What to do in Paris in spring. 10 things to do to feel like a local and soak in the spirit of Paris.
The first time I visited Paris was in the spring – when it was warm enough, the trees were blooming, and it was a pleasure to stroll and sit in the parks on metal chairs. It seems to me that this is the best time to travel to Paris. But for this, you need to prepare a bit and have the right mood for this city.
Don’t repeat the mistakes of tourists who visit Paris for the first time and try to rush around to all the spots listed in the guidebook. If you do this, you’ll face, if not disappointment, then huge lines at the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower. Souvenir sellers will swarm you with uninspired goods, cafés will surprise you with high prices, and the city will seem unfriendly and untidy. Try to plan your alternative Paris route in advance, where there won’t be as many people, where you can spend time together and feel the soul of the city, strolling through its parks, islands, and markets.
Guide to the districts of Paris – where tourists can book accommodation
Paris markets – feel like a local
Waking up on a bright morning in a Paris hotel, set out like a true Parisian to buy groceries at one of the street markets (marché). The reverence for food has given rise to the culture of French markets – in Paris and its suburbs, there are over 80 markets. Here are some of them:
- d’Aligre (12th arrondissement, Ledru-Rollin metro) – one of the popular and affordable markets, located not far from the center, open every day until 13:00, except Mondays.
- Montorgueil (2nd arrondissement, Sentier, Les Halles metro) – one of the oldest markets, with many cafés and food stalls, open Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 to 18:00, and Sunday mornings.
- Le Marche des Enfants Rouges (3rd arrondissement, Filles du Calvaire metro) – the oldest, founded in the 17th century, located in the trendy Marais district, open Tuesday to Saturday from 8:30 to 19:30, Sunday from 8:30 until noon.
You can buy absolutely everything at the market: hundreds of types of cheese, vegetables and fruits, seafood, sausages, and meat. For breakfast, buy a crispy baguette at the bakery, soft cheese, pâté, ripe tomatoes, and strawberries. And on the way, stop by a wine shop to pick up a bottle of white wine. Wine for breakfast? Why not – after all, no one has canceled romance. You can break the rules and do little madnesses.
Breakfast in the Luxembourg Garden
Treat yourself to a perfect breakfast in Paris – a picnic in the Luxembourg Garden – Jardin du Luxembourg. At any time of year and any day of the week, Parisians come here for picnics: in big groups, couples, or alone, with baguettes and wine. The Luxembourg Garden was founded in 1612 by Marie de’ Medici. Today it’s one of the most beloved places among Parisians, where they play chess, float boats on the Grand Bassin, and have picnics, pulling tasty treasures from their baskets, bought an hour ago at the market. There are no lawns here, but there are plenty of stairs, hundreds of benches, and sage green chairs, where you can perfectly settle in for an al fresco breakfast.
By boat on the Seine and walks on the islands
Buy a ticket for a boat running on the River Seine – it’s valid for the whole day, so you can hop on and off at any stop. I especially recommend the islands on the Seine. Romance exudes from every historic corner of Île Saint-Louis and Île de la Cité – both perfect for spring walks. On these two islands on the Seine, there are quirky car-free streets full of old boutiques.
On Île de la Cité stands Notre-Dame Cathedral, now under restoration after the great fire that happened on April 15, 2019. Walk around the cathedral to see its grandeur, then rest on a bench under the pink cherry blossoms in the garden on the banks of the Seine at Place Jean XXIII. The stained glass windows inside the neighboring Sainte-Chapelle Church are bright and dazzling this time of year when sunlight streams in. After this, enjoy ice cream – une glace from Paris’s most famous ice cream maker, Berthillon.
Rodin Museum
Spring pairs perfectly with the Rodin Museum. This is one of the most beautiful art museums in Paris, located in the former studio and exhibition hall of sculptor and artist Auguste Rodin. Don’t miss world-class sculptures L’Eternel Printemps – Eternal Spring and The Kiss – a couple entwined in a passionate embrace. But the museum gardens are also worth a visit. Among the roses you’ll find the statue “The Thinker” and other iconic works, and wooden deckchairs offer tranquil contemplation amid spring blooms.
There are also other art museums in Paris with beautiful gardens:
- Musée du Quai Branly;
- Musée de l’Orangerie in the fashionable Tuileries Garden;
- Musée Marmottan-Monet, which holds the world’s largest collection of Monet’s works – from here opens a view of the charming local Ranelagh Garden.
