Best things to do in Paris this March

March in Paris is a seasonal turning point. Winter finally begins to thaw, parks start to bloom, and the city buzzes with fresh energy. With fewer crowds and longer days, it’s the perfect time to soak up world-class museums, sip something warm on a terrace, or explore the city’s quieter corners. Whether you're catching spring exhibitions or cruising the Seine under a brightening sky, March offers that sweet spot between cosy and carefree. With the Paris Pass in your pocket, you can explore the capital’s cultural treasures while saving on tickets and skipping the queues. 

See the gardens begin to bloom at Château de Fontainebleau 

📍 Place du Général de Gaulle, 77300 Fontainebleau 

💸 Included with Paris Pass 

March is the month Paris slowly shakes off its winter coat—and there’s no better place to watch the transition than the grand gardens of Château de Fontainebleau. As one of the largest royal châteaux in France, this UNESCO-listed estate is surrounded by ornamental lakes, formal parterres, and miles of woodland trails just waiting to wake up for spring. With daffodils and cherry blossoms teasing the season, it’s a peaceful way to experience French history in full bloom. Inside, the palace itself offers a quieter, more intimate alternative to Versailles—think Napoleon’s throne room, royal apartments, and Renaissance frescoes. With fewer crowds in March, you’ll enjoy uninterrupted views of some of the finest imperial decor in the country. A day trip here feels like stepping into a fairytale just as it starts to warm up. 

Climb the Eiffel Tower as Paris thaws 

📍 Champ de Mars, 5 Avenue Anatole France, 7th arrondissement 

💸 Included with Paris Pass (Guided Climb) 

Spring is creeping in—and what better way to watch Paris blossom than from above? The Eiffel Tower Guided Climb lets you ascend one of the world’s most famous landmarks on foot, pausing at multiple levels to take in sweeping views of the Seine, the Champs de Mars, and the city’s elegant rooftops. In March, the queues are shorter, the air is crisp, and the light gets a little golden by the hour. Whether you’re snapping skyline selfies or just enjoying the breeze, it’s the perfect time to scale the tower without the summer bustle. Plus, walking the stairs adds an extra layer of “I did that!” satisfaction to your Paris story. Pro tip: time your visit for late afternoon so you catch that soft, cinematic glow as day turns to dusk. 

Cruise the Seine at sunset with Bateaux Parisiens 

📍 Port de la Bourdonnais, 7th arrondissement 

💸 Included with Paris Pass 

March skies mean golden hour magic—and nothing beats watching the light change over the Seine while sipping a warm drink on a river cruise. With Bateaux Parisiens, you’ll glide past Notre Dame, the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower and more, all reflected in the water as the sun dips lower. The boats are cosy, the pace is relaxed, and it’s a lovely way to warm up after a day of sightseeing. In early spring, the embankments are quieter, giving you a more peaceful ride and clearer views. Whether you’re with a date, friends, or flying solo, this is one of those effortlessly charming Paris moments. Bonus: if you time your cruise right, you’ll spot the Eiffel Tower’s sparkling lights turning on as you float by. 

Catch spring exhibitions at Centre Pompidou 

📍 Place Georges-Pompidou, 4th arrondissement 

💸 Included with Paris Pass 

The Centre Pompidou is Paris’s home for modern and contemporary art—and March often ushers in a fresh wave of thought-provoking exhibitions. Whether you’re drawn to bold post-war canvases, playful installations, or multimedia storytelling, there’s always something exciting going on inside this industrial-style icon. The building itself, with its exposed pipes and panoramic rooftop, is a conversation starter—and the views from the top are pretty incredible too. As spring emerges, fewer tourists means more time to reflect on the art without jostling for space. After your visit, explore the vibrant Marais district just beyond the door—it’s full of cafés, vintage shops, and local bakeries that make for a perfect afternoon wander. 

