12 Best Things To Do In Paris In March In 2024 (+The Weather, Where To Stay & What To Pack) - Dreams in Paris (2024)

Planning to visit Paris in March?This guide will show you all the unique things to do, where to stay, the weather, and all the practical tips to help you plan your trip!

Paris is a top destination for globe-trotters all year round. Some people prefer the summer months, filled with exciting music festivals and roaring tourist crowds, while others may want to experience the city as a local in its off-season.

If you relate more to the latter, you’re in luck because visiting Paris in March is still lovely, and I should know since I live here.

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While the weather in Paris in March can be unpredictable — sometimes gloomy with some sunny days, the city has several events and activities to ensure that your time is memorable while also enjoying it without the huge crowds.

From celebrating global festivals like St. Patrick’s Day and Holi with pomp and show or chasing the first cherry blossoms as spring comes around, you’ll have so much to do on your trip to Paris in March!

So, if you’re planning to visit the city at this time of the year, keep reading to learn all about the weather in Paris in March, where to stay, things to do, what to pack, and more.

Before You Go, Here’s How to Plan Your Visit To Paris: Practical Quick Tips

• Considering travel insurance for your trip? World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 adventure activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation, and more.
• Prepare your trip extensively with this Paris Travel guidebook.
• Don’t forget a universal travel adapter, a travel neck pouch, and comfortable walking shoes.
• Consider getting either the museum pass or the Paris city pass if you plan to visit many attractions. The city pass comes with free transportation and access to the hop-on-hop-off bus. You can read my Paris museum pass review to see if it’s right for you.
• Book this private transfer from CDG airport to Paris to avoid the hustle of figuring out how to get to Paris.

Weather in Paris in March

Paris in March weather is pretty up in the air, with a high chance of rain or overcast days.

Right at the brink of the spring season, as the city emerges from a chilly winter, you’ll find that most afternoons are pleasant, and the sunny days become more frequent as the month progresses.

The month of March witnesses nearly 12 days of rainfall and high humidity, so you must pack your clothes accordingly and carry an umbrella wherever you go. But don’t worry, there are many rainy day activities in Paris to participate in in case it pours.

On top of that, the daylight lasts about 12 hours on average, with the sun rising around 7:30 am and setting between 6:30 pm and 8 pm if you’re all about catching the magical hours while in the city.

Paris Temperature in March

To learn more about the weather and how to best prepare for it, especially with the unpredictability that Paris weather in March brings, here are specifics about the temperature.

• Paris temperature in March: Average of 8.5°C (47°F), Low of 5.3°C (43°F), and High of 12.2°C (54°F)
• Average humidity in Paris in March: 77%
• Average days of rainfall in Paris in March: 12 days
• Average days of snowfall in Paris in March: 0.6 days

Now that you know what the weather is like in Paris during March, let’s look at the fun things to do to make your trip dreamy.

12 Things to Do in Paris in March

Here is a guide on what to do in Paris in March for a fun and memorable trip!

1. Celebrate St. Patricks Day in the City

One of the best things about visiting Paris in March is the several festivals you’ll experience and celebrate.

Celebrated annually on March 17th worldwide and in Paris, St. Patrick’s Day is easily one of the most exciting festivals to immerse yourself in.

The festival is commemorated by a Saint Patrick’s Day parade that commences at the Irish Cultural Centre of Paris (located in the 5th Arrondissem*nt), along with several other parties and activities.

You can also go on a bar crawl and hit up Irish pubs for the real deal, eat some traditional Irish delicacies, dress up in green, and have a memorable night in the city of love when it’s clad in green — including some of its landmarks!

2. Witness the Show Jumping competition of Saut Hermès

Usually held annually at the Grand Palais in Paris but currently at the Grand Palais Éphhémère (a temporary exhibition site set up near Champd de Mars for all events that would otherwise take place at the Grand Palais, which is currently under construction), is Saut Hermès.

A show jumping competition sponsored by a leading French luxury fashion company, Hermès, Saut Hermès is a world-class event and severely crucial in the equestrian world.

If you’re an equestrian or a hippophile, this is a great place to witness the world’s best show-jumpers across the 3 days long tournament and other several different events.

It is also regarded as the best event to network and meet other people from the horse world.

A unique occasion to watch and cheer on, head to Saut Hermès if you happen to be in the city as the best show-jumpers take on difficult challenges!

3. Take a walk in the cherry blossom-clad gardens

Since March is associated with a lot of rainy weather, you’ll find yourself asking questions like “is March a good time to visit Paris”?

While it ultimately boils down to what you’re looking to get out of your Parisian adventure, one excellent reason to visit in March is the Cherry blossom season.