If you’re in Paris in May, plan for Night of Museums – Nuit des Musées. This annual May festival is a great opportunity to enjoy the unparalleled portfolio of Paris’s museums and landmarks: attractions stay open late or all night, and entry is free.
Enjoying Parisian cafés
Watch the rhythm of Parisian life over a cup of un café (coffee), or how the streetlights come on in the evening with a glass of apéro on one of the city café terraces. There’s no better time of year to enjoy Paris’s outdoor café culture than in spring. Traditional Parisian café-bistros feature tightly packed rows of chairs carefully arranged on sunny terraces.
Add these venues to your list:
- Le Petit Fer à Cheval and Café Charlot in the Le Marais district;
- Le Progrès, filled with the atmosphere of Montmartre;
- Café Saint Régis – two steps from Notre-Dame;
- Café La Palette, where art dealers and fashionistas gather;
- Chez Prune — this café-bar is located on the Canal Saint-Martin;
- Café Marly – overlooking the inner courtyard of the Louvre;
- At L’Ebouillanté they make homemade ginger lemonade;
- At dusk, place du Marché Ste-Catherine — a beautiful square with cafés, where you can sit under fairy lights and sip apéro.
Eiffel Tower – the best views from observation decks and cafés
No Paris landmark can compete with the Eiffel Tower. In winter, its spire often disappears half-way up into the mist, but on clear spring days the 324-meter tower is striking from any angle. And with the glass floor on the first level – look at Paris under your feet – the views are even more impressive.
To admire the city panorama from the tower, have a coffee at the Eiffel Tower. Or in the Michelin-starred restaurant – Le Jules Verne. Another cool and free place to watch the beautiful tower is Pont Alexandre III.
Tip: If you do decide to climb the Eiffel Tower, choose a ticket to the second level – this is where the best city view is. There’s no point paying extra for the third floor – from the very top, you won’t see the details, the city becomes blurry and looks like it’s seen from an airplane. And the small observation deck gathers a lot of people and has little space. While those queuing for the third level are crowded for the elevator, visitors walk peacefully on the second and enjoy the view of Paris with a cup of coffee (there’s a café there with reasonable prices).
Canal Saint-Martin
The calm 4.5-kilometer Canal Saint-Martin is located in the northeast of Paris. It was created with sunny spring days in mind – the reflections on the water are super photogenic. And walking or cycling along the green canal paths is like scenes from a French film. While sitting on the canal bank you can watch boats pass through locks and under old swing bridges, which turn 90 degrees when boats approach them.
The bohemian life of the Marais neighborhood
Marais neighborhood – here cultural life is in full swing, with plenty of shops, galleries, cute restaurants, and few tourists. Here live wealthy Parisians, the Jewish quarter is home to the Jewish community, famous actors, musicians – in general, the bohemian crowd. Ideally, when choosing accommodation in Paris, it’s best to stay in the Marais. The truth is, this comes with the risk that you won’t want to go anywhere else. It’s so self-sufficient and interesting.
There’s always something to do here. On Place des Vosges – one of the most beautiful squares in Paris – there are many cafés and shops. Be sure to include shopping in your plans since the Marais is also the center of beauty and fashion. There are many of cute boutiques of famous brands, or secondhand shops. For example, Coiffeur Vintage or Fripes Ketchup, where stylish vintage things are sold. You can find gifts for your loved ones: buy perfumes, cosmetics, scented candles, or visit antique shops and concept stores with designer items.
Unfortunately, Georges Pompidou Center – Le Centre Pompidou completely closed on September 22, 2025 for a five-year major renovation, with its reopening scheduled for 2030.
Find the Wall of Love on Montmartre
In Square Jehan Rictus (Place des Abesses, 75018 Paris) all the benches are occupied by mothers walking their kids on the playground. This square is located next to the exit from Abbesses metro, with souvenir stalls behind which a true miracle is hidden, measuring 42 square meters – The Wall of Love or Le Mur des Je t’aime. On its dark blue lava tiles, the phrase that every person has said at least once in their life, “I love you,” is written in white letters in every language of the world. The Wall of Love is a space where French artists Frédéric Baron and Claire Kito wrote the phrase in 311 languages, including in Braille. Since then, a tradition has developed to declare love and propose marriage by this wall. Isn’t that a good reason to visit Paris?
