‘April in Paris, this is a feeling/ No one can ever reprise’ From Louis Armstrong to Frank Sinatra, many poets and singers have waxed eloquent about the joys of visiting Paris in April. Paris wakes up after a long slumber of snow and rain and emerges like the pink cherry blossom, fresh, pretty and pleasing to the eye! Paris in April is a lovely travel destination as you get to enjoy the visual beauty of Paris, great weather, and the tranquillity of Paris before the summer tourist hordes descend upon the city. From Eiffel Tower tours to cruises on the Seine, there is a lot to do in Paris in April.
What makes Paris in April a must-visit?
- Balmy spring weather - The winter is finally gone and the pleasant spring sunshine graces Paris in April. Of course, there are the occasional rain showers but no one can resist the warm sunny days that make sightseeing and traveling a fantastic experience.
- Explore like a local - Parisians are still in town in April and enjoy a lot of activities including the Easter festivals. This is the ideal time to experience Paris like a local before the summer crowds throng in to the city. Go on an Easter egg hunt with the kids or eat a meal al-fresco in a cafe.
- Enjoy the outdoors - Spring time means the blooming of the cherry and apple blossoms, and public gardens and parks taking on various hues of green. It is the perfect time to walk the length of Paris with no complaints at all!
- Affordable stay - April is just the beginning of the tourist season, so while the rates of hotels are not at the winter low, you can still grab good deals while enjoying the spring weather.
Paris in April: Weather
Paris in April is in the throes of spring season and sees a comfortable weather through the month. The highest temperature recorded last year was 28°C and the lowest 10°C. You will experience warm sunny days but be prepared for the occasional thunderstorm as there are as many as 14 rainy days in April. Paris also experiences longer days and sun sets at 8:20 PM at the start of April and almost at 9:10 PM towards the end, giving you enough time for outdoor sightseeing.
Paris in April: Things to do
1
The Eiffel Tower
The lawns near the Eiffel Tower are sprouting in fresh hues of green, getting out their winter hibernation. Check the weather before you go and you will enjoy the first sunny days of the year and splendid clear views of the sprawling city. Around Easter, you may even spot a chocolate egg!
April Timings
9:30 AM – 11:45 PM (Extended to 12:00 AM on Easter Weekend)
Champ de Mars, 5 Avenue Anatole France,
Paris
Getting There ›
2
Louvre
Louvre, the biggest museum in the world, warrants a visit any time of the year. The indoor museum holds over 38,000 artifacts and paintings. The museum is conducting a temporary exhibit ‘Archaeology Goes Graphic’ where archaeology meets comics and is on until July 1st 2019.
April Timings
Monday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday :9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday, Friday : 9:00 AM – 9:45 PM
Closed on Tuesdays
Musée du Louvre, 75001 Paris,
France
Getting There ›
30-minute introduction by a professional guide
Guided by a professional host through all sections of Louvre
Get access to over 60 museums
3
Notre Dame Cathedral
21st April 2019 is Easter Sunday and you can celebrate the day like Parisians with a mass at the centuries-old Notre Dame Cathedral. The cathedral, especially its facade, is a French-Gothic architectural wonder and you shouldn’t miss the rose windows. Go up the towers for a good view of the city.
April Timings
7:45 AM – 6:45 PM (7:15 PM on Saturday & Sunday)
Place du parvis de Notre Dame, 4th Arrondissement, France
Getting There ›
4
Palace of Versailles
April is one of the best months of the year to visit the Palace of Versailles, the 17th Century Royal French Residence. The green trimmed lawns spring alive after the winter snow and the weather is also pleasant enough to stroll through the gardens without really breaking a sweat!
April Timings
The Palace: 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM
The Park: 7:00 AM – 8:30 PM
Place d'Armes, 78000 Versailles,
France
Getting There ›
5
Seine Dinner Cruise
A Seine Dinner Cruise is one of the most romantic things to do in Paris. The stretch along the Seine is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has iconic landmarks including Notre Dame and Eiffel. The 1.5 hours cruise includes a 3-course dinner with a glass of wine, a perfect day to a day in Paris.
April Timings
Dinner Cruise starts at 8:00 PM
Port Solferino, 23 Quai Anatole france
France
Getting There ›
6
Saint Chapelle
Get into the Christmas spirit by attending a soulful Christmas concert at Saint Chapelle. Marvel at the painted glass windows, gothic architecture and the beautiful Christmas decorations as you sit back and enjoy the performance.