As the city emerges from a long winter season, the Parisian springtime brings new blooms, mainly pink and white cherry blossoms!

Though short-lived, the cherry blossom season in the city is truly a spectacle, and visiting Paris in late March will allow you to experience it at its very beginning.

Some of the best places to see Cherry blossoms in Paris and other spring blooms include Palais Royal (1st Arrondissem*nt), Jardin des Plantes (5th Arrondissem*nt), Jardin du Luxembourg (6th Arrondissem*nt), Champs de Mars (5th Arrondissem*nt), Trocadéro Gardens (16th Arrondissem*nt)and more.

Besides taking a walk in these beautiful Parks of Paris, you can pack a picnic and enjoy a Parisian picnic under the pink blooms on sunny days.

4. Join the Celebrations of National Cheese Day

Out of the several things Paris is famous for (and France in general) and has blessed the world with, hands-down, one of the most loved products is cheese!

And what better way to immerse yourself in the life and culture of France than to celebrate National Cheese Day in its capital?

Celebrated annually on March 27th, you’ll come across several workshops, and tastings to discover the different types of French cheeses and cheese-based meals across the city.

Created to honor the sustainability and simplicity of a product like cheese, some of the best places to visit on National Cheese Day to learn and buy some cheese include Barthélemy (a small, woman-owned cheese shop in the 7th Arrondissem*nt), Chez Virginie (a contemporary cheese shop famous for its raw milk and in house matured cheeses situated in the 18th Arrondissem*nt), Frescolet (a popular cheese shop with a specialty in goat cheese in the 9th arrondissem*nt), and many more.

Some restaurants also make something special to celebrate National Cheese Day so you can pop in and join the celebrations.

Alternatively, you can book a cheese and wine-tasting tour to fully immerse yourself in the day’s traditions.

If that’s your preferred way of celebrating, this is the cheese and wine tour I recommend booking to not only taste various types of cheese but to also learn more about them and which wine pairings go best with them.

You can also check out my recommended tours and activities in Paris in the widget belowall offered by my favorite tour provider, GetYourGuide.

5. Go on a sunset cruise on the Seine

What better way to commence (or even end) your trip to Paris in March than to take a lovely sunset cruise on the Seine?

While the banks of the Seine are equally beautiful to stroll along, taking a cruise and traversing through the city on the water is bound to be an even more enjoyable experience.

As the city blooms into spring, you’ll be able to witness a colorful and vibrant sunset and also take in the views of the famous Parisian landmarks at the golden hour and how beautifully illuminated they become at night — from the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, Louvre Museum, to Musée d’Orsay.

To cruise on the seine, you can choose between this 1-hour Seine river cruise that is budget friendly and has no meal offerings or this Seine dinner cruise that comes with a 3-course meal if you want to take your experience to the next level.

6. Have Fun at the festival of colors (Holi Festival)

Another one of the most looked-forward-to events in Paris in March is the celebration of the festival of colors.

Traditionally originating from India, this festival also known as Holi, involves several Indian dance performances, craft markets with Indian-themed goodies, and activities involving splashing color.

Held at Jardin d’Acclimatation, an amusem*nt park in the 16th Arrondissem*nt, the day starts with a traditional prayer to the Indian gods and goes on with several food stalls serving scrumptious Indian foods, folk dance performances, and throwing color at each other while celebrating the beginning of spring.

If you’re looking for a rather fun, colorful, and unique activity to participate in while in Paris in March, the Holi festival is one not to miss.

7. Catch some films at Cinéma du Réel

One of the best events to attend while in Paris in March is Cinéma du Réel!

An internationally acclaimed documentary film festival that takes place in the contemporary Pompidou Centre (which is otherwise also a great place to tour the exhibitions and installations), Cinéma du Réel showcases nearly 200 films yearly.

Besides Pompidou Centre, several other affiliated movie theatres in Paris participate in the festival, so you can watch the same films at discounted rates.

Held for the first time in 1978, this major documentary film festival involves movie screenings and several workshops, seminars, and expert programs about documentary cinema.

You can also attend Printemps du Cinéma, another film festival that annually highlights foreign films in the same month.

An excellent way to spend a gloomy day, be sure to catch a movie or two at the film festivals that happen in the city in March!

8. Celebrate Women At the Carnaval des Femmes

Held annually in the second half of the month, Carnaval des Femmes is another excellent way to spend your time in Paris in March.

Also known as the “Washerwoman’s Festival,” this colorful parade dates back to the 18th century when Laundresses of the Seine used to march along the streets of Paris with their selected Queen of the day at every end of a laundry day as a way of having fun.