Watch the city awaken from above at Tour Montparnasse 

📍 33 Avenue du Maine, 15th arrondissement 

 💸 Included with Paris Pass 

If the Eiffel Tower gives you the up-close icon shot, Tour Montparnasse delivers the full panorama—complete with the Eiffel Tower in it. March is an ideal time to head up to the viewing platform: the skies are clearer, the light is soft, and the crowds haven’t kicked into high gear yet. You’ll get 360-degree views of the city, from the Arc de Triomphe to Sacré-Cœur, plus indoor and outdoor decks to enjoy it from. There’s even a champagne bar if you’re feeling celebratory. Sunset is pure magic in early spring—think cool air, golden light, and that unmistakable thrill of spotting landmarks from above. For photographers or romantics (or both), it’s a must. 

Take a spring stroll through Père Lachaise 

📍 16 Rue du Repos, 20th arrondissement 

 💸 Free to visit; walking tour available 

There’s something strangely peaceful about wandering Père Lachaise in March. This legendary cemetery is home to the final resting places of Oscar Wilde, Édith Piaf, Jim Morrison and hundreds more—set in a sprawling park of cobbled paths, ivy-draped tombs, and early spring flowers just starting to bloom. Take a self-guided walk or join a themed tour (like “Scandals & Love Affairs”) to uncover the stories behind the stones. The trees are just beginning to bud, the crowds are few, and the whole place feels dreamlike in the low March light. It’s romantic, atmospheric, and unexpectedly beautiful. 

 Sip champagne in Montmartre after a hilltop wander 

📍 Montmartre, 18th arrondissement 

 💸 Champagne Gourmand experience included with Paris Pass 

Montmartre is always charming, but in March it’s got that soft-focus feel: fewer tourists, quiet winding streets, and painterly views from the steps of Sacré-Cœur. After a stroll through the neighborhood’s hidden corners, treat yourself to a Champagne Gourmand session—bubbles paired with a small selection of sweet and savoury bites in a cosy local spot. It’s relaxed, elegant, and exactly what you want after climbing all those hills. Whether you're toasting to your trip or just celebrating the return of spring, this experience feels like pure Paris. 

Step back in time at the Middle Ages Museum (Musée de Cluny) 

📍 28 Rue du Sommerard, 5th arrondissement 

 💸 Included with Paris Pass 

Cool March afternoons are perfect for ducking into the Musée de Cluny, a treasure trove of medieval art and history tucked in the Latin Quarter. Housed partly in ancient Roman baths, it’s an atmospheric spot full of intricate tapestries, stained glass, illuminated manuscripts, and sculpture. Don’t miss the famous Lady and the Unicorn series—its dreamy reds and golds feel especially warming in early spring. It’s compact, uncrowded, and just moody enough to feel like a time machine. Afterwards, explore the surrounding streets, grab a coffee, and watch the world drift by with a medieval melody still playing in your head. 

 

Explore royal gardens at Château de Fontainebleau 

📍 77300 Fontainebleau, 1 hour from Paris 

 💸 Included with Paris Pass 

March is when nature starts to stir, and nowhere does it better than the grand gardens of Château de Fontainebleau. This former royal residence is surrounded by serene lakes, ornamental flowerbeds, and vast forest trails. Early spring flowers pop up in quiet corners, birdsong returns, and the air smells fresh again. Inside, the château is a treasure trove of opulent rooms, Renaissance frescoes, and Napoleon’s personal touches. Best of all, March means fewer crowds—so you can actually hear your footsteps echoing through history. It's a perfect escape for a crisp spring day, and the train ride alone feels like part of the adventure.

Climb the Eiffel Tower as Paris wakes up 

📍 5 Avenue Anatole France, 7th arrondissement 

 💸 Included with Paris Pass 

Ready for a workout with a view? Skip the lift and take the stairs with the Eiffel Tower guided climb. March is the sweet spot—no scorching heat, fewer tourists, and views that stretch for miles. You’ll stop at viewing platforms as you go, giving your legs a break and your camera plenty to work with. The city starts to green up this time of year, so from above, Paris looks like it’s slowly blooming. Plus, there's something incredibly satisfying about earning that panoramic shot the old-fashioned way—step by step. 

Cruise the Seine at golden hour 

📍 Boarding near Eiffel Tower, 7th arrondissement 

 💸 Included with Paris Pass 

When the city softens into sunset, there’s no better place to be than gliding along the Seine. Bateaux Parisiens river cruises are cosy in March—less crowded, perfectly timed for golden hour, and surprisingly serene. As you float past landmarks like Notre Dame, the Louvre, and Musée d’Orsay, you’ll see Paris cast in that dreamy early spring glow. Onboard commentary adds just enough context, while the scenery does all the storytelling. It’s the kind of slow, cinematic moment you’ll remember long after your trip—and a gentle way to wind down after a day of exploring. 

