottles, was fascinating — and tasting Champagne proper the place it’s made actually does really feel completely different.

Reims is greater than Champagne, although. Don’t miss Reims Cathedral, the place French kings had been topped. It’s one of the crucial spectacular Gothic cathedrals within the nation.

My tip: should you’re within the temper for one thing particular, ebook lunch or dinner at Racine. We went for our wedding ceremony anniversary, and it was completely fantastic.

▶ Learn: A Day Journey to Reims from Paris: Champagne & Historical past
→ Or, should you’d reasonably not plan it your self, ebook this guided Champagne tour

A Robust Different: Loire Valley Castles

▶ My suggestion: a guided tour to the Loire from Paris is by far the best option to see them

The Loire Valley is pure fairy-tale territory — grand châteaux, turrets, moats, and storybook settings.

However whether or not it’s march or every other month, it’s just too removed from Paris to make sense as a DIY day journey. Renting a automotive, navigating nation roads, and timing a number of visits rapidly turns into extra effort than it’s value.

That’s why a go to to the Loire Castles works finest with a guided tour. Transport, timing, and tickets are dealt with for you, and you’ll deal with the expertise.

This full-day journey to the Loire Valley covers a number of the most spectacular castles, together with Château de Chambord, Château d’Amboise and Château de Chenonceau. The interiors are stunning year-round, crowds are nonetheless affordable, and you’ll benefit from the historical past with out dashing.

→ If you wish to see the Loire castles with out the effort, let this guided day tour from Paris handle every little thing.

#11 Stroll the Stunning Parks of Paris

➤ Right here’s my checklist with the The Finest Parks in Paris

Paris has over 400 parks and gardens, and March is after they lastly begin to really feel actually inviting once more. Not absolutely inexperienced but, not in full bloom both — however clearly coming again to life.

That is the month of early spring moments. Buds seem on bushes, lawns slowly fill, and on the suitable day you’ll see Parisians sitting outdoors with their coats open, absorbing the sunshine greater than the precise heat.

If you happen to can’t determine which park to go to, listed below are my favorites:

Parc Georges Brassens
Good if you’d like actual native vibes, effectively away from the middle. Calm, lived-in, and really Parisian in an on a regular basis manner.

Albert Kahn Backyard
For one thing fully completely different. A good looking Japanese-inspired backyard paired with a images museum, and an actual change of surroundings.

Jardin du Luxembourg
A traditional that by no means will get previous. Even in early spring, it’s a pleasure to stroll by means of, sit down, and watch Paris slowly get up once more.

#12 Take a Meals Tour By way of Montmartre

A strolling tour is palms down one of the best ways to find Montmartre. It’s a incredible neighborhood, a kind of locations that appears charming from the skin however the place it’s surprisingly simple to overlook half the story should you don’t know the place to look.

The streets twist, corners disguise, and most of the most attention-grabbing particulars aren’t apparent in any respect. With a information, Montmartre abruptly is smart. You perceive the format, the historical past, and why sure spots matter.

In March, combining that with a meals tour is actually the neatest choice. As a result of it’s nonetheless barely off season, costs are sometimes a bit decrease than later in spring — whereas the expertise itself stays simply as wealthy, and sometimes extra snug. (Verify it right here)

Anyway, french meals not often wants convincing, however there’s additionally a sensible purpose: the climate can nonetheless be cool, typically even a bit moist. A food-focused tour naturally breaks up the stroll with time indoors.

→ If you wish to expertise Montmartre correctly: this food-focused strolling tour is a great March alternative — you’ll uncover the neighborhood with an area information, style nice French meals, and luxuriate in common indoor stops alongside the way in which, which makes all of the distinction this time of 12 months in Montmartre.

#13 Go to Notre-Dame Cathedral

Being in Paris — at any time of 12 months — means experiencing Notre-Dame Cathedral at a second that also feels genuinely particular. After years of restoration, stepping again inside is quietly transferring. It feels acquainted, but clearly renewed, and it’s not one thing to skip.

This time of 12 months works significantly effectively. Crowds are typically extra manageable than afterward, and the environment inside feels calmer and extra reflective. You’re not being pushed alongside. You’ve time to lookup, discover the sunshine, and let the house sink in.