Today, the festival happens in March where women still march along the streets from Place du Châtelet and men can join in too as long as they’re dressed like women.

You can get all decked up according to the parade’s theme or be a mere people watcher as the vibrant procession marches through the city, honoring womanhood and all its gifts!

9. Witness the vertical race to the top of the Eiffel Tower

If you’re searching for things to do in Paris in March, one of the coolest and by far the most unique events that you could spectate is the Eiffel Tower Vertical Race!

Though not every person can participate in the race, which involves climbing the 1,665 stairs of the Eiffel Tower to its third floor, witnessing the bizarre yet exciting event is bound to be a highlight of your March in Paris.

Each participant goes up the tower one by one starting at 8 pm on a fine March evening, and at the end of the night, the person who reached the top in the shortest amount of time is declared the winner!

You’ll find numerous watching stalls and areas set up at the foot of the Tower for people to witness the fun race up to the top of the beautiful crown jewel of the city!

Please note that this event hasn’t been happening since 2020 due to the p*andemic and other organizational issues but it’s bound to happen again. Just keep checking the official Eiffel Tower Vertical race website to see when it returns.

10. Prepare for a sugar rush on Macaron Day

Celebrated on March 20th annually, Macaron Day is the best excuse for loading up on all things macaron!

The city, which is a haven for this pastry and other French pastries, is truly the best place in the world to celebrate this day as you’ll get to choose from some of the best macaron chefs and shops in the world, taste unique flavors, and make use of the deals that most stores roll out on this day!

Some of the best Macaron shops in Paris to hit up while you go on a Macaron Day Tour are Pierre Hermé, Dalloyau, Ladurée, Angelina, Sadaharu Aoki (for Japanese fusion flavors), and more.

11. Go on a day trip to Versailles Palace

As the city comes back into its own vibe with the springtime, the hustle and bustle begin, and a great way to get away from that for a day is to take a day trip to the nearby town of Versailles, located less than an hour away by train.

A region with supreme historical importance and home to the iconic Palace of Versailles, which is one of the best castles near Paris, this day trip is an excellent way to explore a little beyond the corners of Paris.

The palace used to be a royal residence for a large part of France’s history and has since become a monument that sees millions of visitors annually.

While in Versailles Palace, be sure to explore the beautiful Garden which is still free at this time of the year (as the fountain shows which makes the garden access paid for starts in April), the Hall of Mirrors, The Queen’s Hamlet, Grand Trianon, and the Royal Opera of Versailles, while walking in the footsteps of France’s former royals.

However, before you go, make sure that you buy this Versailles Palace skip-the-line ticket to avoid the long lines.

To fully learn all the history of this grand place, I recommend booking this Versailles Palace guided tour with a knowledgeable and friendly tour guide.

If you choose to go on your own, I have a dedicated article on how to get from Paris to Versailles Palace if you’re not sure how to get there.

12. Cheer on the runners at Paris Half Marathon (Semi de Paris)

Held every March in Paris since 1993 is the Paris Half Marathon! One of the first races of the season and often the prequel to the Paris marathon, which happens every year in April, this half marathon sees nearly 40,000 contestants compete yearly.

Following a route of 21,100 meters through the cobblestoned streets of Paris and its famous landmarks, this marathon is a true feat of ambition, motivation, strength, and athleticism.

The day also sees several parties and music events along the way to contribute to the exciting, adrenaline-pumping atmosphere!

If you’re into marathons, this is one event you shouldn’t miss as you explore all that Paris has to offer.

Where to Stay in Paris in March

When visiting Paris in March, you’ll have a wide variety of accommodation options to choose from. From economical hostels to high-end luxury hotels, there’s something for everyone! Below are my expert recommendations to help you decide.

Budget Accommodation

Novotel Paris Porte Versailles: Located in the 15th Arrondissem*nt, Novotel Paris Porte Versailles is the perfect option for those looking to save on hotels and spend on experiences and activities instead! A lovely modern property, this cost-effective hotel has a cozy rooftop bar/restaurant where you can take in the view of the Eiffel Tower. It’s also a short walk from the Porte de Versailles and various Metro Stations to easily connect you to the entire city. And for yoga lovers, hotel rooms at this property come with yoga mats and apps to make sure you keep at it.

Mid-range Accommodation

CitizenM Paris Champs-Élysées: Another excellent option if you happen to be in Paris in March is citizenM Paris Champs-Élysées in the 8th arrondissem*nt along the Champs-Élysées. It has an expansive terrace that promises stunning views of the Eiffel Tower and other iconic monuments. You’ll have all the basic necessities and an extensive breakfast buffet, and you’ll even be able to control most of the things in the room with just an iPad. Perfectly located with all the amenities and friendly staff, this is one of the hotels to stay at while visiting Paris in March on a mid-range budget.

