April in Paris 2023
All you need to know for visiting Paris in April 2023.
Is April a good time to go to Paris? April is a wonderful month to visit Paris, but it is also a very busy one. Spring has well and truly started in Paris in April, and despite frequent showers, the city fills with flowers, perfumes, and the locals start to populate the parks.
In 2023, Easter falls in April, and although France is not known for its religious celebrations, the city becomes especially appealing for those who can get some days off.
In Paris, April is a combination of city perfection with busy crowds, and it is a great month for sightseeing, outdoor activities, and day trips out of the capital. If you want to visit Paris in April, here’s the guide to April in Paris 2023 to get the most out of your time in the French capital.
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Is Paris in April Busy? Crowds Forecast
April in Paris is the beginning of the high season in France, so it is a busy month. If you visit Paris in April, you will not see the crowds of July and August, but still, it is a good idea to book accommodation and tickets to the main attractions well in advance.
Paris in April is crazy busy during the weeks of Easter and spring school holidays (more in the following chapters).
Below I list the main Paris attractions you will need advance tickets for and have added links to my favorite trusty providers for your convenience.
Weather in Paris in April
How is the weather in Paris in April? April is spring in Paris, and you can expect lovely weather with mild temperatures and the occasional showers. April in Paris is one of the best times for sightseeing and exploring the city on foot or by bike.
At this time of the year, the weather is changeable, and you will need to dress in layers.
The average temperature in Paris in April is 16C maximum and 8C minimum, with a 14% chance of rain.
A foldable umbrella will be your best friend when you visit Paris in early April, but you can simply find refuge in a Parisian café and resume sightseeing when it stops raining.
What to Wear in Paris in April 2023
April is a spring month in Paris. The weather is changeable, but usually, the temperatures are mild. Early mornings and evenings tend to be cold, and you will need to wrap up a little more, but overall, mid-season clothes and layers should do.
What to pack for Paris in April? At the beginning of the month, you may see many locals still wearing winter coats, but as the month progresses, the temperatures get warmer. Before leaving for Paris, check the weather forecast, and decide if you need warmer clothes.
Then you will need good walking shoes (ankle boots or winter sneakers are perfect, ideally waterproof), socks and tights and long trousers. Finally, pack long sleeve tops and sweaters.
For Paris in April, check out our Spring /Summer packing lists for a more Parisian look.
Best Tips for Visiting Paris in April
If you are visiting Paris for the first time and plan to visit many tourist sights, consider purchasing a Paris tourist pass to save time and money. Check out this Paris Tourist Pass Comparison to find the best pass for you.
If you want to visit only a few attractions, buy skip-the-line tickets or bundle tickets for your favorite sites.
9 April to 10 April 2023 are holiday days in France (Sunday and Monday Easter). This is a popular time to visit Paris, and also locals like to travel around the country and abroad. Therefore, booking flight tickets, train tickets, and accommodation well in advance is paramount.
28 April to 9 May 2023 is school holidays in Paris, and, commonly, parents take one week off for a family cultural trip somewhere else in France or Europe. If you decide to come to Paris in late April, book things in advance, especially train and flight tickets from /to Paris.
If you plan to visit Paris in April, always have some indoor activities in mind for the occasional showers. If you need some inspiration, check out this list of fun things to do when it rains in Paris.
A week before the departure, check out our Transportation Strikes in Paris post, which is always up to date. You never know with the French . . . 😉
Need insurance for France? Be sure to check SafetyWing, our trusted travel insurance policy for long and short trips (starting with a minimum of 5 days). Since August 2020, it covers COVID-19 for new policies purchased, and since April 2021, unplanned quarantine is covered, too.
Best Things to Do in Paris April 2023 (and Events in Paris April 2023)
What to do in Paris in April 2023? If you visit Paris for the first time, you may have some of the main attractions, like the Eiffel Tower or the Louvre Museum, on your Paris bucket list. The itineraries below are thought for first-timers in Paris, and they are planned around the main attractions and neighborhoods in Paris:
- 1 day in Paris itinerary
- 2 days in Paris itinerary
- 3 days in Paris itinerary
- 4 days in Paris itinerary
- 5 days in Paris itinerary
- 6 days in Paris itinerary
- 7 days in Paris itinerary
Here’s the list of the best things to do in April in Paris 2023, seasonal activities in Paris in April with something for everyone. Some of the events (or the dates of certain events) are still to be confirmed, so keep clicking for the latest updates.
EXPLORE PARIS BY BIKE
April in Paris is an excellent month to explore the city by bike. Instead of taking the dark and crowded metro, get some fresh air and enjoy Paris in the spring on your bike.
Check out this Paris by Bike Quick Guide to learn how to navigate the city on two wheels and for the best bike tours covering Paris. For a fun and relaxing day, you can also consider Versailles by bike or the trail along Canal de l’Ourcq.
LOOK FOR THE CHERRY BLOSSOMS IN PARIS
Cherry blossoms in Paris bloom from March to April, so if you visit Paris in early April, you will find many beautiful spots in the city with beautiful cherry blossoms.
