Paris in the Spring 2023: 10 Things to do in Paris
Paris in the Spring is one of my absolute favorite times of the year. The cherry blossoms are blooming, the days are starting to get longer, it’s the perfect temperature and there is so much to do. Today, I’m going to share with you 10 things to do in Paris in the Springtime!
Spend time admiring the Magnolias and Cherry Blossom trees
One of my favorite things to do in the Spring in Paris is to admire the Cherry Blossom Trees and Magnolias. You’ve probably heard the phrase “Paris in Bloom,” and that’s because that is exactly what is happening in Paris in the Spring… Paris is literally in bloom and the city is beyond breathtaking. This is easily one of my favorite things about Paris in the Springtime!
The best Part about the Magnolias and Cherry Blossom blooming in Paris, is they are blooming all spring in various locations around Paris. Every year the time when these trees are in bloom varies, the best way to have real time updates is to follow French photographers on Instagram.
Indulge in Easter Candy at your French Chocolatier Shops
I have a tradition where I discover a new chocolate shop and indulge in their limited edition Easter candy every year. Some of my favorite East Chocolate shops in Paris include: Patrick Rogers (The best Chocolate Eggs), Roy Chocolatier, and Pierre Hermes (traditionally known for his macarons).
Every year, chocolatiers from around Paris create specialty Easter chocolate that you can only get during Easter time. These Chocolatiers bring their “A Game” and in my opinion, there is no other holiday, not even Christmas, that compares to the Easter candy produced in Paris. If you are a chocolate lover, don't forget to get hot chocolate in Paris!
Enjoy the French Open
The French Open begins in late Spring and finishes in early Summer. This time of year, the city bands together to enjoy the French open. As someone who has been to the French Open twice now, I highly recommend this experience. There is nothing like seeing your favorite tennis players play on a clay court. Even if you aren't a tennis fan, I still highly recommend going to the French Open, it’s a once in a lifetime experience.
Surprisingly, tickets aren’t nearly as expensive as one might think. Unless you are trying to go to the finals, then prices skyrocket. With that being said, you can get tickets for as low as 20 euros a person and go watch a match.
Versailles Turns on their Incredible Outdoor Fountains
Mark your calendars from the beginning of April to mid-October, head to Versailles to enjoy the fountains and the musical show. Versailles is absolutely stunning and a great experience, but nothing beats Versailles when they turn their fountains on and you can enjoy the musical show.
You can easily make an entire day out of Versailles and seeing the fountains, but definitely don’t forget to go inside and see the Hall of Mirrors, which is truly magnificent and worth the visit.
Boat Cruise along the Seine River
Another popular Springtime activity to do in Paris is to take a boat cruise along the Seine River. Whether this is your first time in Paris or you have visited several times before, this is a great experience to be able to see Paris from a boat, and get unobstructed views of famous monuments around the city.
The reason this is the perfect Springtime activity is that it’s finally warm enough where you can sit on the upper seats of the boat tour. Prices for a boat tour cost between €15-€30.
Take a Stroll around some of the most popular Gardens and Parks in Paris
Did you know that Paris has over 480 Parks and Gardens in the city? It’s hard to believe a city has that much greenery. With that being said, one of the best things to do in Paris in the Springtime is walk around a garden or a park. There are so many options, even if you are wandering around Paris, you are bound to stumble upon one.
A few of my favorite places include, Champs de Mars if you want an incredible view of the Eiffel Tower, the Luxembourg garden, Jardin Des Tuileries and the Invalids Garden! Head over to the famous Rodin museum, which has a large garden outside! This is a great way to enjoy the fresh air of Paris! Grab a bottle of your favorite French Wine, a baguette, cheese, meat, even an outdoor game and enjoy a picnic after your stroll! Don't forget a good pair of walking shoes for Paris!
Disneyland Paris
Disneyland Paris is one of the most popular things to do in Paris in the Springtime. The best part about Disneyland in Paris is that it’s both kid and adult friendly. If you don’t have a kid with you but you’re a big kid at heart and love Disney, then I definitely recommend you go.
I’m going to share with you a little secret I recently learned about Disneyland Paris. Did you know that buying tickets to Disney in Paris if you are not an EU citizen allows you to get an extra 12% VAT tax refund? Yes that’s correct, by buying tickets to Disneyland in Paris you qualify to receive the VAT tax refund if you spend over 100.01 Euros. Let me tell you, it’s easy to spend over 100 euros at Disney. So save your receipts and make sure you check out the tax refund center.
Enjoy a Glass of Wine Outside
I love the fact that during the Springtime in Paris, many outdoor spaces that were closed for winter open, including many rooftop bars! Grab a group of friends, or even a favorite book, and go by yourself. There is nothing like sitting outside in Paris enjoying a glass of fine French wine and being present in the moment enjoying the city. This is one of my favorite things to do in Paris in the Spring time, and I literally count down the winter days until I can do so.
Outdoor Outlet Shopping
I’m a huge fan of shopping, I love all types of shopping in Paris, but did you know that a bit outside of Paris there is an outdoor luxury outlet mall with hundreds of designer brands? One of the things I love about this Paris outlet mall is everything at the mall comes directly from the retail store. You know how in the US they have made for outlet products, well in France it’s illegal to do so. I've written an entire detailed article about the Paris outlets!
The outlet in Paris called La Vallee Village has over 50 designer luxury outlet stores. Plus, don't forget if you spend more than 100 Euros which is easy to do when you go shopping you are entitled to your VAT tax refund of 12%.
A Day Trip outside the City
Did you know there are several incredible places to travel that around about an hour outside of Paris? Simply hop on the train and go! If you are a champagne lover, then head to Champagne region to enjoy Champagne tasting. If you are looking for a great outdoor hiking spot then definitely check out Fontainebleau which is home to one of the great château’s in France, or you can even go to see the exact place that Monet painted the famous water lilies in Giverny.
The best part about these short day trips, is you can return at night since the train ride is only about an hour long. Don’t get discouraged by the train, it is so easy to use and if you run into any issues, there are several people at the station to help you!
Recap on 10 Things to do in Paris in the Springtime
Overall, visiting Paris is the Springtime is a great idea. Don't forget to pack along your favorite trench coat / scarf / rain jacket, jeans and a sweater because it has been known to rain a good amount during the springtime.
In short, the best activities to do in Paris in the Spring include: Spending time admiring the Cherry Blooms, Indulging in Easter Candy, Enjoying the French Open, Going to Versailles to see the fountains, A Boat Cruise along the Seine, taking a stroll around famous Parisian Parks, Going to Disneyland Paris, enjoying a Glass of Wine outside, Outdoor outlet shopping, and finally enjoy a day trip away from the City!
Have you ever been to Paris in the Spring? If so, what are your favorite things to do in the Springtime in Paris? Here is the perfect article for you if you are traveling to Paris in the Summertime!
Sincerely Petite in Paris,
Diane