Luxury Accommodation

Hôtel Regina Louvre: If you’re searching for a place to stay in Paris that’ll make you feel like a true royal, there’s no better place than Hôtel Regina Louvre! Situated in the 1st Arrondissem*nt, amidst the best of Paris’ fashion, museums, and art, this hotel is the epitome of luxury! With typical Parisian elegant decor mixed with period designs, you’ll find all the luxurious facilities along with a fully-stocked lounge bar, fitness room, sauna, hammam, and more. Additionally, some rooms offer incredible views of the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and nearby parks that come into bloom in the springtime.

Apartment rental/Airbnb

Citadines Saint-Germain-des-Prés Paris: If you’d rather stay in an apartment rental while you travel to Paris in March, you’re in luck because the city is full of Airbnb and rental options. With fully-equipped studios and apartments, each with all the basic necessities, and being close to quality eateries and the Saint-Michel Metro Station, Citadines Saint-Germain-des-Prés Paris is a fantastic place to stay. The highlight of this apartment is that it’s located within walking distance of the Notré-Dame Cathedral, the Louvre, Luxembourg Gardens, the Pantheon, and more, so you’ll have the city at your fingertips! Plus, you can choose from various studios, some of which offer a view of the Seine.

Still need more suggestions on where to stay in Paris? You can check out my specific accommodation articles from the best hotels in Montmartre, Hotels near the Louvre museum, Hotels in Paris with Eiffel Tower views, and Hotels in Paris with a swimming pool. And if you’re on a budget, here are the cheap hotels in Paris to consider.

If apartment rentals are your thing, then check out these posts about Airbnb rentals with Eiffel Tower views, luxury holiday apartments in Paris, or budget-friendly apartment rentals in Paris.

What to Wear in Paris in March + What to Pack

Since March in Paris weather is a combination of both chilly and a few sunny days, you’ll need to pack clothes that can be worn during both times.

But ultimately, you should lean towards warm clothes especially if you’re traveling to Paris in early March. To help you choose what to take, here is exactly what to pack for Paris in March. You can also check out my complete list of what to wear in Paris in spring.

Trench coat/Leather jacket: Considering that Paris in March comes with chilly temperatures, you’ll need to carry eitherthis trench coatorthis Leather jacketto keep warm while walking the streets and once again, look as fashionable as Parisians.

Long-Sleeved Turtleneck Tops:This long-sleeved turtleneck topis perfect for those chilly days in March.

Gloves:Some days can get too cold, especially if you don’t take the cold well, so you’ll needthis pair of warm touchscreen-sensitive gloves.

Scarf: A scarf is one of the things you shouldn’t leave behind while going to Paris during March. This scarfwill keep you warm while still remaining fashionable.

Comfortable walking shoes:Paris is a walkable city so make sure you take comfortable walking shoes like these bootsor this pair of sneakers.

Windproof Travel Umbrella: You’ll want to carrythis windproof travel umbrella before traveling to Paris during this time of the year.

Portable power bank: To charge your phone and all your other devices while on the go, I recommend takingthis portable power bank.

Universal Travel Adapter: Don’t forget to carry this universal travel adapter to be able to charge your electronics with ease.

Day pack:This daypack from Ospreywill help keep all your daily essentials close to you at all times, but you can alsoopt for this cute backpackif you prefer looking cool and chic.

Faqs About Visiting Paris in March

Still not sure when to visit Paris? You can check out my specific monthly articles to help you decide. | Paris in January | Paris in February | Paris in March | Paris in April | Paris in May | Paris in June | Paris in July | Paris in August | Paris in September | Paris in October | Paris in November | Paris in December |.

Final Thoughts on the Best Things to Do in Paris in March

Whether you’re interested in celebrating festivals from across the world in the city of love or witnessing cherry blossoms as the city comes into bloom after a long winter, Paris in March is bound to have so much to do, explore, and admire!

So, if you hadn’t made up your mind yet, I hope that this article has shown you that March is indeed a good time to visit Paris.

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• Fun things to do in Paris on a Rainy day
• Famous Paintings in Paris
• Famous Paintings at the Louvre Museum
• Best Covered Passages of Paris
• Most beautiful neighborhoods of Paris
• Fun free things to do in Paris
• Famous Churches to Visit in Paris
• Tips for Visiting the Eiffel Tower
• How to spend One day In Paris

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