What to do in Paris in March
Tomas Kauer - - News Moderator 
March is an exciting month in Paris when Parisians and tourists are greeted with early signs of spring and longer days after the cold winter. Still not yet high season for tourists, visitors will avoid long lines with the treat of peaceful sightseeing. There are plenty of fascinating exhibitions, events, sports and musical shows. Despite some low temperatures still lingering during this time of year, seeing the city of Love this spring month is certainly a good idea!
WEATHER IN PARIS IN MARCH
Generally, the temperatures start to rise later in the month in the early spring but expect it to remain chilly with a chance of rain before then. The average temperature in March ranges from around 8 to 14 degrees Celsius (46 to 57 degrees Fahrenheit). There can be fluctuations, and evenings may still be cool. We recommend bringing warm clothes and layers, including a coat and sweater, to stay comfortable and prepared.
The month of March in the French capital often sees a mix of sunny and rainy days. Light rain showers are not uncommon, so having an umbrella or raincoat can be useful. With the beginning of spring, you may begin to see signs of blooming flowers and budding trees in late March. On these days you’ll see the return of outdoor terraces with Parisians making the most of the sunshine and increased average daylight hours we’ve been missing since last summer.
All in all, March weather has a bit of everything; romantic rain, moody clouds, and some joyous sunshine! Regardless of the forecast, Paris’ beauty can’t be tarnished and a great time is always guaranteed in this beautiful city.
THINGS TO DO IN PARIS IN MARCH
Spring officially starts on March 20. March brings the return of picnics in front of the Eiffel Tower; park strolls on sunny days and outdoor cocktails along the Seine River. Among cherry blossoms the return of green leaves, it’s also the perfect time to pay a visit to Disneyland Paris. Rainy days can be spent in the Louvre Museum, Versailles Palace and Moulin Rouge. The Jardin du Luxembourg and Jardin des Plantes welcome you during warmer temperatures. Bring your walking shoes as it’s a good time to explore the city on foot with local markets, outdoor activities, food stalls and outdoor live music.
EVENTS IN Paris IN March
Le Salon de l’Agriculture, Porte de Versailles, 21 February – 1 March 2026
Players from the agricultural world including breeders, producers, unions, ministries, and research institutes come together for this annual event. Le Salon de l’Agriculture is a benchmark agricultural event, internationally.
Paris Animal Show, Paris Porte de Versailles, 13-15 March 2026
The Paris Animal Show is the premier annual celebration of pets and their owners, welcoming over 35,000 visitors each year for over three decades. Featuring canine sports demonstrations, agility competitions, and expert talks from veterinarians and animal behaviorists, the event offers something for every animal lover.
Cinéma du Réel, Latin Quarter, 21-28 March 2026
This year marks the 48th edition of Cinéma du Réel. The international documentary film festival will showcase works of established filmmakers as well as exciting young talents. Tickets range from 6 to 8 euros per screening.
Printemps du Cinéma, 22-24 March, 2026
During Printemps du Cinéma, films will be showing at just 5 euros per screening at all participating theatres in France. It’s a great time to see new films for an unbeatable price. Some of the many films you won’t want to miss include Project Hail Mary, Les Rayons et les ombres, The Bride, Alter Ego, and La Maison des femmes.
Drawing Now Paris : le salon du dessin contemporain, Carreau du Temple, 26-29 March 2026
The 19th edition of Drawing Now explores the richness and diversity of contemporary drawing. Discover emerging artists as well as more established ones, represented by 71 galleries from 13 different countries.
EXHIBITIONS IN Paris IN March
1925-2025 – Cent Ans d’Art Déco, Musée des Arts Décoratifs, until April 26, 2026
The Musée des Arts Décoratifs celebrates the one hundred year anniversary of the 1925 International Exhibition that introduced Art Deco to the world. Nearly 1,000 pieces spanning furniture, fashion, drawings, and more showcase the style’s richness, highlighted by a restored Étoile du Nord train cabin and three models of the future Orient Express.
Renoir and Love, A Joyful modernity (1865-1885), Musée d’Orsay, 17 March – 19 July 2026
One of impressionism’s most celebrated figures, Pierre Auguste Renoir captured the tenderness of modern life through color-filled scenes of human connection. This landmark exhibition at Musée d’Orsay explores his profound contribution to 19th-century art, with a focus on his take on modern love. Co-organized with the National Gallery in London and the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, it brings together some of Renoir’s greatest masterpieces in Paris for the first time since 1985.
Mickalene Thomas, All About Love, until 5 April 2026
The Grand Palais celebrates African-American artist Mickalene Thomas with All About Love, a vibrant retrospective spanning over two decades of her bold works in painting, collage, photography, and installation. Through a queer and Black feminist perspective, Thomas reimagines classical portraiture to highlight Black women in a joyful exploration of love as liberation.
Clair-obscur, Bourse de Commerce, from 4 March 2026
Clair-obscur at the Bourse de Commerce transforms the space into an immersive landscape that traces the legacy of chiaroscuro from its Baroque origins to present day. Featuring major works by artists including Bill Viola, Victor Man, and Pierre Huyghe, it offers a contemplative journey between the visible and the invisible.