Catch a spring exhibition at Centre Pompidou 

📍 Place Georges-Pompidou, 4th arrondissement 

 💸 Included with Paris Pass 

There’s always something unexpected waiting inside Centre Pompidou—and March is a great time to catch new exhibitions without the queues. This modern art powerhouse delivers everything from Kandinsky to cutting-edge installations, all inside a building that looks like it was turned inside-out. The rooftop views are a bonus, offering clear spring skies over Montmartre and beyond. After soaking in the art, step out into the Marais and make an afternoon of it—there’s no shortage of vintage shops, creperies, and tucked-away cafés just around the corner. 

Snap spring scenes at Jardin des Plantes 

📍 57 Rue Cuvier, 5th arrondissement 

 💸 Free to explore; museums and zoo paid 

Paris’s oldest botanical garden wakes up in March—and it’s a beautiful place to witness the season shift. Daffodils peek through the soil, cherry blossoms start to blush, and the maze-like paths invite quiet morning wanders. It’s also home to four natural history museums, a tropical greenhouse, and a small but charming zoo—making it a great all-in-one stop if the weather changes (as it tends to in spring). If you’re lucky, you might catch a seasonal exhibition or an early café terrace opening. Either way, Jardin des Plantes is a peaceful antidote to city noise and an ideal photo spot for that first bloom of spring. 

 

Catch a cabaret at Paradis Latin 

📍 28 Rue du Cardinal Lemoine, 5th arrondissement 

 💸 Tickets from €80–€120 

Paris and cabaret go hand in hand—and Paradis Latin is one of the most storied venues in the city. Founded by Napoleon Bonaparte and revamped by Gustave Eiffel, it delivers an evening of feathers, sequins, laughter, and champagne in a decadent Belle Époque setting. March shows tend to have more local crowds and a looser, more playful vibe. You can book dinner and a show or just come for the spectacle. Either way, it's a glittery, high-energy way to spend a Paris night—and a perfect contrast to all that serene springtime strolling. 

 

Explore contemporary culture at the Louis Vuitton Foundation 

📍 8 Avenue du Mahatma Gandhi, Bois de Boulogne 

 💸 Included with Paris Pass 

If March weather turns moody, dive into the sleek, ship-like curves of the Louis Vuitton Foundation. Designed by Frank Gehry, the space is a work of art in itself—but what’s inside changes constantly. Exhibitions highlight modern and contemporary artists from around the globe, often with immersive, multimedia flair. It’s sophisticated but never stuffy, and with fewer visitors this time of year, you can explore the galleries at your own pace. The surrounding park, the Bois de Boulogne, is also slowly waking from winter—making it a lovely spot for a post-museum stroll. 

Get hands-on at the Gourmet Chocolate Museum 

📍 28 Boulevard de Bonne Nouvelle, 10th arrondissement 

 💸 Included with Paris Pass 

Yes, Paris has a museum dedicated to chocolate—and yes, you can taste as you go. The Gourmet Chocolate Museum is sweet, fun, and surprisingly informative. You’ll learn about chocolate’s journey from Mayan temples to Parisian patisseries, watch demos, and maybe even dip your own. March is a particularly good time to visit—Easter chocolates are already appearing, and the museum leans into the season with special displays and flavours. It's perfect for families, date days, or anyone who agrees that chocolate counts as culture. 

 

Paris in March is quietly magical. The crowds are still low, the air carries a hint of spring, and the city feels like it’s just starting to stretch its arms after winter. With your Paris Pass in hand, it’s the perfect time to explore art without queues, gardens without crowds, and seasonal traditions just as they begin to bloom. Whether you’re sipping champagne in Montmartre, catching a cabaret show, or chasing cherry blossoms through secret parks, March shows you a softer, slower side of the City of Light. Let spring surprise you.

Planning for the weekend? Check out our guide to the best things to do on Saturday.

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