11 Bucket List Ideas for Visiting Paris in the Spring

Visiting Paris in the spring is one of my favorite things to do. 

The city is filled with the scent of freshly bloomed flowers, everyone is in a good mood because the weather is finally getting warm, and sidewalk seating is actually enjoyable.

I especially love catching Paris Fashion Week, it makes for really interesting people watching!

There are also tons of festivals and special events during the springtime, which makes it the best time to go to Paris.

Below is everything you need to know about visiting Paris in the spring. 

Weather in Paris During the Spring

Temperatures range from the 40s to high 60s, and rain is a common occurrence.  

You’ll want to pack layers and an umbrella when visiting Paris in the springtime. 

Best Things to Do While Visiting Paris in the Spring

1. Sit at a Sidewalk Cafe 

Everyone should spend a few hours in Paris sitting at a sidewalk cafe, just watching the world go by. 

Some of the best sidewalk cafes to sit and have a coffee or glass of wine are:

• Cafe de Flore
• Maison Sauvage
• Bonne Franquette
• Le Sancerre
• Le Procope

2. Explore Some Parks and Gardens

Obviously, spring in Paris is prime time for those flowers to be blooming, so you’d be crazy not to spend at least a few hours reading or people-watching in one of the city’s parks or gardens.

In case you need some help deciding which place to spend your afternoon, let me point you to some of my favorites:

• Luxembourg Gardens
• Le Jardin des Tuileries
• Parc de la Butte-Chapeau-Rouge
• Parc Floral des Paris

3. Spend a Rainy Afternoon at a Museum

Paris has no shortage of museums to choose from on a rainy day. 

If you’re visiting during May, check to see if Nuit des Musee is happening. It’s a one night only chance to enter some of Paris’ top museums for free!

Below are some that you shouldn’t miss!

• The Louvre
• Rodin Museum
• Centre Pompidou
• Musee d’Orsay
• Musée de l’Orangerie

Plan ahead and book one of these priority tours of the Louvre!

4. Hit Up Some Markets

Paris has tons of little street markets that sell everything from food and drinks to antiques, to vintage clothes.

Every time I’m in Paris, I make it a point to seek at least one vintage or antique market. They’re always filled with treasures that make the perfect souvenirs. 

If you’re a shopaholic, you need to hit up one of these cute marketplaces while you’re visiting:

• Marché aux Puces de St-Ouen 
• Marché d’Aligre
• Marché des Enfants Rouges
• Les Puces de Montreuil
• Marche de Porte de Vanves
• Marche Paul Bert

Further Reading

10 Chic Vintage Shops in Paris: Thrift Shopping With Style!

Next time you find yourself in France, skip shopping at generic stores, and head straight to these amazing vintage shops in Paris to curate your own chic style!

5. Walk to All the Tourist Attractions

I’m a massive fan of walking around new cities, always walking to every location that’s remotely walkable. 

Assuming it’s not raining, spring in Paris is the perfect time to take advantage of how walkable the city is. 

You can easily walk between the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, and other world-famous sites with enough planning. 

My dad and I hit up a ton of spots during a quick 24 hours in Paris while walking everywhere. 

If you’re looking for someone to guide you around, consider signing up for one of Paris’ many walking tours.

6. Plan a Picnic

I love planning picnics in every city I visit, assuming the weather is acceptable.

In Paris, my favorite thing to do is to pick up a bottle of wine (or champagne), a fresh baguette, lots of cheese, a bit of pate, and desserts. 

From there, I always find a spot on the Seine to sit and indulge in all the French delicacies I’ve collected. I especially like sitting near Notre Dame, or in a spot where I can see the Eiffel Tower.

You can also head to a park or garden to picnic if you prefer somewhere with a bit more greenery. 

7. Schedule a River Cruise

There are few things better than being on a boat on a warm spring day, especially when that boat is cruising past some of Paris’s most iconic structures. 

Check out some of these popular boat tours!

8. Take a Day Trip

If you’re in town for a few days, absolutely plan to take a short sojourn outside of the city. 

There are tons of cute little spots with short commute times via train. Some of my favorites are:

• Versailles
• Champagne
• Giverny
• Loire Valley
• Mont Saint-Michel
• Normandy

Consider booking one of these day popular day tours!

9. Rent a Bike

Biking around a new city is a great way to discover hidden corners, while still commuting between sightseeing locations. 

Plus, there’s the additional benefit of working off some of the city’s delicious pastries.

Paris has bike stations all around the city, which makes it easy for you  to quickly rent and return a set of wheels.

If you prefer a group setting, there are also plenty of bike tours available.

10. Head to a Rooftop Bar

Who doesn’t love a good rooftop bar the second spring hits?

I don’t think anyone can deny that it’s just a pleasant place to be, especially if you ask them after a few drinks.

These are the rooftop bars with the best views that you should aim for the second you get pleasant weather:

• Terras Hotel
• Hôtel National des Arts et Métiers
• Le Louxor
• 43 Cocktail Bar
• Terrasse de l’hôtel Raphael

11. Hit Up a Popular Spring Festival or Event 

Paris has a ton of events throughout the springtime. With a bit of planning, you can schedule your visit to coincide with one of these popular local activities.

• Carnaval des Femmes – Translated as “The Women’s Parade”, you’ll find women and even men dressed as Queens, all-dancing down the street in a giant procession. 
• La Verticale de la Tour Eiffel – This is one of the unique races in the world. You’ll literally be racing up 1,665 steps to the top of the iconic Eiffel Tower. 
• Foire du Trone – This is the largest fairground festival in France. 
• Taste of Paris Festival – This event features all the best gastronomical delights of some of the best restaurants in the city.
• Grand Steeple-Chase de Paris – This event is a horse race of sorts. It’s unique because instead of the horses just racing in a circle, they race over a series of complicated jumps.
• The French Open – Non-tennis fans, let me give you the rundown. The French Open is a giant tennis tournament held over two weeks each May. 
• Saint-Germain-des-Prés Jazz Festival – The jazz festival has artists performing in famous cafes, theatres, and historical spots all along the Left Bank. 

Final Thoughts

Paris is magical any time of year, but to me, spring will always be one of the best seasons to visit. 

I can’t wait to be back in the city, picnicking on the Seine someday soon. 

Maybe even by next spring, if I’m lucky.

Let me know in the comments below what you’re most looking forward to doing the next time you visit Paris in the spring!

While you’re visiting, check out some of these fun tours!