Recommended reading – Paris – a mini-guide for a romantic trip
Head out of town – picnic in Fontainebleau
Fontainebleau Palace – Napoleon’s residence 55 km from Paris. Many members of royal dynasties lived in this palace, from Louis VII to Napoleon III. As opulent as Versailles, but quieter, the palace in Fontainebleau was built over centuries, which could only add to its appearance. The palace is simply magnificent, there’s a lot to see: Golden Gates, Royal Room, Gallery of Francis I, Throne Room and Ballroom, Napoleon III’s theater and the Gallery of Diana. Surrounding all this splendor are wonderful gardens with ponds, numerous fountains, and statues.
On weekends Parisians come here for picnics. They are walk the park’s alleys and admire royal architecture without the rush and commotion. Try to feel part of the Parisian crowd, get into their rhythm of life and pleasures, which they enjoy on weekends. This is the way to immerse yourself in the Parisian soul. Try on for yourself this city, its rules, and lifestyle.
Where is it best to stay in Paris
Paris is divided into twenty arrondissements. Which arrondissement you choose determines your impression of the whole trip. Each Parisian arrondissement has its own atmosphere, lifestyle, and even inside the arrondissement everything can be completely opposite. Some streets will be pleasant and well-kept, others – not quite safe for evening strolls. Let’s look at where tourists usually stay.
It’s optimal to stay in the 1st through 8th and 16th arrondissements. There is the tourist center of Paris, where there are many good hotels, restaurants, and the main attractions:
- 1st arrondissement – near the Louvre, Palais Royal and Tuileries Garden;
- 4th arrondissement – historic center, Pompidou Center and Notre-Dame;
- 7th arrondissement – Eiffel Tower,
- 8th arrondissement – Champs-Élysées.
Book a hotel in the center of Paris on Booking.com≫
Hotel prices – from €150 for a double room.
A bit cheaper and also pleasant to stay:
- In the 2nd arrondissement – here are the Bourse and old arcades,
- it’s cozy in the old 3rd arrondissement – Picasso Museum, part of the bohemian Marais neighborhood,
- 5th arrondissement – neighborhoods of the Latin Quarter and the Panthéon,
- 6th arrondissement – Luxembourg Garden,
- 16th arrondissement – Passy
A night in a double room from €80.
Affordable prices in the residential arrondissements 12, 13, 14, 17. Double rooms may start from €40.
The relatively less safe areas include 10th and 18th, outskirts of the 19th and 20th. It can also be less safe around the very crowded and not so clean Gare du Nord and Gare de l’Est, and in the Indian-Arab-African quarters. Despite the fact that the 10th arrondissement is near the picturesque “Moulin Rouge” and Montmartre, here accommodation is among the cheapest – from €35 per room. But there are few good hotels here and in the evening it can be a bit risky to go out.
Tip: Paris is generally a safe city, where people of all races and many nationalities coexist perfectly. The worst that can happen – thieves might steal your bag or pickpocket your wallet.
How to get to Paris
Low-cost airlines fly to Beauvais airport, which is located 90 km from Paris. Keep this in mind when you see a cheap ticket – you’ll need to add the cost of a bus that runs between Paris and the airport to the price.
- Shuttle bus, with a schedule that coincides with flight arrivals. The bus usually departs half an hour after the plane lands. Bus fare: ticket bought at the stop €34 round trip; ticket bought on the website aeroportparisbeauvais.com – €29.9 round trip. Travel time – 1 hour 15 minutes. Buses to the airport depart from Porte Maillot station in Paris, which is right next to the RER station of the same name – line C, and metro line 1.
- Train from Beauvais station, which you can reach in 15 minutes by bus No. 6 and No. 4 – €1. Schedule at oise-mobilite.fr. The train goes to Paris’s Gare du Nord. Travel time – 1.5 hours, a one-way ticket costs from €15. Tickets on the French railway website.
Useful articles and links:
- Itinerary in Provence – a road trip through wineries and lavender fields
- Wine & Gastronomy Tour in Burgundy — Taste the Real France
- Dolomite Alps – trekking the most beautiful routes
- Where to stay in Nice – the best districts for tourists
Timetables and tickets for buses – at InfoBus.ua
Travel insurance with discounts can be purchased on the website of VUSO
Green Card for car trips abroad – online at the portal HotlineFinance
Hotel and apartment bookings – Booking.com
