Company Logo - Home Link

What to Do in Paris in March

Updated: January 1, 2024
 By Christina

This post lists several fun activities, tours, and events you can enjoy in Paris during the month of March, updated for 2024.

Be sure to look at the average weather in March as well.

Disclosure: While our recommendations are always unbiased, we may receive a small share of sales through some of the links below at no cost to you. See the full text.


This list will include a variety of different family-friendly, nighttime and free activities for audiences of all ages. 

If you’re looking for even more ideas, check the following posts:

Don’t forget to check our top activities in Paris post for additional attractions available year-round.


1. See a Concert

March is bringing several great artists to Paris! 

Concerts

Find other Paris concerts here.


2. See the Art of Banksy

If you're a fan of street art, chances are you're very familiar with the work of (the possibly recently revealed) artist Banksy.

His unique vision has taken the world by storm, and he has quickly become one of the most easily recognizable artists of our time.

At The World of Banksy Expo in Paris, they are currently displaying several Banksy pieces which aren't always available for the public to view.

The exhibit was due to close a number of times but has proved so popular that it is now permanent.

Purchase tickets to The World of Banksy Expo.


3. Take a Sightseeing Tour

Take in the City of Lights with a tour guide and sightseeing tour.

There are several hop-on-hop-off bus tours available that feature recorded commentary in multiple languages and make stops at the most popular points of attraction in the city.

If you really want to see the lights, you can take a night bus tour.

These tours do not allow you to hop off in the middle, but you'll get a great overview of Paris.

Learn about the Parisian food scene and local markets with a tasting and market tour.

There aren't many ways to better get a glimpse at local life in a city than by exploring its markets.

If you're trying to save money, consider one of our pay-what-you-wish Paris walking tours!


4. Save Money with a Tourist Attraction Discount Pass

No matter where you’re planning to go this March in Paris, you can save some euros using a tourist attraction discount pass.

They don’t just offer discounts - keep in mind that most of these passes offer skip-the-line access at several notable landmarks.

Here are a few of the more popular attractions included with various Paris tourist passes:

  • Hop-on-Hop-off Bus Tour
  • River Seine Boat Cruise
  • The Eiffel Tower
  • Wine Tastings
  • The Louvre

Depending on which pass you choose and how you use it, you could save anywhere from 15% – 50% off general admission prices.

For more details, please read our post covering Paris tourist passes.

If you already know which pass is best for your purposes, you can buy it here: All Inclusive - Paris Go City | Explorer - Paris Go City | Turbopass Paris | Paris Museum Pass


5. Attend an Antiques and Collectables Fair

Foire de Chatou is one o the biggest and most important antique fairs in the country.

More 700 dealers bring their goods to Paris twice a year for this impressive event.

After you haggle (respectably) with knowledgeable sellers over their antiques, you can take a break with some exceptional French cuisine that can be purchased from food stalls.

Don't forget to bring cash as most vendors don't like to or can't use credit card machines.

The fair runs from March 8th to 17th, and more information can be found here.


6. Take the Kids to Thoiry Lumieres Sauvages

Zoo Safari de Thoiry will be holding their holiday zoo lights event, Thoiry Lumieres Sauvages, until March 10th.

There are over 1,500 animals, characters, and other lighting displays to see in the castle gardens.

Admission to this event is included with tickets to the Thoiry Zoo Safari.

Purchase tickets or learn more.


7. Cinéma du Réel Film Festival

This documentary film festival, now in its 46th year, has been screening films from across the globe since 1978.

Over 200 diverse films are viewed by over 20,000 audience members made up of professionals and the general public.

There are also seminars, workshops, and prizes given.

All of this takes place between March 22nd and 31st at Centre Pompidou.

For tickets and additional information, visit the festival website.


8. Take the Family to Disneyland Paris

This is the first month of spring, so it should be a great time to visit Disneyland.

Not only is the weather likely to be pretty nice, but there probably won't be as many people visiting the park this early in the year.

There will be a lot of festivities planned for this momentous occasion, which means there should be a lot more to see and do while you're here.

Purchase tickets or learn more.


9. Explore the Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower is the most iconic landmark in the city and offers some of the best views from its top decks.

Head up the tower for breathtaking views of Paris during the day, and a romantic atmosphere at night. 

