Paris in April is a magical time of year. As the city heads into spring, the flowers start to bloom, the weather begins to warm up, and the sun stays out for longer each day. It’s the perfect setting for sightseeing in the “City of Light”.
Paris is one of the most enchanting cities in France. It has it all: incredible monuments, medieval architecture, scenic public parks, and a palpable sense of romance.
During April, the weather is very conducive to outdoor exploring. Although it does rain occasionally, most days are filled with sunshine. Also, since the city’s busy season is from May to September, you’ll experience fewer crowds than in the following months.
Without further ado, let’s get into your inclusive guide to discovering Paris in April.
Things to Book in Paris Before You Leave Home
Few things are more frustrating on vacation than missing out on that amazing hotel or tour because it is sold out. Here are my top things to book in Paris before your vacation.
🗼 Most Popular Attractions in Paris:
1. Eiffel Tower Skip the Line Entry – you can’t miss this when you go to Paris
2. Louvre Museum Timed Entry Ticket – queues for this iconic museum can go for days
3. River Seine 1 Hour Cruise – see Paris from the water
4. Arc de Triomphe Rootop Tickets – try and get it for sunset
5. Versailles Palace Day Trip from Paris – the number one Paris day trip
🛏️Where to Stay in Paris:
1. Hotel La Bourdonnais – 5 min walk from the Eiffel Tower, 7th Arrondissement
2. Hotel Raphael – Most beautiful rooftop in Paris, with Eiffel Tower views
3. Les Jardins de Montmartre Hotel – great value, 10 min walk to Sacre Coeur
The Weather in Paris in April
April is the start of spring in Paris. This month is known for having cool yet comfortable weather that makes outdoor exploring very enjoyable.
The average high temperature is about 17°C (62°F), and the low temperature is around 6°C (43°F). Keep in mind that these are just averages; temperatures as high as 29°C (84°F) and as low as -2°C (30°F) have also been recorded.
Late night and early morning produce the lowest temperatures, so if you’re an early bird or a night owl, it’s best to bring a coat out with you.
Paris records 9 to 12 days of precipitation during April. It typically doesn’t rain all day, and the sun will usually make an appearance at some point each day.
What to Wear | Packing List for Paris in April
When visiting Paris in April, it’s best to pack for cold and warm weather. Layers are key during this month.
Since the early mornings and evenings tend to be cold, you can wear a pair of thermal leggings under your pants. Then layer up your top half with something stylish yet comfortable. These thermal shirts will fit discreetly under any of your sweaters, like this chunky knit turtleneck jumper.
A knitted beanie will also come in handy when the weather dips. And for the days when rain is forecasted, you’ll also want to wear a lightweight waterproof rain jacket or pack a small travel umbrella.
On days when it’s warm, and you want a cute outfit to wear around the city, bring along a flowy maxi dress layered with a lightweight cardigan.
During the day, when you’ll probably be doing your fair share of walking, make sure to wear comfortable walking shoes. Then at night, pack something a little more fancy, like these low-heel pump sandals.
Regarding accessories, it’s a good idea to pack a small travel backpack so you can bring along whatever you need for the day. You can use it to store things like a reusable water bottle and a portable charging pack. If you want to capture some beautiful pictures of Paris in spring, a small, high-quality digital camera will help you take effortlessly gorgeous images.
You might enjoy reading some of my other articles about Paris: Paris in May, Solo Travel Paris Guide, Paris in April, Paris at Night, Sunrise in Paris, Best Hotels in Paris with a View, How to Plan a Trip to Paris, Paris Monuments, and Facts about Paris.
What to Do in Paris in April
Let’s dive into the best things to do in Paris in April. This list includes things you can enjoy in all types of weather. So whether you’re looking for indoor activities for a rainy day or the best ways to enjoy the April sunshine, you’ll have plenty of options to fill your itinerary.
1. Cruise the Seine River
April is a fantastic time of year to take a Seine River cruise. The modern temperature means you can book a river tour and sit outside. It’s one of the best ways to see the city; you’ll have unique vantage points of some of Paris’ top landmarks, including some of France’s elegant bridges.