Check out our quick guide to the Cherry Blossoms in Paris for the full list of places and the approximate dates.
VISIT ONE OF THE SMALL TOWNS NEAR PARIS
There’s always something new to see in the capital, but when the weather is good, get on a train and explore one of the beautiful small towns around Paris.
The surroundings of Paris are dotted with some picturesque small towns worth a day trip. After the long winter, these towns come to life in April, especially on the weekends.
Where to go for a day out of Paris in April? Provins is a pretty medieval town very easy to reach by train whilst Auvers-sur-Oise is famous for Van Gogh. For a good combination of sightseeing and nature, head to Fontainebleau to visit the castle and a hike in the forest – Click here for the list of best small towns near Paris
EASTER IN PARIS 2023
Easter in France is all about church services, meals with family, and spectacular chocolate creations.
During Easter in Paris, all the pâtisseries and chocolate shops throughout the city decorate their shop windows with awesome Easter goodies and colorful cakes. Shop displays by Pierre Hermé, Patrick Roger, or Jean-Paul Hévin are well known by everybody and wonderful to see.
To get the most out of season, take this Chocolate, Pastries & Macaron Walking Tour of Saint-Germain, a picturesque neighborhood well known for its chocolate and cake shops.
TAKE A FOOD TOUR IN PARIS
Food tours are a good option to learn more about the local food and get some fresh air when it is not too cold outside. Food tours in Paris usually cover a specific area or neighborhood, so they are also a good way to learn more about this area whilst enjoying great food.
Learn about the best food in Paris and get some good addresses to eat or buy while exploring your favorite neighborhood in Paris.
The best food tours in Paris cover the neighborhoods of Le Marais, Saint Germain-des-Prés, and Montmartre. If you are interested in local food, consider this top-rated Paris Gourmet Walking Tour in the Latin Quarter.
FUN IN THE PARK WITH A SELF-GUIDED TREASURE HUNT
Paris is home to many interesting museums, but when the weather is nice, it is hard to stay indoors in the City of Light!
Treasure Hunts and Scavenger Hunts are a great way to explore the city, especially if you are looking for alternative or unusual things to do in Paris. Treasure Hunts take you past many local attractions, opening your eyes to so many things you would ordinarily just walk straight past.
If you are blessed with a day of sunshine and blue sky in Paris in April, by all means, take full advantage of it and head outdoors to get the most out of the city, that’s what Parisians do!
>> Take this self-guided Treasure Hunt in the Luxembourg Gardens to find Queen Marie de Médicis’ most precious treasure.
>> Take this self-guided Scavenger Hunt in the Tuileries Garden to help its lost soul find its way to its final resting place.
Both hunts are great for learning more about two of the most lovely places in central Paris.
VISIT MONET’S GARDEN IN GIVERNY
After some sleepy months, Monet’s house in Giverny opens its doors in spring, and this is one of the best trips from Paris – click here for a quick guide to Monet’s Gardens in Giverny
In spring, Monet’s garden comes into full bloom! The main blooms in April are the great hybrids, narcissi and daffodils, and tulips. Then, they are joined by other spring bulbs of all colors. Over the month, the wallflowers start to appear too.
April is definitely too early for the water lilies, but you can see two of the emblematic trees in Monet’s garden (the apple tree and the cherry tree) start to bloom – Click here to book a half-day private tour to Monet’s Gardens
TAKE A DAY CRUISE TO SAIL THE SEINE RIVER
In Paris, April is a great month to take a Seine Cruise along the Seine River. If the weather is good, hop on a boat and enjoy Paris’ main attractions – Notre Dame, Pont Alexandre III, Orsay Museum, or the Eiffel Tower – from the water.
There are different Seine River experiences, with or without meals, and it mostly depends on your budget.
>> Seine River cruise, with or without meal – the most touristy
>> The Batobus (hop on, hop off boat tour) – the most local
>> Private River Cruise with skipper (8pax max) – the fanciest!
>> City and River Seine Tour with an Amphibious Bus – the quirkiest!
LOOK FOR THE BEST VIEWS IN PARIS
Paris is one of the most photogenic cities in the world, especially in spring, with the trees in full bloom. Photography in Paris in the spring is a wonder!
Look for the best views of the Eiffel Tower for the most iconic clichés, but there are many other places perfect for some selfies or photoshoots.
Check out our list of the best views in Paris that you shouldn’t miss when visiting Paris in April.
CHECK OUT THE TEMPORARY EXHIBITIONS IN APRIL IN PARIS 2023
When you travel to Paris in April, you may want to check the list of temporary exhibitions, especially if this is not your first time in Paris.
Here’s the list of the most interesting exhibitions scheduled for Paris, April 2023.