For the most effective expertise, I nonetheless advocate going early within the morning, earlier than the day absolutely will get going.

Entry to the cathedral is free, however demand is excessive, so reserving a time slot prematurely is a good suggestion. And even should you visited Notre-Dame Cathedral earlier than the fireplace, it’s effectively value going once more — the expertise feels each acquainted and new.

The whole lot You Have to Know About March in Paris 

March in Paris brings the primary actual promise of spring. Days slowly get milder, gentle lingers longer, and on the suitable afternoon, you’ll even catch a little bit of light sunshine. With Easter holidays pushed to April 2026, the standard spring crowds haven’t arrived but.

You received’t run out of issues to do in Paris in March. Fairly the other. Between new exhibitions, food-focused experiences, and early spring walks the actual problem is selecting — not filling your days.

The important thing isn’t planning every little thing, although. It’s staying versatile and mixing just a few well-chosen highlights with room to wander, modify to the climate, and benefit from the metropolis because it slowly shifts into spring.

How’s the Climate in March in Paris?

One factor to learn about visiting Paris in March: it’s probably the most unpredictable month of the 12 months. You will get solar, clouds, wind, a fast bathe — and sure, sometimes even a shock snowfall — typically all in the identical day.

That stated, March already feels completely different from winter. Temperatures are milder, days are noticeably longer, and by the second half of the month, spring formally begins. Common daytime highs hover round 12°C (53°F), which makes being outdoors way more pleasant when the climate cooperates.

You possibly can anticipate a bit extra rain than in February, but in addition extra sunshine. And when the solar comes out, it actually counts. Instantly, a stroll alongside the Seine, a park bench, or a fast terrace cease feels fully doable.

The important thing with March climate is flexibility. Circumstances can change rapidly, so benefit from the good moments after they seem — and all the time have a stable indoor plan prepared, simply in case.

At all times Have a Plan B

Planning a visit to Paris in late winter or early spring means being prepared for something. You may get stunning sunshine — or the exact opposite — typically inside the identical day.

Temperatures can nonetheless really feel chilly, and rain showers aren’t uncommon. Not all the time excellent for a protracted stroll by means of the Tuileries or alongside the Seine.

Even traditional actions like a Seine river cruise can sometimes be disrupted in March, particularly if water ranges are excessive after winter rains. That’s why it’s all the time intelligent to have a stable backup plan for gray or moist days.

A number of of my go-to choices, regardless of the climate:

They’re simple to fit into any day and take the stress out of checking the forecast.

→ For extra concepts, you’ll discover my full checklist of rainy-day favorites right here — 27 Finest Actions for a Wet Day in Paris.

How are the Crowds?

March in Paris is a transition month. It’s now not as quiet as February, however nonetheless noticeably extra relaxed than peak spring. With Easter falling late this 12 months, the standard spring crowds received’t arrive till late March and even April, which supplies you a welcome window to benefit from the metropolis at a gentler tempo.

That stated, a quieter metropolis doesn’t imply empty sights. Whilst you might not have to ebook every little thing far prematurely in March, I nonetheless advocate taking part in it secure. Weekends might be busy, and points of interest that work with time slots or restricted capability do promote out.

What to put on in Paris in March 2026

After years of dwelling in Paris, I can inform you one factor: layers are your finest buddy in March.

You’ll most likely now not want your heaviest winter coat. A mid-season jacket normally does the job, with a light-weight down layer beneath for flexibility.

Mornings and evenings are nonetheless chilly, however afternoons are sometimes milder — typically even sunny. And right here’s one thing many guests don’t anticipate: indoor areas are nonetheless absolutely heated in March. Museums, retailers, cafés… it may possibly really feel surprisingly heat when you’re inside.

That’s why detachable layers matter. My finest tip is to decorate in items you possibly can simply take off, and carry a foldable tote bag in your purse to stash scarves or jackets. It makes looking retailers or visiting museums way more snug.