Book an evening dinner cruise on the Seine River if you’re looking for a romantic Paris activity to enjoy with a loved one. You’ll see the “City of Light” and the river illuminated under the night sky – it’s a magical experience you won’t forget.
2. Head up the Eiffel Tower
Visiting the Eiffel Tower’s summit is an experience you don’t want to miss. This attraction is one of the most popular Paris monuments, making it a must-visit. Although the tower draws a crowd year-round, you probably won’t encounter as many people as you would if you were visiting during summer.
The easiest way to get to the top is by taking the elevator. Alternatively, you can ride the elevator part of the way up and walk the remaining part via the stairs. The views from the top are magical; you’ll have a panoramic view of Paris laid out before your eyes.
3. Walk Down the Elegant Champs-Élysées
Champs-Élysées is a 1.9-kilometre-long chestnut tree-lined avenue in the heart of Paris. It’s a picture postcard scene of the city. With small cafés, luxury shops, and exciting theatres, it offers a host of fun things to do.
For some of the best-tasting macarons in the city, pop into Ladurée’s pastry shop. These sweet little treats come in a variety of flavors, and you can take a box of them with you to go.
Make sure to visit the iconic Arc de Triomphe, which sits on the west end of the Champs-Élysées. This monument honors those who fought in the French Revolutionary War and Napoleonic War. It also contains the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, which is dedicated to the French soldiers who lost their lives while fighting in World War I.
For one of the best views in Paris, climb up to the Arc de Triomphe rooftop. It’s located 50 metres above the city. You’ll be able to admire a unique panorama of the energetic Parisian avenues down below.
4. Learn About History and Culture at the Louvre Museum
If you’re visiting Paris on a rainy day in April, wandering around the Louvre Museum is the perfect indoor activity. This attraction never has quiet days – it’s the world’s most visited museum. However, April is generally less busy than June to September, when the museum sees its largest crowds.
There’s so much to see and learn about at this famous institution; you could easily spend a whole day exploring the different areas. But if you don’t have a day to spare, try to plan what you want to see before you arrive to save some time.
Make sure to add artwork like the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and Liberty Leading the People painting to your museum itinerary. And if you get hungry or need a break, there are several cafes and eateries in the museum where you can rest your legs and enjoy a drink or a meal.
You might enjoy reading some of my other articles about France: Lakes in France, Beautiful Cities in France, Famous French Landmarks, Bridges in France, What is France Famous For?, Things to do in Bordeaux, South West France, Things to do in Grenoble, Things to do in Vaujany, Things to do in Normandy, Tarn et Garonne, Saint Antonin Noble Val, Lake Annecy France and Reims, Champagne.
5. Marvel at the Masterpieces Inside Musée d’Orsay
Musée d’Orsay is a massive museum in Paris. It’s located inside a former Beaux-Arts railway station built from 1898 to 1900. The architecture of the old building provides a fantastic setting for viewing all of the creative pieces on display.
From paintings and photography to sculptures and furniture, you’ll find a treasure trove of interesting exhibits. Most of the pieces are from France and date between 1848 and 1914.
A hallmark of the museum is its large collection of Impressionist and post-Impressionist masterpieces. It includes the works of some of the world’s most celebrated artists, like Claude Monet, Degas, and Van Gogh.
6. Explore Magnificent Montmartre
Montmartre is a large neighborhood that sits on a 130-metre-high hill in the 18th arrondissement of Paris. As you can imagine, its elevated location means you’ll be treated to some spectacular views of the city.
It has a creative vibe; you’ll find many local artists painting away on their easels in the streets. Place du Tertre is a public square where you’ll find many of these artists in a concentrated area.
If you want a unique souvenir, you can sit down for a caricature drawing made by one of the talented artists of Montmartre.
The massive white-domed Basilica of the Sacré-Cœur is one of the area’s main attractions. It sits in a commanding position at the summit of Montmartre, and the entrance is free. Head there early to catch a spectacular sunrise in Paris; this will surely set you up for a great day.
