5 incredible experiences to enjoy in Paris in April

Paris in April will delight you with the “charm of spring,” as Frank Sinatra’s famous song lyrics go. By April in Paris, leaves appear on tall trees in parks and along the Seine River, and tulips bloom in the city’s many formal gardens.

Lighter crowds, longer days, and pleasant weather are the top reasons to visit Paris in spring. Choose this time of year to enjoy world-class museums and things to do outdoors in Paris.

What is Paris like in April?

Parks and gardens bloom

Spring in Paris is when trees come back to life in Paris’s many parks and gardens, and ornamental flower beds are in bloom. Parisians take to the benches of the Jardin du Luxembourg and Bois de Boulogne to enjoy the sunnier weather and longer days.

Days are longer and warmer

Visiting Paris in April gives you the advantage of mild weather and lighter crowds, as it is shoulder season (outside of the peak tourist times). You can expect mild weather most days and, hopefully, some sun. Days are longer, with the sun setting at around 8:30 PM. You are also likely to score shorter lines at the main tourist attractions and easier-to-obtain restaurant reservations.

The Seine River is enchanting

Trees lining the Seine River burst with fresh green leaves and spring blossoms in April. With such lovely scenery and balmy weather, you’ll feel inspired to stroll around the city. Paris is compact, so you can easily walk from the Eiffel Tower along the banks of the Seine, which have inspired generations of writers and poets. Stop to enjoy a coffee and pastry at one of the city’s many outdoor terraces, which come alive in spring.

Tourist sights are less crowded

You won’t find as many tourists waiting in line at the Eiffel Tower or crowding around the artworks at the Louvre Museum and the Musée d’Orsay. The lighter crowds make your visiting experience more pleasant than during high season.

What’s the weather like in Paris in April?

The Paris weather in April is unpredictable. Days can shift quickly from sunshine to moderate rainfall. Come prepared with a raincoat and umbrella.

• Average daytime temperature: 59 F (15 C)
• Average nighttime temperature: 45 F (7 C)
• Average days of rain: 6 days
• Average daylight hours: 13.7

Top things to do in Paris in April

1. Visit the Tuileries Garden

Renowned landscape architect André Le Nôtre created the Tuileries Garden, a perfect example of 17th-century formal French landscaping. Take a stroll on the paths to admire the tidy topiaries (box-shaped trees and shrubs), elegant fountains, and statues. If the weather is nice, enjoy a meal at one of the three garden-terrace restaurants.

Opposite the nearby Louvre Museum, you’ll find two other exceptional museums: the Hôtel de la Marine, a little time capsule of perfectly preserved, sumptuously decorated 18th-century apartments, and the Musée de l’Orangerie, a must-see museum of Impressionist and modern art.

Address

Jardin des Tuileries, 75001

Opening hours

Open daily, 7:00 AM-8:30 PM

2. Take in the picturesque Seine River scenery

A stroll along the tree-lined streets above the Seine River allows you to experience the quintessential Parisian ambiance and riverfront scenery. Pick up an antique book from one of the famous riverside booksellers, known as bouquinistes. If the timing is right, the riverfront chestnut trees will be sporting bright pink blossoms.

On sunny days, you’ll find locals having picnics along the river embankments and socializing at the riverfront restaurants. Boats docked along the waterfront, known as péniches, offer outdoor dining overlooking the river.

3. Pick up fresh produce at Marché Monge

Tucked away in the medieval Latin Quarter, the Marché Monge is an open-air market in a charming tree-shaded square. This traditional French market features dozens of stalls selling fresh produce, charcuterie, cheese, and other specialty food products.

Take a short walk to the Jardin des Plantes, which blooms with hundreds of irises during springtime. If you’re looking for a bite to eat, head to Rue Mouffetard, a cobblestone street with many restaurants. Dining on a Rue Mouffetard sidewalk terrace is one of the most delightful things to do in Paris in April.

Address

Marché Monge, Place Monge, 75005

Opening hours

Wednesday and Friday, 7:00 AM-2:30 PM;
Sunday, 7:00 AM-3:00 PM

4. Stroll the Luxembourg Gardens and neighborhood

Tall trees bursting with light-green leaves await you in the Luxembourg Gardens in spring. Explore the garden’s footpaths, flower beds, and statues (look for Beethoven, Montesquieu, and the queens of France). Nearby, you’ll find masterpieces of art at the Musée du Luxembourg and the neoclassical architecture of the Théâtre de l’Odéon.

Take a short walk to Place Saint-Sulpice to enjoy the chic ambiance of the 6th arrondissement. You can check out the outdoor cafés, chocolate shops, and other boutiques. Then, stop in one of the largest and most beautiful churches in Paris, the Eglise Saint-Sulpice, mentioned in Dan Brown’s best-selling novel “The Da Vinci Code”.

Address

Jardin du Luxembourg, 75006

Opening hours

Open daily, 7:30 AM-8:00 PM

5. Discover the gorgeous scenery of the Bois de Boulogne

The perfect destination for a sunny spring day, the Bois de Boulogne – converted from the royal hunting grounds by Napoleon III in the mid-1850s – features gardens, lakes, and picnic areas. Within the Bois de Boulogne, the Foundation Louis Vuitton hosts exhibitions of contemporary art, while the exquisite Château de Bagatelle was built by the Comte d’Artois in 1777 in just two months to win a bet with Queen Marie-Antoinette.

Address

Bois de Boulogne: Allée de la Reine Marguerite, 75016;
Fondation Louis Vuitton: 8 Avenue du Mahatma Gandhi, 75116;
Château de Bagatelle/Parc de Bagatelle: 35 Route de Sèvres à Neuilly, 75016

Opening hours

Bois de Boulogne: Open 24 hours;
Fondation Louis Vuitton: Wednesday-Sunday, 10:00 AM-8:00 PM;
Château de Bagatelle: Grounds open 9:30 AM-8:00 PM;
Parc de Bagatelle: Open daily, 9:30 AM-8:00 PM