Henri Rousseau, A Painter’s Ambition, Musée de l’Orangerie, from 25 March, 2026
The Musée de l’Orangerie teams up with the Barnes Foundation in Philadelphia to present a landmark retrospective on Henri Rousseau, bringing together around fifty works including loans from both institutions and international collections. The exhibition traces Rousseau’s artistic career through his ties to the art market, highlighting the pivotal role of dealer Paul Guillaume and collector Albert Barnes.
1913–1923: The Spirit of the Times, Musée du Quai Branly Jacques Chirac, from 17 March-20 September 2026
This upcoming exhibition at Musée du Quai Branly explores the early 20th century when African and Oceanic arts entered Paris and transformed the Western art world, captivating avant-garde artists like Picasso, Matisse, and Derain. Through sculptures, photographs, and archive documents, the exhibition explains how these objects reshaped the course of modern art.
Renaissance: Da Vinci, Raphael, Michelangelo, Atelier des Lumières, from 13 March, 2026
The Atelier des Lumières brings the Italian Renaissance to life like never before with an immersive journey through the masterpieces of three artistic geniuses.
SPORTS In Paris in March
HOKA Semi de Paris, 8 March 2026
The HOKA half-marathon is one of Paris’ most popular races. The route starts on Boulevard Saint-Germain and goes through the beautiful Bois de Vincennes, the 12th arrondissement, and the iconic Rue de Rivoli for a grand finish at Place de la Bastille.
Paris Saint-Germain vs Monaco, Parc des Princes, 06 March, 2026
Two of France’s major football teams, Paris Saint-Germain and Monaco, will face off at Parc des Princes on March 6th. March is a feast for football fans in France – PSG will play three more games this month, on March 11th, 15th and 22nd.
Saut Hermès, 20-22 March, 2026
Said to be one of the most beautiful jumping events in the world, the Saut Hermès competition by Hermès Paris returns to the Grand Palais Ephémère with three days of shows. The main event, the Grand Prix Hermès, takes place on Sunday afternoon.
Artistic Swimming World Cup, Piscine Georges Vallerey, 27-29 March 2026
Paris hosts the Artistic Swimming World Cup 2026, welcoming the world’s top nations of artistic swimming for three days of mesmerising competitions across solo, duo, and team events.
MUSIC AND DANCE In Paris IN march
Tosca, Opéra Bastille, various dates from 12 March-18 April, 2026
Set against the backdrop of the tense political climate in 1800s Rome, the opera singer Floria Tosca is forced to make an impossible choice. This is one of Giacomo Puccini’s most famous operas and is showing at Opéra Bastille this spring.
Amadeus, Theatre Marigny, until 28 June, 2026
Amadeus is a theatre piece depicting the life of the composer Mozart and his rivalry with Salieri. It is being performed at the beautiful Theatre Marigny at the heart of the Champs-Élysée, and features a troupe of 14 artists including actors, opera singers, and live musicians.
Impressions Ballet, Palais Garnier, 11 – 28 March, 2026
Empreintes, or Impressions, brings three innovative choreographers to the Palais Garnier for an evening exploring the intersection of dance, video, and image. British choreographers Morgann Runacre-Temple and Jessica Wright make their Paris Opera debut, while Spanish choreographer Marcos Morau’s work contemplates the relationship of light and dark as a force of imagination and creation.
Indochine, Accor Arena, 3-4 and 6-7 March, 2026
The famous French rock group from Paris, Indochine, is performing again this month at Accor Arena.
Singing Tours, Musée Jacquemart-André, 14-15 March, 2026
Stroll through the breathtaking Musée Jacquemart-André accompanied by the live Grenelle Choir for an unforgettable experience of the museum’s permanent collection.
American Dreams, Philharmonie de Paris, 14 March 2026
This symphonic concert features the Orchestre Pasdeloup and is conducted by Christian Vásquez, with pianist Mihkel Poll performing works by three composers: Rachmaninov, Aaron Copland, and Florence Price.
CHILDREN’s Events in Paris IN March
Déserts, La Grande Galerie de l’Évolution, until 19 April, 2026
A journey through extreme environments on Earth, from vast deserts to icy landscapes, where you will discover how organisms can survive in even the harshest conditions.
Le Petit Grand Festival, Cité de la Musique, 28 & 29 March 2026
Le Petit Grand Festival is a festival about music created for young audiences. There will be plenty of activities and shows centered around music, including concerts, tours, workshops, and even a treasure hunt!
Le Roi Lion, Theatre Mogador, until 9 August 2026
This highly successful musical theatre production of The Lion King is a perfect family activity for a rainy day.
Chiens et Chats, Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie, until August 30, 2026
This interactive and playful exhibition explores the latest scientific discoveries about our beloved companions, dogs and cats! Visitors can immerse themselves in the minds and bodies of the world’s favorite pets, discovering their remarkable capacities, sensitivity, and intelligence while exploring how they’ve become so important to society.
RELATED LINKS
- Here’s some ideas for how to enjoy The Perfect Solo Afternoon in Paris.
- There’s nothing like that seemingly effortless Parisian style. Learn more behind The Allure of Classic Parisian Style.
- Are you an absolute Francophile, or have you ever dreamt of writing about Parisian life? The HiP Paris Internship might be perfect for you!
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