Of course, if you'd rather admire the Eiffel Tower itself, you can always bring your own picnic to the park at the base of the tower. 

With the weather being nicer, this should be a good month to visit this historic landmark.

Find more information on how to get tickets here


10. See a Cabaret Show

If you're looking for something that is a bit more stereotypically Parisian, why not see a cabaret?

The Moulin Rouge is known for its live music, extravagant costumes, and beautiful performers in a luxurious environment.

Performances run regularly year-round, and we recommend getting your tickets a few months in advance as they do tend to sell out.

Here are a few of the best cabaret venues hosting shows in Paris this month:

Crazy Horse also offers a combo package that includes a backstage experience.

If you’re looking for more evening activities or family-friendly entertainment, we have full posts with more ideas!


11. DRAWING NOW Art Fair

Artists and art appreciators alike will enjoy the Drawing Now Art Fair from March 21st-24th.

It takes place at Le Carreau du Temple in the 3rd arrondissement.

This 4-day event features art from artists across the globe. It includes 400 artists and almost 2,000 pieces of art.

You'll even get to enjoy a few live art demonstrations for drawing, painting, and more. 

Find more information here.

Also this month is the Paris Contemporary Drawing Fair, DDESSINPARIS, which runs March 22-24.


12. Paris Half Marathon

Thousands of runners from around the world run the Paris Half Marathon, otherwise known as the Harmonie Mutuelle Semi de Paris or just the Semi de Paris, each year in the spring.

In 2024 the marathon takes place on Sunday, March 3rd. It attracts close to 250,000 spectators and 40,000 runners.

The race takes place on the east side of the city through the heart of Paris, with marathoners passing iconic attractions such as Chateau de Vincennes, Place La Bastille, and the Louvre.

Find more information here.


13. St. Patrick's Day

While Paris doesn't have any official St. Patrick's Day celebrations (such as a parade), there are still places you can celebrate the green.

Speaking of green, Moulin Rouge, Sacre Couer, and Disneyland Paris have all lit up green some years on St. Patrick's Day.

A few Irish bars worth checking out are:

You could attend the St. Patrick's Day Festival at the Irish Cultural Center where they always have activities.

If you're wanting some traditional Irish food and drink, Le Comptoir Irlandais will have what you're craving.

Disneyland Paris also celebrates the day with characters dressed for St. Patrick's Day and an amazing fireworks show.


14. Celebrate Easter with Brunch and Egg Hunting

Easter weekend in Paris will mean slightly larger crowds than is normal for the city, and there might be fewer restaurants and attractions open, especially on Monday.

However, several of the open restaurants tend to have special Easter brunch or lunch menus!

Popular brunch spots in the city include Echo for gluten-free options, Cafe Mericourt for a more Mediterranean-style spread, and Le Fumoir for its traditional French menu.

If you want to splurge, the Hotel de Crillon offers a set brunch menu. Reservations are required.

If you're traveling with kids, they'll enjoy the Easter egg hunts! Although dates haven't been released yet, most of the following have annual events.

The Paris Zoo usually offers children under 6 the chance to find up to 5 eggs during a 10-minute hunt, included in admission.

If you're willing to travel outside the city, the largest easter egg hunt in the country usually takes place over a few days at Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte.

There have also been easter egg hunts at The Musée de Montmartre and there's been a rooftop garden with animals at La Defense


15. Cancelled in 2024: Attend the Throne Fair

Paris' Foire du Trone, which takes place in Bois de Vincennes park, dates back to the 17th century.

This is one of the biggest funfairs in Europe and it draws large crowds.

Here you'll find carnival rides, games, food and drink stalls, live entertainment such as clowns and fire eaters, and so much more.

In fact, there are some traditional French treats on tap such as crepes and roasted almonds, in addition to other treats.

This is a great place to take kids for a fun day in the city.

NOTE: Due to construction for the Paris Summer Olympics, the annual Throne Fair will not return until 2025.


RELATED POSTS:

About The Author

Christina

Christina studied art history and French literature at the Sorbonne for a year in Paris as an undergrad. Now based in Washington, DC, she visits Paris as often as possible and loves introducing family and friends to her favorite places there. She has worked as a travel writer, museum professional, English tutor, and editor, and her favorite French cheese is Pont l'Eveque.
Updated: January 1st, 2024
Back to Top
cross