Paris in spring: Museums after dark, picnics and bike rides


As the cold fingers of winter bid adieu, spring is when Paris bursts into life. Lush flowers fill every street corner, turning the city into a vibrant palette of colors. It’s the perfect time to visit the French capital before the summer crowds stream in.
The weather can be unpredictable, so bring along waterproof gear in case of sudden showers. Layers will be your best friend in spring. While March can still be a tad chilly, temperatures warm up by May, and you’ll see plenty of Parisians wearing short skirts and open-toed shoes.
As the city thaws, events, festivals, and celebrations pop up all over Paris, allowing you to enjoy a hearty dose of Parisian culture. Here are some ideas to make the most of Paris in the springtime.
1. Picnic by the Eiffel Tower

No trip to Paris is complete without seeing the iconic Eiffel Tower. Every tourist flocks to this must-see attraction and the wait to go up the tower can take up to two hours (sometimes longer) during peak periods like summer. Lines are much shorter in spring, and the balmy weather makes waiting in line more pleasant. Or you can skip the line and enjoy priority access all the way up to the top floor with a local guide.
If you’re keen to admire the Eiffel Tower from a distance, head to Parc du Champ de Mars. The rolling green lawns are a great spot for a picnic while you enjoy the sunshine and the view.
2. Cheer on runners at the Paris Marathon

Every April, people all over the world come to France to race in the Paris Marathon, known for its amazingly scenic route. Starting from the Avenue des Champs-Élysées, participants run past landmarks like the Hôtel de Ville, the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris, and Pont Neuf. If you happen to be in Paris on a marathon Sunday, join in the excitement by heading to the finish line near the Arc de Triomphe to cheer on the runners, or you could even sign up to join the race. A finisher medal would make the perfect holiday souvenir.
3. Cruise down the Seine

Fans of Emily in Paris will remember the glamorous party held onboard a bateaux mouche, where Emily and Alfie shared a romantic moment cruising along the Seine River. In spring, the days stretch longer, bathing Paris in warm golden light. Take advantage of this by booking an evening sightseeing cruise, where you’ll get to admire the sun setting over landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Ile de la Cité, and Musée d’Orsay. Enjoy classic French cuisine as the city transforms into an illuminated skyline around you, accompanied by the dulcet tones of live musicians.
4. Watch masterpieces come to life at night

For one night a year, museums and cultural hotspots across Europe keep their doors open after dark, usually late into the evening. In Paris, this is known as La Nuit des Musées, held on the third Saturday in May. Best of all, entry is free.
From the world-famous Conciergerie to Ateliers-Musée Chana Orloff, you’ll get to explore exhibits long past your usual bedtime. The Long Night of Museums also features special performances, workshops, and more. We recommend checking out the Grand Palais art museum, as this is the only time you’ll be able to visit without having to buy a ticket.
5. Stroll through the Jardin des Tuileries

Once a palace garden that hosted banquets and soirees, the Jardin des Tuileries is still fit for royalty today. The 28-hectare garden is dotted with sculptures, fountains, and ponds. Stroll along the original pathways or relax on the garden’s beloved green chairs. Art lovers will love the Musée de l'Orangerie within the garden, which hosts Claude Monet’s Water Lilies paintings. And those with little ones, fret not—there are tons of play areas and activities for children.
Most importantly, the Jardin des Tuileries is a sight to behold in spring. From the blooming flower beds to the magnolia trees laden with pink blossoms, this garden is a must-see in springtime. Be sure to stop by on the way to the Louvre Museum or the Place de la Concorde.
6. Join a gastronomic tour of Montmartre

The Montmartre district is an idyllic neighborhood perched atop a hill. With its cobbled streets, basilicas, and quaint cafés, the historic neighborhood is full of old village charm. Its enchanting atmosphere has been captured on canvas by artists like Vincent van Gogh and Pierre-Auguste Renoir, and on the silver screen in the movie Amelie.
If you’re up for a workout, climb the steps up to the Basilique du Sacre-Coeur de Montmartre to get a bird’s eye view of Paris. For a taste of Paris, we recommend joining a gastronomic tour, where you’ll get to sample local cheese, meats, and chocolate. Don’t forget to save space for wine—Montmartre is home to Le Clos Montmartre, the only vineyard in the heart of Paris.
7. Go for a scenic bike ride along Paris’ canals

Paris is one of the most bicycle-friendly cities in the world, with bike lanes and self-service bike rentals available across the city. Take advantage of the cool temperatures and hop on a bike ride around Paris. We suggest cycling along the Canal Saint-Martin, where you’ll see many Parisians enjoying a spring day out. If you’re feeling peckish, this route will take you past bustling food markets and numerous bars and restaurants—stop and grab a bite any time.
8. Take a day trip to Versailles

Venture out of the city to tour the lavish Palace of Versailles, one of the largest palaces in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The gilded halls are a stunning sight, but the gardens are just as dazzling in spring. From April, the château’s 55 fountains come alive and dance to the sounds of Baroque music as part of the seasonal Les Grandes Eaux Musicales.
9. Wander around Père-Lachaise Cemetery

Spring signifies a period of rebirth, which makes it timely to pay the Père-Lachaise Cemetery a visit. This cemetery is where Jim Morrison, Edith Piaf, Oscar Wilde, and many more famous people were laid to rest. Père-Lachaise is anything but morbid in springtime, when the lilies, irises, and roses come into bloom, brightening up the atmosphere. If you’re looking for a tranquil and off-the-grid Paris experience, it’s worth making a trip to Père-Lachaise.
10. Travel back in time at a jazz festival

After World War II, exiled musicians from America settled in Paris, bringing the district of Saint Germain des Prés to life with jazz clubs. The annual Festival Jazz à Saint-Germain-des-Prés celebrates the history of the area with a mix of outdoor and indoor jazz performances by international musicians and young talents. Sip a cup of coffee in the cool spring air as you listen to free live gigs along the street, or duck into the Odeon Theatre for a majestic performance that will whisk you back in time to the 1940s.