I’ve discovered these two objects particularly helpful for staying heat with out overheating:

• Merino Wool Socks: They stability temperature effectively, preserving your toes heat in chilly climate and funky when it’s milder. Plus, they’re naturally moisture-wicking, which helps stop blisters. (I put on this pair)
• Light-weight Down Jacket: Pairing a down jacket with a lighter coat presents extra flexibility than a heavy winter coat. You possibly can simply layer up or down to remain snug all through the day. (This one is a superb alternative)
• A small journey umbrella: this one matches in each purse

March in Paris is milder than winter, nevertheless it’s nonetheless removed from dry or heat. Showers are widespread, and preserving your toes heat and dry makes an actual distinction to how a lot you take pleasure in your days.

Waterproof Chelsea boots are certainly one of my go-to decisions. They’re sensible with out trying cumbersome, defend you from damp streets, and work simply as effectively with denims as with a costume — which, for me, is crucial when packing gentle.

If you happen to want extra inspiration for good strolling footwear for Paris, test this information.

The place to Keep in Paris in March

Relating to selecting the place to remain in Paris in March, my recommendation is straightforward: go central.

Not as a result of Paris is troublesome to get round — it isn’t — however as a result of shorter distances make the entire journey really feel simpler. If it’s chilly, damp, or simply a kind of days whenever you don’t really feel like crossing town, being central means you continue to have loads to do proper outdoors your door.

Staying in central neighborhoods permits you to pop again to your lodge between actions, heat up simply, or change plans with out feeling caught. It’s merely extra snug this time of 12 months.

These are areas I genuinely advocate this time of 12 months — with lodges which are dependable, snug, and effectively positioned. You’re near museums, cafés, retailers, and eating places — and even when plans shift, you’re by no means quick on choices.

Le Marais is without doubt one of the most sensible areas to remain in March. It’s central, and filled with cafés, museums, and small retailers, which implies you are able to do lots on foot with out counting on transport or committing to lengthy walks if the climate turns.

➤ Resort suggestion: Roi de Sicile – Rivoli

Saint-Germain-des-Prés (Traditional Paris, Cafés & Tradition)

This space has a timeless really feel, with loads of cafés, bookshops, and museums, and a slower rhythm that fits March significantly effectively, when town is easing out of winter however hasn’t picked up its spring tempo but.

➤ Resort suggestion: Resort Duc de Saint Simon

Latin Quarter (Central, Walkable, Good Worth)

The Latin Quarter is full of life however very sensible. Costs are usually a bit softer, and also you’re inside simple attain of Notre-Dame, the Seine, and Saint-Germain, which makes it a handy base this time of 12 months.

➤ Resort suggestion: Hôtel Jardin de Cluny

Wrap Up: Is Paris in March value it?

So — is Paris in March value it? Completely, should you like a metropolis in transition.

March is when Paris begins to get up. Days get longer, winter slowly steps apart, and you are feeling the primary actual hints of spring — with out the strain or crowds that come later. Some days are brilliant and delicate, others nonetheless name for a jacket and a plan B, however that’s a part of the rhythm.

What makes March work so effectively is the stability. New exhibitions open, parks start to bloom, meals and wine experiences really feel unhurried, and landmarks are simpler to take pleasure in. You possibly can combine indoor tradition with early spring walks, keep versatile with the climate, and nonetheless really feel such as you’re getting a full Paris expertise.

It’s not peak spring. There’s no huge buzz but. However should you take pleasure in a calmer tempo, seasonal moments, and a metropolis that feels lived-in reasonably than overrun, March is a really good time to go to.

Parisienne since 2006 🩷

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Should-Haves for Paris:

• eSim card to remain on-line whereas in Paris. I used GigSky for my travels.
• You seemingly want a journey adapter to plug your gadgets.
• Journey Insurance coverage – should you don’t have one, VisitorsCoverage is an efficient choice.
• In case your flight is delayed and even canceled, use AirHelp to get compensation.

Excursions & Sights:

• I ebook excursions & actions by means of Get Your Information or Viator.
• Museum & Landmark tickets might be cheaper on the official web page, however they’re typically offered out.
• I really like the GoCity Journey Passes for simple planning
• I take advantage of Tiqets for Seine Cruises as a result of with my code SALUT5 we get 5% off

Flights & Transportation:

Accomodation:

• Accommodations in Europe I principally ebook by means of Reserving.com (test critiques rigorously)
• Trip Leases by means of Airbnb or VRBO

FAQ Paris in March