7. See the Spectacular Sainte Chapelle
Words and pictures don’t do justice to how beautiful Paris’ Sainte Chapelle is. This is the kind of place you have to see for yourself.
The timeless gothic-style church was built from 1243 to 1248. It features more than 1,000 stained glass windows that will completely mesmerize you. Everywhere you look, you’ll see intricate scenes from the bible displayed in the colorful glass.
If you want to learn more about the history of the church, you can purchase an audio guide at the entrance for a small fee.
The Sainte Chapelle is a jewel of French architecture with a magical atmosphere that everyone will appreciate, whether you’re religious or not.
8. Discover What Lies Below the City at the Paris Catacombs
If you’re a fan of history or the macabre, the Paris Catacombs are a one-of-a-kind attraction you don’t want to miss. You’ll travel under the city streets to a dark labyrinth full of the bones of around six million deceased Parisians.
You’ll take a self-led audio guide tour through the catacombs to visit this site. You’ll weave through the different passages and rooms while learning the history of this fascinating attraction.
The route is 1.5 km long, with about 131 steps down and another 112 back up. Since the catacombs are 20 metres underground, the temperature stays at a comfortable 14°C (57°F) regardless of outside temperature.
This historic site is open every day except for Monday. Before you visit, you have to book your Paris Catacombs tickets online. It’s advised to do this at least a day or two in advance, as this is a popular attraction and only a limited number of tickets are available each day.
9. Stroll Through Pere Lachaise Cemetery
Pere Lachaise Cemetery is the city’s largest graveyard. This sprawling necropolis opened in 1804 and measures 44 hectares (110 acres).
It’s one of the most famous cemeteries in the world, attracting millions of people each year. The graveyard’s popularity comes from its historical significance. Pere Lachaise contains the bodies of some of the world’s most creative people, including Frédéric Chopin, Édith Piaf, Oscar Wilde, and Jim Morrison.
With cobblestone walkways, elaborate-designed crypts, and tree-lined paths, it’s a nice place to break from Paris’s chaos. Even though it’s a popular attraction, it retains a quiet peacefulness and is a nice place to clear your head.
10. Visit an Outdoor Market
Visiting one of Paris’ outdoor markets is the perfect way to experience the local culture. And since most days in April are filled with sunshine, the weather makes this activity even more enjoyable. There are too many Paris markets to name, but here are some of the most popular options:
- Rue Mouffetard Market is located on a quiet pedestrian street. It’s on the smaller side, but you’ll still find a nice variety of items being sold, like fresh bread, gourmet cheese, seafood, meat, delectable pastries, and French wine. It’s also outlined by independent shops and quaint cafes. If you want a quiet experience, visit during the week, on the weekends it gets very busy.
- Marché des Enfants Rouges is the oldest covered market in Paris; it dates back to 1615. Here, you’ll find market staples, like fresh produce, flowers, and cheese, and some eclectic street food options. You’ll have quite the selection from Moroccan to Thai and Italian to French.
- Le Marché Bastille is one of Paris’ largest markets. The local stands sell things like produce, clothing, fish, flowers, artisan goods, and much more. You can pick up all the ingredients you need to go home and prepare an authentic French feast or fill a basket with picnic supplies.
11. Enjoy the April Weather at an Outdoor Eatery
Partake in a Parisian favourite of soaking up the April sun at one of the city’s many outdoor eateries. You can enjoy almost any type of dining experience outside.
In the morning, wake up with a coffee and a classic French pastry at a quaint cafe, like Carette Paris. This chic eatery is across from Place des Vosges, so you’ll have a nice leafy view of the park.
At lunch, head to Girafe Restaurant and dine on their airy terrace with views of the Eiffel Tower. This French restaurant specializes in seafood and fresh, seasonal ingredients.
Cap off the perfect day in the evening by enjoying drinks at a rooftop bar. Le Perchoir Marais serves wine, cocktails, beer, and small plates alongside impressive panoramic city views, including a clear shot of the Eiffel Tower.