Arts and Prehistory – Musée de l’Homme, from 16 November 2022 to 22 May 2023
Gold by Yves Saint Laurent – Musée Yves Saint Laurent Paris, from 14 October 2022 to 14 May 2023
Eternal Mucha – Grand Palais Immersif, from 22 March to 5 October 2023
Neo Romantics – Musée Marmottan Monet, from 8 March to 18 July 2023
Picasso Celebration: the Collection in a New Light – Musée National Picasso-Paris, from 7 March 2023 to 27 August 2023
Chagall, Paris – New York – Atélier des Lumières, from 17 February 2023 to 7 January 2024
Paul Klee, Painting Music – Atélier des Lumières, from 17 February 2023 to 7 January 2024
Germaine Richier – Centre Georges Pompidou, from 1 March to 12 June 2023
Notre Dame de Paris, from Builders to Restorers – Cité de l’Architecture et du Patrimoine, from 15 February 2023 to 29 April 2024
Kimono – Musée du Quai Branly, from 22 November 2022 to 28 May 2023
Harry Potter, l’Exposition à Paris – Paris Expo Porte de Versailles, from 21 April 2023 to 1 October 2023
Années 80 – Musée des Arts Décoratifs, from 13 October 2022 to 16 April 2023
1997, Fashion Big Bang – Palais Galliera, from 7 March to 16 July 2023
Elliott Erwitt – Musée Maillol, from 23 March to 15 August 2023
Manet / Degas – Musée d’Orsay, from 28 March to 23 July 2023
Giovanni Bellini – Musée Jacquemart André, from 3 March to 17 July 2023
Zanele Muholi – MEP Maison Européenne de la Photographie, from 1 February to 21 May 2023
La Fabuloserie a 40 ans – Halle Saint Pierre, from 25 January to 25 August 2023
Money in Art – La Monnaie de Paris, from 30 March 2023 to 24 September 2023
Basquiat X Warhol, Painting Four Hands – Fondation Louis Vuitton, from 5 April to 28 August 2023.
NEED MORE IDEAS FOR PARIS IN APRIL?
Need more inspiration for when you visit Paris in April? You can have a look at our articles about March in Paris or May in Paris. Some of the activities suggested in these pieces are also great for April in Paris.
Where to Stay in Paris in April
We recommend Booking.com for booking your hotel in Paris. They have a wide variety of accommodation of all kinds and good rates. In addition, they propose the option to cancel for free, most of the time up to 24 hours.
SLEEP WITH EIFFEL TOWER VIEWS
If you have the budget, why not treat yourself to the pleasure of waking up with an amazing Eiffel Tower balcony view?
Some of the best hotels in Paris also come with awesome views of the Eiffel Tower, especially beautiful during its night show!
Check out the best hotels with Eiffel Tower Views
The good news is that a cozy room with Eiffel Tower views is not exclusive to the best hotels in Paris. If you are looking for a more local experience, there are also beautiful, fully equipped apartments to rent with amazing Eiffel Tower views
Check out the best apartments with view of Eiffel Tower
HOTELS AT LE MARAIS IN PARIS 3
Le Marais in the Right Bank is a beautiful and central neighborhood perfect to set your base in Paris, especially if you are visiting Paris for the first time. It is picturesque, well connected by the metro, and with many beautiful cafes and restaurant options.
Click here for the best hotels in Le Marais in Paris 3
LE PAVILLON DE LA REINE & SPA, Paris 3, $$$$
Le Pavillon de la Reine is a luxury hotel & spa located at Place des Vosges in the Marais. The rooms are individually decorated and very spacious. Facilities include a spa, fitness center, and hammam. Its beautiful secluded garden is perfect to end your day with a drink.
Click here for the Latest Prices
HOTEL DU PETIT MOULIN, Paris 3, $$$
Located at the heart of Marais and entirely designed by Christian Lacroix, this hotel offers the best combination of history + design. Guests can use complimentary bicycles and enjoy free access to the spa at Hotel Pavillon de la Reine, a 10-min walk away.
Click here for the Latest Prices
HOTELS AT THE LATIN QUARTER
If you prefer to stay in the Left Bank, the Latin Quarter is also a good option, usually with less expensive options. Stay close to the Luxembourg Gardens or the Jardin des Plantes but also to lively areas like rue du Mouffetard or the Sorbonne with many bars and restaurants nearby.
Click here for the best hotels in the Latin Quarter in Paris 5
XHOTEL LA LANTERNE; Paris 5, $$$$
Hotel La Lanterne has an excellent location (between Notre Dame and Luxembourg Gardens), attractive rooms, and some great facilities like a spa, pool, or private garden. Perfect to finish your exploring days in a more relaxing way.
Click here for the Latest Prices
OBSERVATOIRE LUXEMBOURG: Paris 5, $$$
Located close to Luxembourg Gardens, we find its design pretty cool. But of course, it is not all about decoration: the hotel’s comfortable rooms, French Brasserie, modern facilities, and cool staff are the perfect combination for a great stay in Paris.
And there you have it, our quick guide to Paris April 2023 with the best tips and things to do in Paris in April. Bon voyage!