April Timings
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
8 Boulevard du Palais, 75001 Paris,
France
Getting There ›
7
Montparnasse Tower
The Montparnasse Tower is a 210m high concrete behemoth in the centre of Paris. The skyscraper is used as an office building but its highlight is the observation deck which offers excellent views of the city including the Eiffel Tower. The clear night skies of April are ideal for photography.
April Timings
Sunday to Thursday: 9:30 AM – 10:30 PM
Friday to Saturday: 9:30 AM – 11:00 PM
33 Avenue du Maine, Paris
France
Getting There ›
8
Day Trip to Mont St. Michel
The abbey and the island of Mont St. Michel is one of the most impressive sights in France. The rising spires of the abbey and the settlement surrounded by water creates an enigmatic scene ; feels right out of a fairytale! The UNESCO World Heritage Site sees more than 3 million visitors each year.
April Timings
9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
50170 Mont Saint-Michel, France, Mont Saint-Michel
France
Getting There ›
9
Musee de L'Orangerie and Musee d'Orsay
The Museums of L’Orangerie and D’Orsay holds the best collection of Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings of masters like Cezzane, Monet, Matisse, and Renoir. In April, the D’Orsay is conducting the ‘Serusier’s The Talisman’ exhibition and the L’Orangerie is hosting the ‘Counter Point2’ exhibition apart from the permanent collections.
April Timings
Musee de L’Orangerie: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Closed on Tuesdays)
Musee d’Orsay: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM (Closed on Mondays)
1 Rue de la Légion d'Honneur, 75007 Paris
France
Getting There ›
10
Paris Cabaret
The rousing Can-Can dance and the glitz of the Cabaret make for unforgettable evenings in Paris. Enjoy a Cabaret dance performance in Paris , be it Moulin Rouge, Lido, Paradise Latin or Crazy Horse. Also, many of the theatres like Moulin Rouge and Paradi Latin bring out new routines in April so you're in for a fresh treat!
Crazy Horse, 12 Avenue George V, Paris
France
Getting There ›
Paris in January: Events to Look Out For
Paris Foire du Trone
March 30th – May 27th 2019
The Paris Foire du Trone or the ‘Fair of the Throne’ is a 10th century tradition and still going strong. Family-friendly and affordable entertainment sets apart this traveling fair from other amusement parks in Paris. From street food stalls to thrilling rides like rollercoasters, the Fair has all the elements of a rustic yet modern entertainment avenue!
Art Paris Art Fair
April 4th-7th 2019
Over 145 art galleries are coming together in the 21st edition of the Art Fair to showcase incredible post modern work of artists. One of the best venues to appreciate and buy art, this year’s edition focuses on women artists, and Latin American art. The exposition is held at the Grand Palais and makes art accessible to all spectrums of the society.
Paris Marathon
April 14th 2019
Paris hosts one of the most popular long-distance marathons in the world. Started in 1976, the modern Paris Marathon stretches along a distance of 42.1295 KM and runs along the Seine, starting from Champs-Elysees and ending at the Avenue Foch. 50,000 participants race across the city which stands still admiring the courage and strength of these runners!
Easter in Paris
April 21st 2019
Easter in Paris is the best time to experience Paris like a local. From Easter egg hunts at the Eiffel Tower to Easter concerts at churches like Sainte Chapelle and Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris takes on a celebratory mood on Easter weekend. Restaurants run special Easter Brunches and Dinner while you can get the best baked goods and chocolates in stores.
Passover in Paris
April 19th-27th 2019
Passover or Pesach is a Jewish festival that celebrates the freedom from slavery and the creation of the nation of Israel. The seven-day festival is also a spring festival and connected to the harvest of Barley. The Marais district of Paris has a strong Jewish community where you can enjoy Kosher meals, while a visit to the Paris Museum of Jewish Arts and History is a great place to learn about the Jews in Paris
International Rare Book & Autograph Fair
April 12th – 14th 2019
The Livres Rares & Objets D’Art is a bibliophile and antique connoisseur’s ultimate dream! Over 150 international booksellers, libraries, and antique collectors display their collections at the Grand Palais. The collections include rare books, unique art objects, special autographed editions, first editions etc. The exhibition is conducted annually by the International League of Antiquarian Booksellers.
Paris in April: 5-day Itinerary
- Day 1
- Day 2
- Day 3
- Day 4
- Day 5
Paris April Essentials
LanguageFrench
Time zoneGMT+2
Country Code+33
Socket Type C & E
CurrencyEuros €
Paris Weather in April
April sees a lot of pleasant and warm days but with a chance of rain. The average day-time temperatures are about 11°C with the low of 10°C and a high of 28°C in mid-April. The temperatures lower during the night, and hover around 7°C and the lowest at 5°C.
