What to Do in Paris in April: Events, Warmer Weather, Gardens and More

Ahh! Spring is the perfect time to visit the French capital. While there is never a bad time to visit the city, with warmer weather, sunshine, fewer crowds and flowers in full bloom, April is one of the best months to visit. It’s a wonderful time of year to see the sites, and take in culture and art in the City of Light. Being the shoulder season means you can avoid the long lines found in the summer months. If it is your first time visiting you’ll find the popular attractions less crowded than during peak tourist season (though even with fewer tourists, some of the most popular attractions will remain busy such as the Louvre Museum). Below is our complete guide for enjoying Paris in April. Discover our picks of the best places to go and the best things to do.

PARIS IN APRIL – WEATHER

Paris weather in April has an average temperature that is generally mild and pleasant. As with most times of year be prepared for rainy days and pack an umbrella in case of rain showers. You will need a light jacket, clothes for layering (including a sweater) for chilly nights, and a scarf. There may be unusually warm weather and sunny days too, so pack accordingly. The average high temperature in April is 62°F (17°C) while the average low temperature is 43°F (6°C).

With the more pleasant temperatures and longer days it is a great time to begin enjoying the outdoors, with plenty of things to do. Enjoy an early morning run or a stroll through local markets, the Latin Quarter or spend a relaxing afternoon in the Marais. Picnics are also a good idea, in the gorgeous outdoor spaces such as the Bois de Boulogne, Bois de Vincennes, along the river Seine, Buttes-Chaumont, Canal St. Martin, just to name a few. 

CHERRY BLOSSOM, MAGNOLIA, AND WISTERIA SPOTTING IN PARIS – VARIOUS LOCATIONS

Paris is known for its beautiful gardens, and April is the best time to see the colors of spring. Check out the cherry blossoms, magnolia, and wisteria trees in full bloom before they lose their flowers. For cherry blossoms, go to Jardin des Plantes, Champ de Mars, Square Gabriel-Pierné, outside Shakespeare and Company, and Square Paul-Langevin. To see magnolias, go to: Jardin de Palais Royal, Jardin des Tuileries, Jardin du Luxembourg, Champ de Mars, and the side of Hôtel de Ville. Finally, to view wisteria, head to the Grande Mosquée de Paris and Rue de l’Abreuvoir.

If you want to enjoy the blossoms in a calmer environment than the Tuileries Garden or Jardin du Luxembourg, there are plenty of trees in Parc Clichy-Batignolles, a park well-known by locals of the neighborhood but not by many tourists. Other beautiful and lesser-known spots include Jardin Saint-Simonian in the 20th arrondissement and Square Gabriel Pierné just a quick walk from Pont des Arts.

EVENTS IN PARIS IN APRIL

Festival du Livre de Paris, April 17-19, 2026

The Paris Book Festival, or Festival du Livre de Paris, takes place at the Grand Palais in the 8th arrondissement. This event includes thousands of books for sale throughout the weekend. There are more than just books though. There are also workshops for adults and children alike, over 300 authors in live appearances, and lots of opportunities to interact with different genres and styles of writing. It is the perfect event for bibliophiles and professionals in the industry looking to mingle!

Vélo in Paris, Parc Floral, April 24-26, 2026

If you’re passionate about all things vélo (bicycle), check out the Vélo in Paris bike expo, a free event open to all. For three days, you have the opportunity to test various bike models, learn about cycling routes, and connect with fellow enthusiasts. There will also be food trucks, balance bike races, and plenty of activities for all ages!

Circulation(s) Photography Festival, March 26-May 17, 2026

Circulation(s) is a festival highlighting young European photographers. This year, the 16th edition features 26 photographers of 15 different nationalities. Through photo studios, screenings, and weekends specifically for photography professionals, this festival seeks to unify photographers, professionals, and the general public with the art of photography. The festival takes place at the Centrequartre-Paris, in the 19th arrondissement.

Art Paris, Grand Palais Éphémère, April 9-12, 2026

At this year’s Art Paris, both established and up-and-coming French and international artists gather at the Grand Palais Éphémère to discover contemporary art in different mediums from over 900 artists. By promoting artists and connecting them with art curators and galleries, this art fair plays a vital role in Paris’ art market.

