April brings mild 9–16°C (48–61°F) days and sunrise at 7:15 AM. Easter weekend is busy, with chocolate sculptures in pâtisseries and special programming at Versailles. The Paris Marathon closes major roads April 12, while Foire du Trône funfair opens for the season. Gardens burst with cherry blossoms and white asparagus arrives at markets. Rain is frequent, so pack layers and an umbrella. The city feels renewed, but crowds swell at major sights during holidays.
Pro tips for visiting Paris in April
• Book Paris Marathon (April 12) hotels and transport months ahead—road closures affect central Paris all weekend. • Go early to Versailles Grandes Eaux Musicales on weekends; tickets sell out, and gardens are best before noon. • Reserve tables at pâtisseries like Pierre Hermé for Easter chocolate; special creations sell out quickly. • Head to Foire du Trône on weekday afternoons for shorter lines at rides and food stalls. • Choose Marché d’Aligre or Bastille for peak strawberries and white asparagus—arrive before 11 AM. • Avoid major museums on Easter Monday (April 6), as crowds are intense and some attractions close. • Reserve tickets for Champagne Tasting Paris (April 25) if you’re a fan—workshops fill up fast. • Skip open-top bus tours on rainy days; opt for covered markets or indoor exhibitions instead.
What to eat in Paris in April: Seasonal delicacies
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Asperges blanches (white asparagus)
April brings white asparagus to marchés, served with hollandaise or vinaigrette. Buy midday for freshness, pair eggs.
One of the World Marathon Majors starts and finishes on the Champs-Élysées, with long road closures across the route. If you are sightseeing that day, plan by Métro and walk the last stretch.
Terre de Vins hosts Champagne tastings and masterclasses at Maison de la Mutualité, with major houses pouring. Tickets are required. Book early if you want workshops, seats are limited.
Paris’s biggest consumer fair fills Porte de Versailles with home goods, gastronomy, travel stands, and Concours Lépine. Tickets required. Weekends draw heavy crowds, go weekday daytime for space.
Plan ahead: must-visit experiences for Paris in April