Where to Stay in Paris
Paris in April starts to see an uptick in hotel rates but there is a wide range of options to stay. Here are some of our picks –
- 5 & 4 star hotels – Maison Souquet, Le Bristol Paris, Le Narcisse Blanc Hotel & Spa, Mandarin Oriental, The Peninsula, Le Meurice, Goralska Residences Paris Bastille
- Budget hotels – Astotel 34B, Hotel Helussi, Hotel George, Hotel Augustin, Hotel Mistral, Hotel Wilson Opera
- Hostels – Pariscoree, FIAP Jean Monnet, Le Village Montemarte, The 3 Ducks Eiffel Tower, Absolute Paris Boutique Hostel, Les Piaules, St. Christopher’s Inn Gare du Nord
What to Pack for Visiting Paris in April
The weather is Paris can be unpredictable so you need to be ready for summer and rains. The best way to go about this is to use layers, take a thin windcheater, trench coat or raincoat and umbrella for those spells of rain. Also, carry waterproof shoes and comfortable flats, for all the walking you will do. You can bring on summer clothes, but do carry along an evening dress/suit for those Seine Dinners or Cabaret Nights.
Getting Around Paris in April
Paris has one of the most efficient public transport systems in Europe. The RATP is the state transport that runs the network of Metro (Underground), RER Suburban Train, Bus and the Night Bus. The RATP issues tickets and passes that are a convenient way to travel across all these options, through the six zones of the city.
Metro – Efficient, ideal for intra-city transport and the most affordable
Bus – Ideal for quick and short stops, time-consuming in evenings as it is affected by road traffic
RER – Perfect for travel in the suburbs
Tram – Great for last mile connectivity without the issue of traffic
Night Bus Service – Runs from 12:30 AM to 5:30 AM and good for late-night revellers
Seasonal Delicacies to Eat while visiting Paris in April
Vichyssoise is a delightful chilled soup that is perfect for a warm summer’s day. The soup is made of potatoes, leek, onions, cream and chicken stock. The thick soup is a traditional French dish served during the summer before a meal.
Where to eat: l'Atelier de Joël Robuchon
A spring salad is a chef’s dream, especially in Paris in April which sees the best of the year’s fresh produce in the markets. The most popular among them is the Salad Nicoise that originated in Nice. The tossed up salad includes tomatoes, hard-boiled eggs, anchovies, Nicoise olives and lots of olive oil.
Where to eat: L'Entrecôte de Paris
The puffy air-filled Soufflés are a delicious treat any time of the year. The spinach soufflé uses the goodness of spring spinach and is a tasty summer dish. The savory treat can be eaten as an appetizer or simply to snack in between the long sightseeing summer days.
Where to eat: Le Soufflé
Galettes are crusty cakes filled with a variety of sweet and savory items and baked to golden perfection. They are akin to pies and are a spring delight. The Blueberry Galette is a must-have Parisian treat that is full of the seasonal fresh blueberries.
Where to eat: Le Moulin de la Galette
Ratatouille is the dish to choose for getting the wholesome flavour of fresh spring vegetables. The baked dish is a French favourite and uses a mix of vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, tomatoes and generously seasoned with spices like fennel, basil, bay leaf, and thyme. Where to eat:Bistrot Chez Rémy
Tips to Visit Paris in April
- The Foire de Paris starts from April 27th till May 8th and is a classy version of the Foire du Trône. Running since 1904 it features household goods and hosts more than 3,500 exhibitors.
- The Color Run is an exciting 5KM run inspired by the Indian festival Holi. Participants throw organic colors and enjoy the colorful revelry on the streets of Paris. It is generally held on the 3rd Sunday of April.
- Centre Pompidou is conducting the Histoire(S) D'une Collection, a temporary exhibition about the collection of the National Museum of Modern Art from April 15th – May 25th.
- Take a stroll in the many public parks of Paris including Jardin Des Tuileries, Jardin du Luxembourg, Jardin des Plantes, Parc Floral de Paris,and Parc Monceau. The parks have seasonal flowers blooming and are filled with Parisians enjoying sunny days out in the park.
Planning to Visit Paris In April?
Here are a few quick guides that will come handy to help you plan your trip better!
The post Visiting Paris in April – The Definitive Guide appeared first on Headout Blog.
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