ART EXHIBITIONS IN PARIS IN APRIL

1925-2025 – Cent Ans d’Art Déco, Musée des Arts Décoratifs, until April 26, 2026

The Musée des Arts Décoratifs marks the centenary of the 1925 International Exhibition that launched Art Deco onto the world stage. Close to 1,000 works spanning furniture, fashion, drawings, and beyond capture the full richness of the style, including a restored Étoile du Nord train cabin and three models of the future Orient Express.

Renoir and Love, A Joyful modernity (1865-1885), Musée d’Orsay, until 19 July, 2026

Among impressionism’s most beloved figures, Pierre Auguste Renoir immortalized the warmth of modern life through vibrant, color-drenched scenes of human connection. This major exhibition at the Musée d’Orsay delves into his lasting contribution to 19th-century art, with a particular focus on his vision of modern love. Co-organised with the National Gallery in London and the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, it unites some of Renoir’s greatest masterpieces in Paris for the first time in four decades.

Clair-obscur, Bourse de Commerce, until 24 August, 2026

Clair-obscur at the Bourse de Commerce turns the space into an immersive environment tracing the enduring legacy of chiaroscuro from its Baroque roots to present day. Bringing together significant works by artists such as Bill Viola, Victor Man, and Pierre Huyghe, this exhibition invites a meditative passage between the visible and the invisible.

Henri Rousseau, A Painter’s Ambition, Musée de l’Orangerie, from 20 July, 2026

The Musée de l’Orangerie joins forces with the Barnes Foundation in Philadelphia to stage a major retrospective dedicated to Henri Rousseau, uniting around fifty works drawn from both institutions and international collections. The exhibition charts Rousseau’s artistic journey through his relationship with the art market, shedding light on the pivotal roles of dealer Paul Guillaume and collector Albert Barnes.

Renaissance: Da Vinci, Raphael, Michelangelo, Atelier des Lumières, until 27 June, 2026

The Atelier des Lumières brings the Italian Renaissance to life like never before with an immersive journey through the masterpieces of three artistic geniuses.

Michelangelo and Rodin, The Louvre, April 15-20 July, 2026

Michelangelo and Rodin shared a fascination with the human body and its form as the main subject of their art. The Louvre brings together the works of these two unrivalled masters of Western sculpture, separated by centuries but united by a similar artistic vision. Organised into five sections, the exhibition explores how both artists perceived not only the strength of the body, but also the depth of the soul that animates it.

Romeo and Juliette Ballet, Paris Opéra Bastille, various dates in April, 2026

The classic tragedy of Romeo and Juliette was first made into a ballet in 1935 thanks to the music of Sergei Prokofiev. Choreographer Rudolf Nureyev transformed that into a cinematic performance for the Paris Opera in 1984, which you can see at Opéra Bastille this month.

5 Seconds of Summer, Accor Arena, April 8, 2026

The Australian band returns to Paris to return at Accor Arena to the excitement of pop-rock fans.

Candlelights Concert: Chopin, Beethoven and Tchaikovsky, Eglise Saint‐Ephrem, April 14, 18, 21, & 26, 2026

Enjoy a lovely evening of classical music performed in the beautiful Église Saint-Éphrem in the 5th arrondissement of Paris.

EVENTS FOR CHILDREN IN PARIS In APRIL

Déserts, La Grande Galerie de l’Évolution, until 19 April, 2026

An exploration of Earth’s most extreme environments, from sweeping deserts to frozen landscapes, uncovering how living organisms manage to thrive in even the most unforgiving conditions.

Le Roi Lion, Theatre Mogador, until 9 August 2026

This highly successful musical theatre production of The Lion King is a perfect family activity for a rainy spring day.

Chiens et Chats, Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie, until August 30, 2026

This interactive and hands-on exhibition dives into the latest scientific research about our most cherished companions, dogs and cats! Visitors are invited to step inside the minds and bodies of the world’s favourite pets, uncovering their extraordinary capacities, sensitivity, and intelligence, while learning how they have become such an integral part of our lives.

Easter Egg Hunts – April 4-6

If you are planning to celebrate Easter in Paris, there are some great options to participate in an egg hunt. Here’s a list of just some of the places hosting egg hunts this year:

• Jardin d’Acclimatation
• Musée de Montmartre
• Hôtel de la Marine
• Chantilly Castle
• Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte (outside Paris)

Attend a Holy Week Service

Notre Dame, the Basilica of Sacré Cœur, Saint-Eustache, and Église de la Madeleine are some of the many awe inspiring churches in Paris where one can attend service. The Paris Tourist office has more information on Easter services in Paris including a list of Stations of the Cross organized during the week.