This Is Why You'll Love Paris in the Spring

Why Visit Paris in Spring

The French capital goes through a rebirth every year in spring.

Flowers, fashion, and crisp mornings invite you to explore the city of love in some of the most beautiful months of the year.

I recommend a visit in spring, not just to embrace floral aesthetics, but also if you want to avoid large summer crowds, heat, and higher prices.

Most families with kids visit the city in July and August. Child-free couples, solo travelers, and groups of friends will have the city almost to themselves, especially in March.

You will find plenty of budget-friendly accommodations in Paris if you plan a weekday trip to the French capital; just avoid special holidays!

Tip: I have created an itinerary with the most important landmarks for all those who can only spare one day in Paris.

Best Spring Months

Each spring month has its perks, and at the end it boils down to what you expect from your visit to the city of love.

Astronomical spring starts on 21st March and ends on 21st June; meteorological spring covers March, April, and May.

Spring Outfits to Pack

Outside temperatures vary greatly across these months, and the weather can change from one day to another.

Do what the Europeans do: pack various thin-to-thick shirts, jacket types, and pullovers to layer.

The morning hours can be freezing when you set out to explore the city, and by midday it gets steamy, and this is when you will want to shed some layers.

You usually don't need to put on thermal clothes; that's reserved for winter temperatures.

The extra layers can be carried around (which we hate to do), or you can park them in a locker near to your attractions. When you are at the landmark, search for lockers on Google Maps.

Parisians like to wear trench coats and boots in spring, and they are more fashion conscious, so avoid all athletic-wear and sweatpants in general if you want to blend in.

By the evening, chilly air sets in again, and you will be glad to have your jackets and layers to keep you from freezing.

It can get windy as well, or it might start to rain, and rainy days are cold and wet. Pack a rain jacket or umbrella and shoes or boots that don't get soaked that easily. We didn't come across many buying options to acquire quality umbrellas in the city center (except, of course, pricey designer wear).

In the earlier spring months, avoid netted, breathable shoes; they soak up with water within minutes, and the temperatures are very unstable.

The later spring months come with increased sunny days and more pleasant temperatures, and you will be glad to have brought your breathable, lighter footwear.

Places and Experiences in Spring

Keep in mind that many of the major sights, including the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, won't be as busy in the springtime, compared to the summer months.

Nonetheless, reserve the spring months for the following experiences and places.

Gardens & Flowers in Paris

What better time than spring to soak in the beautiful blooms and colors of perfectly manicured French gardens? And Paris is celebrated for its recreational gardens.

You will be spoiled with choices in Paris. Here is a list of the top gardens to visit in Paris in spring:

• Tuileries Garden near the Louvre
• Luxembourg garden and Jardin des Plantes near the Pantheon
• Champ de Mars at the Eiffel Tower
• Square du Temple English garden
• Royal Palace Gardens
• Parc Marcel Bleustein in Montmartre behind the Sacré-Cœur basilica.

Perfume Museum

The Fragonard Musée du Parfum teaches you the art of perfume preparation and the science behind scents.

Join a tour and get a chance to prepare your very own perfume while learning about the world of wonderful fragrances.

Flower Cafés de Paris

One of our favorite activities in spring in Paris is to head to one of the flowering cafés de ville.

Real flowers decorate the outer walls of Le vrai Paris, La Favorite Saint-Paul, Le Café Blanchet and Le Musset.

Day Trips and Nature Excursions

If you intend to spend a few days in Paris in spring, consider adding in a day trip or two.

The following places are within a 1-hour travel radius. The first two destinations are popular tourist places; the other three are frequented by Parisians.

1. Giverny — The renowned painter Claude Monet's garden and house. Make his paintings come alive. Very popular tourist destination.
2. Palace of Versailles — The sun king's lavish palace and gardens shouldn't be missed in spring. Very popular tourist destination.
3. Bois-Préau Park — Known as the park of the impressionists, with Monet vibes and a great picnic place on a sunny day. Not that well known among tourists.
4. Bois de Boulogne — Former hunting grounds just outside of Paris. You can hunt for Morel mushrooms in those woods. Not that well known among tourists.
5. Parc Floral de Paris — Located in the Bois de Vincennes, just outside Paris. You will find plenty of flowers here, and the forest area has popular cycling trails. Not that well known among tourists.