March is one of my favorite months in Paris, and it’s actually one of the best times to visit the city. Spring is waking up, the days are getting longer, and after surviving the long, grey winter months, Parisians are suddenly much happier (rightfully so!). The city starts to get lively again, but the crowds are totally manageable compared to the chaos that’s in full swing by June.
If you’re coming to Paris in March, expect blossoms everywhere, some fun walking (and even running) opportunities, plus a tasty “sweet” festivity. I give you the full scoop on all of this in my selection of the best things to do in Paris in March.
*Some of the links in this article will earn a small commission if you click them and then purchase something. Thanks in advance for your support!
See the stunning magnolia blossoms in the Palais-Royal
If you’re in Paris during the first half of March, you HAVE to stop by the Palais-Royal Gardens. I love this hidden gem any time of year, and it’s included on Day 1 of our Paris Itinerary, but early March is when it really shows off. It’s magnolia season, and trust me, it’s totally GORGEOUS.
I’ve been living in Paris for over 20 years, and I still go out of my way to see them every year. The park has around 15 trees bursting with bright pink blossoms, all framed by the elegant historic buildings that surround the gardens. It might end up being the nicest place you see on your whole trip.
Image Courtesy of Jardin des Plantes via Facebook
Admire the BEST cherry blossoms and spring flowers
Once the magnolias have had their moment, a whole wave of seriously beautiful blossoms follows, but the real eye-catchers are the cherry blossoms. The timing changes a little each year, but they usually start popping out around mid-March, and Paris has some fantastic spots to see them.
The historic Jardin des Plantes is one of the prettiest places for cherry blossoms, and you’ll be treated to loads of other spring flowers. It’s in the 5th arrondissement and is a lesser-known gem compared to more famous parks, like the Tuileries and the Luxembourg Gardens, so you won’t be battling crowds of Instagrammers like you might elsewhere.
I’m also a big fan of the cherry trees in Parc Monceau, another spot that tends to be under most tourists’ radars. One of the oldest parks in Paris, it even has some quirky fake ruins to add to the fun. It’s included as an option on Day 5 of our Paris Itinerary, which also ends at another lovely (and offbeat) blossom spot: Parc Martin-Luther-King, a great modern park in the super-local Les Batignolles neighborhood.
Image Courtesy of Get Your Guide
Immerse yourself in impressionist spring gardens
Got a rainy day during your trip? No worries, head indoors and soak up all the colorful spring vibes at one of the city’s AMAZING Impressionist art museums. The Impressionist artists were obsessed with nature, and spring gardens were one of their favorite subjects to paint.
You’ll find loads of beautiful garden scenes at the Musée d’Orsay. And if you want to really dive in and understand what you’re looking at, join a Meet the Impressionists Tour. It’s led by an art historian guide and includes skip-the-line tickets, which is always a win. This spring is extra special because the Orsay is hosting a big Renoir exhibit. It opens on March 17th, so it’s definitely it to add to your list.
Another must-visit for flowery paintings is the Musée de l’Orangerie, home to Claude Monet’s dreamy water lilies. Standing in front of these massive paintings feels like being dropped straight into a lush garden. To make the most of your visit, take this highly-rated small-group tour that lets you skip the lines, learn the stories behind the art, and see other highlights in the museum too.
Run by Paris’s top sights in the city’s half-marathon
Calling all runners! If you happen to be visiting Paris on Sunday, March 8th, why not sign up for the city’s half-marathon? Early March weather is ideal for running– not too hot, not too cold. The route takes you along the Seine in eastern Paris and through the gorgeous Bois de Vincennes, so you’ll even get some sightseeing along the way.
I might be a tad biased, but running past Paris’s beautiful buildings feels like the ultimate motivation to keep going until the finish line. And if running isn’t your thing, you can still join the fun by cheering from the sidelines. Either way, it’s an unforgettable experience and definitely one of the most unique things to do in Paris in March.
Enjoy a stroll and a picnic on Paris’s High Line
If walking is more your style, then the GORGEOUS Coulée Verte Réné Dumont is ideal for an early-spring stroll. Similar to New York’s High Line (this one was actually opened before), this leafy walkway runs above a former elevated train viaduct in eastern Paris.
Included on Day 5 of our Paris Itinerary, it’s a cool spot any time of year, but it’s really pretty in spring when the daffodils and other blossoms are popping out, and the whole place feels fresh, green, and magically uplifting. There are some benches all along it, so feel free to bring a picnic and savor all the natural beauty for a little longer.
Bike by Paris’s top sites and through the Tuileries Gardens
With spring rolling in and the sun not quite at full blast yet, it’s perfect bike-riding weather in Paris. This Paris highlights bike tour cruises past some of the city’s top sites, including the Eiffel Tower, Les Invalides, and Place Vendôme, but also takes you past quieter gems like the banks of the Seine and the Palais Royal (remember those magnolias!). You’ll even roll right through the Tuileries Gardens, gliding past fountains and blooming spring flowers, it’s springtime in Paris at its best.
Go to Versailles for free (or without crowds)
If you were thinking of visiting Versailles and are coming in early March, you’re in luck. This is the last time during the slow season when the glitzy castle is free on the first Sunday of the month. If your visit happens to fall on that day, you can save yourself a LOT of money. Even if it doesn’t, March is still a smart time to go.
From April onward, the palace gets insanely crowded, so visiting in March means you’ll beat the worst of the madness. And if you want the stories, scandals, and drama behind the glittering halls, one of these small-group tours is well worth it. Your guide will give you the full scoop on the palace, plus handle the entrance tickets for you.
Celebrate National Macaron Day
If you’ve got a serious sweet tooth, try to be in Paris on March 20th. This is National Macaron Day, and yes, the French really do have a whole day dedicated to these dainty little cookies. Many of the city’s top macaron shops hand out FREE macarons or roll out special limited-edition flavours just for the occasion. So you can literally eat your way around the city to each one.
Some of my favorites are Pierre Hermé, who’s considered by many as the “king” of French macarons and who has shops around the city, and Christophe Roussel, who has a shop in Montmartre and usually does something special for the event.
If you’re not visiting on that exact day, you can delve into the world of macarons (and many other French treats) on this delicious chocolate and pastries tour. You’ll be taken to some of the best sweet shops in the city, and it includes plenty of tastings.
After my list of things to do in Paris in March, are you looking for other cool things to do in Paris? Read these next:
Pin this…
