Ask a local when the best time to visit Paris is and many will tell you it’s April. Happily nestled between the freezing cold temperatures of winter and the heaving crowds of summer, spring in Paris is a breath of fresh air that promises all kinds of wonderful adventures you won’t find anywhere else.

During this month, the city’s parks and gardens are dotted with colorful flowers, while street markets flow along bustling avenues, and cafe terraces embrace an enigmatic vibe that will sweep you off your feet. April is a fantastic month to visit iconic Parisian sights while also checking out the family-friendly Easter events that bring out the inner child in everyone.

With so many cool things to see and do, it can be tricky to know where to begin. To help you out, here’s a list of the top things to do in Paris in April. From walking through gardens brimming with wildflowers to becoming a master pastry chef and visiting a centuries-old fair, there’s absolutely loads going on in the “city of love” at this time of year. 

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The 10 Best Things to Do in Paris in April

1. Have a Picnic Under the Eiffel Tower

Spring in Paris is incredibly romantic. If you’re traveling with your partner, plan a unique date night and enjoy a picnic on the lawn that surrounds the Eiffel Tower. The sun sets between 8:20 pm and 9 pm at this time of year, so try to arrive around 7 pm, when you can still make the most of the warm, dappled sunlight. 

The nearby Au Levain bakery serves incredible pastries, breads, and cakes, which are available to take away. It’s a short walk from La Fromagerie, where you’ll find a huge choice of local cheeses. To top it off, make a stop at Le Manoir Vins et Épicerie Fine, where you’ll find a fantastic range of wines. 

2. Watch the City Bloom

For me, April is the best time to visit Paris because it’s just so beautiful. During this magical month, you’ll see trees draped in delicate cherry blossoms, brightly colored tulips blooming in immaculate rows, and rustic flower markets laden with spectacular bouquets.

While you’ll see stunning flowers all over the city, some places are more in bloom than others. Trocadero Gardens and Parc du Champ-de-Mars by the Eiffel Tower are usually where you’ll spot the best cherry blossoms. If you don’t mind a bit of a journey, there’s a complete cherry orchard at the Parc de Sceaux, a 25-minute train ride away from the city center, too.

3. Climb to the Top of the Pantheon

Paris in the spring is bursting with stunning panoramas and you’ll find one of the very best at the top of the Pantheon. Between April and September, you’re invited to climb the 203 steps to the top of this important building, where you’ll be rewarded with 360° views that seem to stretch on endlessly.

After the upward trek, you’ll be happy to feel the gentle April sun on your face while the cool springtime breezes blow around you. From up here, not only can you see famous landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, but you can also spot all the gorgeous flowers decorating the city’s boulevards.

4. Go Easter Egg Hunting

If you’re planning on traveling as a family with young children, Easter is the best time to visit Paris. At this time of year, artisan chocolate shops are filled with cute chocolate bunnies and special children’s activities are held throughout the city. Out of all the events, the Easter egg hunts are the most fun and easy to join in with.

In exchange for a small fee (usually €5-10), your little ones can seek out yummy chocolate eggs hidden throughout various locations in the city. Here are some of my favorite places for Easter egg hunting:

• Jardin d’Acclimatation: 50,000+ Easter eggs are hidden here every year!
• Paris Zoo: Easter egg hunting is open to people of all ages.
• Parc André Citroën: Easter egg hunting plus music, games, and craft workshops.

5. Wander Around the Palace of Versailles

The gardens around the Palace of Versailles are some of the most impressive places to visit in Paris in the spring. While the 17th-century palace is remarkable on its own (it’s one of the biggest in the world!), the gardens are the stars of the show at this time of year.

The Flower Parterre is one of the most mesmerizing parts. This section boasts perfectly manicured trees and espaliered hedges wrapped around blooming daffodils and narcissus. The layout is so perfect that it’s hard to believe it’s real!

Throughout April, you’ll also have the chance to catch the Grandes Eaux Musicales fountain show. It takes place at the Neptune fountain every Saturday and Sunday. Check the map when you arrive for the latest timings. 

6. Visit a 12th-Century Fair 

There are loads of fantastic things to do in Paris in April. If you’re looking for some high-speed thrills or nostalgic fun, head to the Foire du Trone. This annual fair is open every year throughout April and May and is absolutely jam-packed with rides and attractions.

Although the Foire du Trone dates way back to the 12th century, the rollercoasters and shows are (thankfully!) much more modern. There are 350 rides in total, ranging from roller coasters and Ferris wheels to tower drops and carousels. 

Don’t worry about getting hungry – there are loads of food stalls dotted throughout the fair, too, offering all kinds of tempting sweet treats to keep you going.

7. Take a Cruise Along the River Seine

If you’re visiting Paris in April with your partner, surprise them with a romantic cruise along the River Seine. There are lots of different options available, so you can have the evening exactly how you want it. 

A romantic dinner cruise usually includes a gourmet meal, cozy mood lighting, and dreamy live music. These sailings also tend to leave around sunset, so you have the chance to see the river bathed in golden light before the twinkling street lights illuminate the city. 

Alternatively, you could sign up for the champagne cruise and sip Moet & Chandon while sailing down the Seine with your partner instead.

8. Unleash Your Inner Art Critic at Art Paris 

April sees Paris come to life with all kinds of exciting events and festivals. If you’re a fan of art, don’t pass up the chance to visit Art Paris. This phenomenal art fair takes place at the start of the month inside the Grand Palais and gives you the chance to admire the work of both long-established artists as well as up-and-coming names. 

The exhibitions here are remarkably diverse and feature everything from quirky sculptures made out of everyday trash to giant murals painted on curtains and thought-provoking photography aimed to change your view of the world. 

9. See Monet’s Gardens in Full Bloom

April is the best time to explore the gardens at Giverny. The name may not mean much to you, but when you see them, you’ll instantly recognize them as the famous gardens painted by Claude Monet.

The gardens are a 90-minute journey via car or train away from Paris, but the trip is more than worth it. At this time of year, the ponds are full of large lily pads, bushes filled with brightly-colored flowers line the waterways, and thick hanging trees create a magical, fairytale-like setting. 

If you’re curious about Monet, you can learn more about him by visiting his house, which has been transformed into a museum. 

10. Become a Master Chef with a Cooking Class

If the weather takes a turn for the worse, stay warm and dry inside by signing up for a French cooking class. There are tons to choose from, however skilled you are in the kitchen.

During spring in Paris, many culinary schools host seasonal classes. Join in with an Easter workshop and you’ll discover how to make all kinds of treats typically served at this time of year, such as cheese soufflé and roasted lamb. 

If you’d rather indulge your sweet tooth, there are lots of macaron classes available. Or, if you really want to put your skills to the test, sign up for a pastry-making class and learn how to make perfect croissants! 

There you have it! The 10 best things to do in Paris in April. What’s your favorite thing to do in Paris at this time of year?

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