This rooftop bar can get busy, so it’s best to call and make a reservation before you arrive, so you don’t have to wait for a table.
12. Have a Picnic in a Paris Park
Want to know a fascinating fact about Paris? The city has 450 parks and gardens, and April is a lovely month to enjoy them. They offer a nice break from the hustle and bustle of fast-paced Parisian life.
They also provide the perfect atmosphere for picnicking. Pack a blanket and basket full of goodies and have lunch on the grass under the warm April sun. Or, start your day on the right foot with a takeaway coffee and a box of French pastries watching the sun rise high into the sky.
Some public spaces with lots of grassy space and a chilled-out atmosphere include Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, Parc Montsouris, and Square du Vert-Galant.
13. Admire the Cherry Blossoms in Paris
Just when you thought the gorgeous French city couldn’t get any more beautiful, April arrives, and Paris is splashed in shades of pink and white. Although the cherry blossom season changes each year due to the weather, it usually lasts from late March to mid-April.
They bloom in many different areas of the city. Some of the most popular public places for cherry blossom viewing are the Trocadéro Gardens, Jardin Des Plantes, and Square Gabriel Pierné. Several streets in the city are lined with cherry blossoms, including Rue Villebois Mareuil, Vincennes, and Alley Vivaldi.
Make sure to have a fully charged camera with you when you visit; the pictures you’ll capture will be effortlessly beautiful — with no filters needed.
14. See a Show at the Moulin Rouge
Although you can enjoy seeing a show at the Moulin Rouge year-round, in April, you’ll have a better chance of getting tickets for the day you want. And this is the kind of show you’ll want to experience while in Paris.
You’ll be transported to a world with the highest magical showmanship level. You’ll be entertained from start to finish with roller skaters’ acrobatics, strong men, and other eye-catching performers. To complete the experience, all tickets include half a bottle of champagne.
15. Take a French Wine Tasting Class
Taking a French wine tasting class with a sommelier is the perfect Paris activity for wine lovers. You’ll be able to try out different whites and reds from the main wine-producing regions of the country. Find out what makes each one different, and learn how to taste wine and read a bottle label properly.
You’ll also enjoy a sampling of cheese with your tasting. When you’ve finished, each drink you sampled will be available for purchase and many more.
16. Relish in the Nostalgia at Disneyland Paris
April is a great month to visit Disneyland Paris. The park’s low season is from about November to March, but if you visit early in April, you could still beat the hordes of tourists that begin to appear as the weather warms up.
The theme park has tons of adrenaline-fueled rides, like Indiana Jones and the Temple of Peril, Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain, and Pirates of the Caribbean.
There are also plenty of child-friendly rides, like Peter Pan’s Flight, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, and Mad Hatters Tea Cups.
The daily shows and parades are geared toward all ages. And with countless dining options in the park, you’ll be all set to spend the whole day exploring and having fun.
It doesn’t matter if you’re a kid or an adult; everyone will appreciate a trip to the happiest place on earth.
17. Experience the Paris Marathon
The Paris Marathon takes place in the city every April. Whether you want to run or be a spectator, this high-energy event is fun to experience. The running route travels past some of the city’s most famous landmarks, avenues, and plazas, including the Arc de Triomphe, Place de la Bastille, and Rue de Rivoli.
Final Thoughts on Visiting Paris in April
April is the perfect month for discovering all that Paris has to offer. You’ll be able to enjoy the city’s outdoor attractions in a comfortable setting. And if it rains during your trip, you can head to plenty of indoor attractions and stay dry.
As a bonus, April is considered Paris’ shoulder season. This means that the hordes of holiday tourists are yet to arrive. Even though you’ll still encounter a fair share of other visitors, the numbers won’t be as high as in the months that follow.
Amanda O’Brien is the creator and editor of The Boutique Adventurer. She has visited 80 countries and is a member of the British Guild of Travel Writers as well as the IFTWTA. She is passionate about wine had has just completed Level 3 of the WSET. Born in Australia, she lives in London.